(ST. PAUL) – This week, the finance and policy divisions of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Committee held joint committee hearings in Clearwater and Crookston. The hearings, chaired by Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne) and Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake), were an opportunity for constituents to hear from and speak directly with legislators regarding agricultural-related policy issues.

In addition to testimony from the public, the committee heard from area farmers, ag businesspeople, and members of advocacy organizations. Finally, the committee toured a farm north of the Clearwater area, Crookston’s American Crystal Sugar Company factory, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) in Crookston. Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) joined their meeting in Clearwater.

“Farmers around the state have proved resilient despite this difficult year,” said Senator Anderson. “We are grateful for their work and appreciate their willingness to share with us their concerns so we can best serve them at the legislature. We will continue to keep these lines of communication open as we look forward to next session.”