Agriculture Resilience Act a Thoughtful, Nuanced Approach to Climate Action

Apr 23, 2021

On Earth Day, Representative Chellie Pingree and Senator Martin Heinrich introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), which sets a number of environmental targets for the agriculture sector to reach by 2040, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reach those goals, the legislation would bolster climate research and outreach, increase investments in on-farm energy production, reduce food waste, and support farming practices that build soil health and sequester carbon.

Climate change continues to be a top concern for National Farmers Union (NFU) members, who last month urged legislators “to take immediate and concrete steps aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the resilience of the land and its people, facilitating ecosystems services market development, and holistically addressing climate change.” Because the ARA would make progress on many of those points, the organization endorsed the bill when it was first released last year and maintains support upon its reintroduction, as NFU President Rob Larew stated today:

“The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated. We have a very small window to rein in this threat and ensure a bright future for our planet and everything that calls it home.

Click here to see more...

Video: Summer Crop Scouting MN Farm!

Crop scouting is a vital part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), helping identify pests, optimize input use, and protect yields. Scouts act as the grower’s field observers, offering timely insights.

In this webinar, Liz Gartman, UW–Madison Extension regional crops educator, provides an introduction to crop scouting, covering everything from pre-field preparation to in-field tools, resources, and best practices.

Preparation includes understanding field history, gathering tools, and setting communication expectations. In the field, scouts assess plant health, pest presence, and environmental stress using systematic patterns. Accurate documentation and clear reporting are essential. Tools like soil surveys, weather data, and pest calendars support decision-making. Ultimately, crop scouting builds trust, supports sustainability, and ensures informed, timely responses to field conditions.