Meat and Poultry Worker COVID Infection Rates Lower Than General Population

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Poultry

A new analysis of independent data for November shows that reported new COVID-19 infection rates among meat and poultry workers were more than eight times lower than the general population. Data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network says the meat and poultry sector reported an average of 5.57 new cases per 10,000 workers daily in November. Infection rates among …

A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer

Clint Thompson General

As we celebrate Christmas Day, Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman brings back an old favorite, “A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer” written by S. Omar Barker. A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PRAYERby S. Omar Barker (1895-1985) I ain’t much good at prayin’,and You may not know me, Lord —For I ain’t much seen in churches,where they preach Thy Holy Word.But you may have observed meout …

A Time for Reflection

Clint Thompson General

With Christmas Day on Friday, Tyron Spearman reports this is the time of the year for reflection. He looks at ways we can all show appreciation for others. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Unique Opportunity For Applied ResearchOctober …

Genetically Modified Pigs Approved for Human Consumption by FDA

Clint Thompson General

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved genetically modified pigs as being safe to eat. The approval marks the first that time that an intentional genomic alteration (IGA) in an animal has been approved for both human consumption as well as therapeutic uses. The IGA in what are being referred to as GalSafe pigs is designed to eliminate …

SNAP Benefits Increase Through COVID Bill

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

While Congress did pass the $900 billion pandemic relief bill that includes a variety of benefits and direct cash payments, President Trump urged congressional leaders on Tuesday to make several changes to the bill including increasing direct payments for Americans. But a story from Tyron Spearman notes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a program through the 2018 Farm Bill, will …

Some Late Harvest Activities Still Going on in Southeast

Clint Thompson General

Late harvest activities are still going on in some areas of the country. Stephanie Ho has this update. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Unique Opportunity For Applied ResearchOctober 24, 2025

More Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Legislative

Congress voted Monday to approve the $900 billion Covid relief package that will deliver much-needed aid to small businesses hit hard by the pandemic. According to a story from Tyron Spearman, that includes farmers and ranchers. The White House has said that President Donald Trump will sign the legislation. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded …

Food and Ag Provisions in COVID Relief Package

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Legislative

Tax extenders and a $26 billion infusion for agriculture and nutrition programs are part of the massive $908 billion virus relief and $1.4 billion agency funding package that Congress overwhelmingly passed late Monday night. When it comes to agriculture, the long-awaited relief adds $13 billion each to agriculture and nutrition aid and includes support for those who were left out …

Meat, Poultry, Farm Workers High Priority for Vaccine

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Pork, Poultry

Federal guidance suggests essential workers should be next to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including meat packers and farm workers. A Centers for Disease Control advisory committee voted in favor of a blueprint for essential workers and people older than 75 as recipients of the vaccine in the next phase. In a news release, North American Meat Institute President and CEO …

New COVID Package Helps Farmers Previously Left Out of Aid

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, December 21, 2020 – Congress agreed on a $900 billion COVID stimulus package, which will include up to $13 billion in funding that directly benefits agriculture. Nearly $1 billion will support a dairy donation program and supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage payments for small and medium-sized producers. More help will be made available to specialty and non-specialty crop growers, and …