By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation has identified four priority areas for the 2026 state legislative session. These priorities follow the organization’s annual meeting held in Minnetonka and are based on grassroots policies submitted and supported by members across the state. The focus areas represent important issues affecting farm and ranch families and reflect challenges experienced in daily agricultural life.
As the state’s largest general farm organization, the Minnesota Farm Bureau works with lawmakers to support agriculture and rural communities. The goal for the 2026 session is to advance policies that ensure long-term success and create opportunities for future generations. “Minnesota Farm Bureau is focused on solutions that keep family farms viable, grow rural communities, and protect the land we all depend on,” said MFBF President Dan Glessing. “These priorities were highlighted by our members and come from their everyday challenges. Working together to find solutions, we can ensure agriculture will succeed now and for future generations.”
The priority, Family Farm Legacy, focuses on helping families pass down land, knowledge, and farm operations. This includes support for transition of resources and policies that protect family ownership. The second priority, Rural Economic Vitality, emphasizes improving infrastructure, strengthening local businesses, and increasing opportunities in rural communities.
Environmental Stewardship is another key area, supporting science-based land and livestock conservation practices that protect natural resources while maintaining farm productivity.
This highlights the importance of balancing sustainability and profitability. The final priority, Energy and Farmland Preservation, aims to balance renewable energy development with the long-term protection of farmland. The goal is to support energy opportunities without reducing agricultural land availability.
“This session we want to work with legislators on policies that balance the challenges and opportunities for agriculture in our state,” Vice President Carolyn Olson. “Our members know it’s important to have rural voices at the Capitol and are ready to have the conversations and build the relationships to make a difference for agriculture and their communities.”
With these priorities in place, the Minnesota Farm Bureau plans to collaborate with policymakers to strengthen agriculture, support rural families, and protect land for future generations.
Photo Credit: minnesota-farm-bureau
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy