Recently released H-2A program data reveals some interesting impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time since the Department of Labor began reporting quarterly data in 2013, the number of certified positions declined in the fourth quarter (July 1 – Sept. 30) of fiscal year 2020.
Read MoreWe completed the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Convention virtually in January. It went as well as it could have, but there were a few things that were a little wonky. By the way, wonky is my new favorite pandemic word and really is a good descriptor of most of what has happened because of the pandemic.
Read MoreRecent higher commodity prices and ongoing ad hoc financial support to offset natural disasters, retaliatory tariffs and coronavirus-related damages have come a little too late for some farmers across the U.S., i.e., 2020 Farm Profitability: A False Positive.
Read MoreAs any farmer or rancher can tell you, farm life can be demanding and stressful. It’s reaching a critical stage with coronavirus impacts on top of trade wars, natural disasters, depressed commodity prices, labor shortages and other factors.
Read MoreAs our nation transitions to a new president and administration in Washington, D.C., closer to home, new leaders have taken the reins at several state Farm Bureaus. In this article, recently elected state Farm Bureau presidents share their thoughts on current challenges facing farmer and ranchers, their vision for the future and what they’re looking forward to most in 2021.
Read MoreTo help rebuild farmers’ trust in USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, a farmer-led working group put together by the American Farm Bureau has developed a series of recommendations for the agency. The recommendations focus on technology improvements and better communication from the agency, but the validity of the agency’s reports hinges on farmers’ full participation in NASS’ data collection efforts.
Read MoreMembers of the American Farm Bureau Federation gathered virtually Thursday to assess the changes the organization would pursue in its lengthy policy book.
Read MoreOn January 15, USDA announced additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This new assistance will include expanded eligibility for certain commodities and producers established in the recently passed relief package, as well as updated payments for producers who were eligible under previous iterations of the program.
Read MoreFarmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2021. Key topics ranged from farm diversity to farm labor and dairy policy to livestock marketing. For the first time in AFBF history, delegates met and voted virtually due to COVID-19.
Read MoreJohn Newton, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s chief economist, was recently reappointed to serve on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products, one of six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees.
Read MoreSecretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue thanked farm bureau members for their support of the nation’s agricultural policies over the last four years and encouraged members to continue to advocate for what’s best for American agriculture in his virtual address given during the annual American Farm Bureau Convention meeting on Tuesday evening.
Read MoreHarvust is the winner of the seventh annual Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, becoming the 2021 Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year. AFBF, in partnership with Farm Credit, announced the winner at AFBF’s Virtual Annual Convention.
Read MoreChina’s demand for protein, and feedstuffs to feed their domestic herd, remains the “big elephant in the room” when looking at how U.S. agricultural producers could build on what ended up being a strong 2020 finish. During an economic outlook session held during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual convention Jan. 12, three in-house economists offered positive indicators of more good news ahead.
Read MoreLand O’ Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford joined American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall Monday to discuss hot topics and issues facing agriculture in the Farm Bureau’s virtual annual meeting.
Read MoreAs the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic brought economic hardship to rural communities and food banks struggled to keep up with increased demand, state and county Farm Bureaus donated millions of dollars and pounds of food to help those in need of assistance.
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