EVENTS TODAY
- National Poultry Day
- Women’s History Month
EVENTS THIS WEEK
- March 20 - Vernal Equinox
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FARM ECONOMIC RELIEF
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced $10 billion in relief for farmers impacted by last year’s economy. Row crop farmers will receive the most, and applications are now open. According to the USDA, farmers will receive 85 percent of their payment upfront, with a second round expected later this year. While helpful, ag groups emphasize that this is not a substitute for a new Farm Bill.
EGG PRICE VOLATILITY CONTINUES
Egg prices remain volatile despite recent declines. Due to tight production, USDA analysts warn that prices may not stabilize until late summer.
Another strain of bird flu, H7N9, was recently discovered at a Mississippi poultry farm, leading to the culling of nearly 50,000 birds and putting further pressure on poultry farmers and consumer prices. This other strain, which differs from the High-Path Avian Flu (H5N1) virus, was last discovered at a Tennessee farm in 2017. Officials believe wild birds transmitted the virus.
AG INDUSTRY ECONOMIC IMPACT DIPS YEAR-OVER-YEAR
New data released this week shows the agriculture industry contributes $9.5 trillion to the U.S. economy and creates 1 million jobs, which is down slightly from last year. The study published by Feeding the Economy, a group of more than 30 ag groups, such as the Farm Bureau and NASDA, also revealed that the ag industry experienced post-pandemic growth despite reported job losses within ag manufacturing and continued economic pressures. Industry leaders urge lawmakers to prioritize a new Farm Bill to address ongoing challenges facing farmers.
PORK EXPORTS TO CHINA RENEWED
The National Pork Producers Council (NCPP) reports the renewal of registrations for over 300 U.S. pork facilities, ensuring continued access to China’s massive market. As we reported, the renewal guarantees ongoing access to the Chinese market, which has a population of 1.4 billion. The USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, working with China’s General Administration of Customs, secured the export renewals for the next five years.
‘BEEFING UP’ CONSUMER TRENDS
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association shares new research showing consumer demand for beef is shifting, with an increased focus on health, nutrition, and food safety. The National Beef Quality Audit research highlights the importance of improving food safety, particularly in reducing pathogens like E. coli and salmonella in beef products.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: MARGARET DREESMANN
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture! Every day in March, we will showcase feel-good stories and interviews highlighting the passion and persistence of powerful women in agriculture.
Today, we share the story of Margaret Dreesmann, a woman who played a vital role in improving the Angus breed and protecting its integrity.
