Animal rights group says chickens were abused, but Tyson Foods cut ties with the farm on its own
May 17, 2023 GMTAn animal rights group said Wednesday that a Virginia farm that raised chickens for Tyson Foods mistreated the animals, allowing some of them to go without feed and water at times.
Fishing regulators need more transparency, ocean groups say
April 13, 2023 GMTMOMBASA, Kenya (AP) — Some regional fisheries management organizations that were set up by the United Nations to measure and conserve fish populations — but are difficult to hold to account — need to be more transparent about how they make their rules and regulations if fish species are to be protected and maintained for people reliant on healthy fish stocks for their livelihoods, conservation agencies and fishing industry players say.
California storms hit beekeepers, but honey outlook’s sweet
April 10, 2023 GMTDuring California's prolonged, wet winter, beekeeper Gene Brandi said he had to spend twice as much money on a sugary syrup to feed his honeybees and keep them alive.
Get it while it’s hot: New Mexico boosts chile production
March 31, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico produced more than 53,000 tons of its most famous crop during the last growing season, meaning more chile peppers found their way into salsas and onto dinner plates than the previous year.
Farmworkers use Florida march to pressure other companies
March 18, 2023 GMTFarmworkers were leading a five-day, 45-mile (72-kilometer) trek on foot this week from one of the poorest communities in Florida to a mansion-lined, oceanfront town that is one of the richest in an effort to pressure retailers to leverage their purchasing power for better worker pay and working conditions.
Made in the USA? Proposed rule clarifies grocery meat labels
March 6, 2023 GMTShoppers could soon find it easier to tell if those grocery store steaks or pork chops were really “Made in the USA.”
N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage
March 2, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen state control over agriculture and take a spate of other steps to increase grain production, state media reported Thursday.
WVa House passes pay raises for governor, other officials
March 1, 2023 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia’s House of Delegates on Wednesday approved pay raises for the governor and the state’s five other constitutional officers.
The bill passed the House 73-22 and now goes to the state Senate.
North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
February 27, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, as outside assessments suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food.
North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
February 27, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, amid outside assessments that suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food.
Georgia lawmakers pare back bill to increase truck weights
February 22, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia lawmakers are watering down a bill to allow heavier trucks on state highways after widespread opposition to the original measure by state and local officials.
Rep. Steven Meeks, a Screven Republican, described the changes as “just really paring this back to agriculture and forestry.”
11 states consider ‘right to repair’ for farming equipment
February 15, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — On Colorado’s northeastern plains, where the pencil-straight horizon divides golden fields and blue sky, a farmer named Danny Wood scrambles to plant and harvest proso millet, dryland corn and winter wheat in short, seasonal windows.
North Korea party meeting set to discuss ‘urgent’ food issue
February 6, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has scheduled a major political conference to discuss the “urgent task” of improving its agricultural sector, a possible sign of worsening food insecurity as the country's economic isolation deepens amid a defiant nuclear weapons push.
Gov.-elect Moore announces more Cabinet appointments
January 17, 2023 GMTANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland's Gov.-elect Wes Moore announced additional Cabinet appointments on Tuesday, a day before he's scheduled to be sworn in as governor.
Salisbury Mayor Jake Day will be the housing and community development secretary, the incoming administration announced.
As speaker bid falters, mixed views of McCarthy in hometown
January 6, 2023 GMTBAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy’s political troubles don’t stop at the Washington Beltway.
W.Va. veterans to compete for cash to build agribusinesses
December 28, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Veterans who pitch an idea to build or expand an agribusiness in West Virginia could be eligible to win up to a $10,000 grant from the state Department of Agriculture, officials said in a press release.
California approves roadmap for carbon neutrality by 2045
December 19, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California air regulators voted unanimously Thursday to approve an ambitious plan to drastically cut reliance on fossil fuels by changing practices in the energy, transportation and agriculture sectors, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough to combat climate change.
$2B in loans to help Ukraine’s ag, fuel import businesses
December 16, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Private businesses in Ukraine are in line to receive $2 billion in financing arranged by the International Finance Corp. to help rebuild the country's agriculture and fuel import industries and other ventures, which have faced extensive losses because of the war.
South Carolina’s ag chief wants more processing in state
December 12, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina's agriculture chief plans to ask lawmakers for $75 million to help bring processing and packing facilities to the state so farmers don't have to send their products away.
USDA climate-smart agriculture projects now top $3 billion
December 12, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The federal government on Monday announced another $325 million for agricultural projects that are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Germany to help Kenya hit 100% renewables, export hydrogen
December 12, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — The German government says it will provide Kenya with 112 million euros ($118 million) to help the East African nation close the gap to 100% renewable energy and produce hydrogen.
Kenya already gets about 90% of its electricity from renewable sources including hydropower, geothermal and wind.
