West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force and Dems Push for Farm Bill Changes
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force will host its annual Smoke Summit on Monday, June 8.
The free Zoom summit will bring together leading researchers and industry experts to share the latest progress on wildfire smoke exposure and how that research is being applied in real-world vineyard and winery decisions.
That will include practical guidance on interpreting lab results, understanding key smoke markers, and using that information to inform timely decisions.
To register, go to
www.us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3FrfibbVRaGH7BGtty-GMQ?ampDeviceId=9420fb92-f593-4d5d-9f56-36848bbdd442&SessionId=1777060785374#/registration
**The Rural Mainstreet Index fell sharply in March, signaling continued economic strain across agriculture-dependent regions.
That’s according to a monthly survey from Creighton University.
The index dropped to 40.9, well below the growth-neutral level of 50, marking ongoing weakness tied to low commodity prices and high input costs.
Creighton’s Ernie Goss says weakness in farm commodity prices and elevated agriculture input costs are spilling over into the business community.
**Senate Democrats are pushing for changes to the newly passed House farm bill, arguing it must better address the economic challenges facing farmers and rural communities.
Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota emphasized the need for stronger support as farm bankruptcies rise and input costs remain high.
She’s also calling for policies that expand domestic markets and improve trade opportunities.
Democrats also raised concerns about proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
