Ag News: Klamath Water Supply and Farmers to Families Food Boxes
**With their water supplies due to run dry by mid-June, farmers in the Klamath Basin say they face the “heartbreaking” prospect of watching crops wither.
Farmers planted crops based on an April allocation from the federal Klamath Project, only to have the allocation cut sharply in May.
After a dry winter, project operators reduced irrigation supplies out of concern for protected fish.
**The USDA’s ‘Farmers to Families Food Box Program’ has distributed more than five million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says although a momentous milestone, this is only the beginning, and with continued support we expect up to 40 million boxes will be delivered by June 30th.
He adds fresh food is getting to those in need, even in the hardest to reach places, through partnerships with food banks, non-profits and faith-based communities.
**Retail meat department dollar sales increased 20.7% the week of May 24 versus a year ago and volume grew 5.1%.
Those pre-Memorial Day numbers suggest consumer demand continues strong despite an economy damaged by the coronavirus.
210 Analytics Anne-Marie Roerink tells agweb.com, meat and poultry typically dominate retail promotions ahead of Memorial Day, but this year tight supply along with price inflation and continued social distancing measures created a very different marketplace and demand.
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