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Minnesota Cattlemen take legislative priorities to state capitol

Members of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association recently visited the state capitol looking to address important issues with legislators.

Executive director Ashley Kohls says tax conformity tops the priority list for this session.

“(to) Ensure that the state tax system is adjusted to meet the federal tax, or have some conformity there with agriculture in mind.”

She tells Brownfield concerns about the state ditch mowing law remain.

“Even though the (Association) and other farmers had a voice in adjusting the issue with the DOT,  we don’t feel that our voice (has) actually been heard.  Many of the suggestions that came across from farmers and the State Cattlemen’s Association weren’t implemented into the final report.”

The Cattlemen’s Association has requested another one-year moratorium on requiring permits for mowing ditches along state highways.

“Just so we can have more conversations with the DOT and other folks that are involved to make sure there’s something that works best for most instead of being just so one-sided.”

Kohls says conversations also focused on the environment as legislators heard about voluntary efforts cattlemen and women are implementing on their farms to improve water quality.