NAWG NEWS
NAWG Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership Requesting Additional COVID-19 Relief
On July 21, 2020, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) sent a letter to congressional leadership re additional COVID-19 relief for wheat farmers. In the letter, NAWG states that “assistance that has been made available through the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, and the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), have provided needed help to many of our farmers. The assistance provided through CFAP…currently includes only two of the six classes of wheat grown across the country (or approximately 30% of the 2019 U.S. wheat production), and it does not yet cover 2020 crop losses. Additional resources will be necessary to continue to address the economic impacts farmers have been experiencing, especially with the 2020 wheat crop already being harvested. We also urge you to include provisions that will enable all wheat producers to be eligible for any agriculture relief program.
INDUSTRY NEWS
USDA Announces $15 Million in Funding Opportunities to Support Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
On July 21, 2020 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced approximately $15 million in available funding to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. “Socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers deserve equal access to USDA programs and services,” said Mike Beatty, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. “2501 grants go a long way in fulfilling our mission to increase awareness of and ensure equitable participation in our programs. This can lead to more sustainable farming and ranching operations.”
Bloomberg: Bayer Roundup Verdict Slashed in California After Settlement
A $79 million award against Bayer AG was slashed by three-quarters almost a month after the company reached a settlement to resolve lawsuits over its flagship weed killer Roundup…The ruling, however, may buttress tens of thousands of claims arguing Roundup causes cancer. It could embolden settlement holdouts to demand bigger payouts and spur more lawsuits by users of the herbicide who haven’t gotten sick yet, said Anna Pavlik, a senior counsel at investment adviser United First Partners in New York. Read more here.
Progressive Farmer/DTN: Enlist Duo Ruling
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit today denied a petition to vacate the registration of Corteva Agriscience’s Enlist Duo herbicide, a 2,4-D-choline and glyphosate premix designed for use over 2,4-D-tolerant Enlist crops. The court ruled that EPA only needed to fix one oversight with the Enlist Duo registration regarding the herbicide’s risk to monarch butterflies. The herbicide’s registration will remain intact in the meantime. Read more here.
NACD Awards $6.5 Million to Conservation Districts to Boost Capacity
On July 21, 2020 the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the award of $6.5 million in new technical assistance grants to nearly 400 conservation districts in 36 states and territories. “Since 2018, NACD and NRCS have worked together to increase staffing at the field level for conservation districts,” NACD President Tim Palmer said. “This increased technical capacity helps to improve conservation services to farmers, ranchers and local communities across the nation.” Visit NACD’s website for more information.
ASA is Now Accepting Applications for the Conservation Legacy Awards
Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. More information on the award and how to submit your application is available in the “About” section under “Awards” on the ASA website. All applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2020.
AFBF: Entrepreneurs Needed to Rise to the Challenge
The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is a national business competition that showcases U.S. startups developing innovative solutions that address challenges facing America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Farm Bureau will award $145,000 in startup funds to ten businesses, culminating at a live pitch competition and networking event at the AFBF Annual Convention in January 2021 in San Diego, CA. Farm Bureau is accepting applications through midnight Eastern Daylight Time on July 31, 2020. Learn more here.
COMMUNICATIONS NEWS
NAFB Photo Contest – Deadline Sept. 30th
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) is accepting entries for its 2021 NAFB Membership Directory cover photo contest. The winning entry will receive $100. Entries will be accepted from June 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2020. To review contest information or to enter your photo(s), please click here.
2021 Commodity Classic Silver Celebration Schedule Announced
America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary March 4-6, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. The preliminary schedule for the 2021 Commodity Classic has been posted. More details will be posted as they become available. Registration and housing for the 2021 Commodity Classic will open in mid-November. While the trade show floor is sold out, applications are currently being accepted for the wait list.
NATIONAL WHEAT FOUNDATION NEWS
2020 National Wheat Yield Contest: Deadline for Spring Wheat is August 1st!
The 2020 National Wheat Foundation National Wheat Yield Contest is almost closed! The Contest is divided into two primary competition categories: winter wheat and spring wheat, and two subcategories: dryland and irrigated. The Foundation is currently accepting entries for the Spring Wheat category and the deadline to submit is August 1st!
Source: NAWG