A reliable supply chain has always been critical, and during this time, it is more important than ever. As we wrap up April, Nebraska farmers are starting out, in the middle of or nearing completion of planting, as they do every year. Farming families across the country are working to ensure a safe and dependable supply of food for communities around the world.
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is working with our farmers and stakeholders to help ensure a stable and safe soybean supply chain, from producer to processor through exporter and consumer.
While we realize our farmers who grow, tend and harvest soybeans are the first essential partners in this process, they are one link in a robust supply chain. We also look to truckers, processors, crushers, merchandisers, retailers and exporters to fulfill our duty. These people are working hard to ensure that our food and feed supply chains continue to operate smoothly, and to them we are grateful.
More specifically, our farmers and supply chain partners are able to move forward with the bounty of past seasons, even as they also prepare for a new growing season. Supply remains strong, both domestically and globally — due in part to the foresight and advancements made in today’s production. We continue our work to support domestic and international programs to create opportunities for Nebraska soybean farmers.
Here at home, NSB is continuing to engage with farmers, contractors, stakeholders and the media to keep everyone informed. Our staff continues to connect with organizations to build new relationships and programs to ensure soy is a critical driver in world nutrition during, and after, this crisis.
In this time of difficulty, NSB farmer-leaders and staff are doing all we can to keep pulling things in the right direction as we carry out the work of the soy checkoff. As our farmer-leaders work to ensure the implementation of programs to drive demand, we are embracing virtual organizational communications technology.
Finally, we are working hard to keep all members of the soy value chain safe, including customers, partners, team members and our farmer volunteers. We are continuously monitoring the situation and following guidance from the proper authorities.
The global priority is to contain this outbreak, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been personally affected by COVID-19. Our industry has been tested time and time again, and this is yet another test that we are confident we will overcome by coming together, helping where we can and doing what we do best — providing a high-quality product for our customers and communities.
If you have any questions concerning this response, contact NSB:
(402) 441-3240
Various federal agencies have set up websites to provide information to businesses impacted by the emergency:
- CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
- USDA — https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus
- Farmers.gov — https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus
- EPA — https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus
- Small Business Administration (SBA) — https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
We are also aware of the mental stress and fatigue that this situation can create. If you need help, there are resources available. Learn more here.
