(NAFB) — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is calling on the U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture to investigate potential market manipulation and other illegal activity by meatpackers in the cattle industry. Grassley, a longtime advocate for agriculture in the Senate, says, “With the shelf prices of meat at record highs and the high rate of concentration in the meatpacking industry, …
COVID-19 Shows Farm Labor System is Broken
(NAFB) — The coronavirus outbreak has exposed major flaws in the American farm labor system. Politico says that’s upping the pressure on the federal government to make migrant labor much more accessible to farmers. It also highlights a lack of health and safety protections for these “essential” workers. Farmworkers who are still planting and harvesting crops have a higher than …
Demand for U.S. Beef and Pork Strong in Overseas Markets
(NAFB) — Despite various travel bans and other restrictions, foreign markets still have a large number of consumers who want American pork and beef. Clay Eastwood is Director of International Marketing for the National Pork Board. She says the most recent export numbers for American pork include almost record-setting amounts. “January was the second-highest export month in history as we …
Peanut & Agribusiness COVID-19 Relief Act Update
(GPC) — The Georgia Peanut Commission hosted a webinar discussion with U.S. Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott. The congressmen discussed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CARES Act – Key Ag Provisions The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives moved quickly on the third relief legislation, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES …
Coronavirus Safety Fact Sheets for Workers
Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …
Alabama Agriculture Remains Essential During Stay-Home Order
(ALFA) — Farmers and agricultural businesses will continue to serve Alabama residents under a stay-at-home order issued today by Gov. Kay Ivey. The order aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 is effective Saturday at 5 p.m. and continues through April 30, unless extended. “My fellow Alabamians, I plead with you to do your part to stop the spread of …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Extends Farm Recovery Program Application Deadline
(GDA) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black announced that the Georgia Farm Recovery Block Grant application deadline is extended to April 30, 2020. “We recognize that normal business operations across the state have been disrupted or altered over the past few weeks,” said Commissioner Black. “We want every eligible producer to have an opportunity to complete their application with …
Commissioner Fried Encourages Florida Agriculture Businesses to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is advising agriculture producers, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture-related businesses to apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program is part of the CARES Act, the $2 trillion federal coronavirus response package. “Florida agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a pillar of strength through …
Georgia Governor Kemp Orders State Wide Shelter in Place Order
(GAC) — Governor Brian P. Kemp issued a shelter in place order for the state of Georgia. The order will be effective beginning Friday, April 3rd, at 6:00 PM and expire Monday, April 13th, at 11:59 PM. GAC staff have advocated for several weeks to ensure that all sectors of Georgia’s agribusiness industry, including farms, manufacturing, fertilizer, seed, ag retail, landscape, turf …
Coronavirus Impact Ripples Across Farm Country
(AFBF) — From dairy farmers with nowhere to send their milk and cattle ranchers reeling from plummeting beef prices, the impact of the coronavirus is rippling through farm country. Corn, cotton and soybean futures have tumbled, ethanol plants have been idled, and some fruit and vegetable farmers are finding their best option is leaving produce in the field. Price forecasts …