COVID-19
COVID-19
A Message from NEFB President, Steve Nelson
These are extraordinary times. No one has dealt with this kind of situation before. Everyone, including farm and ranch families could face both health and financial risk in the weeks to come. Its important to be informed as we deal with issues related to the Coronavirus. It is the goal of NEFB to provide you with helpful information and resources. Please return to this site for updated information or to leave comments at information@nefb.org.
– Steve Nelson
NEFB’s Rural Mental Health and Wellness
No matter what’s going on in your life, isolation, low commodity prices or the struggling livestock sector, Nebraska Farm Bureau wants to offer resources that can help at our Rural Resilience web page. If you need someone to talk to, call the Rural Response hotline at 800-464-0258 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273- 8255.
Resources for Farmers and Ranchers
Latest Updates
- (September 18, 2020) NEW Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) Guide
- (August 11, 2020) NEW Change in Distribution of Small Business Grants for Livestock Producers
- (July 14, 2020) NEW DED Reopens Small Business Stabilization Grant Program
- (June 24, 2020) NEW Q&A on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program
- (June 18, 2020) NEW Update – Small Business Stabilization Grants for Livestock Producers
- (June 18, 2020) NEW Updated Form – SBA Interim Final Rule for PPP Loan Forgiveness
- (June 15, 2020) NEW Tips – Application for Small Business Stabilization (SBS) Grants for Livestock Producers
- (June 15, 2020) NEW REMINDER: Sign-Up Starts TODAY for COVID-19 Livestock Producer Grants
- (June 12, 2020) NEW Small Business Stabilization Grant for Small Businesses
- (June 12, 2020) NEW Small Business Stabilization Grant for Livestock Producers
- (June 10, 2020) NEW NEFB News Conf. COVID-19 & Nebraska Agriculture – Potential Estimated Losses (video)
- (June 10, 2020) NEW NEFB News Conf. COVID-19 & Nebraska Agriculture – Potential Estimated Losses (slideshow)
- (June 10, 2020) NEW Nebraska Farm Bureau Says Nebraska Agriculture’s COVID-19 Losses Could Approach $3.7 Billion (news release)
- (June 10, 2020) NEW COVID-19 and Nebraska Agriculture – Potential Estimated Losses (report)
- (June 4, 2020) NEW Facebook LIVE “Ag Producer’s Guide to SBA Loan Programs” with Tom Salisbury and Mike McWhorter, U.S. Small Business Administration
- (June 4, 2020) NEW Small Business Administration PowerPoint – PPP and EIDL programs, Webinar/Facebook LIVE
- (April 16, 2020) NEW A Note from President Steve Nelson and Chief Administrator Rob Robertson
COVID-19 Financial Assistance Programs
Farm Bureau has worked to help ensure farmers and ranchers are eligible for different state and federal programs offering financial assistance to work through challenges presented by the COVID-19 outbreak. Find more information about those programs.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act)
- (April 8, 2020) Facebook LIVE “The CARES Act and Agriculture” with Tina Barrett, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.
- (April 6, 2020) A Farmer, Rancher Guide to the CARES Act
- (March 26, 2020) NEFB Reviews COVID-19 Relief Package
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- (June 1, 2020) NEW USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- (May 29, 2020) NEW USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) webpage (full details)
- (May 28, 2020) NEW Nebraska Farm Service Agency PowerPoint – USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
- (May 28, 2020) NEW Facebook LIVE “Producer Guide to USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program” with Cathy Anderson, Nebraska Farm Service Agency
- (May 19, 2020) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Guide
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Small Business Administration (SBA)
- (June 18, 2020) NEW NEW Updated Form – SBA Interim Final Rule for PPP Loan Forgiveness
- (June 4, 2020) NEW Facebook LIVE “Ag Producer’s Guide to SBA Loan Programs” with Tom Salisbury and Mike McWhorter, U.S. Small Business Administration
- (April 15, 2020) The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Q&A Guide for Farmers and Ranchers
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program – Small Business Administration (SBA)
- (June 24, 2020) NEW Q&A on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program
- (June 4, 2020) NEW Facebook LIVE “Ag Producer’s Guide to SBA Loan Programs” with Tom Salisbury and Mike McWhorter, U.S. Small Business Administration
- (May 12, 2020) NEW NEFB’s Quick Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
Stabilization Grants for Small Livestock Producers – Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development (DED)
- (June 15, 2020) NEW REMINDER: Sign-Up Starts TODAY for COVID-19 Livestock Producer Grants
- (June 12, 2020) NEW Small Business Stabilization Grant for Livestock Producers
Agriculture Production and COVID-19
Farm Bureau has worked closely with elected officials, state and federal agencies, the University of Nebraska, and others to address and mitigate on farm impacts of COVID-19.
