News
USDA Won’t Re-open the Dairy Margin Coverage Program
Published April 20, 2020
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the USDA will not reopen the Dairy Margin Coverage program sign-up. "We chose not to do that, because it's an insurance program. We literally begged people to sign up last year," said Perdue. "The DMC…MN Ag and Labor Departments Trying to Help Pork Plants
Published April 20, 2020
On Monday, JBS USA said it will be closing its Worthington, Minnesota pork production plant, because employees tested positive for the coronavirus. There are efforts underway to help those plant workers and Minnesota hog producers impacted by the closure of…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 Sunflower Council Election Results
Published April 20, 2020
Kennedy farmer Tom Dowdle and Dumont farmer Steven Schmidt has been re-elected to the Minnesota Sunflower Council, representing growers in Regions 1 and 2, respectively.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…