Ag News

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Gets Creative In Outreach Efforts

IARN — Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) staff want to hear from members and non-members during this challenging time.

“Don’t be afraid to contact us,” shares Katie Olthoff, ICA senior director of communications and membership. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association staff invite producers to participate in a weekly call. Each call includes: A summary of ICA efforts, industry news, as well as an oppourtunity for members to offer input.

“There are four different times they can get on the phone with us each week. They can hear an update from us, as well as share their concerns, what they’re hearing in the countryside, and things like that,” Olthoff said. “This has (kept) us informed, (especially) when we are going to advocate on their behalf.” Read more

Payment Protection Program May Not Be Replenished Until May

IARN — Congress’ bipartisan program, designed to assist small business owners with payroll, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities, recently exacerbated appropriated funding.

The Small Business Association is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) due to deficient funding. Small business owners exhausted the 349-billion dollars appropriated by Congress in late March. Not everyone received a slice of the pie.

An Iowa farmer, who employs a handful of laborers, told Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) he “went through the hassle of signing up” only to find the funding run out soon after. Read more

Department Of Agriculture Rolls Out $19-Billion Relief Program

IARN — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials late Friday rolled out the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The new program, which utilizes funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, will assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers affected by COVID-19. It consists of two components, shares Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Read more

NCBA: Beef Supply Is OK

IARN — Panic buying has been the norm for the past month or so. Consumers are hearing about closures of processing plants and are worried that we are going to see a major disruption in food supplies. (Just remember how everybody fought over toilet paper.) Just over a week ago, we learned the Tama beef processing plant was closing down. What is this meaning for our beef supply? The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) says we have enough beef for now. Read more