AgClips
Recent AgClips
No link between immigration and increased crime, four decades of evidence finds
Science Daily | Posted onFebruary 12, 2017 in Rural NewsPolitical discussions about immigrants often include the claim that there is a relationship between immigration patterns and increased crime. However, results of a new study find no links between the two. In fact, immigration actually appears to be linked to reductions in some types of crimes, according to the findings.
Health benefits of organic food, farming outlined in new report
Harvard | Posted onFebruary 12, 2017 in Food NewsWhy did the European Parliament commission this report and what was its most important takeaway? The European Parliament is concerned about food safety and human health. They asked a group of experts from several countries to review the possible health advantages of organic food and organic farming. Our report reviews existing scientific evidence regarding the impact of organic food on human health, including in vitro and animal studies, epidemiological studies, and food crop analyses.
Wind tops nation in renewable energy capacity for first time
The Hill | Posted onFebruary 12, 2017 in Energy NewsWind power expanded so much in 2016 that it is now the largest source of renewable electricity capacity in the United States, an industry group reported Thursday. In a study, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said wind energy grew at its second-fastest pace ever during the last three months of 2016.
Update on the DMWW Lawsuit
Farm Doc Daily | Posted onFebruary 12, 2017 in Agriculture NewsThe Iowa Supreme Court responded that Iowa drainage districts possess immunity from damages claims and immunity from equitable remedies under Iowa law. The Iowa Supreme Court also answered that DMWW as one subdivision of state government cannot sue another subdivision of state government claiming protections under the Iowa Constitution, and that this also held true for the claims of a taking of DMWW property. The following briefly summarizes the court's reasoning and decisions.
Who owns Texas water?
The Eagle | Posted onFebruary 11, 2017 in Rural NewsAs Texas population continues to increase, so will demands for water. The answer to the question of who owns Texas water will continue as a point of argument. Water availability has become such a critical issue that many statewide meetings, legislation and court cases revolve around the subject. A recent state-wide conference, devoted to water, was the Texas Section Society of Range Management annual meeting held in Uvalde.
America's First Ag Data Case
Janzen Ag Law | Posted onFebruary 11, 2017 in Agriculture NewsA number of poultry growers have filed suit against Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, and other poultry integrators alleging that growers’ production data was shared among integrators to depress grower payments. This is the first case where farmers’ ag data is the center of the lawsuit. The suit, titled Haff Poultry, Inc. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., was filed in the Eastern District federal court in Oklahoma.
Texas Water Wars: Texas v. New Mexico
Texas Ag Law | Posted onFebruary 11, 2017 in Rural NewsIn February 2013, Texas filed suit against New Mexico and Colorado in the United States Supreme Court in a battle concerning the Compact. Although Texas sued both New Mexico and Colorado, it appears that Colorado was named only because they are party to the treaty at issue. All of Texas’ claims are based upon alleged wrongful conduct by and in New Mexico.
Sanderson shareholder proposal on reducing antibiotic use fails
Meatingplace (free registration required) | Posted onFebruary 11, 2017 in Food NewsA shareholder proposal calling for Sanderson Farms Inc. to phase out the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention in its poultry operations failed at the company's annual meeting. The proposal had been filed by As You Sow, an Oakland, Calif.-based environmental and social advocacy organization. Sanderson management had recommended that shareholders vote against the proposal. Sanderson's continued use of antibiotics for disease prevention — not growth promotion — is part of the company's consumer marketing program.
Maine veterinarians newest members in fighting opiate abuse
Bangor Daily News | Posted onFebruary 11, 2017 in Rural NewsThanks to a new law that went into effect at the start of the year, whenever Dr. Amanda Bisol, owner of The Animal Medical Clinic in Skowhegan, writes an opiate-type painkiller prescription for one of her patients, she has to first run a background check on its owner. Public Law Chapter 488: An Act to Prevent Opiate Abuse by Strengthening the Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program was signed by Gov. Paul LePage in 2016 and went into effect Jan. 1.
USDA Announces Recommended Decision on California Federal Milk Marketing Order
USDA | Posted onFebruary 11, 2017 in Federal NewsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its recommended decision to establish a California Federal Milk Marketing Order. The marketing area of the recommended FMMO would incorporate the entire state of California.