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Ag Interests Pleased with Chevron Doctrine Reversal

Cindy Zimmerman

Last week’s Supreme Court decision that reversed the Chevron defense is being welcomed as good news for the nation’s agriculture industry. “Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Supreme Court for recognizing the damage Chevron deference has caused to the federal government’s balance of power,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “The Constitution built a system of checks and balances …

AFBF, Ag Groups, ARA

Farmers, Car Dealers and Oil Companies Sue Over EV Push

Cindy Zimmerman

An unlikely coalition of farmers, car dealers, and the oil industry have joined together to push back against the push for mandated electric vehicles. The National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation and six auto dealers representing 16 brands and collectively operating dozens of dealerships in major markets across the country joined the American Petroleum Institute today in filing …

AFBF, Corn, EPA, Ethanol, NCGA

Thanksgiving Meal Costs Less Than Last Year

Carrie Muehling

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 38th annual survey says the average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving feast is $61.17. That’s less than $6.20 per person, down 4.5 percent from last year’s record high prices. The survey accounts for the cost of a meal for 10 people including turkey, stuffing mix, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, peas, dinner rolls, sweet …

AFBF, Food, Holiday, Poultry

Farm Groups Join Push for Summer E15

Cindy Zimmerman

Farm organizations joined ethanol groups in a letter calling on President Biden to get ahead of rising fuel costs by authorizing sales of E15 this summer. National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union signed the letter, along with the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy, noting that current conditions are similar to …

AFBF, Corn, Ethanol, NCGA, RFA

FACA Coalition Makes Farm Policy Recommendations

Cindy Zimmerman

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, a broad-based coalition of organizations, this week released policy recommendations for the 2023 farm bill. FACA’s recommendations, developed by the 23-member Steering Committee, are divided into six categories: Conservation, risk management and credit Energy Food waste Forestry Livestock and dairy Research, extension and innovation Founding members of the alliance include both the American Farm …

AFBF, Ag Groups

Farm Bureau Reports Thanksgiving Dinner Up 20%

Cindy Zimmerman

It should be no surprise to anyone who buys food that the cost of this year’s traditional Thanksgiving dinner is higher, but 20 percent may be an even bigger jump than some expected. The American Farm Bureau’s 37th annual survey for the cost of a classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 this year totals $64.05 or 20% more than last year’s …

AFBF, Food

AFBF Establishes 2023 Farm Bill Priorities

Cindy Zimmerman

American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall today outlined the organization’s 2023 Farm Bill priorities. The priorities were identified by a working group of Farm Bureau members and staff from across the country. In general, AFBF supports continuing current farm bill program funding; maintaining a unified farm bill that includes nutrition programs and farm programs together; prioritizing risk management tools …

AFBF, Audio, Farm Bill, Farm Policy

Cost of July 4th Cookout Skyrockets

Cindy Zimmerman

The cost of your July 4th holiday cookout has skyrocketed 17 percent since last year, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation survey. According to the survey, the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $69.68, or about $10 more than last year, which they attribute to ongoing supply chain disruptions, inflation and the war in …

AFBF, Food

Vilsack Stresses Climate Smart Agriculture at #AFBF22

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stressed the role of farmers and ranchers in addressing climate change issues during an address Monday at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Vilsack said he is excited about a new partnership between USDA and Farmers For Soil Health, an initiative of the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association and National Pork …

AFBF, Audio, USDA

Farm Bureau Honors Former Ag Secretary

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Farm Bureau Federation honored former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue with its annual Distinguished Service Award yesterday at the annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Perdue was honored for his seven decades of service to agriculture including serving as secretary of agriculture from 2017-2021, where he led USDA’s implementation of the 2018 farm bill. Under his leadership, the department’s …

AFBF, Audio