Most farmers in the great plains don't grow fruit and vegetables. The pandemic is changing that

Some farmers that once exclusively sowed wheat and corn destined for export are pivoting to feed their families and communities with fruits and vegetables using no-till, regenerative practices. These off-season cover crops also control weeds and help soil become more nutrient dense and moisture-retaining. However, USDA's crop insurance program makes it difficult for such commodity farmers to start growing other kinds of vegetables on land enrolled in the program. Read more at Civil Eats…

US grocery costs jump the most in 46 years

This week the Labor Department reported that prices for groceries in U.S. stores jumped 2.6% in April, the biggest one-month leap since 1974. More specifically, the price of the meat, poultry, fish and eggs category increased by 4.3%, fruits and vegetables increased by 1.5%, cereals and bakery products increased by 2.9% and dairy goods increased by 1.5%. Read more at CNBC…

As US meat workers fall sick and supplies dwindle, exports to China soar

China paid more than any other country for U.S. meat exports last year after disease ravaged its pork supply. But even as U.S. consumers grow more concerned about the country's meat processing plant shutdowns and how they will affect meat's availability stateside, many pork products are still being shipped overseas instead of of feeding local families. Read more at Reuters…

Record grocery sales are coming at a cost for supermarkets

Demand for goods and services on the part of shoppers worldwide has never been higher, but many big-box retailers are investing the excess cash flow into pay raises, implementing protective measures for customers and employees and expanding delivery or pickup services. Whether or not these remain in place after the sales boom subsides will be a huge factor in terms of which companies survive in the long term. Read more at Quartz…

3 USDA meat inspectors dead, about 145 diagnosed with COVID-19

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is under fire for failing to protect its employees from COVID-19. Currently, plants are not mandated to report illnesses or outbreaks to inspectors prior to their arrival at the facility. Read more at CBS…