AgClips
Recent AgClips
Economic Contributions of the Off-Highway Equipment Industry
AEM | Posted onMarch 13, 2017 in Rural NewsFor 2016, the IHS estimates there was $31.3 trillion in total sales activity in the United States across all sectors; of that total, IHS estimates that $416.2 billion in sales was supported by the o -highway equipment and ancillary products industry’s economic activity. This occurred through approximately $266.5 billion in direct industry sales activity, such as the sales of equipment like skid steers and combines, which generated additional economic activity as dollars fl owed through the equipment manufacturing supply chain.
Planned dairy in Hawaii withdraws impact statement
Capital Press | Posted onMarch 13, 2017 in Agriculture NewsA planned dairy farm in Hawaii has taken a step back by withdrawing parts of its application to allow more time for discussion of its likely environmental impact. Kauai’s Hawaii Dairy Farms withdrew its Final Environmental Impact Statement from state consideration on Tuesday, reported The Garden Island. Spokeswoman Amy Hennessey said in a release that the dairy wants to allow time for additional responses to comments on its plan to keep a minimum of 699 dairy cows on a 557-acre site in Kauai’s Mahaulepu Valley. Opponents of the dairy see a chance to stop its construction
OPINION: Labelling of non-GMO products ignores reality
The Guardian | Posted onMarch 13, 2017 in Food NewsI've worked in agricultural marketing for 25 years and have done a lot of work on branding, including developing logos. Logos have a great deal of power and there are many good ones — think Tim Hortons. But one logo seen on some food products infuriates me — that of the Non-GMO Project. According to their website, “The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building the non-GMO food supply, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices.
California growers assess damage amid storms, flooding
Capital Press | Posted onMarch 13, 2017 in Agriculture NewsStorms in California combined with already high river and creek levels and saturated ground to cause widespread flooding, waterlogging field crops and interfering with the almond blossom.
Pilgrim’s Pride sued by environmentalists in Florida
Meatingplace (free registration required) | Posted onMarch 12, 2017 in NewsAn environmental advocacy group in Florida filed a lawsuit in federal court today alleging that a Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. chicken processing plant is polluting the Suwannee River.
Calling Out The Anti-Science Denialists
Civil Beat | Posted onMarch 12, 2017 in Agriculture NewsThe future of Hawaii agriculture hangs in the balance this legislative session. Having lost in the courts the battle over whether county governments even have the jurisdiction to regulate genetically modified crops, anti-science advocates have moved to state government, hoping there to revive the “genetic modification (sic)” Salem Witch Trials.
Oregon bill would regulate dairy air emissions
Statesman Journal | Posted onMarch 12, 2017 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsShould air contaminant emissions from large dairies be tracked and regulated in Oregon? A legislative task force concluded in July 2008 that they should.The Legislature didn't implement the recommendation, and dairy industry officials say voluntary actions are better than regulations. Buta proposal for a new mega-dairy in Eastern Oregon has prompted legislators to take a second look.
1 in 4 Ohio hospitals could close under GOP Obamacare replacement, Ohio Hospitals Association chief says
Biz Journals | Posted onMarch 12, 2017 in Rural NewsOne in four Ohio hospitals could close if an Affordable Care Act replacement rescinds Medicaid expansion without a new revenue source, Ohio Hospital Association CEO Mike Abrams said, one of a growing chorus of Ohioans speaking up about the GOP health-care proposal.
Maryland Senate OKs extension of energy efficiency program
The Baltimore Sun | Posted onMarch 12, 2017 in SARL Members and Alumni NewsThe Maryland state Senate passed a bill extending the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program, following similar action in the House of Delegates. Senators voted, 32-14, to extend the program, which was created in 2008 to require utility companies to reduce per capita electricity use by 10 percent by 2015. The law didn't require the program to continue past 2015, although the state's Public Service Commission has supported the program and asked utilities to lay out plans to invest more in energy efficiency.
National Milk Producers recommends changes to margin protection program to make it viable
KTIC Radio | Posted onMarch 12, 2017 in Federal NewsThe National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors today unanimously approved a series of recommended changes to the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) that will restore several key elements first proposed by NMPF during development of the 2014 Farm Bill. These changes to the MPP will ensure an effective safety net for the nation’s dairy farmers – if the recommendations are adopted by Congress. The recommendations range from changing the way dairy feed costs are calculated, to providing farmers greater flexibility in signing up for coverage and using other risk management tools.