Farmers Brace For COVID-19's Impact, Food Supply Remains Stable

Mar 25, 2020

By BROCK TURNER

While commodity markets for corn and soybeans usually dip this time of year thanks to international harvests in South American countries like Brazil global uncertainty over the coronavirus and its impact is pushing them even lower.

The prices for corn, soybeans, and most other commodities opened Monday trading well below highs they achieved earlier in March.

The Director of National Government Relations for the Indiana Farm Bureau, Bob White, says that’s mainly due to uncertainty in the market caused by global fears of the coronavirus.

That uncertainty has also led to fears that the nation’s food supply is stressed. White, however, reassures there is plenty of food to go around and that supermarkets are increasing their orders to keep up with demand.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.