MO-AG Minute | April 14, 2020

Missouri Agribusiness is here for you

We want you to know MO-AG is here to assist you during these unprecedented and difficult times. Our website is being continuously updated with COVID-19 information relevant to your businesses, including links and resources which we believe will be helpful. We are working closely on the issue of availability of ag inputs in the instance a retailer's employees contract the virus. Again, we are here for you. If you are encountering issues, please reach out. You can email us at info@mo-ag.com.

Missouri Legislature passes supplemental budget with billions in COVID-19 funding

The Missouri General Assembly has passed a historic $6 billion supplemental budget bill to fund the state through the end of the fiscal year and help the state fight COVID-19. The budget includes $5.6 billion in federal funding to help supplant projected decreases in General Revenue and ensure no essential services are cut.

 

Highlights of the supplemental budget include using federal funding to:

MoDOT's permit to allow trucks to haul up to 100,000 pounds on interstates, other highways has been updated to INCLUDE fertilizer

MoDOT's previously released permit has been updated to include fertilizer. Below is the updated language. Click here to read the full release.

Updated language:

The load must carry supplies and/or equipment in the direct effort to prevent, contain, mitigate and treat the effects of the COVID-19 virus. This includes shipments of livestock, poultry, fertilizer, feed and fuels. Any fuels being transported can be hauled at 100,000 lbs. or up to the manufacturer’s specifications of the tank type being operated, whichever results in the lower weight.

TSA grants temporary exemption for Hazardous Material Endorsement holders

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is granting a temporary exemption from requirements regarding expiration of TSA security threat assessments (STAs) for Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME). This exemption became effective on April 2, 2020, and remains in effect through July 31, 2020, unless otherwise modified by TSA through a notice published in the Federal Register. During this exemption, a state may grant an extension of up to 180 days for an HME that expired or would otherwise expire between March 1, 2020, and the end date of this exemption, even if the individual was unable to initiate or complete the required STA before the expiration date. If the state grants an extension, the individual with an expired HME must initiate the process of renewing his or her STA for an HME no later than 60 days before the end of the State-granted extension. TSA may extend this exemption at a future date depending on the status of the COVID-19 crisis. For further information, contact Stephanie Hamilton, 571-227-2851 or email HME.question@tsa.dhs.gov.

Waiver for states concerning third party CDL skills test examiners in response to the COVID-19 emergency

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a new emergency waiver for states regarding third party Commercial Driver License (CDL) skills test examiners in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This waiver, effictive April 9, 2020, and expiring June 30, 2020, will help new CDL drivers seeking a Class A CDL. The seasonal drivers – Restricted Ag CDL – are already exempt from the knowledge and skills tests. A FAQ document can be found on our resources page to help state driver’s license agencies understand how to utilize the new authority.

Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES Act: Do you qualify and how can you apply?

The Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES Act, is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. This program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Further resources can be found here.

Private Pesticide Applicator training shifts to video teleconference, U.S. mail options

In light of the COVID-19 situation, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved two alternative methods for completing Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT). Sign up here.

Interim guidance for implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19

The CDC has provided updated interim guidance as well as an informational flyer which should help the most critical workers serving on the front lines to quickly return to work after potential exposure to someone with COVID-19, provided those workers are symptom-free.

It’s Grain Safety Week

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) annual safety outreach effort, Stand Up for Grain Safety Week, is April 13-17. Stand Up for Grain Safety Week helps raise awareness about grain handling and storage hazards, provides education and training, and conveys safety best practices. Visit https://standup4grainsafety.org for daily activities and resources.

Updates: What our counterparts are up to...

Our friends in Ohio put together a great COVID-19 Resource Center where they have listed Coronavirus impacts in each state, and update daily to keep us all apprised of current issues. We have included a link on our COVID-19 Resource Page for you to view. Thank you to our good friends in Ohio for putting this together!

Check out our COVID-19 Resource Page

Can't find what you need here? Check out our COVID-19 Resource Page.

SAVE THE DATE

MO-AG Summer Meeting

July 9-10, 2020

Camden on the Lake

Osage Beach, MO

You will be receiving the Summer Meeting brochure in the mail soon! We are excited to see everyone! NEW THIS YEAR...We have invited Governor Mike Parson to join us! Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River, Dan Engemann will speak on river issues, our Jim Russell Auction is gearing up, and there are great networking opportunities, and fun family events scheduled. Hope to see you there!