USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue says his agency accepted over 3.4 million acres into the general Conservation Reserve Program signup that recently wrapped up. It’s the first general signup for enrollments since 2016. County offices will begin to notify producers with accepted acres no later than April 3. 

“The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s largest conservation endeavors and is critical in helping producers better manage their operations while conserving valuable natural resources,” Perdue says. 

“The program celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and we’re quite pleased to see one of our largest signups in many years.” For the past 3.5 decades, the CRP has addressed multiple concerns while ensuring the most competitive offers are selected by protecting fragile and environmentally-sensitive lands, improving water quality, enhancing wildlife populations, providing pollinator forage habitat, sequestering carbon in soil and enhancing soil productivity. 

Seventy percent of the nation’s land is privately owned, and America’s farmers and ranchers have stepped up to protect the environment and natural resources through this program. 

Farmers and ranchers get an annual rental payment for establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to help control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue says his agency accepted over 3.4 million acres into the general Conservation Reserve Program signup that recently wrapped up. It’s the first general signup for enrollments since 2016. County offices will begin to notify producers with accepted acres no later than April 3. “The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s largest conservation endeavors and is critical in helping producers better manage their operations while conserving valuable natural resources,” Perdue says. “The program celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and we’re quite pleased to see one of our largest signups in many years.” For the past 3.5 decades, the CRP has addressed multiple concerns while ensuring the most competitive offers are selected by protecting fragile and environmentally-sensitive lands, improving water quality, enhancing wildlife populations, providing pollinator forage habitat, sequestering carbon in soil and enhancing soil productivity. Seventy percent of the nation’s land is privately owned, and America’s farmers and ranchers have stepped up to protect the environment and natural resources through this program. Farmers and ranchers get an annual rental payment for establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to help control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland.

USDA accepts over 3.4 million acres in general CRP signup

The House of Representatives approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on Friday. The bill, which the Senate had already approved 96-0, now goes to President Donald Trump, who’s already promised to sign it. 

The Hagstrom Report says the measure passed the House by voice vote, with just a few voices in opposition. 

Democrats in the House praised Senate Democrats and House leadership for making changes in the bill, while House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady says, “Senate Democrats, aided by (House) Speaker Nancy Pelosi, recklessly delayed this bill for days and used this crisis to try and advance a frivolous political agenda. 

That failed, while the Senate found unanimous, if not perfect, ground.” Mike Rogers of Alabama told the House that the bill was particularly important to rural hospitals that need to buy supplies and build infrastructure to provide medical information and advice online. 

Washington state Republican Dan Newhouse told his colleagues before the vote that the bill would “support hardworking farmers and ranchers who provide food for the nation.” Pelosi herself called for a large vote so that Americans would realize the government is there to help.

The House of Representatives approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on Friday. The bill, which the Senate had already approved 96-0, now goes to President Donald Trump, who’s already promised to sign it. The Hagstrom Report says the measure passed the House by voice vote, with just a few voices in opposition. Democrats in the House praised Senate Democrats and House leadership for making changes in the bill, while House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady says, “Senate Democrats, aided by (House) Speaker Nancy Pelosi, recklessly delayed this bill for days and used this crisis to try and advance a frivolous political agenda. That failed, while the Senate found unanimous, if not perfect, ground.” Mike Rogers of Alabama told the House that the bill was particularly important to rural hospitals that need to buy supplies and build infrastructure to provide medical information and advice online. Washington state Republican Dan Newhouse told his colleagues before the vote that the bill would “support hardworking farmers and ranchers who provide food for the nation.” Pelosi herself called for a large vote so that Americans would realize the government is there to help.

House approves coronavirus relief bill

Previous reports have suggested administration officials were considering suspending tariffs to stimulate the U.S. economy. 

However, the top trade adviser for the White House, Peter Navarro, says the Trump administration isn’t considering that right now. A Marketplace Dot Org report says tariffs are taxes on imported goods that American companies and consumers always wind up paying. 

The head of the Coalition for a Prosperous America says a lot of the duties were first implemented because many imports were being subsidized or otherwise traded unfairly, injuring American companies and their ability to do business. 

Economists ranging from the Federal Reserve through the private sector have compared how much the tariffs have benefited the economy against how much difficulty they bring as well. 

