Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Urgent plea for congressional farm aid action

Dec 09, 2024
By Farms.com

Farm Bureau seeks immediate support for farmers

Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, today criticized Congress for its lack of decisive action in supporting the agricultural sector during this critical period of economic downturn.

Duvall discussed the severe impacts of recent hurricanes on farms, leading to significant losses and the need for disaster aid for recovery. He emphasized the projected $40 billion drop in net farm income, illustrating the grave financial challenges farmers are facing.

"The frightening financial pinch farm families across the country are experiencing is real," said Duvall, highlighting the urgent need for legislative support. He pointed to a dramatic increase in farm losses, with 141,000 farms lost in the past five years, and stressed the widespread public support for Congress to prioritize farmer assistance

The pressing issues include the need for a modernized farm bill that addresses risk management and provides economic relief to help farmers deal with inflation and fluctuating market prices.

Duvall’s call to action aims to prompt Congress to provide the necessary relief measures to ensure the stability and growth of the farming sector.

Duvall’s appeal reflects a critical moment for U.S. agriculture, urging lawmakers to stand with rural America and respond to the immediate needs of its farmers.


Trending Video

Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Video: Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Can supplemental nitrogen help soybeans reach higher yield potential? Technical Agronomist Tim Sickman walks through an ongoing trial at the Nutrien Innovation Farm in Owensboro, Kentucky, exploring whether a modest amount of nitrogen applied at planting can support higher-yielding soybean environments.

The trial compares 30 pounds of supplemental nitrogen across both 15- and 30-inch rows, along with treatments that include sulfur and micronutrients. Similar trials conducted in 2024 and 2025 delivered a six- to seven-bushel yield response, prompting the team to expand the research this season.

Early observations show that treated soybeans are slightly taller and averaging about two additional nodes on the main stem. These added nodes could create more opportunities for blooms and pods, but the true results will come at harvest when the team evaluates pod development, seed fill and final yield.

In This Video:

Why high-yield soybeans may need supplemental nitrogen

Results from the 2024 and 2025 trials

Nitrogen treatments in 15- and 30-inch rows

Fertilizer placement and application methods

Differences in plant height and node counts

Potential effects on pod development and yield