A total of 20 states filed a brief with the Supreme Court supporting the North American Meat Institute’s petition challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 12 in California. That voter measure passed in 2018 and called The Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act, imposes new standards for animal housing. “The governments of nearly half…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Farm Bureau Opposes New Capital Gains Tax
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the organization objects to a proposal by several lawmakers to tax unrealized capital gains at death and roll back the stepped-up basis on those capital gains. Duvall says, “Taxing capital gains when a loved one passes away would have a devastating impact on farm and ranch…… MORE
Fertilizer Prices Up Dramatically
Fertilizer prices are up dramatically this spring, increasing input costs for growers. Data from the Department of Agriculture shows prices are up between 17 and 57% since the fall. David Widmar of Agricultural Economics Insights says that while nitrogen often gets the most attention, phosphorus prices are up the most. Anhydrous ammonia and urea…… MORE
More Ag Research Needed
A new report says stagnant public funding for agricultural research is threatening the future vitality of U.S. food systems. That poses risks to farmer productivity and profitability, the steady supply of affordable food, and ultimately, global food security. The report is a joint effort from the Farm Journal Foundation and the American Farm Bureau…… MORE
New Problems Arise for Crop Storage as Planet Gets Warmer
MECOSTA, Mich. (AP) – Climate change is posing new challenges for crop storage, a part of agriculture that’s often overlooked. Michigan produces more potatoes for chips than any other state because its outdoor air is usually cool enough to store them for months. But temperatures have edged upward in recent decades. Mecosta County grower Brian…… MORE
Farmworkers Fight Shaped Calif. Attorney General Nominee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s nominee for state attorney general grew up in the farmworkers movement of the 1970s. Rob Bonta’s parents worked alongside legendary labor leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta after his mother came to the United States in 1965 from the Philippines. His father marched with Dr. Martin Luther…… MORE
California Vineyard Offers Dream Job
If a post-work glass of wine is what you look forward to each day, maybe it’s time to quit your day job. This month, Murphy-Goode Winery announced a one-year position with its team in Sonoma. But not only will the lucky candidate get to move to sunny California — they will live there rent-free for a year. “Have…… MORE
February Milk Production Drops
The USDA says milk production in the 24 major milk-producing states totaled 16.8 billion pounds in February. That’s down 1.3% from February of 2020. However, production was 2.3% above last year after adjusting for the leap year. January revised production was 18.4 billion pounds, up 2.6% from January of last year. Production per cow…… MORE
Cal Farm Bureau Supports Ag Immigration Bill
The California Farm Bureau is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Bill, now that the House has passed the measure. In a news release, California Farm Bureau says the Farm Workforce Modernization Act would update agricultural visa programs and accommodate immigrant agricultural employees already in the country. Farm Bureau President Jamie…… MORE
House OK’s Immigration Bill with ‘Dreamer’ Path to Citizenship
The House voted Thursday to unlatch a gateway to citizenship for young Dreamers and immigrants who have fled war or natural disasters abroad, giving Democrats a win in the year’s first vote on an issue that once again faces a steep uphill climb in Congress. On a near party-line 228-197 vote, lawmakers approved one bill…… MORE
