
Agriculture must be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine
AFBF President Duvall called for the elimination of barriers to vaccine access for America’s farmers The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging the Biden administration to prioritize agriculture for the COVID-19 vaccine. In a letter sent [Read More …]

Merck Animal Health Issues Statement On Its Agreement With Johnson & Johnson
There have been a couple recent reports expressing concerns regarding Merck Animal Health’s ability to produce animal health medicines and vaccines as a result of the recently announced partnership with Johnson & Johnson to make [Read More …]

From donations to vaccinations, dairies lead throughout the pandemic
Though the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, some light seems to be appearing at what may be the end of a very long tunnel. Vaccinations are moving ahead; caseloads have fallen dramatically from winter; [Read More …]






NMPF statement on additional COVID relief package
NMPF is grateful to Congress for working to enact additional COVID-19 stimulus legislation. The pending bill includes critical additional agriculture and nutrition support intended to help farmers, rural communities, and food-insecure households throughout the nation. [Read More …]




USDA, FDA Underscore Current Epidemiologic and Scientific Information Indicating No Transmission of COVID-19 Through Food or Food Packaging
The following is attributed to Acting USDA Secretary Kevin Shea and Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. After more than a year since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a global health emergency, [Read More …]






A Dairy Farmer’s Guide to the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges for U.S. dairy farmers, who remain committed to implementing CDC-recommended workforce best practices to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus on farms. Access to one of two [Read More …]




H-2A Program Demand Strong, Despite COVID-19
Recently released H-2A program data reveals some interesting impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time since the Department of Labor began reporting quarterly data in 2013, the number of certified positions declined [Read More …]


What is Powering Consumer Decisions with Dairy?
During 2020, nearly all facets of consumers’ lives changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Research and Insights team at DFW studied these changes both to understand the impact of the pandemic on consumer behavior [Read More …]



Tax implications of the new COVID-19 relief bill
Farm Credit East Senior Tax Consultant Dario Arezzo presented a webinar on January 14th The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 was signed into law in the final hours of 2020. How [Read More …]


Coalition urges Cuomo to reconsider vaccines for ag employees
Urges Gov. Cuomo to include agriculture and food processing employees back into Phase 1B A coalition of organizations representing various agriculture sectors from New York have signed a letter urging New York Governor Andrew Cuomo [Read More …]




Application Period Opens for Improved Round of Paycheck Protection Program
The recently enacted COVID-19 resource and relief package included a number of agriculture-related provisions, such as a $1.5 billion extension of the Farmers to Families Food Box program, as well as additional support for crop, specialty crop, [Read More …]



DATCP Releases COVID-19 Report
Today the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) released a report summarizing its efforts in partnership with the state’s agricultural industry to respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include: [Read More …]



Farm Credit East presents webinar on tax considerations
Presents webinar on the agricultural tax considerations of new COVID-19 relief bill The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 was signed into law in the final hours of 2020. How does this [Read More …]




COVID-19 taking heavy toll on farmers’ mental health
Poll clearly demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic is having broad-ranging impacts A strong majority of farmers/farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, and more than half say they are personally experiencing more [Read More …]


Jennifer Fawkes talks about the Upcoming Virtual World Ag Expo in February
2021 WORLD AG EXPO® ONLINE FEBRUARY 9-11, 2021 As with so many events, World Ag Expo in February 2021 is going virtual. The huge outdoor farm show, a centerpiece for ag in the winter season in [Read More …]



74th Alice in Dairyland Finals Cancelled
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced today the cancellation of the 74th annual Alice in Dairyland finals, previously set to be held in Walworth County in May 2021. The 75th [Read More …]




USDA extends flexibilities amid continuing COVID-19 pandemic
Crop insurance flexibilities have been extended for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, relief provided for electronic notifications and [Read More …]






NMPF comments on dairy provisions in COVID assistance package
Thanks Congress for legislation, provides highlights of package for dairy producers The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) thanked Congress for the positive steps it is taking through COVID relief legislation to assist dairy farmers who [Read More …]




APHIS celebrates 2020 accomplishments
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is celebrating the agency’s many successful efforts over the past year. “This has been a year like no other,” said USDA Under [Read More …]



Mailbox milk prices expected to normalize in 2021
The pandemic in 2020 caused unprecedented market volatility in dairy prices, leading to lower milk checks for dairy producers. However, the price spread is expected to realign in the first half of 2021, bringing normalcy [Read More …]


Farm Credit West Announces an Increase in Cash Dividends Amid Pandemic
Farm Credit West, ACA recently announced the Board of Directors has voted to distribute a patronage dividend to customer-owners equal to 150 basis points (bps) or 1.50% of eligible average outstanding loan balances in 2020. [Read More …]


