Committee hears bill to boost wolf and elk depredation funds; A1 amendment approved and bill laid over

Representative Buerkle presented House File 3,580 to the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee as a measure to strengthen wolf and elk depredation accounts so verified claims can be paid promptly.

The author said livestock producers face "dead calves, trampled crops, damaged fences" and that current accounts are falling behind in paying claims. An A1 amendment that adjusts the dollar figures for the wolf-depredation line and the elk-depredation line was offered and approved by voice vote. "That's the essence of the bill," Representative Buerkle said, describing it as similar to a prior House measure.

Speakers in support included Caitlin Root, executive director of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, who cited Department of Natural Resources estimates of more than 2,900 wolves in Minnesota and a 2024 USDA Wildlife Services report documenting 252 calls for wolf conflict assistance in 2024, with 136 verified wolf-related livestock or poultry injuries or deaths. Stu Lohrey of the Minnesota Farmers Union also voiced support and said the program's integrity comes from field verifications.

Mark Abrahamson, MDA Plant Protection Director, told the committee that conservation officers, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services staff and in some cases county sheriffs validate wolf claims; for elk, MDA and Wildlife Services staff have been completing evaluations after crop-insurance adjuster capacity declined.

Representative Buerkle renewed his motion and House File 3,580 as amended was laid over by the committee; no public testimony was offered during the committee consideration.