farm labor

Farm Bureau Calls for Improvements to Ag Labor Bill

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

(AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Legislation advanced by the House Judiciary Committee falls short of a long-term solution to farm labor shortages, which constitute one of the most significant barriers to farm success in several regions of the country. “Before the bill was introduced, modifications were made in response …

thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Rises Only a Penny

Dan Dairy, Field Crops, Fruits, Industry News Release, Pork, Poultry, Vegetables

(AFBF) — The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 34th annual survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $48.91, or less than $5.00 per person. This is a 1-cent increase from last year’s average of $48.90. “The average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is essentially unchanged …

usmca

American Farm Bureau Federation on USMCA

Dan Trade

When it comes to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the clock is ticking for the U.S. House to bring it to a vote, as the number of legislative days left this calendar year are counting down. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist, Veronica Nigh, told Southeast AgNet that passing USMCA sets the stage for getting a deal with somebody else. And getting …

safety nets

Coalition Asks Congress to Safeguard Crop Insurance

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

A coalition of more than 50 farm groups is asking lawmakers to safeguard crop insurance. The organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, warned in a letter to top-ranking House and Senate budget leaders this week that “An overreliance on budget savings from the agriculture community and from crop insurance will unquestionably undermine rural economies.” 2018 farm profitability is expected …

Workforce Modernization Act

Labor Discussed at Farm Bureau Convention

Dan Labor and Immigration

President Donald Trump was one of the speakers during the recent American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention. While he did discuss wanting support for a border wall between the United States and Mexico, he also promised to make it easier for seasonal farm workers to enter the country. During a press conference, AFBF President Zippy Duvall said immigration and farm labor …

Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge

AFBF Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge Highlights Importance of Rural Innovation

Dan Industry News Release

The Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge helps boost rural innovation and business, a critical part of the rural economy. Four finalist teams in the competition will compete for a total of $30,000 in prize money at the 2018 AFBF Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in January, in addition to already being awarded $15,000. Anne Hazlett, who leads USDA’s Rural Development efforts, …

impact study

Farm Bureau Seeks Full Withdrawal of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule

Dan Industry News Release, Livestock, Poultry

The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The American Farm Bureau thanks Secretary Perdue for delaying the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule. The health and well-being of livestock is a top priority for all farmers and ranchers. We work with a host of specialists, from animal scientists to nutritionists, to manage our farms …

Farm Bureau Supports GIPSA Rule Do-Over

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Livestock

The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The Agriculture Department has withdrawn the livestock portion of the GIPSA rule and will continue to work on poultry fair practice issues in a future rulemaking. This is good news for farmers and ranchers. “We thank Secretary Perdue for his diligent efforts on these rules. The livestock …

farmers

Key for Agriculture Hangs in the Balance

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

Tax Reform key for agriculture and other sectors, hangs in the balance this week as the Senate takes an expected razor-thin vote on a budget bill crucial to passing tax reform. The fate of tax reform, a top priority of the president and GOP, will likely be determined by this week’s Senate vote on a so-called ‘reconciliation’ budget. American Farm …