AgClips
Recent AgClips
Russia bans cultivation, breeding of GMOs
Capital Press | Posted onAugust 1, 2016 in Federal NewsRussia has banned the cultivation and breeding of genetically engineered crops, which may have long-term consequences for biotechnology in global agriculture.
Russia's acres, if not its locals, beckon Chinese farmers
NYTimes | Posted onAugust 1, 2016 in Federal NewsThe presence of Chinese farmers on Russian land in the Far East has stirred frenzied fear of a stealthy Chinese takeover. Local officials grumbling that they cannot keep up with Chinese work habits, tend to see China and its vast pool of industrious labor as the best hope of developing improverished regions that often feel neglected by Moscow.
A congressionsal letter to Vilsack aseeks financial assistance for dairy industry
Leahy.senate.gov | Posted onAugust 1, 2016 in Federal Newsa Congressional letter was sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting him to consider financial assistance to the dairy industry. The letter was both bicameral and bipartisan as Senators and House Members from a number of key dairy states joined forces in making this request. The USDA is already “crunching the numbers” in determining what might be the best way to proceed. The Secretary has authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation to move forward on a financial assistance package. The Department will be making a decision on this request in the weeks ahead.
Iowa sees progress in energy sector
The Gazette | Posted onAugust 1, 2016 in Energy NewsIowa’s overall energy situation is moving in a positive direction, although the state still consumes more than it produces at a per-capital rate higher than its six bordering states. Iowa consumes more raw energy than it produces and imports more raw energy than it produces. Electrical power generation has increased significantly, by nearly 40 percent, primarily because of expansion in wind production.
U.S. rejects Whole Foods' trademark claim as 'World's Healthiest Grocery Store'
Chicago Tribune | Posted onJuly 29, 2016 in Food NewsWhole Foods Market says it's "America's Healthiest Grocery Store." Now, the grocery chain is looking to update its slogan to reflect a loftier moniker: "World's Healthiest Grocery Store." Unfortunately for the grocer's efforts, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently rejected its application to register that slogan. Whole Foods will have six months to update and refile the case and may choose not to do so, although that seems unlikely.
North America Has Only 1 True Species of Wolf, DNA Shows
Live Science | Posted onJuly 29, 2016 in Rural NewsTests of wolves across North America suggest that there is just one species of the canid: the gray wolf. What's more, populations of red wolves and eastern wolves, thought to be distinct species, are actually just hybrids of gray wolves and coyotes that likely emerged in the last couple hundred years, the study found.
USDA NASS conducts conservation assessments survey
Farm Futures | Posted onJuly 29, 2016 in Federal NewsSDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is contacting 25,000 farmers and ranchers now through August to take part in a national survey that will more accurately measure the environmental benefits associated with implementation and installation of conservation practices on agricultural land. The results of the National Resources Inventory Conservation Effects Assessment Project (NRI-CEAP) survey will help develop the science-based solutions for managing the agricultural landscape to improve environmental quality.
Portland students to learn about ag, rangeland at rural school
Capital Press | Posted onJuly 29, 2016 in Agriculture Newsurnt River School’s invitation to Portland students paid off, and the rural Eastern Oregon school will host up to eight urban kids when classes begin next fall, and eight more in the spring. “It’s happening,” Superintendent Lorrie Andrews said. The district is arranging places for the students to stay while in school. The school, which had a total of 34 students in 2015-16, offers the Burnt River Integrated Agriculture/Science Research Ranch program, or BRIARR, a dip into the ag and natural resource issues common to the area.
Genetically engineered wheat plants discovered in fallow Washington field
Capital Press | Posted onJuly 29, 2016 in Agriculture NewsThe USDA confirmed the discovery of 22 genetically engineered wheat plants growing in a fallow agricultural field in Washington state. The wheat in question is resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, APHIS said. A farmer made the discovery. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA has found no evidence of GE wheat in commerce.
No charges in shooting of Idaho rancher
Capital Press | Posted onJuly 29, 2016 in Rural NewsThe U.S. attorney for Idaho and the state attorney general announced they will not pursue charges against the two Adams County deputies who fatally shot rancher Jack Yantis. Following an investigation by the FBI, the U.S. attorney determined “there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights charges against Adams County deputy sheriffs Cody Rowland and Brian Wood for the death of Jack Yantis.” After reviewing the results of an Idaho State Police investigation, the state attorney general’s office reached the same conclusion.