AgClips
Recent AgClips
Massachusetts House eyes land conservation with larger pool of tax credits
Gloucestertimes.com | Posted onApril 28, 2017 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsThe Massachusetts House on Monday agreed to a significant expansion of tax credits aimed at spurring land donations to public or private conservation agencies. A Republican-sponsored amendment approved without debate increases the amount of money available through the conservation land tax credit from $2 million to $5 million over a three-year period beginning Jan. 1, 2018.The increased credit would sunset on Dec.
Tyson launches sustainability, wage initiatives for plants, workers
Meatingplace (free registration required) | Posted onApril 28, 2017 in Food NewsTyson Foods Inc. has announced separate programs that are expected to boost sustainable food production at its facilities and provide higher wages for workers at its poultry facilities in an effort to retain employees in a tightening labor market. Tyson said the sustainability efforts will affect the more than 95,000 employees who work in its chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods operations
Idaho's anti-dairy spying lawsuit attracts supporters
Idaho Statesman | Posted onApril 28, 2017 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsA dozen groups representing free speech advocates and labor unions are helping fight the Idaho law banning secret filming of animal abuse at agricultural facilities. The groups have filed friend-of-the-court briefs with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals detailing their opposition. They argue that the law violates the First Amendment. No groups have filed similar briefs in support of the law.
Ag and Food Law Consortium to Host Webinar on GM Salmon and Other GMO Reg Issues
National Ag Law Center | Posted onApril 27, 2017 in Agriculture NewsThe Agricultural and Food Law Consortium will host a webinar will provide an overview of legal issues surrounding genetically engineered and genetically modified products in aquaculture, as well as an overview of GMO regulatory issues, including labeling. The presentations will discuss the AquAdvantage salmon case study and recent legal developments.The webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 12noon – 3pm (EST).
Family Dairies Applauded for Placing Caps on Dairy Production
Wisconsin Ag Connection | Posted onApril 27, 2017 in Agriculture NewsThe leader of the Wisconsin Farmers Union is praising the Madison-based Family Dairies USA for being pro-active and working with farmers to limit the milk that comes in, rather than dumping it or selling it for below-market prices after the fact. WFU President Darin Von Ruden said he also commends the cooperative for asking all of their members to shoulder a little of the burden of managing over-supply.
Feral hog slaughterhouse takes off in New Orleans
The Salt Lake Tribune | Posted onApril 27, 2017 in Food NewsIn a region that takes food seriously, feral hogs are despised as destructive, but their rich, dark meat is winning fans among Louisiana chefs. A small slaughterhouse is butchering the wild pigs , which cause the state $76 million-plus in annual damage, and selling sausage to grocery stores and meat to restaurants, where chefs are turning it into savory prosciutto, chorizo and meatballs."To me, it is the most interesting thing I have seen in years," said Rene Bajeux, executive chef for the Palace Cafe and three other Dickie Brennan & Co. restaurants in New Orleans.
Border security can take a heavy toll on endangered wildlife
PBS | Posted onApril 27, 2017 in Federal NewsIn one study from 2011, biologists found border fences increased the risk of population decline and extinction, especially for endangered species. Another study from the same year found border security infrastructure could interfere with black bear breeding. Before the border fence between the U.S. and Mexico went up about 10 years ago, conservationists tried to stop it, but ultimately lost that fight. Eighty percent of Arizona’s border with Mexico has some kind of barrier. Gaps do occasionally exist where wildlife can pass, but finding those places isn’t easy.
Maine governor wants to out those hired to film animal cruelty
ABC News | Posted onApril 27, 2017 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsA bill drawn up by Republican Gov. Paul LePage would make public the names of animal activists hired to film undercover footage of animal cruelty.
America's Utility Of The Future Takes Shape In Illinois, Ohio, And Minnesota
Forbes | Posted onApril 27, 2017 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsThis past March, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) initiated NextGrid, an 18-month, consumer-focused collaborative process to “transform Illinois’ energy landscape and economy.” Specifically, Next Grid aims to uncover opportunities to value and optimize distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar panels or energy efficiency, and facilitate grid decarbonization. As the power sector and technology industries converge toward DER integration, NextGrid will highlight opportunities to enable a more dynamic relationship between customers and their utilities.
Environmental Rules Played Minor Role in Coal’s Decline
Climate Central | Posted onApril 27, 2017 in Energy NewsEnvironmental and climate regulations that cut pollution from coal-fired power plants have played only a minor role in the decline of the coal industry, which has been hurt mainly by expanding use of natural gas and less demand for electricity, according to a Columbia University report published this week. U.S. coal use fell by about 30 percent between 2011 and 2016. The paper attributes about half of that decline to low natural gas prices, 26 percent to falling demand for electricity and 18 percent to growth in renewable energy such as wind and solar.