AgClips
Recent AgClips
Funding bill tackles cell-based meat and other food issues
Politico | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Federal NewsThe latest federal funding package from Congress weighs in on two contentious issues facing the USDA and FDA: oversight of cell-based meat and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s plan to move key research agencies outside of Washington. The legislation, H.J. Res. 31 (116), sets a timeline for the first time for ending any lingering disagreement over the regulation of cell-based meat by giving USDA and FDA three months to “enter into a formal agreement delineating“ their responsibilities.
Trump Tweet Fails To Save Kentucky Coal-Fired Power Plant
NPR | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in NewsDespite pressure from President Trump, the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors voted Thursday to close a large coal-fired power plant. Trump's involvement had drawn criticism because the Paradise Fossil Plant in western Kentucky buys coal from a company headed by a large donor to the president's campaign, Murray Energy Corp.
U.S. Soy Exports Won't Reach Pre-Trade War Levels for Years
Bloomberg | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Agriculture NewsU.S. soybean exports won’t return to their pre-trade war peak levels until the 2026-2027 season as competitors in South America gain global market share.Demand for American soy has taken a hit after China slapped tariffs on a host of U.S. farm goods as part of the nations’ trade war. At the same time, production has increased in rival producers including Brazil, the world’s largest exporter.
Farmland values stable, but risks to outlook remain
Kansas City Federal Reserve | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Agriculture NewsFarmland values in the Federal Reserve’s Tenth District held steady in the fourth quarter of 2018 despite risks to ongoing stability. While demand for farmland remained relatively strong across the District, weaknesses in the crop sector continued to dampen the overall agricultural economy. Risks to the outlook for farmland values in the quarter included slightly higher interest rates and an uptick in the pace of farmland sales in states with higher concentrations of crop production.
Lawmakers hope to create farm-to-school produce pipeline
West Central Tribune | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Food, SARL Members and Alumni NewsMinnesota House File 811 would put aside $2 million each year to reimburse schools or childcare providers that feed kids local fruits and vegetables through farm-to-school initiatives and would help farmers sell their produce to schools.
Wolves may keep cows off Washington Fish and Wildlife land
Capital Press | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Rural, SARL Members and Alumni NewsWashington Fish and Wildlife may prohibit cattle from some department grazing lands to avoid conflicts with wolves, according to an internal review of grazing policies. The review responds to a wolf population growing in numbers and territory. If the department follows through, some of the 129,459 acres of grazing land owned by Fish and Wildlife likely would be off-limits to cattle.In other places, ranchers would have to sign detailed plans to prevent attacks by wolves with non-lethal measures. In some cases, cattle could be taken off the land to stop the depredations
America’s trains are a drag. The Green New Deal wants to fix that.
VOX | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Energy NewsHigh-speed trains already compete with planes in many parts of the world. They also have far lower carbon emissions.Specifically, the section of the FAQ on transportation calls to “build out high-speed rail at a scale where air travel stops becoming necessary.” The resolution itself doesn’t mention air travel at all but does call for the goal of “investing in ... clean, affordable, and accessible transportation; and high-speed rail” as part of a 10-year national mobilization.
Nebraska’s first dedicated entity for agriculture and rural companies launches
Silicon Prairie News | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Agriculture, SARL Members and Alumni NewsRoots Venture Group is Nebraska’s first ever 100 percent-focused incubator, accelerator, and venture fund dedicated to launching and growing companies within the agricultural and rural industries, including areas such as tech, non-tech, lifestyle, and tech-enabled businesses and startups. Their focus is to work with founders that are keen on transforming the agriculture sector, rural communities in a sustainable manner and make an impactful societal and systemic change.
Congress approves agriculture appropriations bill - without disaster relief
AM 1100 | Posted onFebruary 18, 2019 in Agriculture, Federal NewsThe appropriations "minibus," as it has been called because it covers several federal agencies, includes funding for the Agriculture Department, the Food and Drug Administration and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Activist group launches ‘surveillance’ program
Meating Place (free registration required) | Posted onFebruary 14, 2019 in Agriculture NewsI’ve written many times previously about the latest happenings of extreme activist group Direct Action Everywhere.