Euphoria fades as farmers fret over inflation, rising costs
America’s large-scale farmers and ranchers expect rampant inflation and sharply higher costs in the year ahead, said a Purdue University poll on Tuesday. The monthly Ag Economy Barometer said farmer confidence was at its lowest level in a year despite high commodity prices and large federal payments.
Tyson Foods sets Covid-19 vaccination deadline
The largest U.S. meat processor, Tyson Foods, said on Tuesday that all of its 139,000 employees must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Nov. 1, with a proposed $200 “thank you” for frontline workers for compliance.
Today’s Quick Hits
Farms in stress: Irrigation supplies are dwindling in drought-hit Arizona, where the state Farm Bureau president says “it’s near impossible to manage yourself out of a drought.” (Los Angeles Times)
Debt relief dilemma: The Biden administration has two options for the $4 billion program of USDA loan forgiveness for minority farmers, now stymied by litigation: risk a devastating defeat in court or work with Congress on an initiative that will be more broadly acceptable, say legal experts. (Politico)
What’s your beef?: Some 25-30 percent of consumers may be willing to buy cell-based meat or plant-based alternatives if the price was the same as beef, chicken and pork from livestock. (Farmdoc Daily)
Water or money: Colorado rancher Bill Parker is paid by Trout Unlimited to forego watering his pastures, a voluntary approach called demand management that state water officials are pondering to keep the Colorado River from running dry. (Colorado Public Radio)
Fowl play in backyard: With the prospective return to pre-pandemic life, some Americans are flying the coop of backyard chicken-keeping and handing over their layers and fryers to animal sanctuaries. (Food and Wine)
