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NFU Urges Senate to Strengthen Farm Safety Net Amid Deepening Farm Crisis

National Farmers Union (NFU) today sent a letter to Senate leadership and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry calling for urgent and comprehensive reforms to the farm safety net as family farmers and ranchers face mounting economic pressures. 

In the letter, NFU President Rob Larew warned that worsening market conditions, rising costs, and global instability are threatening the viability of family farms across the country. 

“Farmers and ranchers are facing a perfect storm,” said Larew. ““Incremental improvements are not enough. Farmers need a reliable, long-term safety net that keeps pace with rising production costs and reduces the need for repeated emergency bailouts. 

“Input costs are rising while commodity prices remain low, leaving many producers operating on razor-thin margins. Without meaningful reforms, we risk losing not only today’s family farms, but the next generation of producers who depend on a stable agricultural economy.” 

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Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring

Video: Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring

What insect threats are Minnesota corn growers facing, and what research is helping farmers stay ahead of them?

At the 2026 MN Ag Expo, University of Minnesota entomologist Fei Yang shared updates on three Minnesota Corn-supported research projects focused on insect monitoring, seed treatments, and pest resistance.

Current work includes statewide monitoring programs that use pheromone, light, and sticky traps to track key pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and corn rootworm. Researchers are also evaluating whether high-rate seed treatments provide effective corn rootworm control and studying the development of resistance in European corn borer populations to Bt corn traits.

These projects help researchers better understand pest pressures across Minnesota and provide farmers with practical information to support informed management decisions.