“Tariffs cause more losers than winners,” says Dan North, senior economist for a group that provides trade credit insurance. “it’s a significant drag on the economy, especially in the current environment.” Mary Lovely, a professor of economics at Syracuse University, says a suspension would be aimed at U.S. manufacturers that import the items needed to assemble new goods.

Previous reports have suggested administration officials were considering suspending tariffs to stimulate the U.S. economy. However, the top trade adviser for the White House, Peter Navarro, says the Trump administration isn’t considering that right now. A Marketplace Dot Org report says tariffs are taxes on imported goods that American companies and consumers always wind up paying. The head of the Coalition for a Prosperous America says a lot of the duties were first implemented because many imports were being subsidized or otherwise traded unfairly, injuring American companies and their ability to do business. Economists ranging from the Federal Reserve through the private sector have compared how much the tariffs have benefited the economy against how much difficulty they bring as well. “Tariffs cause more losers than winners,” says Dan North, senior economist for a group that provides trade credit insurance. “it’s a significant drag on the economy, especially in the current environment.” Mary Lovely, a professor of economics at Syracuse University, says a suspension would be aimed at U.S. manufacturers that import the items needed to assemble new goods.

Administration won’t drop tariffs to boost economy

USDA’s Farm Service Agency county offices are open only by a phone appointment until further notice because of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

FSA staff are available to continue helping agricultural producers with program signups, loan servicing, and other important actions. Also, the FSA is relaxing the loan-making process and adding flexibilities for servicing direct and guaranteed loans to provide credit to producers in need. 

Program delivery staff will continue to come to the FSA office, but they’ll work with producers by phone and other online tools whenever possible. 

“FSA programs and loans are critical to America’s farmers and ranchers, and we want to continue our work with customers while taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus,” says FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. 

“We recognize that farm loans are critical for annual operating and family living expenses, as well as emergency needs and cash flow through times like this. FSA is working to find and use every option and flexibility to provide producers with credit options and other program benefits.”

USDA’s Farm Service Agency county offices are open only by a phone appointment until further notice because of the COVID-19 outbreak. FSA staff are available to continue helping agricultural producers with program signups, loan servicing, and other important actions. Also, the FSA is relaxing the loan-making process and adding flexibilities for servicing direct and guaranteed loans to provide credit to producers in need. Program delivery staff will continue to come to the FSA office, but they’ll work with producers by phone and other online tools whenever possible. “FSA programs and loans are critical to America’s farmers and ranchers, and we want to continue our work with customers while taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus,” says FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “We recognize that farm loans are critical for annual operating and family living expenses, as well as emergency needs and cash flow through times like this. FSA is working to find and use every option and flexibility to provide producers with credit options and other program benefits.”

FSA services available by phone appointment only

It looks like U.S. farmers are upping the number of corn acres going into the ground during spring planting. 

The newest Farm Futures survey shows farmers will plant 96.4 million acres of corn during the 2020 planting season. That’s the second-highest number of intended acres after farmers put a record 97.3 million acres of corn in the ground during 2012. 

The Farm Futures number is more than two million acres higher than the most recent USDA projection in February of 94 million acres. Farm Futures points out that a lot of things have changed between the two forecasts. 

The coronavirus pandemic hit, upending the global economy. The increased economic uncertainty, historically cheap input costs, as well as weaker soybean demand from China all appear to have made corn the optimal choice among somewhat limited options for Midwest farmers. 

Farm Futures estimates that soybean plantings will total 82.7 million acres, almost three million less than the USDA estimate of 85 million, which also came out in February. The survey estimates that farmers will plant 45.8 million acres of wheat, higher than USDA’s estimate of 45.0. Farm Futures also estimates that farmers will plant 11.7 million acres of cotton, less than the USDA estimate of 12.5 million.

It looks like U.S. farmers are upping the number of corn acres going into the ground during spring planting. The newest Farm Futures survey shows farmers will plant 96.4 million acres of corn during the 2020 planting season. That’s the second-highest number of intended acres after farmers put a record 97.3 million acres of corn in the ground during 2012. The Farm Futures number is more than two million acres higher than the most recent USDA projection in February of 94 million acres. Farm Futures points out that a lot of things have changed between the two forecasts. The coronavirus pandemic hit, upending the global economy. The increased economic uncertainty, historically cheap input costs, as well as weaker soybean demand from China all appear to have made corn the optimal choice among somewhat limited options for Midwest farmers. Farm Futures estimates that soybean plantings will total 82.7 million acres, almost three million less than the USDA estimate of 85 million, which also came out in February. The survey estimates that farmers will plant 45.8 million acres of wheat, higher than USDA’s estimate of 45.0. Farm Futures also estimates that farmers will plant 11.7 million acres of cotton, less than the USDA estimate of 12.5 million.

