May 27
Used Farm Equipment Selling Well
THE FACT'S REPORT shows the market for used equipment has been doing very well during the first five and a half months of 2004. The difference between the average auction sale price and the average dealer advertised price for some John Deere combines narrowed in every case the report studied. Over the last five to ten years, the prevailing data pattern would show average auction prices on used combines becoming an ever smaller percentage of the dealer advertised price on a year to year basis.
For the rest of the story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51848___1
World Farmers' Congress Coming
The National Farmers Union is hosting the International Federation of Agriculture Producers World Farmers' Congress in Washington, DC, Saturday for one week.. This is the first time in 25 years the biennial event has been held in the United States. NFU President Dave Frederickson said this year's World Farmers' Congress theme, "Farmers Speaking for Themselves," is appropriate considering today's political climate. "It is more important than ever for farmers to have proactive involvement in policies that shape their own destinies," he said. Approximately 500 farm leaders from 70 countries are expected to participate in this year's World Farmers' Congress. The participants will set their collective agriculture priorities for the next two years. Discussion topics will include international trade, industrial concentration and water and environmental issues.
Go to http://www.nfu.org/newsroom_news_release.cfm?id=1201 for the rest of the story.
Argentina Wants More from EU
EU BUSINESS reports Argentina wants additional concessions from the European Union made to the four-nation Mercosur trading bloc if a free-trade area is to be created that includes South America and Europe. Argentina's Agriculture Minister Miguel Campos said an offer put on the table by Brussels last Friday was "a starting point, a minimum, which must be improved."
The rest of the story is at http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040526152355.vcgszcco
New Record Seen for Agricultural Exports
USDA's revised forecast of agricultural exports for fiscal year 2004 shows sales of $61.5 billion, an increase of $5.3 billion over the previous year. This level of sales, if realized, would be the highest ever, eclipsing the old record of $59.8 billion set in fiscal year 1996. Wheat and corn exports are likely to account for 50% of the annual increase in agricultural exports. U.S. wheat is in high demand and is benefiting from reduced competition due to poor harvests in the European Union, Russia and Ukraine. Corn is experiencing strong sales growth to Egypt, Colombia, Israel and Korea.
For the entire story, go to http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0207.04.html
Contract Sign Ups Underway
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today reminded producers that they have until June 1, to complete sign-up for the 2004-crop Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment (DCP). The 2002 farm lill requires that producers sign annual contracts through 2007 to participate in the DCP program. Sign up for the 2004 DCP began on October 1, 2003.
The entire story can be found at http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0208.04.html
Mid-Sized Farms Tough to Find in Nebraska
POULTRY INDUSTRY NEWS reports it's becoming more and more difficult to find mid-sized farms in Nebraska. But the numbers of very large and very small farms in Nebraska are steadily increasing. University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural economist Glenn Helmers said this dichotomy recently has become more pronounced.
Go to http://www.thepoultrysite.com/LatestNews/Default.asp?AREA=LatestNews&Display=6649 for the rest of the story.
Pork Producers Watch Court Closely
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports Iowa pork producers are keeping a close eye on the U.S. Supreme Court: the court agreed to decide if the beef checkoff program is legal. For 20 years, beef producers have had to pay fees that are used to promote the industry, but a lower court ruling said the program and others like it are unconstitutional. Opponents of the checkoff say the fees infringe on their First Amendment right to free speech. They claim they are forced to pay the fee but have no say in how the money is spent.
This story, in its entirety can be found at http://webstar.postbulletin.com/agrinews/280597808549069.bsp
May 26
U.S., Mexico Negotiate Trade Issues
USAGNET reports U.S. and Mexican officials have reached consensus on a number of bilateral trade issues during discussions held under the Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA). Agriculture Under Secretaries J.B. Penn and Bill Hawks, U.S. Trade Representative's Chief Agriculture Negotiator Allen Johnson, with the participation of Food and Drug Administration's Acting Commissioner Lester Crawford, announced today that officials from the United States and Mexico made progress on several fronts.
