- Chief Economist Robert Johansson announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Jekanowski as the World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman. Dr. Jekanowski is currently acting Board chairman and will assume his new duties on March 29.
- Out of an abundance of caution and concern, Agri-Pulse will postpone the Food & Ag Policy Summit West from April 22 to September 9. Agri-Pulse has secured the same space at the Sutter Club in Sacramento and will be working with speakers and sponsors to replicate the April 22 event.
- The 35th class of American Soybean Association Corteva Agriscience™ Young Leaders completed their training Feb. 25–29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.
- At this time Ag Relations Council continues to plan to have the ARC Meeting in Richmond, Virginia, June 23-25, 2020. The ARC staff and Board will continue to monitor the local, state, and national recommendations and requirements for events as we move through March, April, and May. We will do our best to keep the ARC community updated on the status of the ARC meeting and related activities.
- American Farmland Trust, the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food®, announces the creation of a Farmer Relief Fund. All monies raised will go directly to farmers. The fund will award eligible farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The initial focus will be on farms that sell at farmers markets or to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products. That focus could change over time as the negative impacts of the crisis become more widespread within U.S. agriculture.
- Illinois families doing their part to social distance during school and restaurant closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic can add additional agriculture educational activities to the digital resources at their fingertips. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) and the state agriculture education system are offering online lessons and resources to help educators, parents and students, especially while schools statewide are closed. Information and resources may be found on IAITC’s website or Facebook page. County literacy coordinators will also share information through social media.
- The following is a statement from American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andrew LaVigne: “The U.S. seed industry stands with the entire agriculture and food value chain in its commitment to ensuring America’s families have ongoing access to a healthy, safe and affordable food supply as we continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. The seed industry plays a foundational role in the production of the food, feed, forage, clothing, fuel and other agricultural products that sustain a sound and balanced economy. As we head into the spring planting season in the midst of a global pandemic, America’s seed companies are working hard to make sure farmers, ranchers and homeowners have access to the quality seed they need to ensure a successful year. U.S. seed companies have put into place the necessary practices to comply with COVID-19 recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies as they continue to deliver seed during this challenging time. We appreciate the tireless efforts of America’s producers who are on the front lines each and every day, and the strong support and communication from Secretary Perdue and his team to ensure America’s families have ready access to a variety of nutritious foods, now and in the future. If farmers, ranchers or others have any questions about their seed needs for the 2020 season, we encourage them to contact their seed company directly.” For the latest COVID-19 updates and policy impacting seed movement and availability, visit www.betterseed.org/covid-19/.
- Farmers Business Network, the independent farmer-to-farmer network, announced a new program to support family farms amid market turbulence, as farmers enter their critical planting period. Over the next four weeks, FBN will be extending a range of special pricing offers on more than 80 vital seed and chemical products, discounted by up to 15 percent off our already low prices, to help farmers strengthen their bottom lines during this extraordinary time through the planting season.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. NASS also continues to collect data for all upcoming reports, asking farmers and ranchers to complete their surveys online, if they don’t already respond that way. To protect the health and safety of producers, partners, and employees, NASS has suspended in-person data collection at least until April 3, 2020.
- On National Ag Day, AgGrad announced winners of this year’s AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards, a program that shows the future of agriculture is bright and aims at rewarding those making the extra effort to move this industry forward.
- The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is moving quickly in its efforts to better understand the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s corn growers. In a letter to NCGA members, NCGA President Kevin Ross and CEO Jon Doggett announced the formation of an NCGA COVID-19 Task Force to facilitate the collection of information, streamline the decision-making process to make recommendations and coordinate activities with the broader corn value chain.