Farm futures survey says farmers planting more corn in 2020

Panic buying and hoarding supplies is pushing wholesale egg prices in the Midwest to their all-time high. 

The Des Moines Register says prices for other staples like milk, beef, and even ice cream have gone higher as well. Joe Kerns is president of an agricultural consulting company in Ames, Iowa, who says the Midwest isn’t short on supplies, it’s abnormally-high demand that’s causing the price jump. 

Because of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, consumers in Iowa and across the U.S. are piling way more than the usual amount of groceries in their shopping carts. That unusually-high demand level is driving prices higher. 

Kerns says it’s not a surprise because as restaurant dining rooms are closed, more people are cooking in their homes. Some grocers are seeing as much as six times the normal demand for eggs, which is temporarily clearing out shelves. 

Processor are struggling to fill orders that are coming in at a rapid pace. Stores in Iowa and across the country say they’re seeing increased prices from their suppliers as they keep working to make sure their shelves stay filled with staple products.

Panic buying and hoarding supplies is pushing wholesale egg prices in the Midwest to their all-time high. The Des Moines Register says prices for other staples like milk, beef, and even ice cream have gone higher as well. Joe Kerns is president of an agricultural consulting company in Ames, Iowa, who says the Midwest isn’t short on supplies, it’s abnormally-high demand that’s causing the price jump. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, consumers in Iowa and across the U.S. are piling way more than the usual amount of groceries in their shopping carts. That unusually-high demand level is driving prices higher. Kerns says it’s not a surprise because as restaurant dining rooms are closed, more people are cooking in their homes. Some grocers are seeing as much as six times the normal demand for eggs, which is temporarily clearing out shelves. Processor are struggling to fill orders that are coming in at a rapid pace. Stores in Iowa and across the country say they’re seeing increased prices from their suppliers as they keep working to make sure their shelves stay filled with staple products.

Hoarding is pushing the price of eggs and milk higher

A guide by the National Corn Growers Association offers tips to manage COVID-19 on the farm. Farmers are preparing for spring planting, which means activity levels are increasing on the farm for things like field preparation and on-farm deliveries. 

NCGA says limiting interactions and exposure is a good idea to limit exposure and risk related to COVID-19, as it is critical to practice biosecurity for your family, your employees, the public, and animals. 

NCGA recommends farmers identify and coordinate a drop-off location for supplier deliveries to the farm. If possible, set this up away from high traffic areas and housing. Further instruction includes practicing distancing with delivery drivers, log all deliveries and utilize a visitor's log for everyone entering the farm. 

NCGA recommends farmers prepare on-farm workers and family members, and to sanitize contact surfaces around the farm, including door handles and knobs, floor mats, steering wheels and other commonly contacted surfaces. Additionally, it is recommended that all farms have Continuity of Business plans, to keep operations running smoothly in case of any disruption.

A guide by the National Corn Growers Association offers tips to manage COVID-19 on the farm. Farmers are preparing for spring planting, which means activity levels are increasing on the farm for things like field preparation and on-farm deliveries. NCGA says limiting interactions and exposure is a good idea to limit exposure and risk related to COVID-19, as it is critical to practice biosecurity for your family, your employees, the public, and animals. NCGA recommends farmers identify and coordinate a drop-off location for supplier deliveries to the farm. If possible, set this up away from high traffic areas and housing. Further instruction includes practicing distancing with delivery drivers, log all deliveries and utilize a visitor's log for everyone entering the farm. NCGA recommends farmers prepare on-farm workers and family members, and to sanitize contact surfaces around the farm, including door handles and knobs, floor mats, steering wheels and other commonly contacted surfaces. Additionally, it is recommended that all farms have Continuity of Business plans, to keep operations running smoothly in case of any disruption.

NCGA issues steps to manage COVID-19 on the farm

A new study shows America's ethanol industry employs a significantly larger share of military veterans than any other segment of the energy industry. 

Nearly one in five ethanol industry employees is a veteran at 19 percent, compared to a national average of six percent across all sectors of the workforce, according to the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report published by the National Association of State Energy Offices and Energy Futures Initiative. 