For the rest of this story go to http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-national.cfm?Id=559&yr=2004
NFPA Finds Guidelines Have Impact
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) holds its final meeting this week in Bethesda, MD. Robert Earl, senior director of nutrition policy for the National Food Processors Association (NFPA), said his group sees the Dietary Guidelines for Americans as "an important tool for educating consumers about diet and health. In order for the Dietary Guidelines to have a real impact on public health, they must be easily understood, easily implemented, and trigger behavioral change by the public."
Go to http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/05-25-2004/0002181576&EDATE= for this entire story.
When to Replant Material Available
AGRICULTURE ONLINE is offering farmers a guide on when to replant flooded or otherwise damaged fields. Recent storms in the Midwest have brought lowland flooding, ponding and hail damage to recently planted corn and soybean fields. Many growers are facing a mess in the aftermath and are wondering how to calculate the extent of the damage. Taking an accurate stand reduction assessment is important if you're considering replanting.
For some of those tools and resources that could help, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=topStoryDetail__ANewsindex_html___51839___1
Groups Unite Behind Voluntary COOL
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports cattle ranchers, pork producers, seafood producers and produce grower-shippers, as well as US food processors, wholesalers and retailers, are uniting behind a proposed approach to implement voluntary country of origin labeling (COOL). They say the effort will create a program to identify domestic and imported fruits, vegetables, beef, pork and seafood with labels showing where they originated.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51842___1
McDonald's Brings on 'Milk Jug'
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports McDonald's will introduce 1% white and chocolate milk in "Milk Jug" packaging as part of the company's Happy Meal menu choices. Starting in June, McDonald's will offer milk in this 8 oz, resealable packaging nationwide. The new milk products will be rolled out in more than 13,500 McDonald's stores nationwide.
Go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51840___1 for the rest of the story.
More Needed to Monitor Antibiotics in Animals
THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE reports federal departments and agencies lack "important data" on antibiotic use in animals in order to support research on human health risks. These data, such as the type and quantity of antibiotics and the purpose for their use by species. Those are needed to determine "the linkages between antibiotic use in animals and emerging resistant bacteria."
Go to www.gao.gov for this report and highlights of it. Click on "reports" to access this specific study.
High Prices Took a Long Wait
PANTAGRAPH reports high grain and soybean prices over the last few months have been a long time coming to farmers in the Central Plains - "nearly seven years, to be exact," according to the article. In April, average corn prices peaked at $2.90 per bushel and average soybean prices hit $9.60, according to the Illinois Agricultural Statistics Service. A year earlier, those prices were $2.40 and $5.97, respectively. Now July futures soybean prices have declined $1.32 per bushel. July corn futures prices have declined 48 cents per bushel. Darrel Good, University of Illinois Extension marketing economist, points to a slowing export pace and lower U.S. use for soybeans. Planting season has also been very favorable.
More on this story is at http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/052604/bus_20040526005.shtml
May 25
Crucial Fields Flooded
REUTERS reports an Iowa state agronomist says strong rains across the prime U.S. corn and soybean regions over the weekend caused flooding and saturated fields. Six to ten inches of rain pounded northern Iowa; six to seven inches hit central Iowa, and two to six inches covered southern Iowa, said Palle Pedersen, Iowa State University extension agronomist. "We had hail damage. There are fields that are already recognized that need to be replanted," he said.
For the whole story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51834___1
USDA Admits Violating Own Ban
ABC ONLINE reports USDA admits it violated its own prohibition on importing processed beef from Canada. USDA, which has come under fire from cattlemen and lawmakers, by its own admission allowed more than seven million pounds of Canadian processed beef into the U.S. and permitted as much as 33 million between September and February, according to one U.S. cattle group which successfully sued USDA to stop the practice.
