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 …
Maryland Joins California in Banning Routine Antibiotics Use in Livestock
A bill passed by Maryland’s legislature makes the state the nation’s second to ban the routine use of antibiotics in livestock. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports the Keep Antibiotics Effective Act prohibits administration of antimicrobial drugs to cattle, swine, and poultry that are not sick, a practice public health experts say can fuel the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The law …
Four New PEDV Cases Confirmed in Manitoba
Agriculture officials in Canada announced four new cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, or PEDV, bringing the total number of cases to nine confirmed cases since the beginning of May. National Hog Farmer magazine reports Manitoba Pork, the Provinces Pork Association, will hold a telephone town hall for producers Friday to discuss biosecurity protocols aimed at preventing the spread of …
Ractopamine Found in Pork Shipment from Canada to China
A shipment of pigs’ feet to China from Canada was flagged for containing ractopamine. Ractopamine is a banned growth drug by China and may impact future exports by Canada. China views the tainted shipment as a “systemic failure” of Canada’s program that certifies pork sent to China is free of ractopamine, and the situation “could affect future pork exports,” as …
Ag Groups Seek Truck Weight Limits Increase
A coalition of agriculture groups has asked Congress to include language in an appropriations bill to allow ten states to increase commercial truck weight limits. The coalition is asking Congress to allow the states to engage in a pilot program to obtain information on the safety and environmental benefits of increasing the maximum commercial truck weight on interstate highways. In …
Equipment Sales Show Ag Optimism Tied to Policy Promises
A new industry report suggests improvements in optimism in agriculture is fueled by discussions over federal tax and regulatory reform. Farm Policy Facts reports policy experts are hopeful the momentum will continue, especially if Congress makes sound decisions regarding farm policy, which provides a foundation for the rural economy. Agricultural equipment sales have increased for six straight months, and the …
Midwest Railroad Watching NAFTA Talks Closely
A railroad company that exports U.S. agricultural products to Mexico is closely watching the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation effort. Kansas City Southern Railway Company CEO Pat Ottensmeyer told KMBC-TV in Kansas City, Missouri: “We once branded ourselves the NAFTA railroad.” Since NAFTA took effect, the railway has grown to send 40 percent of its business to Mexico. The …