AgClips
Recent AgClips
Dairy farmers fighting economic struggles
WXOW | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in Agriculture NewsIf you've ever wondered just how big of a role dairy farming plays in Wisconsin, consider this... last year, the dairy industry contributed more than 43 billion dollars to Wisconsin's economy. The majority of these farms providing us with all the milk, cheese, and butter that we crave are owned by individuals and families. However, this year farmers have been feeling a bit of an economic squeeze. In April of this year, the price of milk dropped more than forty percent since September of the previous year, causing many farms to operate at a loss.
Virginia-Legal hemp in July? Not exactly
The Northern VIrginia Daily | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in Agriculture NewsNo matter how much progress is made on the research level, it may be a while before farmers can get the industry running. There is legislation working its way through Congress to remove hemp from the definition of marijuana, thereby legalizing its industrialization.
Vermont GMO law would turn back clock, ASA leader says
Watt Ag Net | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in Agriculture NewsCEO of American Soybean Association says if Senate doesn’t act to stop Vermont’s GMO labeling law, years of technological advances would be lost. According to Censky, 90 percent of all soybeans, corn, sugar beets and cotton have been produced with the use of biotechnology, which has been proven safe to the consumers. That is because they offer so many benefits.“Ag biotechnology has helped farmers to make both insect pest control and weed management safer, while safeguarding crops against disease.
Elanco making good on antibiotic stewardship promises
Watt Ag Net | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in Agriculture NewsRoughly one year ago, Elanco Animal Health participated in the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship and also released its 8 step plan for antibiotic stewardship. On June 16, the company dedicated its new Vaccines Innovation Center, and at the dedication, Elanco’s president talked about the company’s past, present and future commitment to doing its part to battle antibiotic resistance. So far, the company is working diligently toward meeting the goals it set out to achieve. Simmons stated that the company is doing away with all growth promotion uses of shared-class antibiotics.
Are cage-free eggs more sustainable than conventional?
Watt Ag Net | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in Agriculture NewsCage-free eggs are winning support because of concerns about animal welfare, but the former specialty product may be less environmentally sustainable than conventionally raised eggs. After his remarks at the Egg Industry Center's Issues Forum, Carlos Saviani, vice president of the World Wildflife Fund's food team, fielded questions from the audience. “It’s going to require a lot more acres of soybean and corn (and) a bigger footprint for the actual farms themselves. I remember Dr.
Combination cage-free hen housing, solution or compromise?
Watt Ag Net | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in Agriculture NewsCombi, or combination, -style housing can offer the best of both worlds to producers uncertain about the long-term appeal of cage-free eggs. However, the systems run the risk of eventual rejection by North American welfare certifying bodies or consumers. As the U.S. egg industry weighs housing changes spurred by the rapid shift to cage freee production, Egg Industry is publishing a series of articles discussing the pros and cons of three types of cage-free housing systems: aviaries, floor systems and combination, or combi, systems. This article focuses on combi systems.
Sad won't run for re-election after five terms in NH House
Sentinel Source | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsIt began on a whim: a challenge from a friend to branch out into politics and run for office. It blossomed into a decade-long career of fighting for local farmers, statewide education funding and mental health provisions for prisoners. Now Tara A. Sad, of Cheshire House District 1, is readying her exit from New Hampshire politics. The Democratic representative from Walpole won’t run for re-election to the statehouse. For Sad, political enthusiasm has never been in short supply.
DOT and FAA Finalize Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
FAA | Posted onJune 22, 2016 in Federal NewsThe Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has finalized the first operational rules for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”), opening pathways towards fully integrating UAS into the nation’s airspace. Under the final rule, the person actually flying a drone must be at least 16 years old and have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, or be directly supervised by someone with such a certificate.
FSA Says Operating Loan Program Funding to Run Dry
Hoosier Ag Today | Posted onJune 20, 2016 in Federal NewsFor the second year in a row, USDA’s Farm Service Agency says its $2.65 billion operating loan program will likely run out of funds before the end of the fiscal year. USDA officials say the funds will likely run dry by the end of June, around three months before next year’s program starts on October first. Cash-strapped farmers and cautious banks have turned to the program amid the global grains downturn. These FSA loan guarantees and direct loans are typically considered loans of last resort, but an increasing number of agriculture lenders have turned to the program.
Galveston County declares oyster disaster
Houston Chronicle | Posted onJune 20, 2016 in Food NewsOyster boat captains last year thought they were suffering through one of the worst years in decades for the Texas oyster industry as freshwater from heavy rains flooded Galveston Bay and killed oysters. This year is turning out to be much worse. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry on Tuesday issued a disaster declaration for the Galveston Bay oyster industry, but the problem is not restricted to Galveston Bay. Persistent downpours throughout eastern Texas are swamping oyster beds with deadly freshwater all along the Texas Gulf Coast.