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 …
AEM Releases January Sales Report
Farm tractor and combine unit sales start the year continuing growth in the U.S., according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). AEM reports U.S. total farm tractor sales rose 24.7% in January compared to 2020, while U.S. combine sales grew a significant 76.8%. U.S. unit sales grew across all segments, with the biggest gains continuing …
COVID-19 Assistance Package Includes Provisions from Stabenow
The COVID-19 Assistance Package includes provisions supported by Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow says, “We need to take bold action to get farmers, families and rural communities the help they need to weather this crisis and come out stronger on the other end.” The Michigan Democrat worked with House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott from Georgia and House Education …
Georgia Beef Expo Cancelled
The Georgia Beef Expo committee has announced it has elected to cancel the 2021 Georgia Beef Expo that was scheduled for April 2-3 in Perry, Georgia. The committee explored different options in an attempt to continue the tradition but felt this was the most prudent course of action considering the uncertainty in travel for exhibitors and the recent spike in …
More Farmers Plan to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
A question in the recent Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer finds more farmers say they will get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Ag Economy Barometer for January, released this week, finds producers’ attitudes about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine have shifted since the fall, with nearly six out of ten producers, 58%, planning to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Just 24% …