As the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., restaurants and bars closed or were limited to takeout and delivery. Offices closed, keeping workers home and changing normal lunch stops. Schools closed, changing where students ate breakfast and lunch. Millions lost jobs and found themselves with less income to purchase food.
Those changes meant more people in grocery stores and fewer in restaurants. It meant reduced quantities of some items on grocery store shelves and higher prices for others. And it meant big changes for those who raise, process and serve food, as well as those who consume it.
âYou see people lining up for donations at food banks. You see empty grocery store shelves. At the same time, you see farmers who are dumping milk, plowing under fields of onions and squash, and most recently reports of having to euthanize hogsâ â the result of âmismatches in our food supply chain,â said Darci Vetter, former chief agricultural negotiator with the Office o
COVID-19 pandemic revealed problems and pushed lasting changes in the food chain
The pandemic revealed “mismatches” in the nation’s food chain but also pushed changes that may last long after the pandemic ends.
Written By:
Agweek Staff | ×
Options like online ordering, pickup and delivery of food are likely to continue even after the pandemic. Photo taken Dec. 16, 2020, in Jamestown, N.D. Jenny Schlecht / Forum News Service
As the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., restaurants and bars closed or were limited to takeout and delivery. Offices closed, keeping workers home and changing normal lunch stops. Schools closed, changing where students ate breakfast and lunch. Millions lost jobs and found themselves with less income to purchase food.
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Dec 28, 2020 7:35 AM
South Dakota FFA’s annual State Leadership Development Events continued this year in a new format, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, FFA members competed in and were recognized for their success in Marketing Plan, Conduct of Chapter Meetings, and Parliamentary Procedure; and the All-State Parliamentary Procedure team was announced during a special live Zoom awards.
South Dakota FFA members from across the state traded an in-person State Leadership Development Event, in Pierre, for virtual events throughout December and January. Members qualified through district competitions, advancing the top two teams and top three individuals from each of the seven FFA districts in South Dakota.
HURON â Nearly 100 South Dakota family farmers and ranchers gathered virtually for the 2020 South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Annual Convention Dec. 9.
âGrassroots policy development is no less strong in a virtual environment,â said Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation Conde farmer. âIâm sure like everyone, I missed the 3-D experience. But even though we were unable to meet in person due to the pandemic, member engagement was strong, as our members discussed and voted on policy and special orders to address timely challenges facing our stateâs family farmers and ranchers.â
Aberdeen farmer, Kirk Schaunaman agreed. âAll things considered, for a virtual convention, I thought it was outstanding. It was really good. Great speakers, and technology-wise, it went smooth,â he said.
HURON, S.D. - Three college-bound youth from Beadle, Haakon and Clark counties were awarded scholarships. South Dakota Farmers Union annually gives recognition to young people who commit to a South