From dairy farmers with nowhere to send their milk and cattle ranchers reeling from plummeting beef prices, the impact of the coronavirus is rippling through farm country. Corn, cotton and soybean futures have tumbled, ethanol plants have been idled, and some fruit and vegetable farmers are finding their best option is leaving produce in the field. (more…)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has roiled the U.S. economy, the Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. In addition to direct payments to individuals of up to $1,200, extended unemployment benefits and federal loan guarantees, the $2 trillion CARES Act provides a number of food- and agriculture-related benefits, including funding to ensure children and low-income families have continued access to nutritious, affordable food and to ensure farmers have the financial resources they need to offset the more immediate economic impacts of the virus. Today’s article reviews the food and agriculture-related provisions of the CARES act. (more…)
Some say this is the week when the coronavirus outbreak and business closures will hit the make-or-break point for the U.S. economy. Things would be much worse if Congress and the President had not taken action—passing and signing the coronavirus aid package last week. (more…)
American Farm Bureau has released its first assessment of the impact on farmers and ranchers in the wake of the national mitigation efforts to combat COVID-19. Impact of COVID-19 on Agriculture
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The White House Council on Environmental Quality’s proposal to update how it implements the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will advance the statute’s goal of promoting better environmental decisions in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. (more…)
The Federal Aviation Administration should revamp its drone proposal to provide flexibility to allow farmers and ranchers who cannot access the internet to continue using drones, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. (more…)
Last Friday in a room full of Wyoming farmers and ranchers, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed a proclamation designating the week of March 2nd as “Wyoming Agricultural Literacy Week.” (more…)
By Kailey Barlow, Sublette County Rancher and WyFB YF&R Committee Member
Every time I check Facebook, read a newspaper, or just listen to the talk around town, I’m quickly reminded that the agriculture industry is facing what can seem like unsurmountable challenges. That is why I choose to be active in the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and attend the Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers conference every year. The Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers conference has a different focus every year, so it always provides new learning opportunities. A couple years ago we learned about farm and ranch succession, last year the conference focused on farm and ranch profitability, and I can’t wait for this year’s “Liberty and Justice for Ag” conference that will have a legislative focus. The conference is open to all farmers, ranchers, and those interested in agriculture business across the state. (more…)
Legislative agriculture issues will be presented at the 2020 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Legislative Meeting. The meeting will be Feb. 27-28 at the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center in Cheyenne. Held annually to coincide with the legislative session, the meeting provides Farm Bureau members the opportunity to meet with their legislators one-on-one and hear about current issues. This year the WyFB Young Farmer & Rancher Conference begins on Feb. 26th and will be held jointly with the WyFB Legislative Meeting. (more…)
Make plans to travel to the Capitol City in February for 2.5 days packed with educational and informational speakers, a day at the Capitol, a meeting with Wyoming’s Governor and more. “Liberty and Justice for Ag” is the theme of the Feb. 26-28, 2020 Wyoming Farm Bureau (WyFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference in Cheyenne, Wyo. The conference is hosted by the WyFB YF&R Committee for farmers and ranchers of all ages. Children are welcome. No membership required to attend. Whether you farm or ranch, work in ag business or have family in agriculture—this conference is for you! (more…)