AgClips
Recent AgClips
Population loss now widespread in Eastern U
Daily Yonder | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Rural NewsThe number of people living in rural continues to slide, according to the latest population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau. People have left rural America in decades past. The big difference now is that the number of births in rural areas isn't keeping pace with the number of deaths. The population in rural America (nonmetropolitan counties) has declined for a record-breaking sixth straight year.Population growth rates in rural counties have been significantly lower than in urban (metro) counties since the mid-1990s, and the gap widened considerably in recent years.
Poll reveals what Americans don't know about food: a lot
Daily Yonder | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Food NewsMore than one-third of Americans do not know that foods with no genetically modified ingredients contain genes, according to the new nationally representative Food Literacy and Engagement Poll we recently conducted at Michigan State University. For the record, all foods contain genes, and so do all people. The majority of respondents who answered this question incorrectly were young and affluent, and also more likely than their peers to describe themselves as having a higher-than-average understanding of the global food system. The full survey revealed that much of the U.S.
Cargill’s Big Data Makes Happier—and More Productive—Cows
Bloomberg | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Agriculture NewsCargill Inc., one of the world’s biggest agricultural companies, is tapping big data to help U.S. farmers make their cows more comfortable -- and more productive. The 152-year-old Minneapolis-based company said that it plans to offer its Dairy Enteligen application in the U.S. in the next several months after introducing it in Italy and Spain. The platform lets consultants and farmers analyze reams of information, from cows’ living conditions to diet and milk productivity on smart tablets and computers.
Washington state dairy wows with innovative water treatment system
Yakima Herald | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Agriculture NewsOut on the Columbia Basin, a system of worm feces, wood chips and river rocks could spell a new solution to the vexing issue of nitrate pollution and greenhouse gases.To deal with nitrate-laden wastewater generated by some 7,000 milk cows, the Royal Dairy in Royal City - about 25 miles northwest of Othello - commissioned a Chile-based company to build what is the largest treatment facility of its kind in the world. Whether the system can be, or should be, widely adopted by dairies remains to be seen.
Milk producers’ group goes after ‘deceptive’ non-GMO labeling
edairynews | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Energy, Food NewsThe National Milk Producers Federation’s “Peel Back the Label” campaign aims to combat “deceptive food labeling” from dairy brands like Dean Foods and Dannon — which have touted Non-GMO Project certification. NMPF President Jim Mulhern told Food Navigator that non-GMO sourcing methods are not more sustainable and that there are no safety benefits or nutritional differences from cows given conventional feed.
Milk protein prices drop to 16-year low
edairynews | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Agriculture NewsAt $1.2248 per pound, protein fell to the lowest levels, as calculated by the Federal Milk Marketing Order system, since December 2000. Milkfat is back, however. That is welcomed news to struggling dairy farmers.At $2.9456 per pound, butter is now driving milk checks. With the August 2 federal order announcement, milkfat prices came close to previous highs posted in November 2015 ($3.1830 per pound) and September 2014 ($3.2467 per pound). A more in-depth review of butterfat prices also can be found at Understanding Dairy Markets.
Wisconsin legislature to approve $3 Billion incentive for Foxconn
AP | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsThe deal to develop a massive Foxconn plant in Wisconsin will be virtually complete Thursday when the state Legislature votes to approve a $3 billion incentive package to lure the Taiwan-based electronics giant to the state - the biggest state subsidy to a foreign company in U.S. history. The bill would make $2.85 billion available to Foxconn Technology Group in cash payments if it invests $10 billion and hires 13,000 workers. The Senate approved the proposal Tuesday.
Amid raging wildfires, fire management practices criticized
Capital Press | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Federal, Rural NewsIntense wildfires plaguing much of the West have rekindled controversy over logging restrictions and fire management practices that critics say have created explosive fire seasons. U.S. Sen.
FSMA:What You Need to Know About the FDA Regulation - Small Entity Compliance Guide
FDA | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Federal, Food Newshe FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 (FSMA) directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the food regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to better protect public health by, among other things, adopting a modern, preventive, and risk-based approach to food safety.
How John Deere’s New AI Lab Is Designing Farm Equipment For A More Sustainable Future
Fast Company | Posted onSeptember 14, 2017 in Agriculture NewsOn a block in San Francisco’s SoMa district, near LinkedIn’s headquarters and dozens of startups, a 180-year-old company best-known for making tractors has a gleaming new Silicon Valley office. But inside, instead of building the latest app, John Deere is focused on how to use artificial intelligence to make farming equipment that can meet modern sustainability and food production challenges.John Deere Labs, which opened its doors in the spring, made its first major deal on September 6.