Per 100 workers, the ethanol industry employs more than twice as many veterans as the petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, coal, and wind energy sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Across all energy segments, veterans comprise nine percent of the U.S. energy sector's workforce, slightly above the national average.

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, an Army veteran who attained the rank of Captain, says, “The ethanol industry is a perfect fit for thousands of veterans across the country.” With ethanol jobs currently at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors, Cooper said the report serves as a timely reminder that the ethanol industry is a crucial employer of veterans.

A new study shows America's ethanol industry employs a significantly larger share of military veterans than any other segment of the energy industry. Nearly one in five ethanol industry employees is a veteran at 19 percent, compared to a national average of six percent across all sectors of the workforce, according to the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report published by the National Association of State Energy Offices and Energy Futures Initiative. Per 100 workers, the ethanol industry employs more than twice as many veterans as the petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, coal, and wind energy sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Across all energy segments, veterans comprise nine percent of the U.S. energy sector's workforce, slightly above the national average.RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, an Army veteran who attained the rank of Captain, says, “The ethanol industry is a perfect fit for thousands of veterans across the country.” With ethanol jobs currently at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors, Cooper said the report serves as a timely reminder that the ethanol industry is a crucial employer of veterans.

Ethanol industry employs significant amount of Veterans

A letter to the Trump Administration from three lawmakers asks the President to temporarily suspend tariffs or at least greatly expedite the tariff exclusion process. 

Representative Ron, a Democrat from Wisconsin, and others, signed the letter, which states, “Immediate tariff relief will have numerous positive effects, including reducing disruptions to existing supply chains and easing the economic burden on our companies and their workers.” 

The letter says tariff duties continue to threaten the economic well-being of families across the country and the viability of the health care, manufacturing, retail, and food sectors. 

The lawmakers are seeking a temporary reprieve from President Donald Trump, not permanent action. The letter says, “it is important to note that we are not asking for permanent rollbacks at this time. Instead, we are asking for you to provide temporary relief for our constituents during this public health crisis.” 

Joining Kind in the letter was Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene of Washington and Terri Sewell of Alabama.

A letter to the Trump Administration from three lawmakers asks the President to temporarily suspend tariffs or at least greatly expedite the tariff exclusion process. Representative Ron, a Democrat from Wisconsin, and others, signed the letter, which states, “Immediate tariff relief will have numerous positive effects, including reducing disruptions to existing supply chains and easing the economic burden on our companies and their workers.” The letter says tariff duties continue to threaten the economic well-being of families across the country and the viability of the health care, manufacturing, retail, and food sectors. The lawmakers are seeking a temporary reprieve from President Donald Trump, not permanent action. The letter says, “it is important to note that we are not asking for permanent rollbacks at this time. Instead, we are asking for you to provide temporary relief for our constituents during this public health crisis.” Joining Kind in the letter was Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene of Washington and Terri Sewell of Alabama.

Kind asks Trump to expedite tariff exclusion process

The $2 trillion stimulus package includes billions of dollars for U.S. agriculture. 

A quick analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows agriculture is set to receive $49 billion. Of that, $14 billion is provided to the Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation, and $15.8 billion is provided to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. 

Meanwhile, $9.5 billion is provided to the office of the Secretary for livestock and specialty crops, and $8.5 billion is provided for Child Nutrition Programs. 

Additionally, the funding includes $450 million for commodity assistance, $100 million for broadband grants, and $25 million for distance learning and telemedicine efforts. 

The agreement opens the door for a potential third round of Market Facilitation Payments through the Commodity Credit Corporation, originally created to help farmers as the Trump administration carries out its trade agenda. Funding an additional round of payments through the program is a request from many groups in agriculture.

The $2 trillion stimulus package includes billions of dollars for U.S. agriculture. A quick analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows agriculture is set to receive $49 billion. Of that, $14 billion is provided to the Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation, and $15.8 billion is provided to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. Meanwhile, $9.5 billion is provided to the office of the Secretary for livestock and specialty crops, and $8.5 billion is provided for Child Nutrition Programs. Additionally, the funding includes $450 million for commodity assistance, $100 million for broadband grants, and $25 million for distance learning and telemedicine efforts. The agreement opens the door for a potential third round of Market Facilitation Payments through the Commodity Credit Corporation, originally created to help farmers as the Trump administration carries out its trade agenda. Funding an additional round of payments through the program is a request from many groups in agriculture.

