AgClips
Recent AgClips
To Control Drug Prices, States May Have to Face Off Against Feds
Pew | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsFrustrated by federal inaction, state lawmakers in 41 states have proposed detailed plans to lower soaring prescription drug costs. Some measures would give state Medicaid agencies more negotiating power. Others would disclose the pricing decisions of the drug manufacturers and the companies that administer prescription drug plans. The more ambitious proposals would bump up against federal authority, such as legislation that would allow importing drugs from Canada or alter federal statutes on the prices states pay for drugs in Medicaid.
Hawaii Dairy Farm cancels plans for pasture based dairy
The Garden Island | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in Agriculture NewsHawaii Dairy Farms announced it was discontinuing plans for a pasture-based dairy farm on Kauai. Instead, it will explore other alternatives for food production on the Grove Farm land in Mahaulepu on the South Side.“It is disappointing we were unable to find a path forward to help bring a more sustainable model of dairy farming to Hawaii,” said Amy Hennessey, director of communications for investor Ulupono Initiative in a statement.
South Dakota passes a bill allowing concealed handguns without a permit
Argus Leader | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsA bill allowing South Dakota residents to carry concealed handguns without a permit, also called "constitutional carry," is heading to Gov. Kristi Noem for a decision. The House passed Senate Bill 47 in a 47-23 vote.Bill sponsor Rep. Lee Qualm, R-Platte, called it a "simple" bill that repeals the permit requirement, but doesn't change who can carry a concealed handgun in South Dakota.
Federal government discloses it already shipped plutonium to Nevada, without state's knowledge or consent
Nevada Independent | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in Federal NewsFederal officials have disclosed that they shipped radioactive plutonium to Nevada in spite of the state’s vehement opposition to the idea and concerns that doing so would be a slippery slope to opening the state up to further nuclear waste dumping. In a federal court filing on Wednesday, National Nuclear Security Administration General Counsel Bruce Diamond stated that the agency sent about half a metric ton of the substance sometime before November 2018, prior to Nevada suing over the proposed move. The transfer was done after a U.S.
Oregon marijuana regulators fail to meet even basic standards, state audit finds
Oregon Live | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in Agriculture, SARL Members and Alumni NewsOregon’s marijuana program has failed to keep up with mandatory inspections, its weak testing system threatens to expose consumers to contaminants and regulators haven’t done enough to address black market diversion, according to an unsparing new audit the Secretary of State released.
A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur
The New York Times | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in Agriculture NewsThere is a sense among many black women that cultural disavowal of fur has coincided with our increased ability to purchase it.These days there are plenty of other materials available to cover one’s nakedness, a point that anti-fur activists readily make. The past few decades have seen a humanitarian backlash to animal fur clothing.
Horse racing bill introduced in Georgia General Assembly
Atlanta Business Chronicle | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsGeorgia lawmakers are expected to steer clear of casino gambling this year, but legislation introduced into the state Senate calls for legalizing pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. The Rural Georgia Jobs and Growth Act pitches horse racing as an economic development boon for struggling rural communities, which could see the creation of a new industry surrounding the raising of racehorses.
Gains for animal health in farm bill
AVMA | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in Agriculture, Federal NewsThe new farm bill authorizes funding to create a new National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, enhances resources for the existing National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and establishes the new National Animal Vaccine and Countermeasures Bank with immediate attention on foot-and-mouth disease. "These programs will provide vital improvements to our national animal disease response capabilities and help protect the livelihoods of ranchers and farmers.
Washington hemp bills line up on allowing CBD
Capital Press | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in Agriculture, SARL Members and Alumni NewsHouse and Senate bills now agree on removing two major barriers to the cultivation of hemp in Washington. The bills would legalize processing hemp into cannabidiol, or CBD, for human consumption, an attractive market now closed to Washington farmers and processors.The bills also would strike down a state Department of Agriculture rule that forces hemp farmers to shut down if a marijuana grower decides to plant within 4 miles. Meant to prevent hemp from cross-pollinating with marijuana, the rule subordinates hemp to recreational marijuana.
Rural colleges aren’t supplying the workers rural businesses and agriculture need
The Hechinger Report | Posted onFebruary 6, 2019 in NewsLike Beasley, a retired large-animal veterinarian, farmers nationwide are hard-pressed these days to find mechanics trained to maintain their 21st-century equipment or workers who understand the complexities of modern farming or how to tend to cows or horses.In many cases, all sides agree, this is a result of a lack of communication and even a cultural divide between educators and farmers and other rural businesses. In others, colleges are putting a priority on turning out computer coders and other graduates with skills in demand farther afield.