AgClips
Recent AgClips
Minnesota, 7 other states' renewable energy subsidies under fire at WTO
Brainerd Dispatch | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Energy Newsndia has complained to the World Trade Organization about support given to the renewable energy industry in eight U.S. states, the WTO said. The complaint alleges the states of Minnesota, Washington, California, Montana, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan and Delaware prop up their renewables sector with illegal subsidies and domestic content requirements - an obligation to buy local goods rather than imports.
In South Dakota - Public opposition has helped block three proposed wind farm projects in past 8 months
Mitchell Republic | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Energy NewsPublic outcry may have stopped another area wind project in its tracks. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will consider approving the withdrawal of a permit to build a 100-turbine wind farm in Charles Mix and Bon Homme counties after hearing significant resistance from the surrounding communities.
National Sheriffs Association patners with HSUS
| Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Rural NewsWe are proud to work with The Humane Society of the United States because of their expertise on illegal animal cruelty and fighting and frequent collaboration with law enforcement in pursuing those crimes. The HSUS has provided free training to tens of thousands of law enforcement officials across the country on how to investigate illegal animal cruelty and its connection with crimes against people.
Portland bans the retail sale of dogs and cats
Bangor Daily News | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Rural NewsThe Portland Council unanimously passed an ordinance that would prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city, meaning pet stores will not be allowed to sell dogs or cats unless they came from a rescue organization.The state legislature passed a puppy and kitten bill last year but it was vetoed by the governor. Supporters say they are now going city-by-city to have pet sales banned, with Portland as the first stop. There are currently no retail stores selling dogs or cats in Portland.
Sad Day for Elephants - Governor Brown signs bullhook bill
Help Elephants Now | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Rural NewsGovernor Brown signed SB 1062, the ban the “bullhook” bill on August 29th. Starting January 1, 2018 it will be illegal to use the elephant guide tool in California. Many of you have written letters and made calls to urge the legislators to make the right choice and allow responsible animal owners to use all of the tools available to them including the guide. It is unfortunate that politics and animal extremist agendas get in the way of people trying to care for their animals properly.
County’s $1.4B timber lawsuit survives state’s motion to dismiss
Capital Press | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in NewsA judge has denied the State of Oregon’s motions to dismiss a lawsuit by Linn County that seeks $1.4 billion over state forest management practices. Linn County Circuit Judge Daniel Murphy also said he’s inclined to certify the case as a class action — which would include other counties in the litigation — though he’s postponed ruling on that matter. According to Linn County’s lawsuit, filed earlier this year, insufficient logging on state-owned forestland has cost 15 counties more than $1.4 billion.
Idaho DEQ proposes unusual plan to address field burning changes
Capital Press | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Agriculture NewsAn unusual legislative approach will be used to implement changes to Idaho’s crop residue burning program. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality officials say the changes are necessary to avoid a large reduction in the number of allowable field burning days in Idaho. The federal standard for ozone was tightened in October, which means the number of burn days in Idaho for farmers who use that tool to control diseases and pests and increase stand health would be reduced by a third to half under Idaho’s current crop residue burning program.
Study: Consumers prefer gene-disrupting pesticides over GMOs
Capital Press | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Agriculture NewsConsumers prefer gene-disrupting “RNAi” biopesticides over genetically engineered crops, but they don’t much like either technology, according to a recent study. Researchers from the University of Arkansas conducted the study by asking consumers about their “willingness to pay” for conventional rice sprayed with insecticides, rice that’s genetically modified to withstand pests and rice treated with an RNAi biopesticide. The biotech rice and RNAi biopesticide described to consumers aren’t commercially available, so those possibilities were hypothetical.
E-Commerce Is a Boon for Rural America, but It Comes With a Price
The Wall Street Journal | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Rural NewsProviding small-town residents with big-city conveniences is costly for retailers and delivery services. E-commerce hasn’t just reached rural America, it is transforming it by giving small-town residents an opportunity to buy staples online at a cheaper price than the local supermarket. It also provides remote areas with big-city conveniences and the latest products. Contemporary fashion, such as Victoria Secret bathing suits or Tory Burch ballet flats are easily shipped. Consumers increasingly are shopping online instead of driving, often long distances, to stores.
Four states offer ideas for ag economy
News Press Now | Posted onSeptember 13, 2016 in Agriculture NewsRecent talks on the health of the area’s agricultural economy have spurred recommendations that will be forwarded to federal officials. A wrap-up session was held in St. Joseph and brought together agricultural leaders from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. Organizers said a St. Joseph session presented an opportunity for collaboration, allowing each state to report feedback from producers and financial experts. They said the findings will be useful in setting outreach and policy priorities.