Newsroom

Second Round of Trade Assistance Coming Soon

$6.8 Billion Support Provided As Of Nov. 12

November 12, 2019 |

Following nearly two years of unfair retaliatory tariffs that have roiled U.S. commodity markets and disrupted supply chains, USDA recently signaled that the second of three rounds of Market Facilitation Program payments, i.e., payments that were tentatively to be paid in November 2019, will be available to producers in late November or early December. The first round of trade assistance, announced in July 2019, authorized up to $14.5 billion in direct payments to farmers who had been impacted by the tariffs (USDA Announces Details Behind the New Trade Aid Package). USDA data suggests that, so far, the department has sent $6.8 billion in payments to farmers.

November 12, 2019 | Newsline

Congress will likely consider another continuing resolution this month to fund federal farm programs. Micheal Clements has more.
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Celebrating a Century as the Voice of Agriculture

November 12, 2019 |

In this special episode of Farmside Chat, AFBF President Zippy Duvall reflects on the centennial of the America Farm Bureau and chats with Hall of Fame farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson about the history and future of American agriculture.

New Bill Would Help Livestock Haulers

November 8, 2019 |

Recently introduced legislation would give farmers and ranchers more flexibility when transporting live animals and perishable goods.

November 7, 2019 | Newsline

New research shows U.S. consumers spend less on groceries than any other nation. Micheal Clements has more.
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Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers

November 6, 2019 |

“Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”

Farmers and Ranchers Need USMCA

November 6, 2019 |

Farmers and ranchers are anxiously awaiting the news that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is on its way to Congress for a vote of ratification, and that Congress will get it done quickly.

November 5, 2019 | Newsline

The American Farm Bureau Federation says recent legislation to address farm labor challenges could do more for farmers and ranchers. Micheal Clements has more.
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Happy Consumers Drive Solid Economy, Though Potential Downturn Still Looms

November 5, 2019 |

There have been a lot of economic reports and events over the last couple of weeks: the third-quarter gross domestic product report, jobs report, Federal Reserve action, potential movement on a China trade deal, new records in equity markets and on and on. One of the most telling, however, may have been an editorial in the Washington Post over the weekend that included the comments:

Tell EPA to Fully Account For Small Refinery Waivers

November 4, 2019 |

The comment period on EPA’s proposed supplemental to the Renewable Fuel Standard is an opportunity for farmers to tell the agency how the proposal fails to fully recognize the administration’s considerable use of small refinery waivers and the negative effect this has on the integrity of the RFS program and the entire renewable fuels industry.