Top Stories Articles
Unknowns Remain on USDA’s COVID-19 Direct Payments
Published April 20, 2020
A large portion of the USDA’s coronavirus aid includes $16 billion in direct payments for farmers and ranchers. Combest, Sell and Associates managing partner Tom Sell says more details are needed for the calculations of the direct payments. "What we…Noem Signs Executive Order for SD Pork Producers
Published April 20, 2020
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order to help the state’s pork producers during the coronavirus. "With packing plants shutting down across the country and in our region, farmer's options are very limited. The executive order will give…MN Farmers Starting to Plant the ’20 Crop
Published April 20, 2020
Minnesota farmers are starting to put the 2020 crop in the ground. University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Jared Goplen says both wheat and corn have been planted in the Morris area. "This is the first time in a couple…JBS USA Closes Worthington, MN Pork Plant
Published April 20, 2020
JBS USA is closing its Worthington, Minnesota pork production facility indefinitely. There's been a growing number of coronavirus cases at the plant. The facility employs more than 2,000 people and processes 20,000 hogs per day. The pork facility will be…Uncertainty in Agriculture is like “Throwing a Rock in a Pond”
Published April 20, 2020
Agriculture was already dealing with a challenging economy, even before the COVID-19 pandemic started. According to Bell Bank Senior Vice President Lynn Paulson, farm program payments through the Market Faciliation Program and WHIP-plus did help the balance sheet come loan…Rural Perspectives
Published April 20, 2020
USDA has released plans for the COVID-19 assistance package for farmers and ranchers. While agriculture is waiting on the specific details, the big picture items have been laid out. AgCountry FCS Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Howard…What Does COVID-19 Assistance Provide for Livestock Producers?
Published April 20, 2020
Cattle producers will receive $5.1 billion of the $9.6 billion of the USDA direct payments for livestock producers. A study from Oklahoma State University estimates cattle industry losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will reach $13.6 billion, alone.…TransFARMation: Self-Care is Not Selfish
Published April 20, 2020
The coronavirus outbreak has impacted everyone. When it comes to farmers and ranchers, University of Minnesota Rural Stress Task Force Director Emily Krekelberg says COVID-19 has been devastating for the markets. "That is stressing an already stressed population," Krekelberg explains.…Grain Entrapments Can Happen Quickly
Published April 20, 2020
NDSU Extension Engineer Ken Hellevang says it doesn’t take long to get trapped in a grain bin. “If a farmer is unloading grain at 5,000 bushels per hour, that’s a few cubic feet per second. Someone can become entrapped in…