Names of Recipients of PPP Loans Will Be Released Thursday
Disclosures will include names of recipients who received loans worth >$150K, addresses, NAICS codes, ZIP codes, and more
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Farm Journal Stages Virtual Competitor to Farm Progress
The show promises sponsors a 125 percent return on their investment by the end of 2020 and a 200 percent return by June 30 of next year.
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Manufacturers Move Away from China Supply Chain
One third of companies with global supply chains have moved–or soon will move–their sourcing and manufacturing activities out of China.
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U.S. Soybean Prices Rise as China Accelerates Imports
Chinese buying made up roughly 56 percent of all new soybean export sales in the past month. By comparison, Chinese buying made up only 27 percent of U.S. soybean export sales in 2020 through May.
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Farm Groups Join Coalition Against Threat to GPS
“Expanding broadband access is a top priority for Farm Bureau,” said Zippy Duvall, president of AFBF, “but not at the expense of losing the accuracy of GPS,”
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SBA Loosens Loan Forgiveness Rules for PPP
Companies can spend more of the funds on operating costs, take more time to rehire workers, and if repayment is required, take more time to repay.
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Tug of War Continues Between Biofuels, Oil
The RFA marked the anniversary of President Trump’s visit to an Iowa ethanol plant by turning up the heat on the White House. Meanwhile, small refineries made an unprecedented request that would free them from their annual RFS requirements.
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Judge Says Animal Activists Can Secretly Record at Work
A judge handed a victory to animal-rights advocates by declaring parts of a law in violation of the right to free speech.
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Bill Would Expand Use of PPP Funds, Extend Timeline
Legislation awaiting consideration in the Senate expands the terms of the loans from the Paycheck Protection Program and allows small businesses to spend more of the money on non-payroll costs.
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China Pauses Ag Purchases as Tensions Escalate
China has promised “firm countermeasures” in response to a move by the White House on Friday to eliminate special treatment for Hong Kong. Those countermeasures are believed to include importing fewer commodities.
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USDA, Prosecutors Investigate Meatpackers
The president of the North Dakota Farmers Union said the industry has rarely seen such obvious market abuses by the meatpacking industry.
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Maximize Membership: Update Directory Listing
The printed digital directory is in production now. Update your listing to stay connected to others in the industry.
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House Votes to Give Small Businesses Flexibility on PPP
The House on Thursday passed legislation that expands the terms of the Payroll Protection Program to allow employers to spend a greater portion on non-payroll expenses.
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Farm Aid to Launch After Memorial Day
Farmers and ranchers seeking a lifeline from the Agriculture Department can sign up for a relief check starting Monday.
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ASABE Offers Webinars on Braking Standards
Engineer and project lead Bruce Hawkins will lead webinars about what towed implements need brakes under the new standards. He also will answer questions about braking performance and offer a sizing overview.
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How to Respond to Positive Cases
The infection rate in rural communities increased by 170 percent in a month-long span. Know how to respond at your plant.
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KCoe Offers Guidance on Keeping, Applying for PPP
Every PPP borrower should answer—and document responses—to these questions, and remember, if you have questions, your membership entitles you to a no-cost, confidential consultation with an expert.
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Congress Discusses Next Stimulus, Payments Coming for Farmers
Direct payments should be on their way soon to farmers. Meanwhile, lawmakers discuss support to small businesses as part of a new round of stimulus funding.
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Lawmakers to Focus on Small Businesses This Week
Proposals include extending the timeline on PPP and allowing businesses to use more of the funds for overhead. Some lawmakers want to create new funding vehicles.
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Hemp Appears Immune to Coronavirus
Upheaval in the supply chain has been less disruptive to hemp growers than more traditional producers. Pandemic restrictions may even be driving up CBD sales.
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Your Local Talent Pipeline May Be Gaining Strength
The Association has contributed $28,000 over two years to support teachers pursuing training that will help them equip high school students with skills for careers in farm equipment. See the list of winners, and let us know if we can make an introduction.
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Farmers’ Moods Reflect National Mood of Caution
Data released Tuesday shows that the optimism farmers felt after the 2016 election has all but faded as a result of uncertainty around COVID-19.
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Payroll Protection Funding to be Replenished Quickly
Analysts anticipate that the new fund could be depleted by early next week. Association members who have not yet pursued the forgivable loans are urged to act quickly. A new member benefit that offers no-cost consultations with experts on the loan process can help.
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Members Receive No-Cost Consults on Payroll Loans
In partnership with KCoe Isom, the Association is offering members no-cost, 60-minute consultations with experts on business and financial questions related to COVID-19.
