Crustaceans and oilseeds ahead of U.S.-China ‘phase one’ review
China bought $188 million worth of U.S. soybeans on Monday, continuing a string of purchases that began last week, as the world’s two largest economies approach a six-month review of the “phase one” agreement that de-escalated the trade war.
USDA’s coronavirus payments to farmers creep to $7 billion
With 18 days left for to apply for coronavirus aid, farmers and ranchers have received $7 billion of the $16 billion earmarked for assistance, an increase of $218 million from the previous week, said the USDA on Monday.
Protesters ouside a Smithfield plant in Crete, Nebraska. Photo by Mary Anne Andrei
Children of workers led virus-driven protests in meatpacking town
This past spring, as meatpacking plants across the nation quickly became invisible hotspots for Covid-19, a group of young adults whose parents work at the massive Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Crete, Nebraska, launched a series of protests that were unprecedented in an industry that likes to keep a low profile.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Derecho rakes Corn Belt: Thunderstorms and winds of 75 to 100 mph swept across much of Iowa, causing significant damage to crops and buildings, said state climatologist Justin Glisan. Reported damage included flattened corn and soybean fields and mangled grain storage facilities. (Brownfield Ag News)
Call to delay new hemp regs: The USDA should delay implementing new rules for the production of industrial hemp, scheduled for Oct. 31, because of the coronavirus pandemic and allow growers to continue to operate under the 2014 farm bill’s authorization of pilot programs for hemp, said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. (Hemp Industry Daily)
USDA streamlines rule for emergency haying, grazing: Rather than requiring approval at the state and federal levels, the USDA said permission for emergency haying and livestock grazing on Conservation Reserve land will now be determined by the drought severity ratings in the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor. (Farm Service Agency)
Debut of ‘organic plus’ label: The Regenerative Organic Alliance said it was ready to begin certification of new brands that comply with “the highest standard for organic agriculture in the world” — USDA-certified organic production with additional criteria for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. (ROA)
The robot as chicken butcher: Covid-19 is giving a big push to automation in the food chain, from Tyson Foods working on a robot to cut up chickens to White Castle experimenting with “Flippy,” a robot in control of the deep fryer. (Stateline)
