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How Illinois FFA decided to move its convention online
Students made the decision, with guidance and a dose of perspective. The annual June event joins a slate of virtual events, as COVID-19 restricts gatherings. Illinois FFA has announced that the 2020...
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MIDDAY Midwest Digest, May 5, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about tornado season, meat packing plant closures and teacher appreciation week. It's already been the deadliest tornado season in nine years.Thousands are still without power...
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Processor shutdowns will increase prices
CoBank report finds retail shortages and price inflation is nearly assured. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division, even if the reduction of processing capacity is...
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Farm Progress America, May 6, 2020
Max Armstrong offers insight on a farm-focused program that's bolstering at-home education Max Armstrong looks at the concern among parents and educators regarding home schooling. The American Farm...
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An opportunity for U.S. sorghum
Vietnam, USDA approve new pest risk assessment for sorghum following five years of collaborative efforts. Vietnam is opening its doors to U.S. sorghum for high value uses including pet food and liquor...
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Meat processing plants are COVID-19 hot spots
It took a month to break the U.S. meat supply chain as disease spread quickly among employees who work elbow-to-elbow. By Mike DorningMore than half of workers at some American meat plants tested...
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MORNING Midwest Digest, May 6, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about a potential coronavirus vaccine, meat shortage and farm disaster prospects, as well as Disney character face masks. After four months, Pfizer has started testing humans with...
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Perdue outlines processing plant expectations
Updated: Missouri judge reaffirms USDA authority over meat packing plants. UpdatedA federal judge in Missouri dismissed a lawsuit brought by Smithfield meat packing plant workers who say the company...
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Entomologists: Don't call Asian insect a 'murder hornet'
Media hysteria aside, the honey bee's venom actually packs more of a punch, scientists say. It's “ridiculous” to call the Asian giant hornet recently found in British Columbia and Washington state...
View ArticleNot all meat processing workers going back to work
Union rep says some workers are staying home because they are 'scared.' By Jen Skerritt and Lydia MulvanyAmerica’s meat-processing plants are starting to reopen, but not all workers are showing up....
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11 states ask DOJ for packer investigation
State attorneys general ask US Department of Justice for help investigating “anti-competitive behavior by big-four beef packers. Eleven state attorneys general on May 5 sent a letter to US Attorney...
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US pork and beef exports racing ahead
Pork exports reach new heights in March, while first-quarter beef exports setting record pace. USDA data shows US pork exports set records in March for volume and value, and beef exports trended...
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Farm Progress America, May 7, 2020
Max Armstrong reports on a major poultry group outlining the rising need for industry support Max Armstrong looks at requests from the poultry industry that say they need targeted aid during the...
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Grounded: How one farmer pilot battled COVID-19
Matt Runyan became the first individual in McDonough County, Ill., to test positive for COVID-19. Here’s how he isolated himself and how his family cared for him. When he started feeling sick, Matt...
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MORNING Midwest Digest, May 7, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about the super moon, a grain bin accident, workers back at Smithfield, and more. The "super moon" was big and bright last night.A Missouri man died in a grain bin.Workers are...
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Farmers report solid financial support for 2020
In the latest Farm Progress Panel report, majority of respondents report getting credit this year was the same as every year, but some saw changes There's a ritual every farmer reading this story is...
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MIDDAY Midwest Digest, May 7, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about unemployment, cold temps and early crops, a grain bin death and more. The unemployment report that comes out tomorrow could be the highest jobless rate ever.Cold temperatures...
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Trump urged to suspend guest worker visas
4 lawmakers want visas affecting skilled workers and agriculture workers halted until unemployment in the U.S. “has returned to normal levels.” By Laura LitvanFour GOP senators closely allied with...
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Family files wrongful death lawsuit against JBS
Enock Benjamin, who worked at JBS plant in Pennsylvania, died of respiratory failure caused by COVID-19. By Millie MunshiThe family of a beef plant worker who died because of the coronavirus has...
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Senators urge Trump to support RFS
American Petroleum Institute and five governors petition EPA to reconsider Renewable Fuels Standard for 2020. A bipartisan group of 24 U.S. senators sent a letter to President Trump urging him to...
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