P-EBT program lifted millions of children out of hunger
The Pandemic-EBT program, created by Congress to help low-income families buy food for their children during school closures, “is hitting its target,” said researchers at the Brookings Institution. “We find that Pandemic EBT reduces food hardship faced by children by 30 percent in the week following its disbursement.”
Livestock disruptions pull down farm income
Meatpackers are operating at high volume again after coronavirus outbeaks at their plants but the pandemic’s effect may be felt for the rest of the year, said the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. “Farm revenues could still decline in 2020 due to disruptions at meatpacking plants, which forced some producers to depopulate herds,” said the report by the regional Fed bank.
OPINION
Smithfield’s media attack shifts attention from its lack of disclosure
In a full-page ad in the Sunday edition of the New York Times, Smithfield Foods, the nation’s largest pork company, alleged that the media and other “critics” have targeted the company with “accusations fueled by misinformation and disinformation” about its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In doing so, Smithfield is ignoring its own role in limiting public discourse about the pandemic and eluding its efforts to promote a friendly regulatory environment.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Rural America slow to be counted: Some 38 percent of rural counties have a response rate of less than 50 percent to the 2020 census, compared to only 9 percent of metropolitan counties responding at that level, according to Census Bureau data. (Daily Yonder)
Overtime pay on the farm: A potentially precedent-setting case before the Washington state Supreme Court would require employers to pay overtime to an estimated 100,000 farmworkers. (NPR)
Inside the unsolicited seed packets: Most of the unsolicited seeds arriving from China and a handful of other countries seem to be harmless herbs, flowers, vegetables and grasses, says USDA. (Business Insider)
Conservation chief to leave USDA: Matt Lohr, chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, announced on social media that he would leave the USDA next month to work full time at his Virginia farm, following the retirement of his farm manager. (Agri-Pulse)
House chairman has coronavirus: Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, chairman of the House Natural Resource Committee — which has oversight of public lands, endangered species, mining law and fisheries — said he was self-quarantining after testing positive for the coronavirus and hoped “to make a quick and speedy recovery.” (Rep. Grijalva)
ON THE USDA CALENDAR
Monday
USDA releases annual Honey Bee Colonies report, 3 p.m. ET. The report covers the number of colonies and other data.
National Farmers Market Week, sponsored by Farmers Market Coalition, runs through Saturday.
USDA issues weekly Crop Progress report, 4 p.m. ET.
Tuesday
Kansas holds primary election for races that include U.S. Senate, an open seat since Senate Agriculture chairman Pat Roberts is retiring. Candidates for the Republican nomination include Kris Kobach, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018, and Rep. Roger Marshall, a member of the House Agriculture Committee. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Central.
New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall and Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse announce the “most comprehensive update in nearly 25 years” to the federal law that regulates pesticides, 12:15 p.m. ET. Speakers at the news conference include the president of the United Farm Workers union and dean of the public health school at George Washington University.
Purdue University releases monthly Ag Economy Barometer, a gauge of farmer sentiment and the health of the agricultural economy.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb unveils marker commemorating the founding of the American Soybean Association 100 years ago at a field day Camden, Indiana.
Minnesota Farmfest holds webinar-style political forums and education sessions, through Thursday, as a replacement of the traditional event held in person. Sessions include a forum for U.S. Senate candidates and a panel discussion of the U.S. agricultural economy on Tuesday and a session for congressional candidates on Wednesday. On Thursday, the University of Minnesota will holds its “farm family of the year” recognition program.
Thursday
UN Food and Agriculture Organization releases monthly Food Price Index, Rome.
USDA releases annual Land Values report, 3 p.m. ET.
Friday
Purdue University holds webinar on its survey of farmland values in Indiana and USDA’s annual Land Values report, 3:30 p.m. ET.
