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COVID-19 cases jump at slaughterhouses
President Trump signed executive order to keep packing plants open after shutdowns due to the pandemic reduced slaughter capacity. By Mike Dorning, Dominic Carey and Dave MerrillThe coronavirus spread...
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Tyson tests workers at Portland, Maine, plant
12.7% workers there test positive for COVID-19 and put on paid leave until they meet criteria established by Tyson and CDC. Tyson Foods is working with Matrix Medical to test team members at more than...
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14 meat processing plants reopening
USDA announced list of slaughter and processing plants to reopen On Friday the USDA announced reopening of 14 meatpacking plants across the country, including four beef plants.U.S. Secretary of...
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MIDDAY Midwest Digest, May 12, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about traffic volume, inflation rates, yield projections and more. While traffic volume is still lower than pre-stay-at-home orders, it has increased in the last week.Inflation has...
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Corteva Agriscience retools seed business
Company is introducing Brevant seed for the retail market, ending Mycogen brand, and reshaping Southern business for Pioneer and Phytogen The impact of a merger can take time to unfold. When Dow and...
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Clean Water for All Act introduced
Bill prohibits implementation of Trump administration's navigable waters final rule and requires EPA to start over. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, has introduced the Clean Water for All Act to prohibit...
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Can FEMA pay for livestock depopulation?
Lawmakers ask Trump administration to fund reimbursement of expenses related to livestock depopulation. Lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to provide guidance on how the Federal...
View ArticleHEROES Act unveiled in House
Bill introduced by House Democrats includes 45 cents per gallon for renewable fuel producers. House Democrats unveiled their proposal for the next phase of coronavirus aid today (May 12), according to...
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Retirement strategy with a charitable twist
Estate Plan Edge: Let’s do some retirement math! Here’s how prepaying expenses and delaying income creates a tax problem — with a charitable solution. Many farmers approaching retirement age have no...
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MORNING Midwest Digest, May 13, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about warm weather, blood donations, the latest WASDE report and more. It's about time for the warmth to arrive in the heartland.Blood donations are needed.It wasn't all bad news...
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Meatpackers eye operational changes
Changes will likely result in higher costs in the meat case. By Isis Almeida and Jen SkerrittThe human cost of producing 99-cent chickens and affordable burgers during a pandemic is pushing U.S....
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Free service today may limit cash flow tomorrow
CoBank Knowledge Exchange report examines cash flow and debt risks of rural communication operators. Many rural communication operators are providing free service, setting up free Wi-Fi hot spots and...
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Ag equipment sales flat in April 2020
For Canada, April tractor sales fell across all segments except mid-range units. Total unit sales of agricultural equipment are roughly flat with 2019 so far this year in the U.S., according to the...
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Senate bill would require 50% cash cattle sales
7 senators introduce bill to require major packers purchase at least half their cattle supplies via cash negotiated sales. On Tuesday, US Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Jon Tester (D-MT)...
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MIDDAY Midwest Digest, May 13, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about staying out of Colorado, pork and beef production numbers, violation of stay home orders and pet adoption scams. In spite of Colorado tourism being hit hard, the state is...
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There's plenty of specialty meat at the grocery store
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed a socioeconomic divide in America, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority populations. By Lydia Mulvany, Deena Shanker and Kim ChipmanWhile many...
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DFA launches Accelerator Class of 2020
The DFA Accelerator is a 90-day program designed to provide training, growth opportunities and mentorship. Startup companies are convening virtually this week as Dairy Farmers of America launches its...
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MORNING Midwest Digest, May 14, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about a stay-home order overturned, social distancing, 1980 on the horizon, an aggressive dog and a cancelled bridge walk. The Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the existing...
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Low corn price big factor in pressuring cash rents for 2021
Ag economists don’t see an easy path to significantly better corn prices soon. The expression is “fall like a rock,” and corn prices did just that from mid-March to May 1, as the pandemic continued....
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MIDDAY Midwest Digest, May 14, 2020
Max Armstrong talks about protesters in Michigan, Minnesota reopening, waiting for COVID-19 test results, freedom to farm and digital noise for football. Protesters and media arrived in Michigan...
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