American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall today outlined the organization’s 2023 Farm Bill priorities. The priorities were identified by a working group of Farm Bureau members and staff from across the country. AFBF’s overarching priorities include: Continuing current farm bill program funding; Maintaining a unified farm bill that includes nutrition programs and farm programs together; Prioritizing risk management tools …
Ag Climate Alliance Unveils Policy Recommendations
A diverse alliance of groups representing farming, forestry, food, government and environment today unveiled a set of recommendations to guide the development of federal climate policy. The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) was formed in February 2020 by four groups that now co-chair the alliance: American Farm Bureau Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and National …
Farm Groups Support Climate Solutions Act
The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing Wednesday on the Growing Climate Solutions Act, legislation designed to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate-smart practices. The bill has the support of numerous agribusinesses and farm organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, and …
Farm Groups Launch Free Stress Management Course
Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau and National Farmers Union have announced the launch of a farm stress management online training course available for the general public. Developed by Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) and University of Illinois Extension (Illinois Extension), the course will help farmers, their families and neighbors identify and cope with stress. It provides participants the skills …
President Trump Announces Direct Assistance to Farmers
President Donald Trump Tuesday announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “These payments will compensate farmers for losses related to the global pandemic caused by China,” said President Trump, who was joined making the announcement …
Impact of COVID-19 on Agriculture
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting farmers and ranchers as they work to maintain a stable domestic food supply. Changes in consumer purchases, the closing of schools and restaurants, and the drop in fuel demand has caused a sharp decline in commodity prices. Farmers are challenged to find methods to get products to consumers. The American Farm Bureau Federation brought together …
Farmers and Ranchers Committed to US Food Supply
America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to doing all they can do to maintain the nation’s food supply amid growing challenges posed by COVID-19. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president Zippy Duvall, along with Chalmers Carr, a peach farmer in South Carolina, and John Boelts, a produce farmer in Arizona, gave an update on how farmers are dealing with the …
Agriculture Groups Urge Action on Farm Labor
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to recognize all H-2A as well as any other non-immigrant visa petition involving an agricultural worker visa consular processing functions as essential and direct U.S. Consulates to treat all agricultural worker appointments as emergency visa services. AWC is comprised of more than a dozen agricultural organizations, including American …
Farmers Join Forces for Sustainability and Responsible Climate Policy
Twenty-one farm and ranch groups representing millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers are launching Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability. This coalition will serve as a primary resource for lawmakers and policymakers as they consider climate policies. Representatives from five of the FSF founding organizations announced the new coalition in Washington, D.C. …
Presidents Trump Addresses Farm Bureau for Third Year
President Donald Trump addressed farmer and rancher members of the American Farm Bureau Federation for the third year in a row Sunday, and promised to be back next year while continuing to fight for what is important to them. The president touted last week’s historic trade deal with China and Senate passage of the USMCA, as well as repeal of …
AgButler Serves to Offer Farm Labor Solutions
AgButler is a gig economy platform that serves as a solution to a rural labor shortage by providing on-demand jobs giving farmers and ranchers access to a high-quality labor force while boosting rural economies. Kevin Johansen, AgButler president and CEO, developed the app for agriculture because it has become increasingly difficult for farmers and ranchers to get help they need …
Farm Groups Partner to Help Farmers Manage Stress
Pictured LtoR: Todd Van Hoose, Farm Credit Council; Dale Moore, AFBF; Mark Skidmore, Michigan State Extension; Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have partnered on a program to train individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to recognize signs of stress and offer help. Based on the farm stress program Michigan …
AFBF Women in Ag Survey
A recent survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) confirms that a high percentage of women in agriculture already advocate for the industry, but they are looking for more leadership opportunities at all levels. Sherry Saylor, chair of the AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee and a farmer from Arizona, said 95 percent of women surveyed indicated they advocate for the …
Ag Groups Cheer Japan Agreement
Representatives for farmer and rancher organizations were present for a meeting with President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Abe in New York City as the two signed a trade deal Wednesday worth billions for U.S. agricultural producers. Under the market access agreement, Japan will open the market to approximately $7 billion in American agricultural exports, eliminating or significantly lowering …
EPA Ditches WOTUS Rule
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Department of the Army Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James announced the repeal of a 2015 rule that impermissibly expanded the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The agencies are also recodifying the longstanding and familiar regulatory text that existed …