USDA: Florida orange crop down 36% after twin hurricanes
December 9, 2022 GMTST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Production of oranges in Florida this season is forecast to be down 36% from earlier estimates, in part a reflection of twin hurricanes that battered growing regions, according to U.S.
Mississippi grain company’s ex-CEO indicted on fraud charges
December 6, 2022 GMTGREENVILLE, Miss. (AP) — The former leader of a Mississippi grain storage and processing company has been indicted on federal and state charges, more than a year after the company filed for bankruptcy, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Farmers of color sue government for promised federal aid
December 6, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The federal government has illegally broken a promise to pay off the debts of a group of Black farmers, according to a class-action lawsuit. The group hopes to put pressure on officials to keep their word and to restore funding that was dropped after a group of white farmers filed legal challenges arguing their exclusion was a violation of their constitutional rights.
EU agrees deal to ban products which fuel deforestation
December 6, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union lawmakers and governments reached a deal Tuesday that would ban the import of products which contribute to deforestation around the world.
Pelicans dying as bird flu outbreak spreads to Venezuela
December 5, 2022 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — An outbreak of bird flu in pelicans has authorities in Venezuela taking emergency efforts to protect poultry producers.
Numerous pelicans were found dead over the weekend along Venezuela’s coast as the species arrived amid their annual winter migration.
Kentucky agriculture on pace to achieve record receipts
December 1, 2022 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Having endured a turbulent year marked by high inflation and extreme weather trends, Kentucky agriculture is on pace to achieve record-setting cash receipts, agricultural economists said Thursday.
Mexico, US appear headed for dispute over GM corn
November 29, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico and the United States appear to be headed for another commercial dispute Tuesday, this time over a Mexican ban on imports of genetically modified yellow corn.
9,000 hens killed after latest Missouri case of avian flu
November 28, 2022 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nearly 9,000 laying hens in Webster County were killed after federal officials confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in the flock, state agriculture officials said.
It is the 11th case of the highly contagious avian influenza in Missouri this year, involving nearly 435,000 birds on six commercial farms and four backyard flocks, the Missouri Department of Agriculture said.
Bird flu prompts slaughter of 1.8M chickens in Nebraska
November 27, 2022 GMTOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska agriculture officials say another 1.8 million chickens must be killed after bird flu was found on a farm in the latest sign that the outbreak that has already prompted the slaughter of more than 50 million birds nationwide continues to spread.
USDA program keeps extra COVID-era money for fruits, veggies
November 18, 2022 GMTU.S. agriculture officials proposed changes Thursday to the federal program that helps pay the grocery bills for low-income pregnant women, babies and young children, including extending a bump in payments for fresh fruits and vegetables allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SD pork producers celebrate rejection of slaughterhouse ban
November 14, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Agriculture producers across South Dakota say the defeat of a proposed ban on new slaughterhouse plants in Sioux Falls is a big win for the industry and will create more options for local farmers to market their livestock.
Bird flu cases prompt Iowa to limit movement of live birds
November 10, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa agriculture official on Thursday limited the movement of live birds in the state as a response to a return of bird flu with the fall migration of wild birds.
State Veterinarian Jeff Kaisand signed an order cancelling all events where live birds are brought together, including bird sales, auctions, swap meets and exhibitions.
Boozman reelected to Senate, awaits word on ag panel chair
November 9, 2022 GMTRepublican U.S. Sen. John Boozman cruised to reelection Tuesday, but what role the two-term incumbent will play in his next stint depends on which party clinches control of the chamber after the midterms.
USDA says more than $200M will help meat processors expand
November 2, 2022 GMTOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Agriculture Department announced more than $223 million in grants and loans Wednesday to help small- and mid-sized meat processing plants expand as part of a larger $1 billion effort to boost competition in the highly concentrated industry.
Bolsonaro locking up farm votes, with boost from ex-minister
October 28, 2022 GMTCAMPO GRANDE, Brazil (AP) — Tereza Cristina pours coffee for visitors to her home surrounded by vast soybean plantations in Brazil’s farm country. The guests sitting in wicker chairs on her porch are friends and farmers keen to hear how they can help President Jair Bolsonaro’s re-election bid.
Zimbabwe’s focus on wheat set to yield biggest-ever harvest
October 26, 2022 GMTHARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe says it is on the brink of its biggest wheat harvest in history, thanks in large part to efforts to overcome food supply problems caused by the war in Ukraine.
JD Vance’s firm invested in food company now facing lawsuits
October 21, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A high-tech indoor farming company in Appalachia promoted by JD Vance and financed in part by his venture capital firm is facing five lawsuits alleging it misled regulators and duped investors.
Puerto Rico struggles to recover after hurricane razed crops
October 18, 2022 GMTYABUCOA, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Fiona destroyed $159 million worth of crops in Puerto Rico when it hit a month ago, decimating fields of plantains, bananas and other crops, the island’s agriculture minister said Tuesday.