The entire story is at http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/stories/s1114554.htm
Prices Up, With Everything Else
REUTERS reports fuel and fertilizer prices are increasing across the country, driving up farm expenses at planting time and draining the pleasure from some of the highest crop prices in years. Diesel fuel could increase $1 billion from farmers' pockets, according to experts. With gasoline prices averaging $2 a gallon, it can take $50 to fill the tank of a pickup truck, the workhorse vehicle on most U.S. farms. Farm state leaders worry that higher energy prices will dampen economic growth.
All of this story isat http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=reutersEdge&storyID=5239530
'Organic' Is Being Challenged
GRIST MAGAZINE reports the Bush administration has issued three guidelines and one directive involving the meaning of the word "organic," changes made allegedly with no input from organic program advocates. USDA insists that the changes are innocuous: "The directives have not changed anything. They are just clarifications of what is in the regulations that were written by the National Organic Standards Board," USDA spokesperson Joan Shaffer said. "They just explain what's enforceable. There is no difference [between the clarifications and the original regulations] - it's just another way of explaining it."
For all of this story, go to http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18771
May 21
More Dogs, Fewer Cattle Administration Decision
The RAPID CITY (SD) JOURNAL reports the Bush administration official has come out in support of a controversial new land management plan that allows more prairie dogs and fewer cattle on three federal grasslands in western South Dakota. The ruling by David Tenny, deputy under secretary for natural resources and environment at USDA, ends appeals by both grazing and environmental interests.
For all of this story, go to http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2004/05/20/news/local/top/news01.txt
Harkin Report Warns of Chronic Nutrition-Related Diseases
A staff report from Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) warns that immediate action to correct nutritional deficiencies in children is necessary to promote sound nutrition and prevent diet-related chronic disease. "I don't know of any parents that knowingly pack their kids a lunch of chips, soda pop and a candy bar for lunch at school," said Harkin. "But far too many kids can have this kind of lunch from food sources right at school. Ready access to less nutritious foods is having a negative impact on our students' health, both immediately and long term."
The rest of this story is at http://harkin.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=221710
Daschle Gets COOL Backing from NFU
National Farmers Union is supporting action by Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) who introduced legislation to restore the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) implementation deadline to September 2004. "Senator Daschle has taken an important stand for consumers, who want country-of-origin labeling as an informational tool as they make food purchasing decisions and for farmers, who have asked Congress to approve origin labels as a way to differentiate their products from foreign imports," said NFU President Dave Frederickson. "Currently, 11% of the food consumed by Americans is imported. Still, producers and consumers have no way to distinguish quality U.S. products from imported products."
This story can be read in full at http://www.nfu.org/newsroom_news_release.cfm?id=1197
Corn Growers Find Fear in Reopening Farm Law
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management has been told by National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Dee Vaughan that farmers are concerned that Congress is considering re-opening the farm bill. Citing farm programs as a true success story and an effective safety net for farmers, Vaughan, along with other commodity representatives, reiterated current farm policy allows farmers more predictability with their crops, better fiscal discipline and programs that limit assistance to the times when aid is most needed.
This entire story is at http://www.ncga.com/news/notd/2004/may/052004.htm
May 20
Priority Watersheds Announced for CSP
Priority watersheds to be used in the fiscal year 2004 Conservation Security Program (CSP) sign-up to be held this summer have been announced. On May 4, 2004, USDA announced the process that would be used to select these watersheds. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will begin to train employees within the priority watersheds immediately on the basics of the program; detailed training will occur once the interim final rule is published in early summer. A sign-up announcement will be published along with the interim final rule that will detail the specific program requirements within the priority watersheds.
This entire story is at http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0200.04.html
Tax Credit for Rebuilding Old Farm Buildings Safe
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports the tax credit used by farmers for rehabilitation of older farm buildings remains intact after efforts were made to eliminate the provision in new legislation. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), a key member of the Senate Finance Committee, recently tried to remove the provision that would have used the 10% tax rehabilitation credit as a revenue raiser from the corporate tax bill (S. 1637) on the Senate floor, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
For all of this story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51805___1
No WTO for Russia Till Poultry Issue Resolved, Says U.S.
