The American Farm Bureau Federation applauds the U.S. Senate for passing the Growing Climate Solutions Act. The act has 55 cosponsors, which makes it the first major piece of bipartisan legislation that would help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience through voluntary, market-driven programs. The Growing Climate Solutions Act passed by a vote of 92-8.
Read MoreRecently introduced legislation would create greater price discovery and transparency within the cattle market, while giving producers more tools and useful information. The Farm Bureau-backed Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021 would direct USDA to create a cattle formula contracts library and increase the reporting window for “cattle committed” from seven to 14 days.
The bill would also require USDA, in consultation with the department’s chief economist, to establish mandated minimums for regional negotiated cash and negotiated grid live cattle trade.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of its intention to reverse the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.
“The American Farm Bureau Federation is extremely disappointed in the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement of its intention to reverse the environmentally conscious Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which finally brought clarity and certainty to clean water efforts. Farmers and ranchers care about clean water and preserving the land, and they support the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.
Read MoreFarmers and ranchers have struggled with access to mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of resources added to the stress and challenges of dealing with unpredictable weather and fluctuating commodity prices.
Removing the stigma of seeking help is important. "If your tractor needed maintenance … you would stop what you're doing and you'd get it working right before you go try and go out in the field," Ray Atkinson, AFBF Director of Communications told People Magazine. "You are the most important piece of equipment on your farm."
In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the American Farm Bureau Federation launched a comprehensive, easy-to-use online directory of resources for farmers, ranchers and their families who are experiencing stress and mental health challenges.
The directory, which is on the Farm State of Mind website at farmstateofmind.org, features listings for crisis hotlines and support lines, counseling services, training opportunities, podcasts, videos, published articles and other resources in every U.S. state and Puerto Rico. Listings for crisis support, counseling and behavioral health resources that are available nationwide are also included.
Read MoreCongresswoman Julia Letlow announced the addition of Zellie Duvall to her staff as legislative assistant over agriculture.
Duvall, the daughter of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and native of Greensboro, Ga., grew up on a farm that has been in her family for generations. She received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, with an emphasis in agricultural communication.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation calls on the administration to act responsibly in conservation efforts. Specifically, President Biden’s goal to conserve at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030, commonly referred to as “30x30,” is raising questions. Three key requests are outlined in a letter to President Biden: that the administration provide clarity on the initiative; that the effort recognizes voluntary conservation efforts already underway; and that the administration seeks input from farmers and ranchers.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the re-introduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act.
“AFBF welcomes the introduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which builds on the strong foundation of environmental stewardship in American agriculture by providing more clarity and guidance for farmers and ranchers as they explore or expand participation in carbon markets.
Read MoreLiving in rural America is a blessing. Many of us can sit on our porches and look out over beautiful fields, forests, hills and prairies. We live in beautiful and historic small towns where we support local businesses. And connecting us all are the roads and bridges we travel as we start busy days tending to livestock, nurturing our crops, attending our children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events and visiting friends and family. Trucks and trains filled with the fruits of farmers’ and ranchers’ hard work crisscross the landscape as barges move up and down rivers.
But the networks we rely on for all of this are in a severe state of disrepair.
Read MoreFarm Bureau applauds the state of Montana for filing an amicus curiae with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the petition filed by the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) challenging the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12.
The brief was filed by Indiana, joined by Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Read MoreAny change in capital gains tax policy that eliminates or scales back stepped-up basis could result in a massive tax burden on the agricultural sector according to new analysis by the American Soybean Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
To minimize the impact of burdensome capital gains taxes, farmers and ranchers use stepped-up basis, which provides a reset for the asset value basis during intergenerational transfers. The magnitude of the tax burden that would be felt if basis is taken away or reduced would likely significantly exceed the annual income generated by the assets, something that has soy and other American farmers concerned.
Read MoreMy father spent 30 years in the rice business and I remember driving a “bank out” wagon to transport the grain before I ever drove a car. From those rural roots I came to appreciate that farmers are the foundation of our nation’s food system, providing the nourishing foods we all need to lead healthy, happy lives. Farmers — through advocacy, fundraising and more — are also critical partners in our nation’s fight against hunger, especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreUSDA’s latest Cold Storage Report, released Monday, shows animal protein levels are still impacted by COVID-19. The monthly report, provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, shows the end-of-month volume of commodities in freezer storage throughout the U.S. An important market-moving report, it covers most commodities that require cold transport, ranging from nuts, to fruits and vegetables, to dairy and meat.
Read MoreLaunched last March to assure consumers that farmers and ranchers take very seriously their commitment to fill grocery store shelves with safe, affordable food, #StillFarming has reached more than 100 million people in all 50 states and more than 90 countries.
Whether they were prepping the soil for spring planting, tending to newly sprouted crops, harvesting those crops at just the right time, feeding and milking their dairy cows or looking after their cattle, chickens and pigs, farmers and ranchers carried on, day-in and day-out, while much of the world came to a standstill.
Read MoreWhere would we be without agriculture? Some would say naked and hungry. While that may be true for a time, I say eventually we as a society would be no more. Think about it. You can only be hungry for so long and then with no food being grown, what happens?
Switching topics for a minute…let’s say it’s your birthday. Why is this day any more important than the other 364 days? It’s not, but it is a day set apart to remember the value of you. We take this opportunity to celebrate you, how you have impacted our lives and what you have gone through the past 364 days. It also gives you that same opportunity and provides you with the chance to see your impact through others’ eyes. That is the precise reason we celebrate National Ag Day every year in March.
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