Ag Headlines, Friday August 28, 2015

USDA Expanding Farm Safety Net to Include Organic and Fruit and Vegetable Growers

USDA announced Thursday an expansion of the farm safety net to include organic and fruit and vegetable growers. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced that Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance will be available in every county in the nation in 2016. Harden said Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance allows producers who have previously had limited access to a risk management safety net, to insure all of the commodities on their farm at once instead of one commodity at a time. The announcement also brings more flexibility to beginning farmers and ranchers by reducing the required records from five to three historical years.

Tyson Foods Ends Farm Contract after Activist Video

Tyson Foods announced the company terminated its contract with a farmer who grew chickens for Tyson after the animal activist group Mercy for Animals shot an undercover video showing mistreatment of chickens, according to Meatingplace. The video shows workers beating chickens to death with a pole. In a statement to Meatingplace, Tyson Foods stated “We will not tolerate the unacceptable animal treatment shown in this video.” Tyson said there a now no chickens at that farm. The company said the video does not represent how chickens are treated at other facilities that supply Tyson.

NCGA, DuPont Launch Third Year of New Leaders Program

The National Corn Growers Association and DuPont announced the third year of the NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program. The program is designed for corn growers who are newly active or considering involvement in agriculture leadership. Ideal participants will be farming couples or individuals from NCGA’s affiliated states, such as those considering a board position. NCGA president Chip Bowling said “American agriculture needs farmers who are strong spokespersons for our way of life.” The program will be implemented with two sessions. The first will be in Iowa in February 2016 and the second in Washington in July 2016. For requirements and application information, go to ncga dot com.

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