EVENTS
- Women’s History Month
- Total Lunar Eclipse (most of North America) - March 13
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
VACCINES OFF THE TABLE FOR HIGH PATH AVIAN FLU
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has confirmed that vaccines will no longer be part of the strategy for fighting High Path Avian Flu. Instead, the USDA will focus on repopulation efforts and biosecurity measures. Rollins also discussed the billion-dollar plan to address the virus, including offering $400 million in financial relief for farmers and easing some burdensome regulations.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF TARIFFS
While President Trump delayed some tariffs, Canada’s potential new Prime Minister warns that U.S. farmers could be more negatively impacted than their Canadian counterparts. Despite the delay on some tariffs, a 10% energy tariff remains on Canada, and the potash tariff has been reduced from 25% to 10%. Ag Secretary Rollins supports the tariff reductions, saying they help farmers manage input costs at the height of planting season.
FARM BILL IN LIMBO
With the deadline for funding set for March 14, lawmakers are still working to finalize the federal budget. While some have pushed to move priorities like the Farm Bill forward, time is running out. NCBA members are hoping for progress on the bill and its key provisions, including the repeal of the “death tax” and a reduction in government red tape.
IMMIGRATION REFORM AND THE AG WORKFORCE
As deportations rise under the new administration, concerns grow about the agricultural workforce. Advocates say immigration reform isn’t a partisan issue and that both parties need to work together to ensure agriculture remains viable and sustainable. Lawmakers are being encouraged to listen to farmers as they work toward solutions.
AGRICULTURAL DISASTER RESPONSE IN NORTH CAROLINA
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently visited wildfire- and hurricane-stricken areas of western North Carolina. Rollins highlighted the USDA’s efforts to work with local and state agencies to support communities and restore public lands crucial to rural residents.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: TN FARMER SHARES VALUE OF BEING A VOICE FOR WOMEN IN AG
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture! Every month, we plan to showcase countless stories and interviews highlighting the passion and persistence of the powerful women in our industry.
As we continue to highlight women in agriculture in honor of International Women’s Day, we now want to check in with a female farmer who has become a well-known ag advocate in her farm community.
