COVID-19
North Carolina farmers’ markets open to provide food essentials
Farmers' markets are an essential part of our nation’s food system and farmers are doing their part to have fresh produce and meats available for consumers. “We have had many questions about whether farmers markets... more »
USDA NASS remains operational and reports on schedule amid COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. NASS also... more »
California Farm Bureau touts role of agriculture during COVID-19 crisis
With agriculture designated “critical infrastructure” by federal and state governments, the California Farm Bureau Federation reiterated its commitment to assist the state’s farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses during the statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov.... more »
Specialty crop production exempted from Pennsylvania order for businesses to close
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on March 19 ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to close their physical locations as of 8 p.m., March 19, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Enforcement actions against businesses that... more »
USDA Rural Development now in enterprise-wide remote operational status
Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand announced March 20 that USDA Rural Development is implementing enterprise-wide remote operational status effective immediately. Rural Development leadership and managers will continue to provide customer service while following the Centers... more »
Local farmers’ markets do their part to flatten the curve on coronavirus
Last week was a blur amid all the news about coronavirus and its impacts on our communities, both locally and nationally. Every day brought new information and new policies. I spent the week canceling large... more »
New dates set for International Strawberry Symposium in Italy
Given the SARS-CoV-2 emergency, the ninth edition of the International Strawberry Symposium, initially planned for May 2020, will take place in Rimini on May 1-5, 2021. The decision, after much thought and with no alternatives,... more »
Kentucky has new guidance for pesticide applicator licenses due to COVID-19
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) is releasing new guidance regarding the testing, certification, and licensure of all pesticide operators and applicators regulated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. All... more »
USDA, DOL share information to assist H-2A employers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced March 19 a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Labor to help facilitate the identification of foreign and domestic workers that may... more »
Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development responds to COVID-19 threats
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development has issued an update regarding the current impact of the coronavirus. No one at the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) is a public health... more »
Current Issue
Sustainability takes many forms
Boyer Orchards goes from side business to award winner in three generations
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Growers quickly see benefits of drip irrigation
Riverdance Farms finds success with farm-visiting crowd
Errotabere Ranches leads on Western challenges
New Minnesota apple triumps over scab disease
Researchers ponder presence of cranberry false blossom
Carbon farming payments possible with soil-building
Create efficiencies for filling online customer orders
Notes from the Farm column: Pipe layers spur ideas for installing irrigation lines
National Council of Agricultural Employers column: Wage increases naturally lead to job loss – ag included
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