As expected, the World Trade Organization today issued a final ruling against the United States over Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for livestock and meat products. The final ruling maintained previous conclusions that “the amended COOL measure increases the record-keeping burden for imported livestock entailed by the original COOL measure.” The Appellate Body agreed with the panel that the recordkeeping …
USFRA Sponsors Brownfield Cab Convos
The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) is sponsoring a second season of Cab Conversations with Brownfield Ag News. Each week, three U.S. farmers meet on Google+ Hangout from the cab of their tractors to share insights, challenges and tips relating to the planting season with host Meghan Grebner, Anchor/Reporter for Brownfield Ag News. “Brownfield’s Cab Conversations utilizes an innovative …
Ag Urges Senate to Pass TPA
Senate Republicans and agriculture industry leaders held a press conference in Washington today to discuss the ways new trade deals could benefit the agriculture community and urge passage of the bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation. Senators speaking on behalf of TPA included Republican Conference Chairman John Thune (R-SD), Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) …
First USDA Crop Estimates
USDA’s May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate report released today includes the first estimates for crop production this year. Overall, the report is projecting wheat production to be higher and corn and soybeans lower this season. All wheat production is projected at 2,087 million bushels, up 3 percent. Corn production is projected at 13.6 billion bushels, down 586 million …
New Holland Exec Testifies in PA
New Holland North America Vice President Abe Hughes testified this week before the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee to provide insight into the company’s view of the economy and business climate in the state, specifically regarding agriculture. During his testimony, Abe Hughes shared his perspective on topics such as property tax relief for farmers, farm labor, and New Holland’s support …
Syngenta Rejects Monsanto Bid
The board of directors for Syngenta last week rejected a bid to by the company from Monsanto. The proposal for $481 per share with approximately 45 percent in cash was considered by the Syngenta board to be undervalued. “Syngenta is the world leader in Crop Protection, the number three in Seeds and the first company to introduce integrated solutions for …
Happy Mothers Day to Farm Mom of Year
This Mothers Day will be a special one for an Oregon farmer and mother of three daughters who has been selected as Monsanto’s 2015 Farmers Mom of the Year. Shelly Boshart Davis, who lives in Albany, Ore. and grows grass seed, wheat, radishes, hazelnuts and bales grass straw, garnered the most online votes to capture the national title. She is …
Senate Ag Grain Standards Act Hearing
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing Tuesday to review the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which has provisions that expire this year. The act authorizes USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service to establish marketing standards for a variety of grains and oilseeds and was last reauthorized in 2005. “Predictability and transparency are key to maintaining a global …
UAS Pathfinder Program Includes Ag
At the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems international conference in Atlanta on Wednesday, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta announced new partnerships with industries, including agriculture, to explore the next steps in unmanned aircraft operations. “We’re calling it the Pathfinder Program,” said Huerta. “We’re partnering with three leading U.S. companies who have committed extensive resources to perform research that …
Farm Bureau Launches GMO Website
The American Farm Bureau Federation has launched a new website to help farmers “Get a Move On” and stand up for biotechnology. By going to GetaMoveOn.fb.org, farmers can show their support for a national, science-based labeling standard, such as the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (H.R. 1599). “Now is the time for farmers and ranchers to take action in …