AgClips
Recent AgClips
For some growers, farmers markets just aren’t what they used to be
The Washington Post | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Agriculture NewsFor Zach Lester, co-owner of Tree and Leaf Farm in Va., farmers markets have traditionally been a gathering of the tribe as much as a collection of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. They’ve been a place where true believers could make their weekly investment in the future of local and sustainable agriculture. But in recent years, Lester has noticed a shift in the markets, where he once could expect to generate $200,000 or more a year in gross sales. “The customers have changed,” says Lester, who runs Tree and Leaf with his wife, Georgia O’Neal.
Idaho's Ag-Gag Law Challenged in Federal Court
Public News Service | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Agriculture NewsAn Idaho law that discourages undercover investigations at large-scale livestock farms is headed for a showdown in federal court, in a case that could have implications across the West. Last summer, a district court struck down Idaho's so-called "ag-gag" law.
During National Pollinator Week, USDA Announces Key Measures to Improve Pollinator Health
USDA | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Federal NewsIn advance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) seventh annual Pollinator Week Festival, the USDA is announcing two initiatives in support of the President's National Strategy to Promote the health of Honeybees and Other Pollinators, announced just over one year ago.
Court allows HSUS suit against hog operation to proceed
meatingplace.com | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Agriculture NewsA federal court had denied a motion by Hanor Co. of Wisconsin to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Humane Society of the United States over ammonia emissions. HSUS and Sound Rivers Inc. contend in the complaint that Hanor had refused to report its ammonia emissions, harming animals, the public and the environment.
State will appeal ruling against Minnesota's clean energy law
Star Tribune | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Energy NewsMinnesota will appeal a federal appellate court’s decision last week that Minnesota’s 2007 clean energy law illegally regulates out-of-state utilities. Gov. Mark Dayton announced the appeal of a decision by a three-judge panel of the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The state is asking for a “rehearing.” Usually, that would entail an “en banc” review by the entire Eighth Circuit bench, which has more than 12 judges. Such court petitions aren’t easy to get accepted.
Rural America - What's going right?
Daily Yonder | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Rural NewsWhether it’s building a relationship with a local banker or networking with housing practitioners in another county, personal and professional links may be the single most important element for rural community-based organizations working to change results in small towns.
Gov. LePage’s threat risks suspension of food stamp assistance
Press Herald | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Federal NewsGov. Paul LePage continues to challenge the federal government over how to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps. In a letter sent late last week to Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the governor threatened that if the USDA won’t allow Maine to ban the purchase of certain foods – sugar-sweetened drinks and candy – he will end the state’s administration of the program. “It’s time for the federal government to wake up and smell the energy drinks,” LePage wrote.
Small Wisconsin dairy hopes to milk new trend: A1-free
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Food NewsEast of Athens, in Marathon County, Joseph Zaiger's herd of about 40 cows produces a type of milk that could shake up the dairy industry. It's like conventional milk but doesn't have a beta-casein protein that some studies have said makes milk less digestible, almost intolerable, for a large number of people.
The Global Food Security Act
Agri-Pulse | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Federal NewsThe Global Food Security Act is intended to make the “Feed the Future” program a permanent program, locked into statute. It is on the goal line in Congress thanks to bipartisan leadership and cooperation between both Agriculture Committees and the two Foreign Relations Committees. According to a new report by The Economist the “Global Food Security Index” is improving. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimate “the number of undernourished people has fallen by 176 million of the past ten years” but we still have a way to go.
Oakland council votes to block coal-shipping plan
SFGate | Posted onJune 28, 2016 in Energy NewsThe Oakland City Council voted unanimously Monday to block the handling and storage of coal in Oakland, effectively halting a developer’s controversial plan to ship coal from the port. The new ordinance, which requires a second vote to be made final, would thwart Oakland developer Phil Tagami’s plan to export coal from a terminal near the east end of the Bay Bridge.