AgClips
Recent AgClips
Americans in rural areas more likely to die by suicide
CDC | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Rural Newsural counties consistently had higher suicide rates than metropolitan counties from 2001-2015, according to data released today in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. There were more than half a million suicides during the 2001–2015 study period.“While we’ve seen many causes of death come down in recent years, suicide rates have increased more than 20 percent from 2001 to 2015.
Fordyce to Head FSA, Starling Heads to USDA from White House
Ag Web | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Agriculture NewsFormer Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce has been tapped to lead USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue made the announcement Friday that Fordyce is his designee to be administrator of the agency which oversees more than 2,100 county and state offices. Most recently, Fordyce served as State Executive Director for FSA in Missouri.
5 states join Utah in legal fight over Washington state coal-export terminal
The Salt Lake Tribune | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Energy NewsSix Western states and national industry groups have lined up against Washington state in a legal battle over its decision to reject permits for a massive proposed coal-export terminal on the Columbia River.Wyoming, Montana, Kansas, Utah, South Dakota and Nebraska filed a joint amicus brief, arguing in support of project backers and saying the case has broad implications for the export of commodities that are important to many states.
A revolution in hydropower makes waves in rural Colorado
High Country News | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Energy NewsThe big hydroelectric dams of the 20th century put the rivers of the West under their imposing concrete thumbs, but their unintended consequences have water managers and entrepreneurs thinking the future of hydroelectric power is small. Advances in technology, federal reforms and Colorado’s ideal geography and friendly policies are paving the way for a new wave of small hydropower projects in the state that could be the template for a new generation of hydroelectric power.
American Airlines bans emotional support amphibians, ferrets, goats and more
Chicago Tribune | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Rural NewsFirst United Airlines barred an emotional support peacock from boarding. Now American Airlines is telling passengers some of their service and emotional support animals — including goats, hedgehogs and tusked creatures — can’t fly. The carrier is joining rival airlines in tightening rules for passengers flying with emotional support animals, expanding the list of animals that can’t fly in addition to requiring customers vouch for their animal’s ability to behave.
A Major North American Climate Boundary Moves East
On Pasture | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Agriculture NewsThanks to global-scale wind patterns, to the west of the 100th meridian, rainfall drops sharply, and to the east of the line it picks up sharply. Powell described what he saw in 1890, writing, ““Passing from east to west across this belt a wonderful transformation is observed. On the east a luxuriant growth of grass is seen, and the gaudy flowers of the order Compositae make the prairie landscape beautiful.
Organic food fans unlikely to be swayed by negative news
Meatingplace (free registration required) | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Food NewsA recent report raising questions about the quality and safety of organic foods is unlikely to change the buying habits of consumers of such products, according to research from NPD Group. The market information company found that organic food lovers strongly believe in their nutritional knowledge and healthy lifestyle and are therefore unlikely to switch to all-natural or commercially grown foods even when concerns about pesticide levels, for example, are raised in the media.
Farm bill heads through House with animal husbandry amendment
Meatingplace (free registration required) | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Federal NewsThe U.S. House of Representatives begins debate on the farm bill this week, including an amendment designed to stop states from regulating the way farmers raise food animals in other states.
NH:3 contentious renewable energy bills head to governor’s desk
New Hampshire Business Review | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Energy, SARL Members and Alumni NewsNew Hampshire’s renewable industry will get a boost – though at a possible cost to ratepayers – if three bills passed last week by lawmakers are signed into law by Gov. Chris Sununu. Senate Bill 446 is perhaps the most far-reaching, increasing fivefold the size of projects that would qualify for net metering.
Connecticut environment groups file federal lawsuit against state
Connecticut Post | Posted onMay 16, 2018 in Rural, SARL Members and Alumni NewsSeveral Connecticut environment groups and companies are taking the state to federal court over the legislature’s decision to remove money from state energy funds in the two-year budget passed in October. The Connecticut Fund for the Environment and 11 other plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court Tuesday in order to stop the $165 million sweep.Using the funding for other than its intended purpose is a breach of the contracts clause of the United States Constitution, the plaintiffs argue.