Stimulus package includes Ag provisions

American Farmland Trust Tuesday announced a fund to help farmers affected by the coronavirus crisis. 

Announced on National Ag Day, the fund will award eligible farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. 

The initial focus will be on farms that sell at farmers markets or to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products. That focus could change over time as the negative impacts of the crisis become more widespread within U.S. agriculture. 

A new report estimates that local and regional food systems could lose up to $1.3 billion between just March and May of this year. While all farmers and ranchers will likely be seriously impacted by the market disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the organization says, "some farmers are losing their primary markets because people can't eat in restaurants or shop at farmers markets." 

The Farmer Relief Fund program details can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmland.org/relief">www.farmland.org/relief</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

American Farmland Trust Tuesday announced a fund to help farmers affected by the coronavirus crisis. Announced on National Ag Day, the fund will award eligible farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The initial focus will be on farms that sell at farmers markets or to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products. That focus could change over time as the negative impacts of the crisis become more widespread within U.S. agriculture. A new report estimates that local and regional food systems could lose up to $1.3 billion between just March and May of this year. While all farmers and ranchers will likely be seriously impacted by the market disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the organization says, "some farmers are losing their primary markets because people can't eat in restaurants or shop at farmers markets." The Farmer Relief Fund program details can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmland.org/relief">www.farmland.org/relief</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fund launched to help farmers affected by the COVID-19 crisis

A group of agriculture organizations is calling on Congress to expand the Department of Agriculture's borrowing authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation. 

The groups say Congress must act to ensure the CCC has the authority and funding to assist farmers and ranchers facing serious cash flow challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The letter, addressed to both Senate and House leaders reads, "Farmers, ranchers and the supply chain that support them will not let Americans down during this unprecedented crisis, and they are asking the same of you." 

The organizations say, "Millions of producers will need help with cash flow given the rapid and unanticipated decline in commodity prices, the likely closures of ethanol processing plants, the effective elimination of direct-to-consumer sales and decline in full-service restaurant and school meal demand." 

Groups representing food, fuel and fiber signed on to the letter, including the American Farm Bureau Federation. The groups say Congress must ensure the CCC has ample authority and funding to help farmers and ranchers survive during this emergency.

A group of agriculture organizations is calling on Congress to expand the Department of Agriculture's borrowing authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation. The groups say Congress must act to ensure the CCC has the authority and funding to assist farmers and ranchers facing serious cash flow challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. The letter, addressed to both Senate and House leaders reads, "Farmers, ranchers and the supply chain that support them will not let Americans down during this unprecedented crisis, and they are asking the same of you." The organizations say, "Millions of producers will need help with cash flow given the rapid and unanticipated decline in commodity prices, the likely closures of ethanol processing plants, the effective elimination of direct-to-consumer sales and decline in full-service restaurant and school meal demand." Groups representing food, fuel and fiber signed on to the letter, including the American Farm Bureau Federation. The groups say Congress must ensure the CCC has ample authority and funding to help farmers and ranchers survive during this emergency.

Agriculture groups call on lawmakers to support farmers

Implementation of the Phase One Agreement continues, according to the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. 

In a news release Tuesday, the two announced continued progress in the implementation of the agriculture-related provisions.&nbsp; Among the recent actions, both countries signed a regionalization agreement that, in the event of a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza or virulent Newcastle disease in a particular region of the United States, China will allow U.S. poultry exports from unaffected areas. 

China also notified the U.S. of proposed maximum residue levels for three hormones commonly used in U.S. beef production. U.S. beef producers, for the first time since 2003, will have access to nearly all beef products into China. 

U.S. pork producers will also be able to significantly expand the types of pork products shipped to China. China also updated its list of U.S. facilities eligible to export distillers dried grains with solubles, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a notice to facilitate the registration of animal feed manufacturing facilities for export to China.

Implementation of the Phase One Agreement continues, according to the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. In a news release Tuesday, the two announced continued progress in the implementation of the agriculture-related provisions.&nbsp; Among the recent actions, both countries signed a regionalization agreement that, in the event of a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza or virulent Newcastle disease in a particular region of the United States, China will allow U.S. poultry exports from unaffected areas. China also notified the U.S. of proposed maximum residue levels for three hormones commonly used in U.S. beef production. U.S. beef producers, for the first time since 2003, will have access to nearly all beef products into China. U.S. pork producers will also be able to significantly expand the types of pork products shipped to China. China also updated its list of U.S. facilities eligible to export distillers dried grains with solubles, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a notice to facilitate the registration of animal feed manufacturing facilities for export to China.

