The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says we can cookout for a little less this year. Favorite foods for a Fourth of July meal will run about $6 per person according to an informal survey conducted by AFBF. The average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $55.70, or $5.57 per person. One reason for this is competition … Read More
SMART Farmer Scott VanderWal
In this episode of the SMART Farmer podcast we meet Scott VanderWal, a third-generation corn and soybean farmer and cattle feeder from Volga, South Dakota. In addition to operating the family farm with his father and brothers, Scott serves as vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, and is a board member … Read More
AFBF Survey Shows Decrease in Retail Food Prices
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Spring Picnic Marketbasket Survey found that retail prices are lower for several foods this year, including eggs, ground chuck, sirloin tip roast, chicken breasts and toasted oat cereal. “As expected due to lower farm-gate prices, we have seen continued declines in retail prices for livestock products including eggs, beef, chicken, pork and cheese,” said John … Read More
Ag Groups Request Protection of Nation’s Public Lands
The American Farm Bureau Federation spearheaded a coalition of 18 other groups with vital interests in protecting the multiple uses of the nation’s public lands, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and American Sheep Industry (ASI), urging President-elect Donald Trump to work with Congress to pass legislation to improve accountability and transparency in the designation of national monuments. According … Read More
A Discussion on Responsible Antibiotic Use at #AFBF17
In a workshop at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2017 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show, Dr. Jennifer Wishnie, a veterinary public health expert, spoke about one of the hottest topics in animal agriculture – antibiotic resistance. “Many consumers don’t realize that there is veterinary oversight on the farm,” said Dr. Wishnie. “This gives us opportunities to educate them on … Read More
A Livestock Market Outlook from #AFBF17
Dr. Karl Skold, head of agricultural economics at JBS, talked about the ample supplies of meat we will see in 2017 during a workshop at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2017 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show. Skold said a historically unusual situation of expanding herds, growing supply and significant demand is driving an overall positive outlook for producers of … Read More
Meet New Farm Bureau YF&R Chair
I was excited to hear a fellow southwest Missouri girl was elected as the 2017 chairperson of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee during the AFBF annual meeting in Phoenix this week. Kalena Bruce will take over as chair in February, at the end of the committee’s leadership conference, will serve a one year term and will … Read More
We All Want Safe Food – Food Safety Rule Challenges
Bob Ehart, senior policy and science advisor with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), spoke to farmers and ranchers during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2017 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show on the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). NASDA and AFBF simply want to ensure farmers have the tools needed to meet these … Read More
Animal Ag Reacts To GIPSA Proposal
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a final rule for the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) yesterday. USDA refers to the rule as common sense protections to restore fairness and reduce the burden for farmers seeking justice under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement joined by National Farmers Union president Roger Johnson … Read More
Thanksgiving Dinner is Cheaper This Year
Americans will be giving thanks this week for a less expensive Thanksgiving dinner on their tables, according to the annual survey from American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 31st annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.87, a … Read More