- (May 27, 2020) NEW NE Dept. of Environment – Extends Temporary Allowance for More Livestock On-Site Than Permitted For
- (May 8, 2020) Handling Contracts during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- (April 30, 2020) Resources to Help in Challenging Times – Livestock Depopulation/Meat Processing
- (April 17, 2020) What to do During a Distillers Grains Shortage
- (April 13, 2020) NE. Dept. of Ag Eases Restrictions on Pesticide Applicator License Holders
- (April 3, 2020) COVID-19 Guidance for Livestock Markets
- (April 3, 2020) COVID-19 Guidance for Dairies Unable to Ship Milk
- (March 31, 2020) Checklist for Farmers/Ranchers Responding to COVID-19
- (March 31, 2020) Federal, State Programs and Temporary Regulations Changes Affecting your Operation During COVID-19
- (March 19, 2020) White House Lists Ag as Essential Critical Infrastructure
- (March 18, 2020) US Department of Transportation Expands National Emergency Declaration for Commercial Vehicles Delivering Relief in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak
Farm Bureau Working for Members
In addition to working to help secure opportunities for aid and regulatory relief for farm and ranch families, Farm Bureau has worked diligently to serve as a voice and resource for farm and ranch families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
- (June 1, 2020) NEW Statement – Announcement of Stabilization Grants for Livestock Producers
- (May 18, 2020) Nebraska Farm Bureau Asks SBA to Modify Paycheck Protection Program to Help Farmers, Ranches, Self-Employed
- (May 6, 2020) Working for Nebraska Cattle Producers Through COVID-19
- (May 5, 2020) Nebraska Farm Bureau Asks Congressional Delegation to Assist Nebraska Livestock Producers
- (April 27, 2020) Assistance Programs for Farmers and Ranchers
- (April 24, 2020) Statement – Signing of COVID-19 Relief Measure
- (April 23, 2020) Meat Processing Essential, Farmers, Grocers Thank Governor for Efforts to Keep Meat Processing Moving Forward
- (April 17, 2020) Nebraska Farm Bureau Asks Congressional Leaders to Boost Funding, Provide Clarity for Paycheck Protection Program
- (April 15, 2020) Audio – Tele Town Hall with Farm Bureau Members
- (April 15, 2020) Nebraska Farm Bureau Urges Dept. of Justice to Initiate “Full Investigation” into Potential Manipulation in Cattle Markets
- (April 9, 2020) Farm Bureau Asks Ag Secretary to Address Key Issues to Aid Farms, Ranches Feeling COVID-19 Pressures
- (March 26, 2020) Statement – Senate Passage of COVID-19 Relief Measure
- (March 25, 2020) Facebook LIVE with UNMC Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Gold
- (March 24, 2020) Audio – Tele Town Hall with Farm Bureau Members
- (March 23, 2020) NEFB Shares COVID-19 Relief Package Priority List with Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation
- (March 18, 2020) Risk of COVID-19 Spread to Rural Nebraska Real Farm and Ranch Checklist
Other Links
- Foundation – Virtual Learning to keep kids busy during the pandemic
- American Farm Bureau Covid-19 Webpage
- Nebraska Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Webpage
What You Need to Know About COVID-19
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services tracks the Coronavirus Disease in Nebraska. dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
- UNMC www.unmc.edu/coronavirus/index.html
- Real time nationwide coronavirus tracking. coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
- Find the latest White House response, here. www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily
- Do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- US Small Business Administration (SBA) application for Disaster Loan Assistance www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf
Member Benefits
During the COVID-19 crisis we want you to take advantage of the discounts and special offers provided by our member benefit partners that can help Farm Bureau members during this unprecedented time.
Convenient Care Plus
During this COVID-19 crisis, telehealth is more important than ever. It’s convenient and a great way to keep you and your family healthy and out of the doctor’s office. Farm Bureau members in Nebraska can enroll in a telehealth membership program for as little as $7/month. With Convenient Care Plus you receive unlimited access to a network of credentialed physicians who can diagnose most healthcare problems and prescribe medication by phone or video conferencing. All plans include the cost of generic medications. Some plans cover the cost of x-rays, laboratory services, and Urgent Care Clinic visits.
Once enrolled, access begins immediately. To learn more or enroll now visit: convenientcareplus.com/nefb/index.html
Office Depot/Office Max
With everyone either working, or managing schoolwork and lessons, from home, we want to remind you that Farm Bureau member benefit partners like Office Depot/OfficeMax offer Farm Bureau members some great options. Order home office and school supplies online and take advantage of Free Next-Business Day Delivery on orders over $50. As a Farm Bureau member you have access to exclusive discounts on: paper, ink/toner, pens, pencils, binder clips, post-its and more! Shop online at nefb.savingcenter.net and Register or Sign-In for Farm Bureau pricing. When shopping in stores reference Store Purchasing Card account # 80119285117 to receive the discount. Text “NEFB” to 555-888 and save your free discount card on your phone.
Grainger
Grainger is committed to your health and safety and offers Farm Bureau members recommendations for disinfecting and safety on your farms and ranches. Nebraska Farm Bureau members get special member prices on selected categories and brands. PLUS get free standard parcel shipping on all standard Grainger products.
AVIS – Budget Group
To help get college students home during this COVID-19 pandemic, Avis and Budget are suspending the underage penalty fee until April 30th so people between the ages of 21-24 can rent a car.