Implementation of China agreement continues

Produce suppliers are looking for federal assistance, as many industry sectors seek relief from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

 The United Fresh Produce Association, representing the fresh produce supply chain, has requested urgent action by Congress to mitigate the challenges facing the sectors that have been impacted most severely. 

The immediate impact felt by the fresh produce supply chain is $5 billion for exposure for lost inventory and risk to growers, $1 billion a week in lost sales, and tens of thousands employee furloughed, according to the organization. 

Those recommendations include the establishment of a $1 billion fund, to address claims filed by foodservice distributors who have outstanding expenditures to grower-shippers. However, the group says the need may skyrocket to $5 billion. 

The group also requests USDA Immediately make an additional $1 billion available to help meet the needs of schools and all emergency feeding sites. Finally, they request the federal government provide $225 million funding for the Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children to accommodate a temporary increase to the cash-value voucher benefits.

Produce suppliers are looking for federal assistance, as many industry sectors seek relief from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The United Fresh Produce Association, representing the fresh produce supply chain, has requested urgent action by Congress to mitigate the challenges facing the sectors that have been impacted most severely. The immediate impact felt by the fresh produce supply chain is $5 billion for exposure for lost inventory and risk to growers, $1 billion a week in lost sales, and tens of thousands employee furloughed, according to the organization. Those recommendations include the establishment of a $1 billion fund, to address claims filed by foodservice distributors who have outstanding expenditures to grower-shippers. However, the group says the need may skyrocket to $5 billion. The group also requests USDA Immediately make an additional $1 billion available to help meet the needs of schools and all emergency feeding sites. Finally, they request the federal government provide $225 million funding for the Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children to accommodate a temporary increase to the cash-value voucher benefits.

United Fresh urges Congress to take immediate action

A recent move to expand pork and beef access to China will benefit U.S. producers and exporters, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. 

The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recently updated its Export Library for China to reflect expanded access for U.S. beef and pork. The changes were among the provisions negotiated in the U.S.-China Phase One trade agreement. 

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says with much broader access for U.S. beef, "the U.S. industry is well-positioned to expand its presence in the largest and fastest-growing beef market in the world." 

U.S. pork and beef still face retaliatory duties in China, but a tariff exclusion process implemented by the Chinese government earlier this month is providing some level of relief. 

USMEF states that while elimination of all retaliatory duties is still the best way for China to level the playing field for U.S. red meat, the exclusion process is expanding opportunities for importers and the U.S. industry.

A recent move to expand pork and beef access to China will benefit U.S. producers and exporters, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recently updated its Export Library for China to reflect expanded access for U.S. beef and pork. The changes were among the provisions negotiated in the U.S.-China Phase One trade agreement. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says with much broader access for U.S. beef, "the U.S. industry is well-positioned to expand its presence in the largest and fastest-growing beef market in the world." U.S. pork and beef still face retaliatory duties in China, but a tariff exclusion process implemented by the Chinese government earlier this month is providing some level of relief. USMEF states that while elimination of all retaliatory duties is still the best way for China to level the playing field for U.S. red meat, the exclusion process is expanding opportunities for importers and the U.S. industry.

USMEF applauds expanded access to China

For the fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has fallen, plummeting 12.8 cents over the last week to $2.08 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. 

The average price of diesel, meanwhile, fell 6.5 cents to $2.66 per gallon. Gas prices have spent virtually all of March marching lower, with the drop continuing as the coronavirus destroys oil demand globally, according to Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy. 

DeHaan says, “there’s plenty more room for prices to drop, putting 99 cents per gallon prices as a strong possibility for perhaps many more stations than we previously anticipated.” 

Crude oil prices have continued to be under heavy selling pressure due to the coronavirus’ effects on global demand for products including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. 

Additionally, a meeting March 5 by OPEC and Russia on how to stem the previous decline in oil resulted not in a production cut, but a feud between the two, with Saudi Arabia and Russia both saying they were going to raise oil production.

