FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Relief may be in sight for consumers who’ve been dealing with skyrocketing meat prices. Meat prices have climbed about 16% from a year ago. Beef prices are up about 20%. The Agriculture Department was recently ordered by the president to look more aggressively at possible violations of a federal law which was designed to protect consumers….
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — She’s a renowned ag lawyer who served as North Dakota’s ag commissioner. Now, she’s an author, recounting how she helped save thousands of family farms across the country. Sarah Vogel’s first book is a memoir titled The Farmer’s Lawyer. She tells the story of her legal fight against the USDA’s Farmers Home Administration in the…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized emergency procedures and issued new flexibilities for crop insurance providers to help ensure quick and fair adjustments and payments to producers. It comes as they weather severe drought conditions. USDA is allowing insurance companies to accept delayed notices of loss in certain situations. They are also simplifying paperwork requirements for filing…
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties is back at it again by giving out food to families in need. “We had one lady said that she just moved out of the homeless shelter and was moving into an apartment and this will be the first food she will put in her new apartment, so that…
MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – The YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties is partnering with the USDA to help curb hunger in our region. As part of the Farmers to Families Food Box program, the YMCA is handing out over 2,600 family-sized food boxes. They are free and include fresh produce, dairy and meat products. The first distribution took place Tuesday…
Heidi Heitkamp/Tom VilsackWASHINGTON (KVRR) – Former North Dakota U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp is no long being considered for Agriculture Secretary. President-elect Joe Biden selected former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to return to the spot he held during the Obama administration. Vilsack spent eight years as head of USDA and served two terms as Iowa governor. Biden nominated Ohio Rep. Marcia…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A nonpartisan report from the US Government Accountability Office reveals that Southern states have been receiving more in payouts from the USDA Market Facilitation Program than other regions. Farmers in states like Minnesota and North Dakota received on average between $29,000 and $36,000 in payouts from the program. In states like Georgia and Arizona, those payouts ranged…
WASHINGTON – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith demands answers after she says the Department of Agriculture is moving funds from a program supporting producers who are veterans and from diverse backgrounds. The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program aims to reverse disparities for historically underserved communities. It funds outreach and technical assistance programs through community organizations,…
FARGO, N.D. – Fargo Public Schools is not only ensuring that students receive the best education amid a pandemic, but also making sure they have full tummies while doing so. “With the pandemic, we know that households may be struggling even more, and that’s why it’s still important that we provide these meal services to those students,” Nutrition Service Director…
MINNESOTA – Minnesota turkey growers and producers are feeling the sting as COVID-19 is causing producers to slow down production. “It’s been a challenge. It’s added costs to our situation, and in our case as a grower co-op, it’s the independent growers that are affected because they own the plant,” Former Chairman of the National Turkey Federation John Burkel said….
