AgClips
Recent AgClips
Written humane handling programs - robust or bust?
meatingplace.com | Posted onMay 31, 2016 in Agriculture NewsCan anyone imagine trying to manage and direct food safety, occupational safety, or human resources without the aide of written programs and associated recordkeeping in today’s highly regulated environment?
Lenders will be cautious toward cage-free egg expansion
Watt Ag Net | Posted onMay 31, 2016 in Agriculture NewsA leading creditor for the egg industry predicts $6 billion of investment must be in order for the industry to meet cage-free demand in the coming years. This will challenge lenders and borrowers. The switch will cost producers about $40 to $50 per bird, or about $6 billion in total to house the needed birds. Coit said about 40 percent of that amount is “net capital need” -- what the industry will need to provide up front -- and the rest is “debt financing” -- what will need to be borrowed. Coit said current market conditions will make lenders hesitant to dive in.
Indiana County Approves New Livestock Farm Zoning Regulations
Hoosier Ag Today | Posted onMay 31, 2016 in Agriculture NewsA central Indiana county has approved new restrictions on livestock farms limiting where those farms can be built. The ordinance approved this week by the Bartholomew County commissioners takes effect immediately for concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. CAFOs can be built no closer than a quarter-mile from schools, health care facilities and churches, and 500 feet from residential lots in areas zoned for agriculture. New farms must also be at least a 500 feet from any water well.
Study Finds Gap on GMO Food Knowledge
Hoosier Ag Today | Posted onMay 31, 2016 in Food NewsA new study from the University of Florida finds that consumers are aware of genetically modified crops and food, but their knowledge level is limited and often does not match up with the facts. Brandon McFadden published the study showing that scientific fact often does not change consumer impressions on GMO foods. The study came about because consumer polls are often cited in the GMO debate, especially as it relates to labeling. The results led McFadden to find that consumers do not know as much about genetically modified crops and foods as they may think they do.
State Senate passes bill regulating pet safety at boarding facilities
KION | Posted onMay 31, 2016 in Agriculture NewsCalifornia Senate unanimously passed SB-945, introduced by Senator Bill Monning. The bill aims to establish rules for pet boarding facilities regarding safety, sanitation, space, and more through a fine system. First violations would result in a fine up to $250, and up to $1,000 for each subsequent violation. The bill would also allow cities and counties to establish additional standards
Time to end the fight over GMO labeling
Time to end the fight over GMO labeling | Posted onMay 26, 2016 in Food NewsOnce again, the debate over labeling foods commonly called “GMO” has reached a fevered pitch. Some states continue to attempt to pass (or have already passed) local labeling laws.
Judge orders Idaho to pay PETA
Meat + Poultry | Posted onMay 26, 2016 in Agriculture NewsA district court judge ordered Idaho to pay $249,875.08 in attorneys’ fees to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other animal welfare groups that successfully challenged the state’s law prohibiting undercover filming at agricultural operations.
Why This Power Company Is Making Energy From Pig Poo
Fortune | Posted onMay 26, 2016 in Energy NewsPower giant Duke Energy announced plans on Tuesday to buy gas generated by the waste from pigs on farms in North Carolina. The company will use the gas, made of methane, to generate electricity at two power stations.
Cargill juggles customer’s GMO food preferences
Financial Times | Posted onMay 26, 2016 in Food NewsChanging customer preferences have big impact for world’s largest commodities trader. The world’s biggest agricultural commodities trader is taking steps to “de-commoditise”.
Five countries agree to share FMD vaccines
Watt Ag Net | Posted onMay 26, 2016 in Agriculture NewsThe U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia have signed an agreement to share foot-and-mouth disease vaccines, should an outbreak occur.