Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday January 31, 2023

Feb 01, 2023

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has elected its first female president.

Jill Verwey of Portage, Manitoba farms with her family in a mixed dairy, beef, and grain operation.

Verwey won the election at KAP’s annual meeting over fellow incumbent vice-president Jake Ayre in the organization’s first contested election for president in several decades.

She replaces Bill Campbell who served the maximum four one-year terms as the head of KAP.

Agriculture in the Classroom – Canada (AITC-C) is extending its best wishes to its founding executive director.

Johanne Ross has served AITC-C for seven years. Her final day of work will be Feb. 9.

Ross was instrumental to the establishment and growth of the national organization.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.