REUTERS reports the United States poultry industry wants Russia's bid to become a member of the World Trade Organization held up until Moscow eliminates trade barriers to American poultry. The negotiations on Russia's entry into the trade group should be postponed "until Russia fully demonstrates it will abide by the agreements and understandings involving poultry," said Greg Lee, international president of Tyson Foods Inc.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.forbes.com/business/commerce/newswire/2004/05/19/rtr1377608.html
Congress Could Be Lobbied on FTA with Australia
DTN reports U.S. and Australian officials may have signed a free trade agreement with much fanfare Tuesday, but most American farm groups and agribusinesses are not supporting it and even may go to Congress to lobby against ratification. That may depend on whether the agreement is offered along with a trade agreement with Morocco that provides benefits to U.S. agriculture and whether Australia agrees to remove certain animal and plant health restrictions on U.S. products before the votes occur.
Go to http://www.hpj.com/dtnnewstable.cfm?type=story&sid=11795 for the entire story.
Farm Groups Want Aggressive Trade Policy Continued
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Dee Vaughan, part of a panel representing various farm organizations, took a staunch stance in favor of an aggressive trade agenda, outlining the vital impact trade has on U.S. farmers. Vaughan was reacting to the agricultural negotiations that are completed, those that are currently in discussions and those planned for the near future. "NCGA believes trade is a vital component in the farm economy and supports trade agreements that will open markets for U.S. farmers and increase market development opportunities throughout the world," Vaughan said.
The rest of this story is at http://www.ncga.com/news/notd/2004/may/051904b.htm
Iowa Short on CWA Authority
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does ot have either the authority or the resources to adequately regulate the states' livestock operations under the federal Clean Water Act. A a report released by the Environmental Integrity Project, a non-profit group, claims Iowa has failed to regulate thousands of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), despite federal laws requiring the state to do so.
The rest of the story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51810___1
Groups Go For Animal ID Program
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports the National Dairy Herd Improvement Association (NDHIA) and Holstein USA, Inc., are going ahead with a cooperative agreement to begin initial implementation of premises and animal identification using Holstein's National Farm Animal Identification and Records (National FAIR) as the terminal database for the program. The National FAIR system is an animal identification and tracking database with 1.2 million animals enrolled in 47 states.
More on this story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51809___1
Soybean Exports Can Only Expand
The American Soybean Association says U.S. soybean exports only can expand as increasing demand develops in poorer countries along with the ability to afford a more nutritious diet. American Soybean Association (ASA), Board member and past-President Bart Ruth, a soybean and corn farmer from Rising City, Neb., told the House Agriculture Committee, "U.S. farmers need to compete for these expanding markets, and to do so, we need to bring down tariffs on soy-related products in importing countries, and prevent their replacement with non-tariff barriers."
Go to http://www.soygrowers.com/newsroom/releases/2004%20releases/r051904.htm for the rest of this story.
May 19
Freeze Damage Possible to Nebraska Wheat Crop
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports fields in west central and southwest Nebraska need to be checked by farm operators for freeze damage. Low temperatures last week hit the crop at its most vulnerable stage of development. Bob Klein, University of Nebraska cropping system specialist, says. "If there was any damage from this frost, it will mostly be to winter wheat."
This entire story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51794___1
Watch Out for Nitrogen Disappearance
If nitrogen is applied to a field within a few hours of a heavy rain, especially if it's liquid nitrogen, it could disappear more quickly than it was applied. SUCCESSFUL FARMING quotes Tracy Blackmer, research director for the Iowa Soybean Association, saying that checkoff funded studies suggest heavy rains this past week over parts of Iowa and other Midwest states may have carried away as much as half of the nitrogen farmers applied.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51792___1
NFU Calls for Selective Grazing, Haying
National Farmers Union President Dave Frederickson has called on Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman to open the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage for emergency haying and grazing in regions threatened by drought conditions. "In our view, it is critically important that a decision concerning emergency haying and grazing of CRP land be made as expeditiously as possible in order to ensure the feed benefits of this program are maximized," the letter said. "Any delay in opening the CRP will likely result in a loss of both forage quality and tonnage to participants due to the effects of drought on this acreage in the same way the drought is reducing the production value of other hay and pasture land."
