Ag, farmers are largely unaffected by pandemic
While area farmers and ag producers have remained largely unaffected by COVID-19, national and state officials have deemed the ag industry essential.
Nebraska Farm Bureau (NFB) said in a statement last week that they are advising farmers, ranchers and other rural Nebraskans to not underestimate the risk posed by the potential spread of COVID-19.
“While most of the confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 have occurred in eastern Nebraska, NFB President Steve Nelson is urging all Nebraskans to take precautions to help minimize the potential for spread and encouraging farmers and ranchers to prepare for possible impacts to their rural communities and agricultural operations,” the statement read.
To aid agriculture producers in preparing for potential COVID-19 expansion, Nebraska Farm Bureau developed a list of items for farmers and ranchers to consider, covering topics from personal health to operational preparedness.
The list includes:
—Protect personal health of farm/ranch owner/operators and employees.
—Plan for possible labor shortages.
—Communicate with those with whom you do business.
—Communicate any disruptions.
“Farmers and ranchers play a critical role in assuring the safety and abundance of our nation’s food supply,” Nelson said.
“By protecting ourselves, our communities, and our farms and ranches, Nebraska farmers and ranchers can play a positive role in working with Nebraskans to collectively address the challenges posed by COVID-19,” he added.
Local ag producers
“We don’t anticipate any freight issues here, necessarily, but as an industry that’s what they’ve asked us to anticipate,” John Bender of Frenchmen Valley Coop (FVC) said.
FVC has limited visitors to prevent the spread of any germs, as well as meeting truck drivers at the scales instead of inside the office.
“We’re asking our employees to limit travel and do everything they can by phone,” Bender added.
“We’re just doing all we can to follow what the state is recommending.”
To read more, go to: https://etypeservices.com/Imperial%20RepublicanID359/