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USDA Announces COVID-19 Assistance Program
Published April 17, 2020
On Friday, the USDA announced the details of a coronavirus aid package for farmers and ranchers. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program includes $16 billion in direct support to farmers and ranchers and $3 billion to purchase fresh produce, dairy and…MN Hog Market in a “Tough Situation”
Published April 17, 2020
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says Minnesota's hog market is in a tough situation. "A few of our hogs in Minnesota go to Smithfield Foods in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We're trying to find homes for those hogs on the…Spring Fieldwork Begins
Published April 17, 2020
Drier and warmer conditions in the forecast for the Northern Plains have farmers eager to start spring fieldwork. Hazen, North Dakota farmer John Weinand started planting barley on Friday. "We've also been working in the fields doing some fertilizer application…Drier Weather Conditions May Not Last Long
Published April 17, 2020
Farmers in the Midwest will have some opportunity to plant over the next two weeks. "I think we need to take full advantage of decent conditions while we can, because I'm not convinced the break will last long," said Drew…Smithfield Closing Raises Questions About Food Security
Published April 17, 2020
In a podcast produced by Roll Call, South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson outlined the current shutdown of the Sioux Falls pork processing plant. Johnson was asked about possible food shortages with closures like this one. "We don't have shortages now…Paycheck Protection Program Funds Reach Limit
Published April 16, 2020
On Thursday, the Small Business Administration reached the $349 billion lending limit for the Paycheck Protection Program. Small businesses with unprocessed loans will now wait for Congress to approve more funding. Lawmakers are attempting to add $250 billion to the…Small Changes Seen in Ag Credit World During 1Q
Published April 16, 2020
Compared to one year ago, the volume of farm operating loans increased slightly in the first quarter. The quarterly ag finance report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City indicates delinquency rates increased slightly at the end of 2019,…More Corn Acres Could Challenge Prices
Published April 16, 2020
In a new analysis, the American Farm Bureau Federation says U.S. farmers may need to scale back corn acres to support prices. The March USDA Prospective Plantings report is forecasting 97 million corn acres to be planted this year. Farm…Practicing Emotional Resilience During COVID-19
Published April 16, 2020
The current reality of the coronavirus is impacting everyone differently. Some are moving forward with business as usual and others are feeling overwhelmed. According to Monica McConkey, a rural mental health specialist with Eyes on the Horizon Consulting, emotional resilience…