Meatpackers drafted Trump order on meat plants during Covid-19
Facing pressure from local health officials over conditions in their plants, meatpacking companies “drafted and pitched an executive order to the Trump White House” to keep slaughterhouses open during the first months of the Covid-19 pandemic, said a congressional staff report on Thursday. When President Trump issued an order that adopted the industry position, meatpackers exaggerated its scope.
Russian wheat booms, while world draws down stockpiles
Aided by one of its largest crops ever, Russia will again be the world’s largest wheat exporter in the year ahead while neighboring Ukraine will ship only half as much wheat as this year, the result of the invasion by Russia, said the Agriculture Department on Thursday. World stockpiles of wheat would be drawn down by 12 million tonnes, or 4 percent, due to record-high demand for exports and a slightly smaller crop than last year.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Biden acts on infant formula: The Biden administration announced steps to increase the supply of infant formula, including a speed-up in U.S. production, additional imports and a crackdown on price gouging. (Politico)
U.S. fish catch plunges: U.S. fishing boats caught 8.4 billion pounds of fish in 2020, down by 10 percent due to coronavirus precautions and border closings, said federal regulators. (Associated Press)
Oregon adopts heat rules: After more than a year and a half of rule-writing, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration adopted permanent rules to protect workers from excessive heat and exposure to smoke during wildfires. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
Roosevelt garden, Obama center: The fruit and vegetable garden at the Obama Presidential Center will be named in honor of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who planted a victory garden at the White House during the Second World War. (Obama Center)
Bronaugh at Osage plant: Deputy Agriculture Secretary Jewel Bronaugh and the head of USDA’s meat safety agency will visit the Osage Nation’s Butcher House Meats processing plant on Friday in Hominy, Oklahoma. (Ag Insider)
