Katelyn Parsons

The unique challenges and opportunities of farming on an island just 20 miles long and 9 miles wide prompted growers on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, to establish their own county Farm Bureau – believed to be the first newly created Farm Bureau in the country in at least 40 years. “Farm…

Katelyn Parsons

Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a primary agricultural disaster designation for counties in New Hampshire.  Under this disaster designation, producers in contiguous counties in Massachusetts also qualify for benefits. The designated counties are listed in the attached…

Katelyn Parsons

In 2021 there will be two new Federal Crop Insurance programs available to Massachusetts Farmers. Quality Loss Option (QL) is a new crop insurance option that you can elect starting with the 2021 crop year. The Risk Management Agency implemented the QL in response to the 2018 Farm Bill to carry out…

Katelyn Parsons

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — As farms enter peak harvest season, the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus and “cluster” outbreaks among farmworkers looms. Farm owners and workers have the opportunity to get up-to-date, relevant information on topics such as coronavirus testing options…

Katelyn Parsons

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 2.0 program was recently announced and includes expansion of eligible commodities to include several specialty crops and notably “any species of aquatic organisms grown as food for human consumption, fish raised as feed for fish that are consumed…

Katelyn Parsons

The American Farm Bureau Federation and 41 other agriculture organizations are asking Congress to ensure the USDA has the tools necessary to help farmers in times of crisis. The group sent a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting they immediately provide replenishment for the Commodity Credit…

Katelyn Parsons

The combined issue of MFBF’s award winning newsletter is now available.  Click here to read the latest issue…

Katelyn Parsons

If you currently have an exemption from remitting contributions to the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund for the period beginning October 1, 2019 and ending September 30, 2020, this exemption is due to expire on September 30, 2020. You must renew your exemption on or before this date…

Katelyn Parsons

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is Sept. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to…

Katelyn Parsons

Registration for the 2020 Farm Bureau Virtual Target: Trust Engagement Training is now open. Due to the ongoing concerns of the pandemic the programming will now be provided virtually and is open to all Farm Bureau members free of charge. Mark your calendar for two special events: Thursday, September…

Katelyn Parsons

The state has updated their standards for BUSINESSES PROVIDING OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES to include references to agritourism. It now specifically includes as well as specific guidance on corn mazes. You can find the updated guidance at https://www.mass.gov/doc/businesses-providing-outdoor-recreational-experiences-and-educational-activities-phase-iii-step/download…