The Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit will be postponed to Sept. 21 at the National Press Club, for what will hopefully be a live, in-person event that follows appropriate federal guidelines. “We realize that a lot can change between now and September due to COVID-19,” explained Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse Editor. “We are keeping all of our options for hosting …
USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans
(USDA/AMS) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide. These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in …
Dairy Farmers of American Donating to Needy Families
(NAFB) — The Dairy Farmers of America cooperative is providing dairy products to needy families. The organization announced this week the launch of its Farmers Feeding Families Fund, which hopes to raise $500,000 for community food banks across the country. Initial seed money of $200,000 has already been raised through the Cooperative’s DFA Cares Foundation. DFA is already holding events …
Beef Checkoff Offers Kid-Friendly Meals for Parents at Home
(NAFB) — As Americans are spending more time at home, parents may need some meal inspiration to keep the whole family happy. The Beef Checkoff is offering some help with recipes that everyone in the family can enjoy. “BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com is a great resource for kid-friendly options that can be made with kitchen staples many families may already have on hand,” …
NCGA Analysis Shows $50 Per Acre Revenue Declines for Corn Due to COVID-19
(NCGA) — Analysis released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) showed cash corn prices have declined by 16 percent on average, with several regions experiencing declines of more than 20 percent, since March 1 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis projects a $50 per acre revenue decline for the 2019 corn crop. “The COVID-19 pandemic is being …
2020 FCA Annual Convention & Allied Trade Show Cancelled
(FCA) — With a heavy heart, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association has cancelled the 2020 Florida Cattlemen’s Annual Convention & Allied Tradeshow scheduled for June 23-25, 2020 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Florida. The health and safety of attendees as well the logistical complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, made the decision imminent. “This was not an easy decision, …
Commissioner Nikki Fried to Congress & USDA: “Too Little Too Late” for Florida Farmers
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried sent letters to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and Florida’s congressional delegation urging further action to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on Florida’s agriculture industry. In the letters, Fried shared the Florida Seasonal Crop COVID-19 Impact Assessment released this week which projects losses for Florida agriculture upwards of $522 million. The USDA recently announced its …
Agreement Reached on Expanding Coronavirus Aid, Ag Eligibility in EIDL
(NAFB) — Lawmakers reached an agreement Tuesday to allow agriculture to participate in the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The agreement is part of a larger deal, a $484 billion coronavirus package to extend the Paycheck Protection Program. The agreement also includes funds for small lenders and community banks, funds for national coronavirus testing and funding …
Farm Groups Defend Glyphosate Reregistration
(NAFB) — A coalition of commodity groups seeks to block a challenge that would toss out the Environmental Protection Agency’s plans to reregister glyphosate. The group filed a joint motion to intervene on April 20 in the case to support EPA’s decision. The Natural Resources Defense Council is challenging the reregistration approval. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used …
Lawmakers Seek Support for Local Media
(NAFB) — More than 200 lawmakers seek federal assistance for local news and media outlets suffering from the lack of advertising funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawmakers say that in times of emergency and disaster, the public turns to their local media, and advertising plays an incredible role in funding those outlets. A letter to the Trump administration says …