AgClips
Recent AgClips
Memo Contradicts Ross’s Rationale for Adding Citizenship Question to Census
Daily Intelligencer | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Federal NewsThe U.S. government’s decennial attempt to count every human being within its borders might seem like one of Uncle Sam’s most anodyne activities. But when those overseeing the count belong to a political movement that explicitly regards demographic change as its enemy — and disenfranchising Democratic constituencies as fair game — the Census can begin to resemble an ominous enterprise. Census data shapes the contours of political districts, and determines each state’s clout in the Electoral College.
Indiana NIPSCO plan would eliminate coal-fired electricity generation within 10 years
NorthWest Indiana Times | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Energy NewsIPSCO has a tentative plan to retire its entire coal-fired electricity generation fleet in the next decade, with the majority of its coal-fired generators to be retired in the next five years.The company made the announcement at the fourth of five public meetings detailing the development of a new Integrated Resource Plan for the utility.“This creates a vision for the future that is better for our customers, and it’s consistent with our goal to transition to the best cost, cleanest electric supply mix available while maintaining reliability, diversity and flexibility for technology and mark
Solar Going Big (And Small) In Illinois
Northern Public Radio | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Energy NewsSolar power has been used here and there in Illinois for a long time. But now the state is going for it in a big way. With the Future Energy Jobs Act of 2016, Illinois charted a course to boost renewable energy, particularly solar, in a big way.It's all being managed by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), led by Anthony Star. It was established to manage electricity markets, including renewables, and still does.
13 Solar farms coming to Northern Illinois county
My Stateline | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Energy NewsAs concerns over global climate change and limited resources rise, the race to provide renewable energy has come to Illinois. In the Stateline, companies pitch their plans to make local fields the source of that energy. The Boone County Board is among many other local counties to be inundated with solar farm applications. County leaders tell us if green energy comes to the Stateline -- it could mean more money for local governments. Wednesday, a third solar farm was approved by the Boone County Board. The project is one of thirteen applications.
Farm bill hurts ability of communities to protect health, environment of citizens
The Hill | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Federal NewsAs city mayors, we are deeply troubled that Congress is considering taking away our right to home rule. In House and Senate negotiations last week, legislators considered Section 9101 of the federal Farm Bill that would rescind the right of our communities and their elected officials to restrict hazardous pesticides. During the past two years, our neighboring cities passed landmark legislation to restrict pesticides, require organic land care and protect public health. We believe federal preemption of our authority is undemocratic and contrary to our country’s founding principles.
Pennsylvania announces $5M for dairy farmers
ABC | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Agriculture, SARL Members and Alumni NewsThe funding was made available under the Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program, which helps farmers to modernize or expand their operations. Milk sales have dropped in recent years, partly because more people are buying soy, almond, and other non-dairy substitutes.
Cybersecurity: ‘We cannot rely on Washington to keep us safe’
The Connecticut Mirror | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Federal, SARL Members and Alumni NewsThe leader of Connecticut’s cybersecurity efforts said Tuesday that Washington, with a deeply polarized Congress and faction-riven White House, has abrogated its role in defending the nation’s electrical grid, natural gas system and public water supplies against hackers who are growing bolder, more numerous and more sophisticated. “I’m often asked in my job, ‘Are we safe from a cyber attack?’ And the answer, of course, is no,” said Arthur H. House, the state’s chief cybersecurity risk officer. “We’re not safe. No one’s safe.
Ring leader pleads guilty in egg farm worker smuggling scheme
Columbus Dispatch | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Agriculture NewsThe man who held a multimillion-dollar contract to supply workers — many of whom were underage and smuggled into the country illegally from Guatemala — for central Ohio egg farms pleaded guilty in federal court in Cleveland to a labor trafficking-related charge. Pablo Duran Ramirez, 50, faces up to 10 years in prison for one count of encouraging the illegal entry of Guatemalan nationals for financial gain.
Hurricane Florence: Animal death toll reaches millions in North Carolina
Newsweek | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Agriculture NewsThe North Carolina Department of Agriculture reported the deaths by drowning of 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and 5,500 hogs, the Associated Press reported. Many died in farm buildings overcome by flooding as they waited to be taken to market.
Sanderson Farms loses 1.7 million chickens to hurricane
Watt Ag Net | Posted onSeptember 20, 2018 in Agriculture News60 broiler houses and four breeder houses in North Carolina have flooded.