The American Farm Bureau Federation, along with more than 60 other agriculture groups, sent a letter today to the Biden administration requesting that agricultural workers be exempted from travel restrictions from South Africa. The “Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019” prohibits travel for individuals from several countries, including South Africa, due to concerns over the omicron variant. The letter also requests flexibility in regard to the “Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which limits entry into the United States to only those fully vaccinated with a CDC-approved vaccine with limited exceptions.

Among farmers and ranchers, very few topics are being discussed as much as the skyrocketing cost of fertilizer and increasing concerns regarding availability. Given that fertilizer costs account for approximately 15% of total cash costs in the U.S., fertilizer prices are the number one issue on farmers’ minds as they begin to set up purchases for the 2022 growing season. Unfortunately, the fertilizer sticker price farmers in some areas are reporting is up more than 300% and delivery times are anyone’s best guess. We’ve seen this before, in 2008. During the 12 months ending in April 2008, nitrogen prices increased 32%, phosphate prices increased 93% and potash prices increased 100%. Prices remained there through 2009, then dropped, ultimately returning to pre-2007 levels by the end of 2009. That price surge was associated with strong domestic and global demand, low fertilizer inventories and the inability of the U.S. fertilizer industry to adjust production levels. This time around, those same factors are at play, along with several others that add an extra layer of uncertainty.

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and as I reflect on the time, I am thankful for each person I have met and for the resiliency farmers and ranchers continue to show in the face of every challenge. Although the pandemic is not fully in the rearview yet, I have been grateful for opportunities to get back on the road safely this last year, and meet face-to-face with Farm Bureau members around the country.

In Louisiana, I saw how partnerships with land-grant universities are helping to keep rice and crawfish farmers in businesses through new varieties and growing methods. I heard how Farm Bureau’s advocacy work in 2020 to help crawfish farmers saved local farms.

The YF&R program helps young Farm Bureau members shape their future and American agriculture through leadership development and personal growth opportunities. Three competitions enable members to showcase their leadership experience, communication skills and successful business plans as they compete against the best of the best from each state Farm Bureau.

As I have traveled across our great country this year, I have experienced all types of agriculture, foods, and landscapes. But as I drive local roads and byways, there is one constant theme everywhere– a bumpy ride. That’s because our country has underinvested in the infrastructure we rely on to get our families from place to place and our farm goods from field to market. The underinvestment isn’t limited to roads or bridges but includes our ports, canals, railways, and strained power grid.

When farmers and ranchers invest in their farms, we do so because it helps us grow more with less and do it safely. That’s why the American Farm Bureau has been calling for a significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure for years. Well, after months of negotiating and hearing from our grassroots members, Congress has passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill.

Thirteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated today from the fall session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The intensive four-day course completed by the agricultural leaders featured hands-on sessions related to public speaking, working with the media and messaging. Graduates will use their training in a variety of ways including participating in local media opportunities to support Farm Bureau’s policy work, sharing information with elected officials and joining social media campaigns to share positive messages about agriculture.

These crisp, cool fall days are the perfect time to explore your local pumpkin patch or orchard. However, for many producers and businesses, visibility can be difficult without the right marketing and promotion. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is looking for orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more to showcase on a new app dedicated to connecting consumers with agritourism venues.