A University of Florida plant scientist, who has created varieties of sugarcane that are grown across more than 90 percent of Florida and in several Central American countries, has been given a national award for his innovative work. The American Society of Agronomy has awarded the Early Career Scientist Award to Hardev Sandhu, a sugarcane specialist at the UF Institute …
Wendy’s to Reduce Antibiotics Use in Beef Supply Chain
The Ohio-based burger chain Wendy’s will reduce antibiotics use in its beef supply chain. The announcement follows similar measures the fast food restaurant chain took in its poultry supply chain. Starting next year, Wendy’s will source about 15 percent of its beef from producers that have committed to a 20 percent reduction of the only medically important antibiotic product routinely …
Cruz Proposes Renewable Fuel Credit Cap
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas is proposing to cap the price of renewable fuel credits purchased by refiners at 10 cents, a mere fraction of the current market value. Prices of renewable fuel credits were trading at roughly 70 cents last week. The credits had been trading at 90 cents each at the end of November. Cruz is making the …
Farm Co-ops Get Section 199 Fix in Tax Bill
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives praised lawmakers for their work in providing a fix for the repeal of the section 199 Deduction. NCFC applauded Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota and Senator John Thune of South Dakota for their work in adding the language to the tax bill, along with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts. Previously, NCFC said …
Organic Trade Association Filed Complaint About Organic Livestock Rule
The Organic Trade Association filed a complaint in federal court regarding the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule a week before the Department of Agriculture announced its withdrawal. USDA on Friday published noticed that it would withdraw the rule because the rule exceeded USDA’s statutory authority. The rule is subject to 30 days of public comment. The Organic Trade Association …
EPA to Finalize WOTUS Repeal in April
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to complete formal repeal of the Waters of the U.S. Rule in April 2018. Politico reports an updated regulatory agenda from the White House also shows a replacement rule is scheduled for proposal in May. A final version of the rule is not expected until June 2019. President Donald Trump issued an executive order …
Duvall on NAFTA: I’m Concerned But Optimism Remains
As the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations continue, much is up in the air, and how it could impact the agriculture community. President Trump said he wanted to rework the more than 20-year-old trade deal, to make it fairer for American workers. However, much of the agriculture community is happy with the current NAFTA deal, and worry that …
Conaway Launches New Farm Bill Website
Texas Republican and House Ag Committee Chair Michael Conaway announced he’s launching a new resource for information on the 2018 Farm Bill. There’s a new landing page on the House Ag Committee website that he will use to keep interested parties up to date on how the legislation is developing. Website The site will also contain audio and video information …
USDA Seeks Applications for $10 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants
Funding is available in three focus areas, including grazing lands, organic systems and soil health USDA is offering grants for innovative ideas for conservation strategies and technologies. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest $10 million in the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, funding innovative conservation projects in three focus areas: grazing lands, organic systems and soil health. …
USDA Announces National Watermelon Promotion Board Appointments
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 13 individuals to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Members newly appointed to serve three-year terms are: Ernesto Chamberlain, Nogales, Ariz. Christian Murillo, Nogales, Ariz. Dan O’Connor, Pompano Beach, Fla. Chadelle Robinson, Las Cruces, N.M. Gerardo A. Lozano, Edinburg, Texas Ward Thomas, McAllen, Texas Members re-appointed include: Mathew Singletary, Alva, Fla. …