It will be a busy week in Congress with two big issues that will be addressed. Mary Kay Thatcher, senior director of congressional relations with the American Farm Bureau Federation spoke to Kansas Farm Bureau members at their annual meeting in Manhattan Monday morning. We’ll learn soon the conferees for the conference committee that will try and put the House …
Farmers Commend Senate Action on Tax Reform
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “ Farmers and ranchers have long called for a fair tax code that recognizes our hard work as well as the unique challenges we face in growing our nation’s food, fiber and fuel. The Senate’s passage of tax reform legislation today puts us within reach of that …
AFBF, NFU, Joint Survey Shows Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Rural America
A survey by Morning Consult shows 74 percent of farmers and farm workers say they have been directly impacted by opioid abuse. A collaboration between the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union, AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the survey is a united approach to the opioid crisis. Survey National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says the survey shows …
DOT Grants Agriculture Temporary Electronic Logging Device Waiver
A waiver by the Department of Transportation allows agriculture the exemption to electronic logging device requirements in commercial trucks that take effect next month. The 90-day waiver was granted in response to a petition by the American Farm Bureau Federation and other ag groups. AFBF congressional relations director Andrew Walmsley says the waiver allows the agency to reevaluate the mandate’s …
Farm Bureau Survey Reveals Lowest Thanksgiving Dinner Cost in Five Years
American Farm Bureau Federation’s 32nd annual price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.12, a 75-cent decrease from last year’s average of $49.87. The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at a total of $22.38 this year. That’s roughly $1.40 …
Farm Bureau Seeks End to Organic Livestock Rule
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is seeking full withdrawal of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule, now delayed until January. AFBF President Zippy Duvall this week in a statement said the rule “has been about pushing an agenda rather than advancing food safety or animal welfare.” Duvall said the rule would force organic farmers and ranchers out of …
Farmers Should Focus on Effective Tax Rate
Congress is just starting to consider changes to the federal tax code. As the process unfolds, AFBF economist Veronica Nigh says the effective tax rate is the most important factor for farmers when it comes to federal taxes. Nigh says there are three main factors that impact farmers within the federal tax code. Because of where the majority of …
Farm Bureau Welcomes Progress on Tax Reform Bill
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “America’s farmers and ranchers are ready for a tax system that recognizes their hard work and the unique challenges they face while reducing the tax burden that threatens their livelihoods. Thanks to the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee, we are closer to that goal. …
AFBF Encouraged by USDA Biotech Proposal Withdraw
The USDA Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service Monday announced the withdrawal of biotech regulations proposed at the end of the Obama administration to get more stakeholder input. AFBF congressional relations director Andrew Walmsley says the move brings an opportunity to improve the rule. Walmsley explains the concerns of the agriculture industry of the now-withdrawn proposal. He expects USDA will …
Farm Bureau Applauds Congressional Tax Reform
The federal tax reform plan coming out of Congress makes major changes to the tax code. Pat Wolff, AFBF senior director of congressional relations, says Farm Bureau is reviewing the plan to ensure the effective tax rate lessens the tax burden for America’s farmers and ranchers. Wolff calls it a bold proposal that she expects to move through Congress quickly. …