(LMA) — The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) is encouraged to see Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be extending its oversight to determine the causes of divergence between boxed and live beef prices, beginning with the Holcomb, Kansas beef processing plant fire and now incorporating the COVID-19 pandemic. LMA calls for the investigation of beef packers …
Farmers and Ranchers Ready to Meet Increased Food Bank Needs
(AFBF) — As food banks struggle to keep up with dramatic increases in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers and ranchers are eager to work with the Agriculture Department to bridge the supply gap and get farm products to those in need, according to a letter from the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America. The organizations praised USDA’s leadership through …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS on Supporting Florida Dairy During COVID-19
(FDACS) — With the COVID-19 pandemic causing market challenges for agriculture producers, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are working to support Florida’s dairy farmers and processors. “We’re doing everything we can to support Florida’s dairy farmers and processors during this unprecedented challenge,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “With decreases in foodservice demand, we’re asking retailers to …
USDA Addresses Milk Dumping
Authorizes Other Flexibilities To Help Producers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic (USDA/RMA) — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is ensuring that milk producers are not inappropriately penalized if their milk must be dumped because of recent market disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, RMA is extending inspection deadlines, waiving inspection requirements and authorizing more crop insurance transactions over the phone and …
USDA Invites Input on RCCP Rule
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced they are seeking public comments on their interim rule for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCCP helps partners develop and implement unique conservation solutions that engage farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The rule, which is now available on the Federal Register, takes effect on publication and includes changes to the program prescribed …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS Working for Florida Farmers During COVID-19
(FDACS) — With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruption to the nation’s agriculture industry, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have worked tirelessly to ensure that Florida’s agriculture producers are supported. Commissioner Fried has been in communication with Congress and federal agencies advocating for speedy economic relief, with major retailers and state agencies seeking additional purchases of …
Plant 2020 Considerations for Alabama Producers
(ACES) — These are unprecedented times. Large companies are closing doors and sending their employees home to work. Small businesses are shipping inventory out of home garages. Despite the myriad of hardships faced as a result of COVID-19, the world keeps turning. While demand for agricultural products remains high, farmers on every scale are working to balance the rush of …
USDA-ARS Scientists and Colleagues Find a New Tool to Combat Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat
(USDA/ARS) — Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their colleagues have discovered a gene that can be used to develop varieties of wheat that will be more resistant to Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), a disease that is a major threat both overseas and to the nation’s $10 billion annual wheat crop. A paper reporting the discovery and the cloning of …
AFBF Urges Close Examination of Livestock Markets
(AFBF) — Extreme volatility in livestock markets is raising red flags across the country, leading the American Farm Bureau (AFBF) to urge the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to leave no stone unturned as they monitor and analyze market activity. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall applauds Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue …
New Partnerships Emerge for COVID-19 Relief
Florida Farmers Team with State Leaders to Launch Farm to Inmate Program Harvested produce crops feed Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) more than 87,000 inmates; action saves food costs while reducing COVID-19 related supply chain impacts. (FFA) — Florida farmers are uncovering new solutions to address supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Florida’s emergency order to shutter businesses …