Stopgap Funding Provides Important Relief for Farmers, Hungry Americans

Sep 23, 2020

With government funding due to run out next week, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed a continuing resolution that would keep federal agencies running through December 11. In addition to preventing a government shutdown, the stopgap measure would provide nearly $8 billion for nutrition assistance programs, replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and stipulate some Congressional oversight of spending through CCC.

Throughout the pandemic, National Farmers Union (NFU) has encouraged Congress and the administration to expand the nutrition safety net and ensure that farm assistance is distributed fairly. In a statement, NFU President Rob Larew commended the resolution and urged the Senate to act quickly to pass its own stopgap funding bill.

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Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.