Industry Ag News 6/5

Carrie Muehling

  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the USDA Farm Service Agency has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue also announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program has distributed more than five million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Sugar Association, representing 142,000 sugar beet and cane growers, processors and refiners in the United States, filed a U. S. Food & Drug Administration Citizen Petition asking the Agency to require complete and accurate labeling of low- and no- calorie sweeteners on food packages, action that will extend labeling transparency, end misleading practices and help consumers make more informed decisions.
  • Brownfield Ag News is pleased to announce Will Robinson has joined the Brownfield team as Anchor/Reporter. He will be based in Missouri.
  • CHS Hedging announced its Russell Consulting Group subsidiary has been fully integrated into CHS Hedging, LLC and all services are renamed AgSurion℠ Risk Consulting. The new name aligns with the scheduled business transition agreement between Russell Consulting Group founder and principal Maurice (Moe) Russell, Panora, Iowa, and CHS Hedging, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
  • American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall issued the following statement: “Our hearts go out to the family of George Floyd and others who have suffered as a result of racial injustice. We strongly oppose racial discrimination and believe just treatment by law enforcement is essential to maintain public trust and to uphold our Constitution. We also believe we have a responsibility across our society to honestly examine, identify and address racism. That includes looking within our own organizations. At AFBF, we are doing just that. We are forming a cross-functional working group to determine how we, as staff of the American Farm Bureau, can be a positive influence against racism. Part of the strength of our communities and nation is our ability to pull together in times of crisis. We must do so now.”
  • A national TV segment highlighting cutting-edge checkoff investments from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council earned a bronze award during the 2020 Telly Awards.
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