Iowa gets one-tenth of coronavirus cash (FERN’s Ag Insider): Crop and livestock producers in Iowa have collected $423.5 million of the $4 billion of coronavirus aid distributed by the USDA so far this year, with Wisconsin second at $286.3 million. The No. 1 corn and hog state, Iowa leads in payments to row-crop and livestock producers; Wisconsin is the leader for dairy payments.
Food workers exempt from visa restrictions (White House): President Trump “is extending and expanding” restrictions implemented in April on five types of temporary work visas but it will not affect farm or food workers, said the White House.
Covid-19 kills 99 meat workers (FERN): At least 99 meatpacking workers have died of Covid-19 and more than 27,000 employees have tested positive for the virus, according to data compiled by FERN as of Monday.
Outbreak in huge Mexican market (Washington Post): Dozens of people who work at Central de Abasto produce market, which covers 1.3 square miles in Mexico City and has about 90,000 workers, have died during the coronavirus pandemic, according to vendors.
Pick-your-own during the pandemic (Agweek): Pick-your-own fruit farms are open for business this summer with precautions against exposure to the coronavirus, such as the Minnesota state Health Department guidelines that call for additional hand-washing stations and no snacking while harvesting.
‘Extend WIC flexibilities’ (Senate Agriculture): Nineteen of the 21 members of the Senate Agriculture Committee signed a letter asking the USDA to extend through Sept. 30 regulatory waivers that make it easier for women to enroll in WIC during the pandemic.