At least one is dead and others missing as of Thursday afternoon following an explosion at a Wisconsin corn mill. Two workers remained missing Thursday after the explosion at the Didion (did-e-an) Milling facility in Cambria, Wisconsin. Sixteen employees were working at the facility Wednesday night where an explosion and large fire occurred in the corn mill, not the adjacent …
JBS Parent Company Paying Brazil to Settle Corruption Investigations
The parent company of JBS SA will pay $3.2 billion in a settlement with Brazil over bribery and corruption charges. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports the fine will be paid over 25 years and is the largest ever in a leniency agreement worldwide. The leniency agreement addresses the involvement of the company in a bribery and corruption scheme with Brazilian …
BPI Lawsuit Against ABC Going to Trial
A lawsuit by Beef Products Inc. (BPI) alleging defamation by ABC-TV will head to trial next week. BPI is seeking $1.9 billion in the lawsuit against ABC and correspondent Jim Avila for a series of stories the network ran on BPI’s signature product, Lean Finely Textured Beef, which was referred to as “pink slime” in those reports. Jury selection began …
U.S. Supreme Court Denies Egg Lawsuit Against California
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition by Missouri to hear a case against California by six states. Led by Missouri, the states sought to overturn a California law setting requirements for housing egg-laying hens. California voters approved the law in 2008, but Missouri, along with Nebraska, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kentucky and Iowa challenged the law. In 2015, the American Farm …
USTR: No NAFTA Deadline Set
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office says no deadline has been set to finalize North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations that can’t begin until mid-August. Officials from Mexico have suggested that Mexico and USTR Robert Lighthizer have agreed on a December 15th deadline to wrap up the negotiations. However, the USTR office told Politico this week no date has been set …
U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Accord Shirks Science, Neglects Devastating Impacts to Food System, Family Farms, and Future Generations
President Donald Trump announced today that the U.S. will withdraw from the historic Paris Agreement, an accord among 192 nations to combat the potentially devastating impacts of climate change. Echoing concerns raised in a recent letter to President Trump, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson said the President’s decision rejects science and U.S. leadership in an effort that requires …
Miami-Dade County Nursery Grower Named Florida Farmer of the Year
A Homestead nursery operator has received a prestigious honor for his business success and contributions to his community. Earlier this month a panel of judges selected Mark Wilson as Florida’s top farmer for 2017. Officially titled the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo, Florida Farmer of the Year, the award recognizes Wilson for his innovative practices as a nursery grower, as a …
Ag Lawmakers Discuss Proposed Budget Cuts
A recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing left no doubt where agriculture lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle stand on the administration’s proposed cuts to key programs for rural America. Republican Committee Chair Pat Roberts recited a litany of gloomy ag statistics, warning against more spending cuts on top of cuts in the last farm bill and earlier cuts …
Fate of Budget Now in Scott’s Hands
From News Service of Florida With a narrowing deadline and an uncertain outcome, Florida legislative leaders on Wednesday sent the new $82.4 billion state budget to Gov. Rick Scott, as education leaders urge a veto of all or major parts of the spending plan. Scott has not tipped his hand. But the Republican governor remains angered over the Legislature’s decision …
National Dairy Month a Reminder of Milk’s Nutrient-Packed Contribution to Our Diet
A glass of milk packs a nutritious punch, a reminder of the importance of dairy in our diets as we enter National Dairy Month, a University of Florida nutrition expert said. “Basically, cow’s milk helps to meet nutrient needs, and some research suggests it may help to protect against some of the major chronic diseases,” said Gail Kauwell, a professor …