Go to http://www.nfu.org/newsroom_news_release.cfm?id=1195 for the rest of the story.
USDA Urged to Weaken Sick Cow Rules
Some cattle organizations and some state officials want USDA to weaken the prohibition on slaughtering for consumption cows too sick to stand or walk, according to THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. Consumers support the ban by a margin of 10 to 1, according to the AP article. Dairy farmers acknowledge the increased risk of contracting the disease from downer cows, and farmers are urging that cows be tested before they are eaten, AP reported.
For this entire story, go to http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=akM77RAf1MrI&refer=us
Minnesota Continues to Lose Milk Production
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports Minnesota continues to experience a decline in milk production, down again in April by another 3.5%. That follows a 5% year-over-year decline in March, according to numbers issued Monday by USDA. Minnesota dairy production for April fell to 688 million pounds, from 713 million pounds in April a year ago.
Go to http://www.in-forum.com/ap/index.cfm?page=view&id=D82L2OKG0 for the rest of the story.
May 18
Kansas Struggles Back from Hard Times
REUTERS reports Kansas communities are struggling to recapture some of their long-lost prosperity. When real estate agent Don Hamit strolls the sidewalks of downtown Stockton, KS, for example, he sees his own name and phone number staring back at him too many times from the signs on the vacant store fronts. "We're going backwards," said the 56-year-old Hamit, who has lived and worked in the Stockton community -- population 1,500 -- his whole life. "There isn't much opportunity around here."
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.forbes.com/business/newswire/2004/05/17/rtr1374368.html
Cargill Executive Sees Open Japan Market
The WICHITA (KS) EAGLE reports Cargill executive Bill Buckner he expects Japan to reopen its borders to U.S. beef before the end of this year. Buckner made the comments during a speech to the Wichita Downtown Rotary Club. At least one Kansas company wants to comply with Japan's request, but USDA has denied the request. But Buckner believes the governments will resolve the issue.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/8690353.htm
Soybean Planting Progress Made
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports farmers quickly picked up the pace of planting soybeans over the past week: 35% of the crop was planted a week ago, 54% planted in the latest USDA Crop Progress report from USDA. That puts farmers nearly a week ahead of the season average and ahead of traders' pre-report projections. Nationally, 19% of the crop is emerged.
Go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=topStoryDetail__ANewsindex_html___51786___1 for the rest of this story.
Farm Bureau Backs Beef Checkoff Before Court
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports the American Farm Bureau Federation has joined 10 state Farm Bureaus to file a friend of the court brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the national Beef Checkoff program. The court is to decide this week if it will hear an appeal by the Nebraska Cattlemen Inc., requesting review of a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that found the checkoff program unconstitutional.
More on this story is available at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51779___1
Agreement Seeks More Information on Soybean Rust
A new agreement between the public and private sector is expected to generate a greater understanding of soybean rust, a devastating disease that hurts soybean yields in many growing areas outside of North America. The agreement is expected to provide plant breeders with a new ability to select for rust resistance more accurately and more efficiently. The agreement between Monsanto Company, the University of Illinois and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the chief scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will first work to identify the location of rust resistance genes within the soybean genome using genetic markers.
Go to http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040517/cgm042_1.html for the rest of this story.
