President Obama signed into law a water projects authorization bill and issued a statement cautioning agency managers to heed endangered species requirements before increasing irrigation water supplies in California's drought-stricken Central Valley. Critics of the drought relief, led by retiring Sen. [node:read-more:link]
Legislation signed by President Barack Obama dictates that the federal portion of California's heavily engineered water systems gives agricultural districts and other human users the biggest possible share of the most fought-over resource in a state with a six-year drought. Water experts and conservationists expect that new mandate to conflict with state and federal laws and court orders meant to ensure enough water stays in Northern California's Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and delta for endangered native fish. [node:read-more:link]
Genetically modified crops may not be popular among certain aspects of the population, but those responsible for their growth see the technology as an essential tool. A survey of 282 U.S. farmers shows 98 percent of them think GMO seeds - typically bred to be resistant to things like certain crop protection chemicals - are the best way to lessen their environmental footprint, and 69 percent believe the technology leads to higher yields. [node:read-more:link]
Income declines to level not seen since 1986. Statewide income from farms and ranches is projected to fall to $444 million in 2016 from about $1.3 billion in 2015. The fall can be largely attributed to the decline in cattle prices because the industry accounts for the largest portion of the state’s agriculture economy, said Stephen Koontz, a professor at Colorado State University. [node:read-more:link]
The consensus is the herbicide glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans, based on the scientific data collected by the U.S. [node:read-more:link]
Officials of Idaho Ground Water Appropriators Inc. say they have a contract to purchase the Rangen trout farm in Hagerman. The purchase would put to rest a long-running water battle with Rangen while providing groundwater irrigators a pathway toward resolving other water conflicts in the valley. IGWA attorney T.J. Budge said the sale hasn’t closed, as the parties are still “working through the due diligence.” The purchase price is confidential, Budge said. The property includes about 60 acres, three homes, raceways, a fish hatch house and greenhouse and a research building. [node:read-more:link]
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program has expanded its voluntary program statewide in Ohio. Effective Jan. 1, all Ohio-based agricultural retailers and nutrient service providers will be able to participate in the water quality effort. The program is based on the 4R framework, using the right fertilizer source at the right rate, the right time and in the right place. [node:read-more:link]
If an organization truly cared about the health and welfare of animals, one would imagine they would be pretty big supporters of veterinarians, right? After all, veterinarians dedicate eight years of their lives (and a whole lot of money) to learning how to keep our livestock and pets healthy. The Veterinarian’s Oath states, “I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare,” and “the prevention and relief of animal suffering.” Sounds like a concept any animal lover could get behind. [node:read-more:link]
The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index remained weak with a reading again below growth neutral for the 15th straight month, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy. Overall: The index, which ranges between 0 and 100 rose to 36.6 from October’s 31.8. Farm commodity prices continue to slam Rural Mainstreet economies. Over the past 12 months, livestock commodity prices have tumbled by 27.2 percent and grain commodity prices have slumped by 16.6 percent. [node:read-more:link]
Ranchers in Alberta and Saskatchewan can apply to access $16.7 million in financial assistance as they cope with an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis that is forcing the slaughter of an estimated 10,000 cattle, Canada’s agriculture minister announced. An estimated 10,000 cattle are scheduled to be slaughtered across 40 ranching operations placed under quarantine [node:read-more:link]
