Dusting off the newspaper blog

During a period of time when getting information out quickly is very important, the Bonanza Valley Voice is dusting off a blog that hasn't seen regular use since 2015.

There's nothing urgent to post at the current time, but in the mean time some opinion may find its way here, and other random items for readers.

Below, I've got noteworthy news to post.

Representative Paul Anderson-Starbuck

The COVID-19 crisis has expanded financial harm (and certainly emotional harm) that workers and farmers in the agriculture community have endured in recent years.

Currently, the Minnesota State Legislature is crafting a relief bill for agriculture. It includes a provision for farmer-lender mediation if a farm owner is in financial crisis. This state-sanctioned mediation allows a farmer to come to an agreement with his or her lender regarding outstanding farm debt. If this legislation passes, the deadline for applications filed by August of this year would be December 1, 2020.

I am hopeful it will pass. It is badly needed.