A bill to reduce methane emissions from California’s dairies and livestock operations is headed to the governor following its passage on the final day of the state Legislature’s regular session.  SB 1383 would require the state Air Resources Board to begin implementing a strategy to reduce methane emissions 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030. Implementation would be required no later than Jan. 1, 2018, with regulations to take effect on or after Jan. [node:read-more:link]

Five industry groups Monday sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging him to allow public comment if USDA proceeds with certain portions of a livestock and poultry marketing rule originally proposed in 2010 that are strongly opposed by the industry.  “The opposition expressed six years ago remains as staunch as ever, and we urge the agency to abandon the proposed rule because of the significant adverse effect adopting it would have on the meat and poultry industry, particularly the produ [node:read-more:link]

The three main beef producing companies in Brazil -- JBS, Marfrig and Minerva – have received authorization to start exporting fresh beef to the United States this month, the first shipments since the North American market was formally opened to Brazilian exporters in August. Brazil is allowed to export up to 64,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the United States per year, competing in a quota with other Latin American countries. [node:read-more:link]

Of all the off-the-wall statements made by speakers at HSUS’ Taking Action for Animals Conference and the National Animal Rights Conference this summer, there is one I just can’t quite get out of my head. “When it is time to launch a campaign, find a vulnerable target, prepare everything for at least a few weeks and then assemble an overwhelming force to utilize from day one. [node:read-more:link]

Despite concerns about the fate of rural America, a number of key benchmarks show these areas have been growing economically since 2014. Many were surprised when the Census Bureau released data last Thursday showing median household income in non-metro areas of the United States had increased by 3.4 percent in 2015 and poverty rates had fallen. That many people in small towns around the country still feel left behind is an indication of how deep a hole these regions were in. [node:read-more:link]

A decade ago, lawmakers in Washington tried to address a trifecta of thorny challenges with one simple fix that has turned out to be anything but easy to assess. The problems: an overreliance on foreign oil, rising greenhouse gas emissions and tepid economic growth.  A decade ago, lawmakers in Washington tried to address a trifecta of thorny challenges with one simple fix that has turned out to be anything but easy to assess.  The problems: an overreliance on foreign oil, rising greenhouse gas emissions and tepid economic growth. [node:read-more:link]

National Milk Producers Federation and member dairy cooperatives have agreed to pay $52 million in a class action lawsuit alleging the Cooperatives Working Together herd-retirement program reduced the supply of milk, eliminated competition and artificially raised the price of milk and milk products to consumers. [node:read-more:link]

Kami Jenkins describes her regional competitors in the raw goat milk industry as a second family — and a key reason why her sales continues to grow.  She’s among about 10 small-scale raw goat milk producers in Eastern Idaho who have banded together to find strength in greater numbers. [node:read-more:link]

The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments and must now decide whether to weigh in on a federal lawsuit that pits the water supplier to 500,000 central Iowa residents against upstream farmers accused of contaminating rivers with nitrates from crop fertilizer.  The case was filed by Des Moines Water Works, which is asking the court to decide whether agriculture drainage districts have immunity from lawsuits and whether the water utility can seek monetary damages.  Water Works says it spent $1.5 million last year alone to remove nitrate from water to meet federal health standards. [node:read-more:link]

Critics who intentionally disregard the progress toward greater transparency only serve to discourage it by refusing to give credit where credit is due. So, I encourage food system critics to be transparent about genuine progress among food producers just as I encourage producers who haven’t yet embraced transparency to build on the positive momentum. There is no denying the ability of transparency to increase consumer trust. [node:read-more:link]