U.S. farm exports forecast at 8 percent above 2014’s record – May 27, 2021

U.S. farm exports forecast at 8 percent above 2014’s record

Thanks to high demand for American-grown corn, soybeans, and meat, U.S. farm exports will soar to a record $164 billion this year, far above the current mark of $152.3 billion, set in 2014, said the Agriculture Department on Wednesday. China, reclaiming its spot as the No. 1 customer, would account for $1 of every $5 in overseas sales.

In Texas, a rare workers’ comp win against meatpacker JBS

A former meatpacking worker in Texas won what appears to be the first workers’ compensation settlement for contracting Covid-19 at a meat processing facility. Experts say the ruling bodes well for scores of other meat plant workers who are pursuing, or may pursue, workers’ comp benefits for contracting the virus.

After court rebuff, Bayer tries new paths to resolve Roundup lawsuits

Health and chemical giant Bayer said it would pursue a five-point plan to mitigate its future litigation risks over Roundup herbicide, including a discussion of whether to remain in the lawn-and-garden market and a continued pursuit of settlements of lawsuits that allege the weedkiller causes cancer.

Bills call for permanent EBT food plan for students

Democratic lawmakers announced companion House and Senate bills on Wednesday to give low-income parents money to buy food for their school-age children during the summer and when schools are closed during other parts of the year.

Today’s Quick Hits

USDA won’t appeal: In response to the pork industry calls for an appeal of a federal court ruling for slower line speeds at hog slaughter plants, the Food Safety and Inspection Service said, “We will work with the establishments to comply with the court’s ruling and minimize disruptions to the supply chain.” (USDA)

Ag casualty report: Purdue’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program reported 32 fatal and 32 non-fatal cases involving confined agricultural spaces such as grain bins, silos and manure structures in 2020, a decrease from 2019 but still higher than the five-year average. (Purdue)

Settlement offer in turkey case: In a proposed settlement, Tyson Foods said it would pay $4.6 million and provide “meaningful cooperation” to plaintiffs in a lawsuit alleging a conspiracy to fix prices for turkey products. (Meat and Poultry)

Stump to lead Ag youth group: A longtime education official, Scott Stump, will begin work on June 21 as chief executive of the National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation. (FFA)

Dairy aid needed: Democratic Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer of New York asked the USDA to provide a new round of pandemic payments to dairy farmers, arguing that dairy support prices are unduly low. (Gillibrand)

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