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Farmers to Receive Cash Payments, Mass Purchases
The White House announced a $19 billion economic rescue package for farmers and ranchers. The plan calls for making cash payments to producers as well as mass purchases of commodities to be distributed to food banks.
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Shortline Industry Resources
See the latest on state and federal regulations and other need-to-know information for members.
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More Funding for Small Business Certain But Stalled
Lawmakers agree that small business businesses need more in a COVID-19 rescue package, but negotiations stalled over details. Resolution is expected this week.
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Protein Processing Plants Hit Hard by Virus
Smithfield Foods, which processes about 5 percent of U.S. pork, has closed indefinitely in response to a significant number of COVID-19 cases at the plant.
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Tips from the EPA on Disinfecting Your Plant
Check out this list of
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Shift in Consumer Dining Habits Hits Farmers
The COVID-19 pandemic has left restaurants shuttered and created a frenetic pace at grocery stores, which has led to a shift in the food supply chain that stands to reshape agriculture in the short-term.
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Commentary: Consider This an Opportunity to Reset
A crisis offers an opportunity to reset the business and to raise the internal sense of urgency to make changes. Consider these strategies during this drama
Read moreAlert Regarding Paycheck Protection Program
Starting this Friday, April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietors can apply for a loan through the Paycheck Protection
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Stimulus Offers Loans with Option for Forgiveness
The $2.2 trillion response deal allows small businesses to acquire grants and loans up to 125 percent of their payroll with the opportunity for loan forgiveness for businesses that can quickly ramp up or sustain their workforces.
Read moreEssential Business? Guidance in a Stay-At-Home Order
CISA GUIDANCE On March 23, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued “Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring
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Member-Relevant Highlights of $2 Trillion Stimulus
New stimulus bill provides billions in loans to small businesses that can be converted to grants that will not require repayment.
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HR Resources from KCoe
Member company K-Coe Isom has compiled a toolkit with valuable information related to payroll and related employment questions.
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U.S. Moves Tax Deadline to July 15
In these unprecedented circumstances, the federal government wants you to focus on your business not your tax return.
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Bill Calls for Paid Leave at Small Companies
The bill requires employers of small companies to pay up to $511 a day for sick leave and up to $200 a day for family leave.
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Association Looks Ahead After Summit Cancellation
The global outbreak that ultimately caused the cancellation of this meeting is expected to continue to disrupt supply chains and the workforce. The Association is committed to providing members information that helps them navigate these unprecedented circumstances.
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FAA Rule Would Limit Potential of Drones on Farms
The FAA is proposing that drone users must connect to the internet and broadcast a signal to alert others. The rule poses problems for farmers.
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Plan to Widen Mississippi River is Good News for Ag
A plan to deepen the Mississippi River in the southern U.S. is akin to “bringing the ocean 50 miles closer to the farmer.”
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Canceled: Supply Summit 2020
We look ahead to Orlando in October, where will we reconnect, learn, and grow your business.
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Optimism, Willingness to Invest, Build Among Farmers
The Farm Capital Investment Index, which assesses farmers’ willingness to invest in equipment and other capital, continues to strengthen.
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USDA Predicts Better 2020 for Ag, More Aid Possible
In spite of challenges such as the coronavirus and competition from Brazil, the USDA’s chief economist sees “more hopeful signs” for farmers.
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Myers Spring Expansion
Myers Spring last week welcomed members of its community and the shortline industry to celebrate the opening of a new
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Truckload Market Changes May Lift LTL Market
A YRC executive says a ripple in the massive truckload market can create a tidal wave in the less-than-truckload market, and such a wave may be surging.
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Virus Puts Pressure on Farm Equipment Supply Chain
Executives say they are taking measures that include tying up sources outside China and booking air freight to fly in parts and components from China. One said its company is paying 40 percent more to domestic vendors for components that used to come from China.
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Farmers Join Forces for Responsible Climate Policy
Farm and ranch groups representing millions of U.S. producers are launching a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability.
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Tell a Teacher: Apply for Funds to Train Equipment Builders
Educators may now apply for scholarships that will prepare them to train students for careers in farm equipment manufacturing. They have until Feb. 29. Find the link to apply here.
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Supply Summit: Walk, Run, Crawl, Shoot, Golf, Network!
Each Summit comes together in partnership with the Supplier Board of Governors, who host the networking opportunities and think creatively about new ways to engage. Here’s what’s in store in Albuquerque.
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