Feeding Families During Peace and Crisis
Like many of you, my heart has been heavy with the news of war with Russia’s attack on Ukraine. I am praying daily for the people of Ukraine, wisdom for President Biden and our allies, and for a swift resolution. These events have been a sobering reminder of how fragile peace can be, and how we all play a role in protecting our families and communities from security risks at home and abroad.
As farmers and ranchers, our mission remains clear: to provide a safe, sustainable supply of food, fiber and renewable fuel. Our nation’s food security is a matter of national security—in times of war and peace. One of America’s greatest strengths is our ability to feed ourselves. We have seen that play out over modern history, especially in the last century. Don’t ever underestimate the importance of your role as a farmer or rancher. We may be a small percentage of the population here in the U.S., but America’s 2 million farm families are rising each day to ensure pantries across the country are filled. Remaining true to our mission on the farm frees the 98% of Americans off the farm to pursue other careers and roles that also keep our economy strong and moving forward.
Read More
2022 Ag Safety Awareness Program Week: ‘Prepare. Prevent. Protect.’
Farm Bureaus across the nation are preparing for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, March 7-11. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting ag safety this week with the theme “Prepare. Prevent. Protect.”
Read More
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Agriculture Experience
Growing up and being involved in the livestock industry, I’ve discovered that this is where my passion lies. Today I want to take some time and share with you five ways to make the most of your livestock experience, whether it be showing, ag-vocating or anything in between.
Read More
USDA Grants Will Strengthen Food Supply
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement to provide grant funding to expand meat and poultry processing facilities.
Read More
2022 Farm Profitability Outlook: Production Expenses Up, Net Farm Income Down
USDA’s most recent Farm Sector Income Forecast, released Feb. 4, anticipates a slight decline in net farm income for 2022. U.S. net farm income, a broad measure of farm profitability, is currently forecasted at $113.7 billion, down 4.5%, or $5.4 billion, from 2021’s $119.1 billion.
Read More
National Farm Policy Experts Highlight Sugar Meeting
The American Sugar Cane League, founded in 1922 by a group of Louisiana cane producers and millers, celebrated the beginning of its 100th year of service to the cane industry on February 8 at its annual meeting at L’Auberge Hotel and Casino in Baton Rouge.
Read More
Farm Bankruptcies Down Dramatically in 2021
What a difference a year can make. After a near-record number of Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings in 2020, according to data from the U.S. Courts, Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings were down an incredible 50% in 2021.
Read More
Farm Bureau Commends New Climate-Smart Pilot Projects
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement of the Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities pilot program.
Read More
Farm Bureau Supports Port of Oakland Expansion
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement that the agency is partnering with the Port of Oakland to build a 25-acre container yard with the goal of reducing congestion and improving export flow of agricultural commodities.
Read More
Market Issues to Track for 2022
Rising prices, strong worldwide demand and more than $27.2 billion in government payments drove net farm income in the U.S. to $117 billion in 2021, its highest level in eight years.
Read More
Milk Check Outlook: High Milk Prices Won’t Look as Good as in the Past
When economists try to forecast markets, they typically look at the history of prices and production and consumer demand and other market factors. Their statistics-based forecasts assume the basic relationships don’t change; and that usually works pretty well.
Read More
Vilsack Wants To Double Cover Crop Acres By 2030
While speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a new partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service with Farmers For Soil Health, an initiative of the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association and National Pork Board.
Read More
American Farm Bureau Backs No-Cost Sugar Policy
America's largest farm advocacy group renewed its support of a no-cost sugar policy that creates a level playing field for sugar producers while ensuring a safe, reliable and affordable supply for consumers.
Read More
America Trusts Us Because Our Farmers Never Waver
I see that the future is bright for agriculture as we work to get through this pandemic. I visited 26 states and Puerto Rico, and I bring the stories from your farms to our nation's leaders and lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
In Louisiana, I saw firsthand how regulations like Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, can impact farms. Farmers in Arizona made it clear how H-2A visa delays are hurting agriculture. The shocking realities of the border crisis became very real when I visited our southern border states. In Kansas, farmers weren't shy about sharing their concerns around livestock markets. And in Puerto Rico, the power of farm bill programs to strengthen farmers was on full display.
Read More
American Farm Bureau Establishes 2022 Policies
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2022. Key topics ranged from milk pricing and beef market transparency to urban agriculture.
Read More
