![Farmers Feed America While Critics Say “Let Them Fail” [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/George-Washington-GENERIC-400x250.jpg)
Farmers Feed America While Critics Say “Let Them Fail” [VIEWPOINT]
Farmers and ranchers have put their own health concerns aside to keep America fed during the COVID pandemic. It is hard to think that farmers were in the field harvesting at the same time, farm policy critics were ramping up criticism of the hand that actually feeds them. A Reuters columnist even went ahead and said the quiet part loud: “Let farms fail.”
It’s a Barn-Burner: Farmer Sentiment Rebounds Sharply, Setting a New Record High
“Since bottoming out this summer, the ag economy has rebounded sharply, and the dramatic improvement in sentiment reflects the turnaround in the farm income picture,” said James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator at Purdue University.
![The Importance of Wildlife in Ranching [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/hunting-silhouette-GENERIC-400x250.jpg)
The Importance of Wildlife in Ranching [VIEWPOINT]
November 2020 is going to be an exciting month. Yes, it will cap a tumultuous presidential election, still days away as of writing, but more importantly, deer season is open. Hunting and ranching go together like steak and potatoes.
![Manufacturing is a Ticket to Rural Prosperity [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/manufacturing-GENERIC-400x250.jpg)
Manufacturing is a Ticket to Rural Prosperity [VIEWPOINT]
During a time when COVID has created many challenges, rural economies are looking for options. New policies implemented by President Trump’s Administration combined with the SBA resources could provide rural America a boost for what it needs to regain revenues and support communities.
![E-Commerce Adds Choices, Competition & Complexity to Crop Inputs [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/millennial-farmer-corn-GENERIC-400x250.jpg)
E-Commerce Adds Choices, Competition & Complexity to Crop Inputs [VIEWPOINT]
The newest ag megatrend unfolding is e-commerce, particularly in the crop input sector. Concern about contracting (or spreading) COVID19 has only increased interest and use for purchasing among farmers.
![Keeping Up With the Pace of Technology is a Challenge for Many People [Black Ink®]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/keeping-up-400x250.jpg)
Keeping Up With the Pace of Technology is a Challenge for Many People [Black Ink®]
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you’re falling behind, this column is encouragement for you. I’m betting you (or someone you know) shares this sentiment. Sometimes it all seems just a little too overwhelming.
Positive Thinking: Producer Sentiment Hits a Post Pandemic High in September
Continuation of a crop price rally that got underway in August combined with USDA’s announcement of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) payments on September 18 appeared to fuel much of the optimism
Let’s Keep Talking About Mental Health
If you had asked me five years ago if we would be talking so much about mental health, I probably would have said no. In just a few short years, the stresses bearing down on farmers and ranchers have become too great to ignore. Nobody should go through these stressful times alone.
Take a Lesson from the Humble Donkey | GUEST COLUMN
Remember to think about safety while you’re out there working long hours around machinery and animals. It only takes seconds for an accident to change everything. When it comes to working and staying safe on a farm, there’s a lesson to be learned from a donkey.
Early Signs that Trade is Coming Back
The U.S. “Phase 1” trade deal with China is still in its infancy, and now it’s time for the infant’s six-month check-up. As of June, agricultural exports to China hadn’t grown as much as we’d hoped. Trade watchers were getting concerned. Now, three months later, the China agreement seems to be working as we are seeing a growth spurt.
Things are Looking Up Again: Farmer Sentiment Rebounds from Last Month’s Survey
There was a big improvement in farmer sentiment in August, thanks to a positive crop production outlook, rebounding commodity prices, and news of additional export sales to China.
![How To “Garage Sale” During a Pandemic [OUR GUEST]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Donna-Kallner-garage-sale-400x250.jpg)
How To “Garage Sale” During a Pandemic [OUR GUEST]
In small towns and rural communities, we don’t spend our Saturdays in a coffee shop lingering over a $5 drink. We spend that fiver 25 cents at a time to clothe our kids and buy kitchen gadgets we don’t really need. Here’s what you need to know about buying and selling at garage sales during a pandemic.
Monthly Report: Ag Economy Barometer Stable, But Farmers Less Optimistic About Future
Overall farmer sentiment in July didn’t change much compared to June. However, the view was still much weaker than in February before the impact of COVID-19 hit. The recent resurgence of cases could be the reason why.
What to Do if You Receive “Mystery Seeds”
Most people are probably aware by now of the unsolicited mailing of seed packets from China and other countries and know they should never plant seeds from unknown origins. The USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director.
COVID-19 is Nothing to Sneeze At
Many of you know that I was diagnosed with COVID-19 two weeks ago. I want to begin this column with a heartfelt thank you for everyone’s thoughts and prayers. It is amazing how this virus hits people in such different ways. For me, I felt very sick with high fever, headaches, and felt exhausted. Still, my experience was much lighter than others have had.
Optimism About Current Conditions Pushes Farmer Sentiment Index to All-Time High
Farmers became more optimistic about both their current situation and the future for their farming operations compared to a month earlier, rebounding from sharp declines that took place in both March and April.
Farming for All
We can expect the Fourth of July gatherings to look a bit different this weekend than in recent years. I hope you’ll join me in thanking the brave men and women who report to work in different uniforms. There are some jobs that are more than a day’s work: they are lifelong callings. Farming is one of those callings.
![What are Some Signs of Healthy, Productive Soil? [ASK THE EXPERT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Ask-the-Expert-A-Soil-Health-QA-with-Joey-Koptis-WEB-400x250.jpg)
What are Some Signs of Healthy, Productive Soil? [ASK THE EXPERT]
Soil is an ecosystem that when healthy can provide nutrients for plant growth, absorb and hold rainwater, as well as filter and buffer pollutants. Soil health expert Joey Koptis explain the indicators of healthy soil in this segment of “Ask the Expert”.
Mobilizing Rural Voters for 2020
“Equipped to Vote” will begin touring the country to talk about issues that matter to hard-working rural Americans who want vibrant agricultural communities, smart trade deals, and solid infrastructure. The campaign will also serve as a call to action for supporters to engage in the electoral process and hold lawmakers accountable in November.
Lessons from COVID-19
It has taken our nation years to recover from big economic disruptions of the past, such as the Great Depression in 1929 and the Great Recession in 2008. Policy decisions made today will have similarly long-lasting repercussions. It’s important for us to learn from all of these disruptions and avoid policies that would stifle innovation and agricultural production.
Farmers For Innovation (FFI) Launches a Movement to “Bring Back America”
A new grassroots movement wants Main Street to have a voice as loud as Wall Street. Farmers For Innovation (FFI), aims to create a world in which “Rural America is rebuilt and drives change to break dependence on foreign resources.”
