April | 2020 |

Monthly Archives: April 2020

Using the Defense Production Act, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to keep meatpacking plants open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan allows the federal government to supply additional personal protective equipment to meat processing facilities, according …

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Piggott: COVID-19 Could Have Long-Term Effects on Ag

April 29, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

COVID-19 poses challenges for everyone, and those involved in growing, processing and selling food are no exception. In a new report from North Carolina State University, economist Nick Piggott says the pandemic’s impact on agriculture and food systems in North …

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2020 Brings a Big Boost in Home Vegetable Gardening

April 29, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

If you, for the first time, are interested in planting a home vegetable garden this year, you are not alone. Gary Crawford explores this trend on this edition of Agriculture USA.

Weathers: Food Is Safe, and Now Is the Time to Buy It Local

April 28, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

By Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Many of us continue to hunker down in our homes following orders to stop the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, South Carolina farmers are out in their fields planting summer crops and picking …

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The Economic Perspective: “Could Unemployment Fall, Rather than Rise, in Coming Months?”

April 28, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

Mary: I’m Mary Walden with economist MW, welcoming you to the economic perspective. Today’s program asks if unemployment could fall, rather than rise, in coming months. Mike, the mandated reduction in social interactions designed to control the coronavirus has resulted …

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USDA Launches Coordination Center for Livestock Producers

April 28, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

USDA has announced a coordination center to assist producers impacted by meat processing plant closures. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is establishing a National Incident Coordination Center to provide direct support to producers whose animals cannot move …

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At Least 17 Dead from COVID-19 at Meat Plants; CDC Issues New Guidance

April 28, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

Three of the nation’s largest meat processors failed to provide protective gear to all workers, some of whom said they were ordered to continue working in crowded plants even while sick. The Washington Post reports COVID-19 has sickened at least …

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SC Commissioner Hugh Weathers: Local Food Supply Stories

April 28, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

South Carolina Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers is here to tell us more about some local producers and distributors that continue to adapt and work to provide food and services to South Carolinians during COVID 19 restrictions. ● Senn Brother Produce- …

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NC Commissioner Steve Troxler: Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program Passes Milestone

April 28, 2020

by Southern Farm Network

On the heels of Earth Day celebrations, the NCDA&CS Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program has collected more than 4 million pounds of unused and unwanted pesticides. The program ensures these products are disposed of in a responsible and appropriate way. Commissioner …

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