According to Lucas Sjostrom, Minnesota Milk’s executive director, the change was critical for the continuation of milk transport from farms to processing plants. Rules limit the weight between front and back tires of short milk trucks, making trucks that are otherwise legal on a per-axle basis out of compliance.
“Working to fix issues like this one is exactly what Minnesota Milk does best on behalf of all dairy producers,” said Sjostrom. “We’re thankful to Representative Drazkowski and Senator Goggin for championing this measure and helping to keep Minnesota’s milk trucks running safely but efficiently.”
Another of Minnesota Milk’s priorities, increasing processing capacity, will be helped by two new $1 million grants available to plants which are expanding.
Two budget items backed by Minnesota Milk will also help contribute to new and beginning farmer profitability.
Sjostrom says the legislature continued Livestock Investment Grants and began a new tax credit program for beginning farmers, which will be available for the first time in 2018.
In addition, Minnesota Milk worked to pass a $4 million bonding measure for the City of Litchfield to upgrade its backup power to fully accommodate First District Association’s dairy processing plant.
“Minnesota’s dairy farmers will benefit from these important steps taken by the legislature and the governor this session,” said Dave Buck, a Goodhue dairy producer and chairman of Minnesota Milk Producers Association. “Initiatives we weren’t able to address this year will remain part of our discussion with lawmakers throughout the year, in hopes of future action.”
Source: American AG Radio Network
Link: http://americanagnetwork.com/2017/05/minnesota-milk-declares-new-truck-weight-law-a-success-for-dairy/