(NAFB) — Equipment Manufacturers report a positive outlook for 2021, according to a new survey by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The survey found 88 percent of manufacturers report a positive outlook for 2021, while more than half expect sales to increase or remain stable despite the ongoing impact of the global pandemic. The online survey was targeted to employees …
Ag Responds to USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers Funding
COVID-19 Aid Released and Expanded to Include More Producers (AFBF) — USDA announced its plans to distribute more than $12 billion under a program called Pandemic Assistance for Producers, which includes aid that had been put on hold as well as funds newly allocated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program assists farmers and ranchers who previously did not qualify for COVID-19 …
Funding Awarded to Help Small and Mid-Sized Farms on National Ag Day
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated National Ag Day by investing $11.5 million in research to help ensure America’s small and medium-sized farming operations remain viable and improve the quality of life in American farm communities. “Few groups are as resilient and as determined as American farm families,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is …
Oil Refining Trade Group Asking for Help with Rising Costs
(NAFB) — The price of renewable fuel credits in the U.S. hit new multi-year highs this week, and that has an oil refining trade group asking the White House for help in stabilizing the industry. Prices for the Renewable Identification Numbers have climbed all year as the costs of feedstocks like soybean oil continue to climb higher. Reuters says the …
Legislation Introduced to Repeal Federal Estate Tax
Federal lawmakers have introduced legislation that would repeal the federal estate tax, often referred to as the death tax. U.S. Senator John Thune and U.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop and Jason Smith recently introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021. The bipartisan legislation has the support of nearly 150 lawmakers in both houses of Congress. Multiple agricultural groups have also …
The trend of Fewer U.S. Farms Continues
The number of farms in this country is continuing its downward slope. Gary Crawford has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle …
House Agriculture Committee Hears About Food Insecurity in America
Written Testimony for the House of Representatives Committee on AgricultureA Look at Food Insecurity in AmericaMarch 11th, 2021Presented By:Zippy DuvallPresidentAmerican Farm Bureau Federation Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. I am pleased to offer this testimony on behalf of Farm Bureau …
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack on Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today on the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act by the U.S. Congress. The bill now goes to President Biden for his signature. For a detailed review, see the USDA fact sheet (see below). “President Biden wasted no time fulfilling his pledge to the American people to bring substantial financial relief within …
President Biden Ready to Sign Latest COVID Relief Legislation
The latest COVID relief legislation has now been approved by both houses of Congress. After passing through the Senate on Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives took up the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package once again. The bill was passed in the House by a vote of 220-211, largely among party lines. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the …
Support the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 Shown by Agriculture Groups
AFBF Applauds Introduction of Estate Tax Repeal Bills The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on Congress to remove barriers to farm ownership. Bills aimed at eliminating the estate tax were introduced in the Senate and House. Both are supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 25cosponsors introduced S. 617 and Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop …