COVID-19 information specific to Agriculture.
Below are important updates for farms and farm families related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: Coronavirus Food Assistance Act (CFAP). Updated information on direct farm payments is now available on farmers.gov/cfap. Program sign up begins next Tuesday, May 26 and runs thru August 28. Details on payment rates, eligibility, and records needed for the application are on […]
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Here’s a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2YJ9r_6ibg&feature=youtu.be to view a recording of the PPP/EIDL Extension webinar for farmers aired this past Tuesday, May 12. Note, the link starts in the middle, so you’ll have to back up the video to start at the beginning. This is the most comprehensive and detailed summary of these two programs with lots of Q […]
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Want to grow your own healthy food but don’t have a garden? Safer-at-home is the perfect time to try container gardening. Check out the new Extension fact sheet (PDF 599 kb) for specific variety recommendations, as well as Extension bulletin A3382 “Container Gardening” (PDF 58 kb) for more details on how to get started.
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It is critical that agricultural producers have the ability to make clear-headed decisions during times of high-stress, whether during unique situations (such as the current pandemic) or during normal times when farm stress is still a major concern. This video highlight the important of planning and goal setting as a means to “regain” a stronger […]
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Practical information to minimize contact and infection from COVID-19 virus for farmers and others handling agricultural input products – seed, fertilizer, chemicals, feed, etc. in boxes, bags, plastic containers, drums, etc. ALWAYS make sure to follow all recommendations and requirements for additional PPE when handling pesticides (follow label information) and consult MSDS and other safety […]
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Q: Is there any truth to the rumor that farmers and farm workers might be resistant or even immune to COVID-19? A: No, see COVID19 & Farmer Exposure for details.
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State of Dairy Markets – April 1, 2020 by Mark Stephenson, PhD; Director of Dairy Policy Analysis – University of Wisconsin, Madison It’s a little ironic that today is April Fools day. Our circumstances are no joke, and I feel a need to share what we know about deteriorating dairy markets. Nobody needs a review as to […]
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With some milk processors sending letters to dairy farmers indicating they may be asked to dump milk due to COVID-19 issues (i.e. to many sick or quarantined employees unable to keep the plant running at full capacity), the WI Dept of Ag and the DNR have released a Fact Sheet for farmers outlining the rules […]
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The Governors order “Safer-At-Home” exempts essential businesses and their employees like farm and other food industry workers. The attached summary includes an example letter farm and Ag business owners may want to share with their employees to avoid potential questions. Ag Exclusion – Safer at Home
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While coronavirus diseases in cattle (pre-wean scours, winter dysentery and pneumonia?) aren’t new, they’ve never been linked to people. Moreover, there’s no evidence showing exposure to bovine coronaviruses provides any immunity to COVID19, the new coronavirus disease specific to people. However, even though this new disease in people is highly unlikely to infect cattle, it’s […]
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“Steps for Limiting Farm Families and Farm Employees from COVID-19 Exposure” With the current pandemic of COVID-19, farmers are concerned about keeping themselves, their families and employees well and work to reduce the potential spread of the disease. The following are recommendations for limiting exposure from visitors to farms. If possible: Postpone or find alternative […]
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The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is suspending pesticide certification testing as of March 18, 2020. Exams scheduled on and after March 18, 2020, are canceled. If you have scheduled a certification exam do not go to the testing location. If your certification expires January 31-May 31, 2020, DATCP is extending […]
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The UW-Madison Extension Center for Community & Economic Development has created a resource page to assist small businesses as they navigate and prepare for the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). https://economicdevelopment.extension.wisc.edu/navigating-coronavirus-for-small-business/ Additionally, Extension Farm Management has created a list of resources to assist the farming industry as they prepare for possible impacts. https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/2020/06/coronavirus/
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