AgClips
Recent AgClips
Obama signs water bill with caution on drought provisions
Agri-Pulse | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Agriculture NewsPresident Obama signed into law a water projects authorization bill and issued a statement cautioning agency managers to heed endangered species requirements before increasing irrigation water supplies in California's drought-stricken Central Valley. Critics of the drought relief, led by retiring Sen.
MI: Gov. Rick Snyder 'fired up,' plans to sign energy overhaul
Michigan Live | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Energy NewsUltimately, it was new language around energy choice -- the 10 percent of Michigan's electric market that is allowed to use alternative energy suppliers instead of their incumbent utilities -- that helped push the package over the edge. Ultimately, the compromise made changes to energy efficiency, electric choice and solar net metering provisions that satisfied almost everybody. The main bill, Senate Bill 437, passed the House 79-28 and the Senate confirmed the changes 33-4.
Stormier times for California's water expected under new law
SCPR.org | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Agriculture NewsLegislation signed by President Barack Obama dictates that the federal portion of California's heavily engineered water systems gives agricultural districts and other human users the biggest possible share of the most fought-over resource in a state with a six-year drought. Water experts and conservationists expect that new mandate to conflict with state and federal laws and court orders meant to ensure enough water stays in Northern California's Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and delta for endangered native fish.
Survey shows producer support for GMO crops
Agri-Pulse | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Agriculture NewsGenetically modified crops may not be popular among certain aspects of the population, but those responsible for their growth see the technology as an essential tool. A survey of 282 U.S. farmers shows 98 percent of them think GMO seeds - typically bred to be resistant to things like certain crop protection chemicals - are the best way to lessen their environmental footprint, and 69 percent believe the technology leads to higher yields.
Activists fail in court to stop USDA from inspecting foie gras production
Agri-Pulse | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Food NewsSeveral activist groups failed this week in a legal action to ban the USDA from inspecting and allowing foie gras to be sold on the commercial market. The Animal Legal Defense Fund, Compassion Over Killing, and Animal Protection and Rescue League sued USDA and the Food Safety Inspection Service, claiming that when farmers make foie gras by force-feeding ducks, the process sickens the birds and produces diseased livers for human consumption. U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II for the U.S.
Colorado agriculture plummets
Durango Herald | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Agriculture, Energy NewsIncome declines to level not seen since 1986. Statewide income from farms and ranches is projected to fall to $444 million in 2016 from about $1.3 billion in 2015. The fall can be largely attributed to the decline in cattle prices because the industry accounts for the largest portion of the state’s agriculture economy, said Stephen Koontz, a professor at Colorado State University.
Panel Hears Glyphosate Testimony
DTN | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Agriculture NewsThe consensus is the herbicide glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans, based on the scientific data collected by the U.S.
USDA 2016 Rural Development Progress Report
USDA | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in NewsRural America as a whole is seeing job and income growth for the first time since the Great Recession of 2008. We are also realizing a reverse in outmigration from rural areas and lower rates of poverty. About 15 percent of the population—46 million people—are living in rural America. Rural America plays a key role in the national economy, producing food and other goods that are vital to the rest of the country
Idaho Buying Trout Farm in Water Battle
Capital Press | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Agriculture NewsOfficials of Idaho Ground Water Appropriators Inc. say they have a contract to purchase the Rangen trout farm in Hagerman. The purchase would put to rest a long-running water battle with Rangen while providing groundwater irrigators a pathway toward resolving other water conflicts in the valley. IGWA attorney T.J. Budge said the sale hasn’t closed, as the parties are still “working through the due diligence.” The purchase price is confidential, Budge said. The property includes about 60 acres, three homes, raceways, a fish hatch house and greenhouse and a research building.
Ohio’s 4R water quality certification expands
Farm and Dairy | Posted onDecember 20, 2016 in Agriculture NewsThe 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program has expanded its voluntary program statewide in Ohio. Effective Jan. 1, all Ohio-based agricultural retailers and nutrient service providers will be able to participate in the water quality effort. The program is based on the 4R framework, using the right fertilizer source at the right rate, the right time and in the right place.