For the fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has fallen, plummeting 12.8 cents over the last week to $2.08 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The average price of diesel, meanwhile, fell 6.5 cents to $2.66 per gallon. Gas prices have spent virtually all of March marching lower, with the drop continuing as the coronavirus destroys oil demand globally, according to Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy. DeHaan says, “there’s plenty more room for prices to drop, putting 99 cents per gallon prices as a strong possibility for perhaps many more stations than we previously anticipated.” Crude oil prices have continued to be under heavy selling pressure due to the coronavirus’ effects on global demand for products including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Additionally, a meeting March 5 by OPEC and Russia on how to stem the previous decline in oil resulted not in a production cut, but a feud between the two, with Saudi Arabia and Russia both saying they were going to raise oil production.

Gas prices continue to plummet

The Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. 

NASS reports the agency also continues to collect data for all upcoming reports, asking farmers and ranchers to complete their surveys online, if they don’t already respond that way. To protect the health and safety of producers, partners, and employees, NASS has suspended in-person data collection at least until April 3, 2020. 

NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, “We are making every effort to produce the U.S. crop, livestock, and economic statistics that the nation counts on, but to do that responsibly, we are following guidance to slow the spread of coronavirus.” 

Ensuring that responses are returned on time means little or no additional outreach is needed. USDA says online response is faster and more convenient for producers. To respond online at agcounts.usda.gov, producers will need their unique 17-digit survey code from the questionnaire or letter received in the mail.

The Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. NASS reports the agency also continues to collect data for all upcoming reports, asking farmers and ranchers to complete their surveys online, if they don’t already respond that way. To protect the health and safety of producers, partners, and employees, NASS has suspended in-person data collection at least until April 3, 2020. NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, “We are making every effort to produce the U.S. crop, livestock, and economic statistics that the nation counts on, but to do that responsibly, we are following guidance to slow the spread of coronavirus.” Ensuring that responses are returned on time means little or no additional outreach is needed. USDA says online response is faster and more convenient for producers. To respond online at agcounts.usda.gov, producers will need their unique 17-digit survey code from the questionnaire or letter received in the mail.

USDA NASS reports remain on schedule

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has launched a website in an effort to support ag families impacted by stress.

Kansas Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Kelsey Olson was the one who spearheaded the effort to create the website <a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/">kansasagstress.org</a>.&nbsp;Olson says the project stemmed from an application for a USDA Farm Stress grant.

“We just know that we’ve got growing concerns of stress," Olson says. "We had a lot of recent natural disasters, whether they be water related or periodically have tornadoes that come through Kansas and we’ve got the depressed commodity prices and there are just a lot of issues that weigh heavily on farm families and that can often lead to mental and emotional distress or substance abuse and anxiety and depression. So, we wanted to do what we could to help.”

One of those ways they found to help was by putting all the resources in one place. Olson says the website pulls together different resources to support all members of the family involved in agriculture including teens, aging adults, men, women and more.

Olson says there was a lot of positive support to launch the website when she mentioned the idea.&nbsp;

“Many people would chime in about how they had either personally been connected or knew of someone and that everyone had generally had a sense that stress is continuing to grow and there was a need to start the conversation and a need out there for how do we direct individuals or if you’re concerned for a loved one, where do you turn?”

Olson says they have also received positive feedback since launching the website and they will continue to add to the website as they learn of more resources and as they receive feedback on what’s needed.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas Department of Agriculture has launched a website in an effort to support ag families impacted by stress.Kansas Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Kelsey Olson was the one who spearheaded the effort to create the website <a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/">kansasagstress.org</a>.&nbsp;Olson says the project stemmed from an application for a USDA Farm Stress grant.“We just know that we’ve got growing concerns of stress," Olson says. "We had a lot of recent natural disasters, whether they be water related or periodically have tornadoes that come through Kansas and we’ve got the depressed commodity prices and there are just a lot of issues that weigh heavily on farm families and that can often lead to mental and emotional distress or substance abuse and anxiety and depression. So, we wanted to do what we could to help.”One of those ways they found to help was by putting all the resources in one place. Olson says the website pulls together different resources to support all members of the family involved in agriculture including teens, aging adults, men, women and more.Olson says there was a lot of positive support to launch the website when she mentioned the idea.&nbsp;“Many people would chime in about how they had either personally been connected or knew of someone and that everyone had generally had a sense that stress is continuing to grow and there was a need to start the conversation and a need out there for how do we direct individuals or if you’re concerned for a loved one, where do you turn?”Olson says they have also received positive feedback since launching the website and they will continue to add to the website as they learn of more resources and as they receive feedback on what’s needed.

