KNSI Radio reports…

The Senate agriculture omnibus bill passed through another committee Wednesday with near unanimous bipartisan support.

The Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee gave the green light for $100 million to help farmers in greater Minnesota with broadband access, soil health and livestock. …

Some highlights include:

• $100 million to expand broadband access throughout the state.
• $14 million for a grain indemnity fund to protect Minnesota farmers.
• $2 million in soil health equipment grants to help farmers make their farmland more resilient to extreme weather events, retain topsoil, build organic matter, and promote water quality.
• $1 million to support emerging farmers with farm down payment assistance.
• $944,000 in investments to support livestock processing.
• $1.2 million over four years to provide services for beginning and emerging farmers.

The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.