Agriculture and Rural Affairs
The bipartisan, interstate and binational Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee gives state and provincial legislators a forum to share ideas and information on key policy issues, especially those identified by its members. Activities include policy research, webinars for legislators and legislative staff, and in-person meetings.
The committee includes legislators from MLC member states and provinces; membership is updated every biennium through appointments by state and MLC leadership. In 2025–26, the committee co-chairs are North Dakota Sen. Paul Thomas and Nebraska Sen. Teresa Ibach, with Illinois Rep. Brad Fritts and Minnesota Sen. Robert Kupec serving as co-vice chairs. Becky Leis is the CSG Midwes staff liaison.
The committee will next meet in person on Aug. 30 in conjunction with the MLC Annual Meeting in Saint Paul, Minn.
The accelerated rollout of the Rural Health Transformation Program has created both opportunities and challenges for state policymakers. This webinar provided an overview of how states are approaching implementation, oversight, and emerging strategies such as alternative payment models and value-based payment.
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This webinar gave state leaders a clear understanding of the fundamentals of farm succession planning and practical ways to reduce barriers that hinder generational transfers—helping ensure long-term stability in local agricultural economies.
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Hear about the Alliance for the Great Lakes new report on emerging water uses, such as data centers, agriculture,…
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In conjunction with the 79th Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Legislative Conference in Saskatoon, Sask., the MLC Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee will meet and lead policy sessions. The MLC Annual Meeting is being held July 27-30.
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Led by The Council of State Governments' Midwestern Legislative Conference Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, this webinar focused on the current economic pressures on agricultural businesses, big and small.
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