If you would have asked us last September if there would still be a need to write a tip about COVID-19 a year later, our answer would have been, “We sure hope not.” So, what’s changed? The simplest explanation is the emergence of the Delta variant. When you hear us talk about food safety, we don’t often talk about variants. …
Tyson Foods, Unions Reach Deal on COVID-10 Vaccine Mandate
Tyson Foods says that labor unions agreed to support its requirement for U.S. employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November. Reuters says the company will offer new benefits to workers including paid sick leave. Companies like Tyson have been trying to give employees incentives to get vaccinated through bonuses and other benefits as the Delta Strain pushes case numbers …
Agricultural Leaders Urge Farmers and Rural Communities to Get Vaccinated
More than 30 state and national agricultural organizations recently joined to promote vaccination among farmers and rural Americans. In an open letter to association members, the organizations added another voice to the call to get vaccinated. In addition, the groups utilized an opinion editorial published in the Des Moines Register to share a message about the connection between agriculture, science, …
Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers Updated by USDA
USDA Sets October 12 Deadline for CFAP 2 (WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2021) —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part …
Steakhouses Struggling to Recover from COVID-19
Steakhouses are struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic as the Delta variant of the virus expands, and beef prices are moving higher. Top steakhouses that provide a dining experience and high-priced cuts of beef see the Delta variant as a possible threat to travelers and group events. Several chains say they are better prepared amid the pandemic this year …
Livestock Producers Can Apply for Pandemic Assistance
Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic due to insufficient access to processing are reminded they can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. This is through USDA’s Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Eligible livestock must have been depopulated from March 1, 2020 through December 26, 2020. …
Before You Spray
We often think about pesticide safety and best management practices when we are in the field spraying. You’re outside, you’re potentially exposed to the pesticide, and a gust of wind in the wrong direction could send it flying back into your face. However, your first interaction with pesticides on spray day takes place well before you step foot in the …
Agriculture Secretary on Improving Ag Transportation Infrastructure
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is emphasizing the importance of broad rural infrastructure improvements in efforts to build up rural communities and their commodities. He explains the competitive price advantage U.S. farmers and ranchers have as a result of our nation’s transportation system. But, he explains why the upgrade to our agricultural transportation network and infrastructure is needed. Vilsack notes the …
Lower Covid-19 Vaccination Rates in Rural Areas
While some people have been vaccinated for Covid-19, there are still a lot of folks who haven’t. And some may still have questions about the vaccines, with the main question being are they safe? The National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB), which Southeast AgNet is a member of, is making an effort to help relay information that some people are …
Sign-up Begins for New Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program
We told you last week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had announced a new program for certain livestock and poultry producers, called the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). This was designed to help producers who suffered losses during the Covid-19 pandemic due to insufficient access to processing and the cost of depopulation and disposal of those animals. Signup for this program begins today …