Washington Flood Assistance and AFBF's Annual Convention
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington state has technical and financial assistance available to help producers recover from flooding.
Agricultural, ranching, Tribal and forest operations in 18 counties and all other Tribal nations within those areas have been significantly impacted by flooding this winter.
As producers move into recovery mode and assess damages, they should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options.
**Farmer and rancher delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th annual convention adopted several policies to guide their work in the new year.
Delegates adopted policy to improve labor programs to meet the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers, including support for the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology, and further revisions to avoid unpredictable rate swings in the future.
They also voted to support federal funding for research and biosecurity facilities.
**State officials are warning livestock producers after a confirmed case of New World screwworm was found about 215 miles from the Texas border in Mexico.
The parasitic pest, which can cause serious livestock injury and economic loss, was detected in a 7-year-old cow.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller says there’s no evidence the pest has established a breeding population, but producers along the border should inspect animals daily and report suspicious cases immediately.
