The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the fruits and vegetable regulations to allow the importation of fresh pitahaya fruit into the …
If It Smells Like a Petunias or Shampoo, It Might Be a Pesticide
from USDA Agricultural Research Service A scent that petunias and snapdragons release to attract pollinators may be an environmentally friendly control for pests like the spotted wing drosophila fly (SWD) and …
USDA Announces $20 Million for Jobs for Young People, Veterans
USDA and partners committed $20 million in 21st Century Conservation Service Corps partnership agreements to provide 4,000 work opportunities for youth, young adults and veterans up to 35 years old, …
Feed a Bee Announces Coast-to-Coast Recipients for $500,000 Pollinator Forage Initiative
Bayer Feed a Bee program celebrates National Pollinator Week by kicking off an initiative to support forage projects in all 50 states In the spirit of true National Pollinator Week …
Chicken Company Turning to Body Cameras
Elite Farm Services of British Columbia, Canada, is turning to body cameras to make sure its workers are following the required best management practices regarding animal handling. Elite came under …
U.S. and China Reach Agreement to Boost Dairy Trade
The U.S. Dairy Export Council says the agreement reached this week between the U.S. and China will make it possible to significantly expand American dairy exports. An Agri-Pulse report says …
Cuba Policy Not Good for Ag
President Donald Trump’s Friday announcement on reinstating limits on travel to and business with Cuba may result in lost economic opportunities for corporations, small businesses, and farmers. The new policy …
Pork Industry Expanding
A new report out from CoBank says rising global demand for pork and stronger profitability will create a strong incentive for American pork processors to expand their capacity. Increased competition …
Dow / DuPont Merger Gets Conditional Approval
DuPont and Dow Chemical announced on Thursday that their proposed merger has been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. Dow Chair and CEO Andrew Liveris says he’s very pleased …
USDA Reorganization Takes Shape
Perdue Names Leadership in Acting Roles Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue named three individuals who will take on leadership roles as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues the reorganization …
American Farm Bureau Cautions on Cuba
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “We urge the administration to exercise caution in rolling out any new restrictions on doing business with …
Wind and Solar Energy Cover Over 10 Percent of U.S. Power Generation
Wind farms and solar panels that dot the map of rural America now account for more than 10 percent of U.S. power generation. Bloomberg News reports wind farms in Texas, …
Organic Trade Association Applauds USDA for Revoking Organic License
The Organic Trade Association welcomed a move by the Department of Agriculture aimed at stopping fraudulent organic products from entering the United States. USDA this week revoked the organic certificate …
Nebraska Firm First to Ship U.S. Beef to China
Nebraska’s Greater Omaha Packing Company is sending U.S. beef to China, the first shipment of its kind in 14 years. After the U.S. and China finalized protocols to allow the …