Report: Hurricane Ian farm loss could reach $1.56B
October 18, 2022 GMTST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Agriculture losses in Florida from Hurricane Ian's high winds and drenching rains could reach $1.56 billion, with citrus, cattle, vegetable and melon operations among the hardest hit, the University of Florida reported Tuesday in a preliminary estimate.
After Hurricane Ian, Florida citrus and agriculture struggle
October 15, 2022 GMTZOLFO SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) — The thousands of oranges scattered on the ground by Hurricane Ian’s fierce winds like so many green and yellow marbles are only the start of the disaster for citrus grower Roy Petteway.
Drought takes toll on country’s largest cotton producer
October 7, 2022 GMTLUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — The cotton harvest is about to get underway in the Texas High Plains, the windswept region that grows most of the crop in the nation’s top cotton-producing state. But Barry Evans, like many others, has already walked away from more than 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of his bone-dry fields.
South Carolina cannabis fight persists in farmer’s lawsuit
September 26, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina farmer is suing several state agencies in federal court on grounds they conspired to deny him his due process rights after authorities in 2019 destroyed his hemp crop, which was grown in unregistered fields.
Idaho a step closer to having largest research dairy in US
September 20, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — The University of Idaho’s plan to build the nation’s largest research dairy and experimental farm cleared a big hurdle on Tuesday.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little and two other statewide-elected officials on the Idaho Land Board approved the university’s plan to use $23 million to buy roughly 640 acres of farmland in south-central Idaho, the heart of the state’s dairy industry.
A year on, volcano scars mark Spain’s La Palma island
September 19, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — A six-kilometer black lava scar crossing Spain's La Palma island remains as testimony to the three-month-long volcano eruption that may have left no casualties but did wreak havoc in the lives of many.
Maggots key to crisis-time fertilizer for Ugandan farmers
September 18, 2022 GMTKAYUNGA, Uganda (AP) — Moses Wamugango peered into the plastic vats where maggots wriggled in decomposing filth, the enviable project of a neighbor who spoke of the fertilizer problem he had been able to solve.
New Mexico launches food drive for wildfire victims
September 14, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico on Wednesday launched a campaign to replenish meat supplies for residents who lost their homes or were forced to evacuate due to a historic wildfire sparked by the federal government.
Inspections of chile imports heat up at New Mexico border
September 12, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s green chile season is in full swing as the aroma of fresh roasted peppers permeates the air, but growers and exporters in Mexico are just as busy and that’s causing a crunch at the international border.
Pakistani PM says his flooded country faces food shortages
September 12, 2022 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan is grappling with food shortages after deadly floods left the impoverished country's agriculture belt underwater, the prime minister told the Turkish president by phone, as authorities scaled up efforts Monday to deliver food, tents and other items.
Bird flu forces egg farm to euthanize 3 million chickens
September 7, 2022 GMTTOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — An outbreak of bird flu that has led to the deaths of 43 million chickens and turkeys this year across the U.S. has been found at a giant egg-laying operation in Ohio, state and federal agriculture officials said Wednesday.
US asks farmers: Can you plant 2 crops instead of 1?
August 30, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — There is only so much farmland in the United States, so when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last spring prompted worries that people would go hungry as wheat remained stuck in blockaded ports, there was little U.S.
University of Idaho envisions largest research dairy in US
August 18, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — The University of Idaho wants to build the nation’s largest research dairy and experimental farm in south-central Idaho, the geographical heart of the sector.
University President Scott Green and school officials in a presentation to Gov.
Cold spring means lighter cherry and peach crop
August 13, 2022 GMTYAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — The same factors that produced a later and lighter cherry crop are affecting many Yakima Valley peach growers as well.
How the climate deal would help farmers aid the environment
August 3, 2022 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — The climate deal reached last week by Senate Democrats could reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that American farmers produce by expanding programs that help accumulate carbon in soil, fund climate-focused research and lower the abundant methane emissions that come from cows.
Hot, dry summer: Dutch government declares water shortage
August 3, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government declared a national water shortage Wednesday caused by the hot, dry summer that is parching much of Europe, and formed a national team to draw up measures to manage supplies, while asking the public to also chip in with savings.
USDA getting tougher on salmonella in chicken products
August 1, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The federal government on Monday announced proposed new regulations that would force food processors to reduce the amount of salmonella bacteria found in some raw chicken products or risk being shut down.
Iowa officials confirm invasive insect found in Iowa
July 27, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — State officials are asking residents to keep an eye out for the spotted laternfly after recently confirming the finding of two of the invasive insects in central Iowa.
As a young nymph, it is a black weevil-like bug with white spots but adds patches of bright red as it develops into a flying insect.