Farmers’ markets survived 2020, but the Delta variant poses new challenges
Many vendors who sell at farmers’ markets saw a huge boost in sales last year, even as markets themselves struggled with the higher overhead costs of pandemic safety measures. This season, the growing threat of the Delta variant looms over a market experience that was nearly back to normal, say market managers and advocates.
California’s organic-waste law set a high bar, but most cities struggle to reach it
In 2016, California passed the nation’s most ambitious restrictions on landfilling food and yard waste, with the aim of slashing the greenhouse gases these organic materials generate when buried. But already, cities have fallen behind on setting up the costly systems for collecting and processing this waste. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, lagging communities could be fined up to $10,000 a day.
Today’s Quick Hits
Ag threat to bees underestimated: Exposure to a cocktail of agrochemicals significantly increases bee mortality, according to new research that said regulators may be underestimating the dangers of pesticides in combination. (Science Alert)
Farmland value up 7 percent: U.S. farmland averaged $3,380 per acre for 2021, up $220 per acre (7.0 percent) from 2020, with cropland up nearly 8 percent and pasture up nearly 6 percent. (USDA)
Firefighting ‘on the cheap’: Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the U.S. has to “beef up” its capacity to manage forests for fire suppression, after decades of trying “to do this job on the cheap.” (Wildfire Today)
Farm Bureau backs infrastructure bill: Citing the need to “enhance the efficient and cost-effective transport of agricultural and food products,” the Farm Bureau sent a letter urging senators to support the legislation. (AFBF)
On The Calendar
Monday
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress report, 4 p.m. ET.
Tuesday
The National Pork Board holds a webinar, “What ASF in the Dominican Republic means for U.S. producers,” 2 p.m. ET.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association holds annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA trade show, Nashville. The convention originally was scheduled for February but was delayed due to the pandemic.
Wednesday
Farm Foundation holds an online forum, “Advancing digital agriculture at the farm level,” 10 a.m. ET.
The Labor Department releases the monthly Consumer Price Index report, 8:30 a.m. ET.
Thursday
USDA releases monthly Crop Production and WASDE reports, noon ET.
In the first major-league baseball game in Iowa, the Chicago White Sox played the New York Yankees at a ballpark next to the “Field of Dreams” at Dyersville.
Opening day for the Iowa State Fair, which runs through Aug. 22, Des Moines.
Opening day of the Illinois State Fair, which runs through Aug. 22 Springfield, Illinois.
Friday
Purdue University holds a “Corn and Soybean Outlook” webinar, 12:30 p.m. ET.
