Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a second round of COVID assistance relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), or CFAP 2. Key Info USDA has determined that CFAP 1 and CFAP 2 are separate programs. USDA’s first CFAP program was designed to address disruptions that had occurred by April 15, 2020. CFAP…
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced an extension to the Emergency Declaration on Hours of Service, that would extend it until December 31, 2020. This declaration includes: 1.Livestock and livestock feed; a. FMCSA has informed us that the relief is only available to transporters of finished feed. Transporters of feed ingredients are ineligible…
Last Friday (8/7/20), USDA-FSA released updates to the Conservation Reserve Program in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. Key changes are highlighted below: Emergency haying and grazing allowances will be based on drought severity as determined by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Producers located in a county that is designated as severe drought (D2) or…
Colorado Livestock Association has sent a letter in response to Gov. Polis’ appointment of Ellen Kessler to the public at large position on the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. You may utilize it as a guide to send your own letter. As a self-proclaimed vegan animal activist, Ms. Kessler has publicly demonstrated her strong bias…
Last week, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) released their Scientific Report, laying the groundwork for the next five years of federal dietary guidance. As USDA and HHS work to finalize 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), the agencies have opened up a 30-day comment period and will be accepting written public comments on the…
Colorado agriculture leader Mark Sponsler receives Colorado Livestock Association’s highest honor At a virtual meeting of the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) Board of Directors Mark Sponsler was presented with the 2020 Top Choice Award. The Top Choice Award is given by CLA to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to improving livestock agriculture in Colorado.…
“The pandemic’s domino effect on cattle ranchers, feedlot operators, meat packers, and ultimately the price of beef people buy in the grocery stores…” Colorado Public Radio segment featuring interviews with CLA President-Elect Kenny Rogers, Wagon Wheel Ranch and past president Steve Gabel, Magnum Feedyard. Listen here https://www.instagram.com/p/CCbWlu9HaFN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
With a stroke of Governor Polis’s pen House Bill 20-1343 (Egg-laying Hen Confinement Standards) became law on Wednesday. While this is a significant event, equally important is the fact that World Animal Protection withdrew Ballot Initiative #314 (Concerning Farm Animal Confinement). Although the Colorado Livestock Association took a neutral position on the legislation it was…
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, you have likely already implemented creative strategies and solutions to maintain business continuity and protect you, your family, and your employees from COVID-19. The High Plains Intermountain Center for Ag Health and Safety (HICAHS) at CSU is highlighting these practical and innovative solutions being used at ag operations. Share your strategies and…
Significant changes have been made to PPP forgiveness loans under a new law signed by the federal government on June 5th. Here are the most important changes outlined by the Journal of Accountancy: Extend the covered period for loan forgiveness from eight weeks after the date of loan disbursement to 24 weeks after the date of…