Website launched to support ag families impacted by stress

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574196219385.jpeg">A barge on the Missouri River is ready to be loaded with soybeans/Photos by Brent Martin By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post Grain is being shipped by barge from the new St. Joseph port on the Missouri River for the first time. Scott Gage with Central Commodities says barges are being loaded with soybeans at ransport 360, the operator of the St. Joseph Port Authority. “Right now, we’re loading two, which will be a little over 100,000 bushel and we’ll just have to see where the markets at from here,” Gage tells St. Joseph Post as he observes soybeans being unloaded from trucks into a barge on the Missouri River. It’s a big day for Transport 360 with CEO Bill Becker also watching as the barges are being loaded. “These particular barges are going down to the Gulf, yes, and it’s soybeans that will be delivered to the Gulf, reloaded on to a ship and they’re destined for export to some destination,” Becker says. Barges began leaving the Transport 360 port this week with the two barges hauling Central Commodities soybeans being the first barges to carry grain from the facility just off U.S. Highway 36. The barges hold 54,000 bushels of soybeans each. The begin their journey down the Missouri River to St. Louis and then on to the Gulf of Mexico for export. Gage says Central seeks the highest price, whether it is in St. Joseph, Kansas City, or overseas through the Gulf of Mexico. He says shipping by barge is much cheaper than the cost of shipping by truck or even rail, which opens export markets for his grain. “We can get so many more bushels on a barge, where a truck, freight, logistically you couldn’t make it work. It would cost way too much in freight,” Gage says. “I mean, you’re talking a thousand bushels on a truck versus 54,000 bushels at one time.” After a barge season interrupted by Missouri River flooding, Transport 360 hopes to ship between 15-and-20 barges this fall. Becker says while the Missouri remains high, it isn’t too high to ship grain on it. “Now, the water might rise 10 feet, it still doesn’t create a big advantage or disadvantage, really,” according to Becker. “The only time that it became a major issue was that it got so high last spring that St. Louis shut down and they couldn’t get barges in. In a lot of cases, our water was at a stable level, but we couldn’t get barges because the Mississippi was too high and so they were locked up there.” Becker says the St. Joseph Port Authority would like to see 80-to-100 barges ship each year from St. Joseph.<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574196337252.jpeg">Trucks unload soybeans for shipment by barge from Transport 360. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574196385849.jpeg">Soybeans being loaded onto a barge.

Grain leaves St. Joseph port for 1st time as barge shipments resume

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574088333941.jpeg">Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue, being interviewed at the NAFB convention/Photo by Melissa Gregory By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the move of two research agencies at the USDA from Washington, D.C. to Kansas City puts the agencies closer to those they serve. Perdue has toured an office building near downtown Kansas City where the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture will be relocated. Perdue insists this isn’t as big a move as critics claim. “Do you know that the Economic Research Service and NIFA were the only two agencies that were not represented outside of D.C.? Ninety percent of USDA workforce is outside of D.C. and NIFA and ERS were not, but now they will be,” Perdue tells reporters during his stop at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters convention in Kansas City this weekend. Critics have claimed the two research arms of the USDA will lose valuable experience by moving out of the District of Columbia. Some contend the USDA made the move, because the Trump Administration is upset with some of their work, especially research on the potential impact of climate change. The move is an economic boost to the greater Kansas City area with 576 USDA jobs moving to the Midwest, which an average salary of between $100-and-120 thousand. Missouri Governor Mike Parson says Missouri officials worked with their Kansas counterparts to make the successful bid which landed the two agencies. “The one thing we do know, we’re hard workers and we’re going to continue to work hard and when you work hard, the results happen to be like today and this is a great moment for Kansas City,” Parson says. “It’s a great moment for our state and what it’s going to do for us in the future.” The agencies are moving to 805 Pennsylvania Avenue, just off of downtown Kansas City. The Congressional delegations of Missouri and Kansas as well as local officials across the state line worked together on the bid, winning a contest that attracted proposals from 135 locations across the country. The state of Missouri says the relocation to Kansas City puts the two agencies within 300 miles of 13 land-grant universities as well as top agricultural research universities. Melissa Gregory, KFEQ Farm Director, and the Missourinet contributed to this article.&nbsp;