Are You Prepared for the Post-COVID Landscape?
January 25th – 28th, 2021 COVID-19 is a humanitarian crisis with vast global impact on the world at large and far reaching impacts on dairy. Where is the dairy industry today and what might define [Read More …]



Peterson Highlights Dairy Support in COVID Relief Compromise Package
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota pointed Wednesday to multiple provisions to benefit dairy farmers in the new COVID-19 relief compromise package passed by the House and Senate and awaiting President Trump’s [Read More …]


Webinar: Beyond COVID-19 – The Future of Dairy Plants
January 14, 2021 | 1:00 p.m. Eastern COVID-19 continues to disrupt our world, but the dairy industry is experiencing massive change due to other factors as well, including shifting consumer demands, technology advancements, revolutionary food [Read More …]



2021 Pa Farm Show schedule of events announced
This year a move to a virtual show as Pa. continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic The Department of Agriculture today shared the schedule for the virtual 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Traditionally held in Harrisburg at [Read More …]


Dairy is defined by giving this unique holiday season
This year of COVID-19 has been difficult for dairy, just as it has for everyone else. Challenges from roller-coaster prices to wildfires have all taken their toll. But difficult times also bring out what’s best in [Read More …]


Register for the Virtual Dairy Summit and Participate in 10+ Educational Sessions
The dairy industry has a lot to be proud of in 2020 and many positive accomplishments to celebrate as we emerge together in the new year. Join us for the 2021 virtual Pennsylvania Dairy Summit to find solutions to help [Read More …]



CoBank Releases 2021 Year Ahead Report – Forces That Will Shape the U.S. Rural Economy
COVID-19 vaccine brings optimism for a brighter and more prosperous year ahead, but significant economic recovery unlikely before mid-year The speed of the economic recovery will largely hinge on the availability, dissemination and reach of [Read More …]


Holstein Association USA Recognizes 2020 National Holstein Show Champions and Class Winners
Holstein Association USA is thrilled to recognize outstanding cows and their breeders and owners who did well at National Holstein Shows this year. Due to COVID-19, Holstein Association USA is not having the All-National Showcase [Read More …]



More Than 7 in 10 Adults of All Political Affiliations Want Companies Partnering with Government
In Morning Consult Poll, More Than 7 in 10 Adults of All Political Affiliations Want Companies Partnering with Government to Distribute Coronavirus Vaccines to Employees Poll Shows More Than Four in Five Adults Believe Food [Read More …]


Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19, Including Extending Housing for Migrant Ag Workers
Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order addressing a variety of issues in response to the pandemic, including extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers, providing a 90-day extension on tax returns and tax [Read More …]


2021 Farm Show Butter Sculpture cancelled
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced the cancellation of the annual butter sculpture, scheduled to among virtual features in the 2021 Farm Show. “Pennsylvania is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases with higher daily [Read More …]


One Million Masks Donated by Bank of America go to Agricultural Workers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact California, Bank of America has donated one million surgical masks to support essential agricultural workers across the state. Of those, 200,000 will be sent to the Fresno County [Read More …]


2021 Wisconsin Holstein Association adult convention canceled
Wisconsin Holstein will be announcing some of the yearly award winners in the coming months The Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Adult Convention and postpone [Read More …]


Dairy conference call to address Dean Foods claims
Call will be held December 10 from 12-1 p.m. On Thursday, December 10 from 12-1 p.m., the Center for Dairy Excellence will host a Dairy Industry Conference Call to address the recent payment requests sent [Read More …]


COVID-19: 2020 Epiphanies and Our Crystal Ball Experts Weigh in on Lessons Learned and What’s Ahead in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the food system and consumer attitudes. The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) will address shifts happening in consumer purchasing behavior, the food system’s response and what’s ahead in 2021 [Read More …]


Program provides $7.6 Million to 1,550 Pa. dairy farmers
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today announced that the CARES Act-funded Dairy Indemnity Program has distributed $7.6 million in direct relief payments to 1,550 dairy farmers in the commonwealth. Any dairy farmer who experienced losses due [Read More …]



The Dairy Download: Trade Deep Dive
Episode 6 of The Dairy Download looks at the changing landscape for exports and trade in food and agriculture. Trade policy has been a hot topic for the past four years, and the COVID-19 pandemic [Read More …]






Washington May Be Divided, But Bipartisanship Aids Dairy Gains
A bitter election season is winding down, and the shape of the Biden Administration and Congress is becoming clear. Just as clear is another political reality: Washington next year will be, if anything, more closely [Read More …]


Keynote speakers announced for 2021 virtual PA Dairy Summit
In an ever-changing marketplace, dairy producers and allied-industry professionals are searching for strategies to advance their operation and drive performance. During the 2021 virtual Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, four featured speakers will help the dairy industry [Read More …]