People who influence opinions about food are taking to the backroads of America and learning how American lamb is raised while natural resources are protected. The American Lamb Board selected key market areas for the tours, including Boston, Seattle, Boulder, and Napa. “Our Lamb Checkoff engages with food influencers because they add another layer of…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Rules GMO QR Codes Unlawful
A U.S. District Court says the USDA’s decision to allow genetically engineered foods to only be labeled with a QR code is unlawful. The Center for Food Safety says USDA is required to add additional disclosure options to those foods under the USDA’s Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. “This is a victory for all Americans,” says…… MORE
Combine And Tractor Sales Results are Mixed
Combine sales grew for August in both the U.S. and Canada, while total tractors fell in the U.S., but grew in Canada, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Total U.S. ag equipment unit sales rose above the five-year average for the first time since April 2022. U.S. total farm tractor…… MORE
Congress Urged To Stop A Possible Freight Rail Shutdown
The Fertilizer Institute is urging Congress to take action to avoid a freight rail shutdown on September 16. TFI sent a letter to Congressional leaders pushing for intervention to prevent a stoppage from occurring. TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch says, “A stoppage hasn’t yet happened, but we are already feeling the negative effects of…… MORE
GAO Reviews Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
During 2020 and 2021, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency provided $31 billion in aid to more than 950,000 producers of agricultural commodities, including crops, dairy, and livestock. The goal was to help offset losses and costs associated with COVID-19. The Government Accountability Office found problems in the process the FSA used to review claims under…… MORE
USDA Reviews Genetically-Modified Tomato
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reviewed a new tomato variety from Norfolk Plant Sciences. The tomato was modified to alter its color to purple and enhance the nutritional quality. The agency says it found the plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated tomatoes and is…… MORE
NCBA Supports Livestock Regulatory Protection Act
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association voiced support to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee regarding the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act this week. During a committee hearing, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart told lawmakers, “NCBA strongly supports the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, which protects farmers and ranchers from onerous regulation.” The legislation aims to prevent…… MORE
Ag Economy Barometer Increases
Farmer sentiment improved in August as the Purdue-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 14 points above its July reading to 117. Both the Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations increased last month. Producers were less worried about their farm’s financial situation than in July, although they remain concerned about a possible…… MORE
California Hopes to Soon Join Opposition to Foreign Land Ownership
A bill that outlaws land sales to foreign countries to help protect the nation’s food supply is still awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature to become law. In the meantime, the Washington Examiner reports that the Central Valley is where two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts are grown. “Food can, and is, being used as a…… MORE
First “Triple-Dip” La Nina in This Century
The World Meteorological Association says the La Nina weather pattern will last through the end of 2022. That’s the first time this century it will have lasted for three consecutive winters in the northern hemisphere. La Nina conditions in the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean strengthened as trade winds intensified between July and August.…… MORE
