AgClips
Recent AgClips
Summit peers into the future of gene editing
Agri-Pulse | Posted onAugust 29, 2017 in Agriculture NewsOver the years, researchers have found various methods of editing the genes of organisms. They involve amending the DNA within an organism’s nucleus, rather than inserting transgenic materials from other organisms into the nucleus. Since 2013, scientists have been pursuing an efficient approach of directly targeting sites in a cell’s chromosomes. The technique uses the cell’s own bits of RNA strands to guide its Cas proteins in ways that apply highly specific amendments to the DNA, thus altering the organism itself.
Abused Dogs and Cats Now Have a (Human) Voice in Connecticut Courts
The New York Times | Posted onAugust 29, 2017 in Rural, SARL Members and Alumni NewsJessica Rubin’s turn to approach the judge came between drunken-driving cases and a series of procedural appearances best measured in seconds. She unspooled an account of how the police found eight pit bulls kept in filthy conditions with scars that looked like they came from staged fights.
Washington state halts salmon farm permits after fish escape
The Sacramento Bee | Posted onAugust 29, 2017 in Agriculture, Food NewsWashington Gov. Jay Inslee has directed the Department of Ecology to put on hold any new permits for net pens after thousands of Atlantic salmon escaped into Puget Sound earlier this month from a damaged salmon farm.State officials also announced Saturday the formation of a response team comprised of the departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife, and Ecology.
Interpreting USDA's Net Farm Income Forecast
Farm Doc Daily | Posted onAugust 29, 2017 in Agriculture NewsOn February 7, 2017, the USDA forecasted 2017 net farm income at $62.3 billion. Many of the financial headlines focused on the continued decline of net farm income, but our analysis shows that these initial forecasts tend to under-predict net farm income. As a result, the forecast history since 1975 suggests that net farm income is expected to exceed this initial forecast.
Definition of “Waters of the United States”-Schedule of Public Meetings
EPA | Posted onAugust 29, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) will hold ten teleconferences to hear from stakeholders their recommendations to revise the definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Sign up to receive updates on progress of USDA Bioengineered Food Disclosure Rule
USDA | Posted onAugust 29, 2017 in Agriculture, Federal NewsThe National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Law was enacted by Congress on July 29, 2016. AMS has two years to establish the standard and the procedures necessary for implementation. AMS sought input from stakeholders through August 25. The public will also have the opportunity to comment on any proposed rule during the rulemaking process. To view the questions under consideration, visit the Proposed Rule Questions Under Consideration page on the AMS Website.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller Calls for Agency Fee Reductions
The Flash Today | Posted onAugust 29, 2017 in Agriculture, SARL Members and Alumni NewsAs a result of the efficiencies and cost savings under his administration, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today has directed agency staff at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to find cuts in fees administered by his office. “I’ve been able to achieve some cost savings and managed our budget well, so just like a business, we’re passing that along to our ag producers and taxpayers by way of fee reductions,” said Commissioner Miller.
DOE report blames natural gas for closures
Energy Wire | Posted onAugust 24, 2017 in Energy NewsA long-awaited Energy Department staff report on electricity markets and reliability singles out natural gas — not renewables or environmental regulations — as the leading driver of coal plant closures in this decade, challenging the Trump administration's case for saving coal.
McDonald's developing species specific policies
Meat + Poultry | Posted onAugust 24, 2017 in Agriculture, Food NewsMcDonald’s Corp. plans to develop species- specific policies and timelines for its suppliers to provide chicken, beef, pork, eggs and dairy sourced from animals not treated with “highest priority critically important” antibiotics. The chain outlined its goals for antibiotic stewardship in the company’s Global Vision for Antibiotic Stewardship in Food Animals (VAS).
USDA Seeks Public Input on Updates to Animal Welfare Act Licensing Requirements
Sierra Sun Times | Posted onAugust 24, 2017 in Federal NewsMarking the 51st anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today asked for input from the public to help determine potential updates to the law’s licensing requirements. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is tasked with upholding and enforcing the AWA. The AWA was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 24, 1966.