1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to agriculture; requiring the board of animal 
  1.3             health to report recommendations on brand inspection 
  1.4             requirements; establishing a grant program for 
  1.5             information and technology services to dairy farmers; 
  1.6             appropriating money. 
  1.7   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.8      Section 1.  [BRANDING ANIMALS; REPORT.] 
  1.9      By January 15, 1997, the board of animal health shall 
  1.10  report to the senate agriculture and rural development committee 
  1.11  and the house of representatives agriculture committee with 
  1.12  recommendations for changes in Minnesota Statutes, sections 
  1.13  35.821 to 35.831, relating to the branding of live animals.  The 
  1.14  report must include specific recommendations on brand inspection 
  1.15  requirements and whether the state should allow registration of 
  1.16  brands that use technologies other than hot irons.  In 
  1.17  developing the recommendations, the board shall gather public 
  1.18  input from buyers and sellers of live animals. 
  1.19     Sec. 2.  [APPROPRIATION.] 
  1.20     $300,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
  1.21  commissioner of agriculture for grants to establish a one-on-one 
  1.22  educational delivery team system to provide new technologies to 
  1.23  practicing farmers in order to enhance the productive potential 
  1.24  and financial management of dairy farms in this state.  The 
  1.25  teams shall consist of farm business management instructors, 
  1.26  dairy extension specialists, and dairy industry partners to 
  2.1   deliver the informational and technological services.  This 
  2.2   appropriation is available until June 30, 1997. 
  2.3      Sec. 3.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
  2.4      Section 1 is effective the day following final enactment.