Articles tagged under: COVID
Vax Rates in Metro Outpace Rural MN
Published June 17, 2021
Minnesota’s COVID vaccination rate is approaching the 70 percent. However, Governor Tim Walz told the Red River Farm Network the vaccination rate in rural parts of the state is lagging behind the metro. "There are pockets and they do tend…USDA Invests in Food Supply Chain Updates
Published June 8, 2021
The USDA is investing more than $4 billion to address food supply chain needs through the Build Back Better Initiative. The USDA will focus on four areas: food production, processing, distribution and markets and consumers. Increased transparency and competition within…A Different Take on Agriculture Education
Published April 22, 2021
The retiring Minnesota FFA State Sentinel Laney Swiers from Mahnomen attends the University of Minnesota Crookston where she’s pursuing a degree in agricultural education. Being a state officer in 2020 allowed her view ag education differently. "Agriculture teachers had to…Ducheneaux Gets Familiar with New Role at FSA
Published April 16, 2021
Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux's been with the USDA for six weeks, working remotely from South Dakota and getting familiar with programs. "Things are going really fast, but I love the job." Ducheneaux says there’s opportunity for more equitable…Farmers are Eligible for the Second Paycheck Protection Program
Published March 31, 2021
Bell Bank Senior Vice President for Agribusiness Development Lynn Paulson says Northern Plains farmers have interest in the Paycheck Protection Program. "Overall, I think there's still a benefit. Farmers may be eligible and should check with their lender or tax…USDA Did Not Adjust Payment Limits in COVID Relief
Published March 26, 2021
Following the USDA's COVID relief announcement, Pro Farmer Policy Analyst Jim Wiesemeyer thinks the biggest takeaway for farmers is the top-up payments for livestock and crops. Those are being run through already existing programs. "USDA can mail out checks without…State Lawmakers Consider How to Fund ND Infrastructure Needs
Published March 26, 2021
The North Dakota Legislature is considering the state’s infrastructure needs. Representative Jared Hagert, who farms at Emerado, says there is a desire for improvements and different ways of getting it done. "It's like squeezing a balloon, we can move some…Local FSA Offices Increase Worker Capacity
Published March 19, 2021
Starting Monday, Farm Service Agency offices will be allowed to operate at 50 percent worker capacity. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Biden Administration previously limited offices to 25 percent worker capacity. The White House is making an exception for Farm…COVID Highlights the Value of the Food Supply Chain
Published March 12, 2021
It's been one year since the COVID pandemic began and recognizing the value of the ag supply chain may be one of the biggest lessons learned. As the pandemic began, keeping food in stock on grocery store shelves challenged agriculture.…