Florida Citrus Forecast and OSHA's COVID Mandate Exemptions
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.**The 2021-22 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board carried forward from October at 47.0 million boxes, down 11% from last season’s total.
According to www.morningagclips.com, the crop season in October began with harvesting of Navel and Hamlin oranges, red grapefruit, and Fallglo and Early Pride tangerines.
Harvested fruit was primarily for the fresh market.
By the end of October, two processing plants were open and thirteen packinghouses were shipping fruit.
www.morningagclips.com/november-citrus-forecast-report/
**OSHA released exemptions to the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine mandate for large, private employers.
The Hagstrom Report says the mandate won’t take effect until January 4 and begins after harvest season.
Chuck Conner, president of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, says he’s disappointed that OSHA’s exemptions don’t adopt several commonsense accommodations to recognize the unique nature of agriculture.
He says NCFC will provide formal comments to OSHA outlining their concerns and will work with members to find ways to minimize disruptions.
**The USDA says export sales were higher across the board during the week ending on October 28.
Corn sales in those seven days were up 37% over the previous week and 10% higher than the four-week average.
Exports were 9% higher week-to-week.
Wheat sales were 49% higher than the previous week and 4% above the four-week average.
Wheat exports fell 27%.