The Senate Commerce Committee approved S. 2343, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018. The bipartisan bill is an important milestone in delivering broadband service crucial to the operation of modern farming equipment. The bill would create a task force to focus on the connectivity and technology needs of modern farmers who are too often without broadband in the fields …
Farm Leaders Visit Opioid Memorial in Show of Unity
The presidents of the nation’s two largest general farm organizations visited the “Prescribed to Death” opioid memorial in Washington, D.C., in a show of unity to address the national opioid epidemic that is disproportionately affecting farming communities. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson joined Anne Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary for Rural …
Groups React to Farm Bill Proposal
American Farm Bureau Federation The following statement on today’s release of the 2018 Farm Bill by the House Agriculture Committee may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Today’s release by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2) assures America’s farmers and ranchers that congressional agriculture leaders recognize …
Lighthizer Hopeful of New NAFTA Deal
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told CNBC television Wednesday he is “hopeful” there will be compromise and a deal reached on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). His comments follow those from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who earlier this week said a “win-win-win deal is not only possible but likely.” Lighthizer said Wednesday he is optimistic the three …
Easter Eggs for Your Basket Will be a Bit Higher This Year
Higher retail prices for several foods including eggs, orange juice, meat products, bagged salad, shredded cheddar and vegetable oil resulted in a slight increase in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Spring Picnic Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey showed the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $51.05, up $1.02 …
China Retaliations to Harm U.S. Ag
Agriculture groups say trade retaliations from China will “costs farmers their livelihoods.” China announced retaliation efforts to the Trump administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum. The American Soybean Association says “It’s extremely frustrating” the administration is targeting the nation’s largest trading partner during a time of low farm income. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall echoed those comments, stating …
Farm Bureau Concerned About Possible Chinese Trade Retaliation
The following statement on possible trade retaliation by China against U.S. farm exports may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “If the trade situation continues to deteriorate, our lives as farmers and ranchers will become more difficult. America’s farmers and ranchers export more than $21 billion of farm products to China – more than 20 percent …
Farm Bureau Compares Crop Insurance to Ad Hoc Disaster
As Congress continues preparation for the 2018 Farm Bill, rural America continues to voice its support for maintaining a strong crop insurance system. One of the loudest voices in that chorus belongs to the country’s largest farm organization, the American Farm Bureau Federation. An active member of the crop insurance coalition, Farm Bureau is working hard to dispel myths about …
Farm Bureau Praises Withdrawal of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The American Farm Bureau supports USDA’s decision to withdraw the misguided Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule. Livestock health and well-being is a priority for all farmers and ranchers. We rely on trained professionals, including animal scientists, nutritionists and veterinarians, to ensure the health and safety of …
AFBF Encouraged by Efforts to Extend TPA
While some in agriculture have concerns over various trade actions by the White House, (AFBF) Trade Adviser Dave Salmonsen says they are encouraged by the U.S. Trade Representative’s recent announcement of plans to seek a three-year extension of Trade Promotion Authority. TPA allows the president to submit trade deals to Congress for up-or-down votes, without deal-killing amendments. AFB Encouraged by …