A Message from AFBF President Zippy Duvall
Farmers and ranchers are committed to rising every day to grow the food we all depend on. But we can’t do that work alone. It takes all of us safely working across the supply chain from the workers harvesting crops to the grocery store employees stocking shelves.
Times like these remind us all of the importance of ensuring our nation’s food security, and we want to assure Americans that agriculture remains on call 24/7. I am reminded of and grateful for the tireless hours farmers and ranchers put in all year long to supply healthy, affordable food to be processed and packaged so stores can restock shelves, produce bins, and meat and dairy cases.
Like you, I am praying for a quick end to this pandemic. I also have faith that great stories of service, of neighbors helping neighbors and communities working together (even from a distance) to protect one another will shine brightly across this country.
Latest Updates
Farm Bureau Ramps Up Farm to Food Bank Efforts
Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert and Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening join AFBF President Zippy Duvall to share on-the-ground efforts from their members and staff to get food from the farm to those who need it most in this crisis.
Farm Bureau Continues Fight for Fair Cattle Prices
Major upheaval in U.S. cattle markets has increased attention on the growing gap between high beef prices and low cattle prices. Always with an eye on how the organization can help its farmer and rancher members, the American Farm Bureau Federation is working aggressively, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic, to make sure livestock producers are fairly compensated for their cattle.
More Farmers Connecting with Local Buyers via Websites and Social Media
Many farmers who have lost their traditional markets due to COVID-19-related school, university, restaurant and hotel closures are turning to Facebook and other platforms to connect with consumers hungry for local farm products and a connection to growers in their area.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Improving a Critical Link of the Ag Supply Chain
Rural roads’ significant deficiencies have created many challenges -- and opportunities -- to improving the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain. However, America’s ability to address its rural transportation challenges is threatened by a significant decrease in state transportation revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an existing backlog of surface transportation projects and the continued need for regulatory flexibility.
View our full coverage of the impact of COVID-19 on agriculture here.
#StillFarming
Whether they’re readying the soil for spring planting, tending to crops that have already sprouted, feeding and milking their dairy cows or looking after their cattle, chickens and pigs, farmers and ranchers take very seriously their commitment to fill grocery store shelves with safe, affordable food.
Search #StillFarming on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to find hundreds of posts from farmers and ranchers like the ones featured here.
Farm Resources
Below are resources and communications tools to help farmers and their employees continue to work safely and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in rural communities. Please contact your local Farm Bureau for up-to-date guidance and state-specific resources.
- Agricultural Worker Protection Guidance – Maryland Farm Bureau
- Ag Worksite Checklist – University of California, Davis
- Workplace Guidelines and Posters – CDC
- Guidance for Farms and On-Farm Deliveries – Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Protective Measures for U-Pick Farms – South Carolina Farm Bureau
- Coronavirus Prevention & Control for Farms – Cornell University
- How to Build a Field Handwashing Station – South Carolina Farm Bureau
- Coping with Stress in the Ag Community – Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Template Email for Farm Employees – Michigan Farm Bureau
- Need for Travel for Critical Infrastructure Worker – Michigan Farm Bureau
- COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide – USDA
- H-2A Resources and Worker Availability – USDA
- Safety Guidance for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers and Employers – CDC
- Guidance for Livestock Markets – Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Information on coronavirus and how to slow the spread – CDC
- State-by-state information on trucking restrictions – American Trucking Association
- Questions regarding COVID-19 impact on agriculture labor visas:
AgLabor@usda.gov - Questions regarding feeding children impacted by COVID-19:
FeedingKids@usda.gov - Questions regarding impacts on America’s food supply chain:
FoodSupplyChain@usda.gov
