zippy duvall

The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to pass legislation freezing the “flawed” 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate, or AEWR.  AFBF said the rate distorts labor costs for farmers across the country who hire nearly 400,000 employees through the H-2A program.   The bipartis...

Last week, the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance released policy recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill.  Further reducing emissions throughout agricultural and forestry supply chains will require a comprehensive effort involving financial and technical assistance, research investments, proactive response to innovation, public-private partnerships and a commitment to equitable opportunities fo

While American families are dealing with record-high grocery prices, farm families can expect to see a drop in income during 2023.  American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the Farm Income Forecast in their latest Market Intel Report, noting that income will fall 16% this year while costs will rise over 4%.   “...

For years, pundits and so-called experts have forecasted the demise of the American Ag industry.  American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said from where he sits, the future of agriculture is very promising.   “I think the future is bright because the young people I'm in front of are excited, they're energetic, they're passionate and they're really ready to be on farm do all the work. And my c

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, and 16 other farm and builders’ groups are not waiting around for the Supreme Court to clarify the definition of WOTUS.  NCBA, AFBF, and others filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Biden EPA last week for its final WOTUS rule.   The NCBA’s C...

After clearing the House twice, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act stalled in the Senate during the 117th Congress, and failed to get a vote.  Now that a new Congress has been seated, what does that mean for the legislation.  Dan Newhouse, chair of the Western Caucus and one of the key sponsors of the bill says his office is working on a strategy to reintroduce legislation.   "What's it goi

Farm labor reform remains a priority for the American Farm Bureau Federation.  The Senate last year failed to advance the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, legislation put forward by central Washington’s Dan Newhouse and others.  It was a bill...

The American Farm Bureau Federation and John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding that ensures farmers’ and ranchers’ rights to repair their own equipment.  The MOU, signed at the AFBF annual convention, is the culmination of several years of discussions between AFBF and John Deere.   "This addres...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture will need to search for a new Director, after the Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Alexis Taylor as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.   Taylor was first tapped to serve as ODA Director by Governor Kate Brown in 2016.  Pr...

With diesel prices more than $1.50 per gallon higher than this time last year, the American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on the Administration to bring more domestic supply online.  The Ag organization said a ban on U.S. imports of petroleum from Russia, lower domestic production capacity, and seasonal demand are all contributing to higher costs.     ...