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AgCountry Farm Credit Services Can Access SBA Loans
Published April 14, 2020
AgCountry Farm Credit Services now has access to the Small Business Administration’s portal to administer the Paycheck Protection Program loans. "We have links to the applications on our website. We are encouraging farmers to download an application, fill it out…Analysis Takes a Preliminary Look at COVID-19 Impact
Published April 14, 2020
A preliminary report from the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute captures the immediate impact the coronavirus is making on agriculture. In the analysis, FAPRI is forecasting a five to 10 percent reduction in crop prices for…Second JBS Beef Plant Temporarily Shuts Down
Published April 14, 2020
JBS USA is closing its Greeley, Colorado beef packing plant until April 24 after more than 50 employees tested positive for coronavirus. The facility will wind down operations over the next two days to ensure existing product in the facility…Anaylsts Closely Monitor Smithfield Foods Closure
Published April 13, 2020
Market analysts are watching the Smithfield Foods plant closing in Sioux Falls very closely. "I do think there are hedge funds in the market selling the headlines," explains Steve Wagner, market analyst, CHS Hedging. "That's the market, but the reality…Nutritional Deficiencies Showing Up this Calving Season
Published April 13, 2020
The 2020 calving season has brought forth some unexplained calf abortions or deaths. NDSU Veterinary Diagnostics Lab director Brett Webb says those issue can often be linked back to nutritional deficiencies. "There's a pretty good association with Vitamin A deficiencies,…National Leader Offers Words of Encouragement on COVID-19
Published April 13, 2020
When in uncertain times and continue market volatility, some positives can come from a negative situation. That’s according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Marty Smith, who shares this piece of advice. "I hope everyone would focus back on their…Custom Harvesters Maneuver Labor Challenges
Published April 13, 2020
Custom harvester crews are looking for help in preparation for the upcoming season. U.S. Custom Harvesters Incorporated President Glen Jantzen says the times are unprecedented. "Some of the people from our southern borders have been able to get in. It…“Business as Usual” for Seedstock Producers
Published April 13, 2020
The coronavirus has caused a decline in live and feeder cattle prices, but how has it impacted the seed stock business? Since the beginning of winter, Western Ag Reporter field editor Will Bollum has been traveling across North Dakota, South…Lawmakers May Try Again to Boost Funds for Small Business Loans
Published April 13, 2020
Lawmakers may try again to increase funding for small business loans. The first attempt was blocked in the Senate last week. Over the weekend, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said they’d continue to try…