-May 8,2020-
Survey shows California farmers losing sales, income
Most farmers responding to a California Farm Bureau survey reported they had lost sales or customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the voluntary survey, 57% said they had seen sales drop, mainly due to stay-at-home orders that reduced restaurant demand. Another 42% of respondents to the survey said they or a family member had seen their off-farm income decline.
Drop in home building reduces timber demand
The economic impacts of the pandemic include a drop in home construction, which has hurt sales of timber. One California sawmill operator says he has had to cut production in half as a result. Though housing starts have dropped, market analysts say lumber sales at home-improvement stores have been rising, as people take on remodeling projects, including conversion of rooms into home offices.
Flower growers hope for Mother’s Day boost
With Mother’s Day approaching, California flower growers received welcome news when the state allowed florists throughout California to reopen for pickup services, beginning Friday. The California Cut Flower Commission says there will be plenty of flowers available, though transportation and sales obstacles remain. Flower sales have recovered slightly, after a sharp initial drop caused by postponement or cancellation of weddings, graduations and other events.
Farm exports to China rise, but lag behind goals
The flow of U.S. farm exports to China has increased since the two nations signed a “Phase 1” trade agreement in January, but an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis says sales to China have so far not kept pace with commitments in the agreement. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role, AFBF says, in part because it has slowed U.S. meat processing for export.
news from CFB
Ag Barometer plunges
The Ag Economy Barometer fell 72 points from its record high two months ago to a three-year low of 96 in April, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Coronavirus concerns, commodity price declines and supply-chain disruptions were cited as reasons for the decline.
The Ag Economy Barometer is based on responses from 400 U.S. agricultural producers and this month’s survey was conducted from April 19-24, 2020.