(AFBF) — U.S. agriculture is working diligently to maintain the stability of our food supply as concerns over COVID-19 lead to increased consumer purchases of groceries and other items. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall about the commitment of farmers and ranchers, as well as a serious concern related to the U.S. …
Alabama Extension Continues to Serve During Coronavirus
(ACES) — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has temporarily closed its county and state offices in response to coronavirus control protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this time, Extension follows guidance from Alabama A&M and Auburn universities, the two parent universities of the agency. “In light of recent developments surrounding the spread of COVID-19, it has …
Governor Ron DeSantis Issues an Executive Order Regarding Bars, Beaches and Restaurants
Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order that will reduce density and crowds in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bars and Nightclubs Under the direction of Governor DeSantis, all bars and nightclubs throughout Florida will close for the next 30 days. Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) will be enforcing and providing …
USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak
(USDA) — While President Donald J. Trump continues to take action during this COVID-19 National Emergency and enact measures to ensure Americans are safe, secure, and healthy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to be open for business to provide services to the American people. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recorded the following video message reassuring the American …
IFAS Extension Monitoring Coronavirus
The University of Florida IFAS Extension has been closely monitoring developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please see the following resources from the University of Florida, the CDC, WHO, and Florida Department of Health. University of Florida Resources UF Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Positive Cases in Florida UF Health Coronavirus Updates Center for Disease Control (CDC) Resources Handwashing Communication Materials COVID-19 Communication …
Florida Lawmakers to Vote Thursday on Budget
(NSF) — Florida lawmakers will vote Thursday on a record $93.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes spending $500 million to increase teacher pay and bolstering reserves as the novel coronavirus threatens state revenues. The budget was distributed Sunday evening, starting a legally required 72-hour review period before lawmakers can vote on it. The House and Senate scheduled …
NMPF Ready to Help Dairy Farmers Meet Coronavirus Challenges
(NAFB) — National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern says his organization is ready to help dairy farmers meet the challenges brought on by the coronavirus. Those challenges can include impacts on both the domestic and international markets. “From possible damages to domestic and world markets, to supply chain labor disruptions on the farm, at the processing …
U.S. Pork Export Levels to China Hit Lowest Mark Ever
(NAFB) — U.S. export sales of pork to China fell to their lowest level on record for the week ending March 5th. Reuters says that’s even as accessing Chinese ports improved in the world’s number one pork consumer. The USDA’s weekly report showed that Chinese buyer cancellations pushed down the total export sales to China to negative 45,222 tons of …
USDA Stands Up New Team to Better Serve Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is standing up a new team of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff that will lead a department-wide effort focused on serving beginning farmers and ranchers. “More than a quarter of producers are beginning farmers,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky. “We need to support the next generation of agricultural producers who we …
Perdue Comments on Canada Passing USMCA
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after the Canadian Parliament approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): “USMCA is a great victory for America’s agriculture industry, and I am pleased to see Canada’s Parliament approved the deal today. USMCA locks in and expands access to our neighbors to the North and South. I thank President …