Like many other agricultural events, the Commodity Classic this year will be virtual. Due to the restrictions brought on by COVID-19, America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience will be available to farms across the country in a digital format March 2-5, 2021. And a part of this year’s event tackles stress on the farm. The COVID-19 outbreak and …
Ethanol Production Drops to Lowest Levels in Five Years
During the week ending on Feb. 12, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) announced that ethanol production dropped to its lowest level in five months while stockpiles grew. The EIA report says that ethanol production fell to 911,000 barrels per day, down from 937,000 barrels a day during the prior week. That’s the lowest production level since late September. A Successful …
Fried & FDACS Launch Bilingual Farmworker Vaccine Education Campaign
With the COVID-19 vaccine becoming available for at-risk populations in Florida, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched a bilingual vaccine education campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among Florida’s farmworkers and agriculture community. A recent study found that food and agricultural workers are among those most at risk of death from COVID-19, facing a 39 percent increase in excess …
USDA, FDA Offer Update on Transmission of COVID-19 Through Food or Food Packaging
The following statement about COVID-19 and its impact through food or food packaging can be attributed to Acting USDA Secretary Kevin Shea and Acting FDA Commission Janet Woodcock: After more than a year since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a global health emergency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. …
Push for More Farmers and Ranchers to be Eligible for PPP Loans
Lawmakers are seeking clarified terms to ensure more farmers and ranchers are eligible for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The request was in a letter to the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration. Led by Democratic Representative Ron Kind and Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, along with Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the lawmakers say many farmers …
Expanding Retail Presence of U.S. Pork and Beef in Colombia
2020 was a difficult year for U.S. red meat exports to Colombia, where COVID-19 took a major toll on meat demand and consumer spending. With demand expected to rebound this year, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is looking to expand the retail presence of U.S. pork and beef in Colombia. Joe Schuele has more details. According to USMEF, last year U.S. …
Senate Sets Vote for Vilsack Confirmation
The Senate will vote to confirm Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary next week. The exact time is uncertain, but the Senate calendar has the vote planned for Tuesday, Feb. 23. The Senate will debate the nomination for 20 minutes before voting, with the majority and minority parties receiving equal time. Expect smooth sailing for Vilsack, who breezed through the Senate …
Ag Workers Among Those Most at Risk to COVID-19 Death
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that food-service, agricultural, and construction workers were among the most at-risk for dying from exposure to COVID-19. The study points out high-density workplaces in any industry are possibly high risk. The close proximity of employees in high-density workplaces creates a high risk for transmission of coronavirus disease. The …
Alabama Row Crop Specialists Share Expertise Virtually
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists with Auburn University’s College of Agriculture and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System continue to share their expertise with Southern row crop production. According to an article written by Paul Hollis with Auburn University, these researchers and specialists, along with others from throughout the nation, usually present their findings from the most recent production season during …
Dairy Farmers Guide to the Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges for U.S. dairy farmers, who remain committed to implementing CDC-recommended workforce best practices to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus on farms. Access to safe and highly effective vaccines will give the dairy workforce and their families an added layer of protection against COVID-19. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) knows vaccinating essential …