OMAHA, Neb. – During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meat processing industry worked closely with political appointees in the Trump administration to stave off health restrictions and keep slaughterhouses open even as the virus spread rapidly among workers, according to a congressional report released Thursday. The report by the House’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Trump has approved North Dakota’s request for a major disaster declaration due to fall flooding and the early snowstorm. It’ll make federal assistance available under the Federal Emergency Management Agency. An estimated $10 million in damage was done to public infrastructure from a three-day October storm and flooding. The declaration covers 16 counties: Barnes, Eddy, Foster,…
UNITED STATES – Government numbers show just how much farmers are struggling. USDA information shows the U.S. agriculture industry is more than $426 billion in debt. The average farm was $1.3 million in debt in 2017 according to Nebraska Farm Business. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says net farm income has also dropped by nearly half since its peak six…
HARWOOD, N.D. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue joins North Dakota leaders to hear from farmers. With trade issues and harsh weather hitting farmers, it’s been a challenging year for North Dakota producers. “It’s tough here in North Dakota, it’s tough across the U.S. I hear the answer is trade, trade, trade. We’re blessed to be in a country where…
SOUTHEAST OF ST. BENEDICT, N.D. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue joined North Dakota leaders for the ribbon–cutting of Grand Farm, a project led by entrepreneurial group Emerging Prairie. Grand Farm aims to be the world’s first completely autonomous farm. Developers want it to demonstrate the next generation of precision agriculture, which uses data and technology to aim for better…
NORTH DAKOTA – A release from North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven’s Office says Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is coming to the Red River Valley Saturday, April 27th to talk with farmers about implementing the farm bill. He will also outline the need for prompt resolution trade negotiations and additional commodity purchases. Hoeven, who’s Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, will…
BREAKING: In Oval Office meeting today, the Chinese committed to buy an additional 10 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans. Hats off to @POTUS for bringing China to the table. Strategy is working. Show of good faith by the Chinese. Also indications of more good news to come. — Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) February 22, 2019 WASHINGTON – Agriculture Senator Sonny…
WASHINGTON – Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue says dairy provisions in the farm bill will be implemented in June. Reports from the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis shows farm bankruptcies are on the rise and Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith wants to make sure farmers have protections from low prices and revenue. The Democrat is also pushing for a new position she helped create…
FARGO, N.D. — For some producers, financial support from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is essential towards keeping their farms afloat. “They need those funds if they’re going to farm this next year and if you’re delaying processing of loans all the way into May or June or July, creditors are sitting on the sidelines maybe not wanting to take a…
WASHINGTON – The Agriculture Department announces a $12 billion short-term plan to help farmers hurt by tariffs. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the plan will help farmers deal with the cost of what he calls “disruptive markets.” It comes as trading partners like China retaliate for President Trump’s tariffs on imports. The plan involves direct payments to farmers, the purchase of…
