AgClips
Recent AgClips
Most of America’s fruit is now imported.
The New York Times | Posted onMarch 14, 2018 in Food NewsIt’s obvious to anyone who visits an American supermarket in winter — past displays brimming with Chilean grapes, Mexican berries and Vietnamese dragon fruit — that foreign farms supply much of our produce.
“Organic” doesn’t mean “small”
Daily Yonder | Posted onMarch 14, 2018 in Agriculture NewsNot too long ago a press release from a big CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) called Natural Prairie Dairy crossed the desk of the Daily Yonder, proclaiming a new era for organic dairy production. It offered “a 21st century farm (with) 21st century careers.” A 21st century farm with more than over 4,000 cows, that is. The dairy is proposing to build an operation in northwest Indiana with 4,350 cows. The farm will produce 26 million gallons of urine, manure, and dirty water, according to the Newtown County Enterprise. But don’t worry. The milk will be organic.
Food stamps fight threatens farm bill before it’s out of the gate
Politico | Posted onMarch 14, 2018 in Federal NewsA fight over how tough to make work requirements in the food stamp program is already threatening to derail the House farm bill, which some see as one of the only shots for bipartisan legislation this year. Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee publicly revolted last week after learning that Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas) was eyeing stricter work requirements for some 8 million recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, widely known as food stamps.
Proposal floated would satisfy cooperatives, grain elevator groups
The Progressive Farmer | Posted onMarch 14, 2018 in Agriculture NewsTwo major agricultural groups announced a proposal on Tuesday to roll back the Section 199A tax-break deduction that has upended grain trade.
Iowa could support 45,700 livestock confinements, but should it?
Des Moines Register | Posted onMarch 13, 2018 in Agriculture NewsTrent Thiele loves feeding and caring for the 3,400 pigs that live less than a half mile from his home. "I truly enjoy coming to work every morning.
China hog prices plunge after farm building boom
Reuters | Posted onMarch 13, 2018 in Agriculture NewsChinese pig prices hit their lowest in nearly four years this week, plunging farmers in the world’s top pork market into the red and underscoring concerns that a rapid expansion of large pig farms in China has outpaced slowing demand growth.
Brexit: Scotland and Wales face battle for fish and farm policy
The Guardian | Posted onMarch 13, 2018 in Federal NewsThe UK government has told Scottish and Welsh ministers they are likely to be barred from controlling policy in areas such as genetically modified crops, fishing quotas and farm payments after Brexit.
Feds tell student loan companies to ignore state authority
Santa Fe New Mexican | Posted onMarch 13, 2018 in Federal NewsThe U.S. Education Department issued guidance Friday informing state regulators to back off the companies managing its $1.3 trillion portfolio of student loans, arguing that only the federal government has the authority to oversee its contractors.“State regulation of the servicing of direct loans impedes uniquely federal interests,” the department wrote.
Lawmakers make few tweaks to Oregon farm laws in 2018
Capital Press | Posted onMarch 13, 2018 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsA “cap-and-trade” proposal to limit carbon emissions didn’t pass muster during Oregon’s 2018 legislative session, comforting critics who feared increased fuel, fertilizer and electricity costs.
Washington lands commissioner: We need Dreamers
Capital Press | Posted onMarch 13, 2018 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsWashington Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz on Tuesday sought to humanize the uncertain status of residents brought to the U.S. illegally as children.