Thanksgiving is a bit different this year because of COVID-19. But, did consumers pay more or less this year for the items that make up the traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner? Rod Bain has a story that answers that question. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton shares the cost of some of this year’s Thanksgiving Day dinner items, per the 2020 …
Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down 4%
(AFBF) — Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings are likely to be fewer and farther between, with social distancing and perhaps even remote family get-togethers. One tradition that continues this year is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual cost survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table. …
Alliance Unveils Unprecedented Climate Policy Recommendations
Agriculture and environmental groups find ways that farmers, ranchers, forest owners and food sector can deliver and benefit from climate solutions (AFBF) — An alliance of groups representing farmers, forest owners, the food sector, state governments and environmental advocates today unveiled an unprecedented set of recommendations to guide the development of federal climate policy. The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) …
Poll Shows Americans’ Unwavering Trust in Farmers
(AFBF) — A majority of U.S. adults have a positive view of farmers’ sustainability practices, and an overwhelming majority trust farmers, according to a new national public opinion poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation. The survey of 2,200 U.S. adults found that more than half (58%) rate the sustainability practices of U.S. farmers positively, with broad agreement from a majority of …
AFBF Statement on President-Elect Joe Biden’s Victory
(AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:“The American Farm Bureau Federation congratulates President-elect Biden on his election, as well as the representatives and senators elected to serve in the 117th Congress. “President-elect Biden will be presented with opportunities to improve the lives of rural Americans and this nation’s farmers and ranchers, who are facing …
AFBF Statement on the National Vote Count
(AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall: “A record number of Americans turned out to fulfill their civic duty and cast their ballots. We hold the right to vote as the foundation of our democracy. Behind each vote is a voice, and it is crucial that we all be heard this election. …
Department of Labor Stabilizes Farmworker Pay
(AFBF) — The Department of Labor announced it will stabilize the wages paid to guest farmworkers. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will remain at 2020 rates for the next two years. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall: “Farmers are committed to paying their employees a fair wage, but the existing system sets …
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 …
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 …
AFBF on CARES Act SBA Loans
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says producers are ineligible for some CARES Act Small Business Association loans, but eligible for others. AFBF Congressional Relations Director, RJ Karney, says they believe farmers can’t participate in the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, but do qualify for paycheck assistance. “As of now, AFBF’s interpretation of the rule is, farmers are eligible to …