Minnesota Farmers Union leaders are monitoring financing bills moving in the state legislature this week. Farmers Union Government Relations Director Thom Petersen says one measure, that passed the House unanimously and now is in the Senate Finance committee, would authorize bond sales to fund the Rural Finance Authority program.

He says the Rural Finance Authority is critical for farmers and ranchers dealing with the depressed agricultural economy.

Petersen says Governor Mark Dayton has promised he’ll sign the legislation once it’s approved in the Senate. He also says state lawmakers will begin budget discussions in the ag committees this week.

Petersen says lawmakers will also consider funding authorization measures for wolf and elk depredation programs administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.