Money Needed If GM to Benefit Developing Countries
The FINANCIAL TIMES (UK) reports biotechnology, including genetic modification, must have more government money behind the effort if it is to yield significant benefits to the developing world, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said. That gives the strongest support yet from the FAO to the possible benefits of biotechnology but stressed that a cautious crop-by-crop approach and more funding by national governments were crucial. So far, investment by the private biotech industry, totaling $3 billion a year, had been concentrated mostly on four commodity crops: cotton, soya, maize and canola, or rapeseed. Jacques Diouf, the FAO director-general, said: "Neither the private nor the public sector has invested significantly in new genetic technologies for the so-called 'orphan crops' such as cowpea, millet, sorghum and teff crops considered critical to the food supply and livelihoods of the world's poorest people.
The rest of the story is available at http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1083180571381
Energy System Pilot Program Announced
USDA is launching a new loan guarantee pilot project aimed at developing renewable energy systems from the use of livestock as a raw material. In January, USDA expanded the list of specified risk materials prohibited in the food supply as an additional firewall to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). In addition, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it intends to prohibit specified risk materials in food regulation by the agency. The maximum amount of total loan guarantees under the pilot program will be $50 million. USDA anticipates up to three awards will be made.
For all of this article, go to http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0195.04.html
May 17
Rains, Record Could Burn Corn Prices
BLOOMBERG NEWS reports corn futures in Chicago may decline a third straight week as prospects were improved for a record crop this year, pushed by Midwest rains. The results are from a Bloomberg survey. Nine of 15 farm-market advisers, grain merchandisers, traders and commodity fund managers surveyed Friday advised selling corn. Five recommended buying the grain, which Friday reached to a three-month low.
This entire story is at http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=nifea&&sid=aWFV6O62UlTQ
Syngenta's Action Not a Smooth Transition
SUCCESSFUL FARMING MAGAZINE reports Syngenta may hope its entry into the glyphosate-tolerant corn business may go smoothly as it buys the rights to the GA-21 trait from Bayer CropScience. But shortly after Syngenta's announcement and news conference, Monsanto stated publicly that Bayer didn't really own all the rights to the GA-21 trait; Monsanto claim to still own the patent on the process used to create glyphosate-tolerant plants - and that this process patent had not been licensed to Bayer.
For the rest of the story http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=topStoryDetail__ANewsindex_html___51771___1
Adding Value Still Valuable with Calves
TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION livestock specialist Ronald Bill believes adding value to a calf from is worth all the expense and effort. Husbandry practices common to large operators often are ignored Gill said at Extension's recent Central Texas Cow/Calf Clinic in Brownwood. The result is dollars the producer should be getting, but isn't. "Most of these practices pay dividends every time, regardless of the market," said Gill.
Go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=MonsentoDetail__ANewsindex_html___51772 for the rest of the story.
Kansas Wheat Day Coming
The WICHITA (KS) EAGLE reports the 2004 Kansas Wheat Day will be held May 26 at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center in Hays. Activities include a discussion of biotechnology issues, tours of variety performance demonstration plots, a presentation of results of Clearfield technology testing and updates on insect pests. In addition the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Wheat Commission will hold meetings as part of the day's activities.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.kansas.com/mld/eagle/business/8676361.htm
U.S., Mexico Leaders Talk Trade
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports trade was the main subject Saturday when 11 U.S. senators and congressmen and 20 of their Mexican counterparts ended two days of meetings. The Mexican delegation talked about their major complaint that U.S. agricultural subsidies make it impossible for Mexican farmers to compete with their U.S. counterparts and violate the spirit of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Go to http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/20040515-1512-mexico-us-lawmakers.html for the rest of this story.
Canada Now Positive on U.S. Cattle Trade
CANADIAN PRESS reports Canada's cattle industry is looking ahead to a future filled with their cattle moving back into trade channels with the United States. May 20, 2003, was when Lyle Vanclief, then federal agriculture minister, confirmed a case of mad cow disease on a northern Alberta farm. More than 30 countries immediately closed their borders, including the United States, which takes most of Canada's cattle business. Since then, the number of U.S.-owned animals in Canadian feedlots has grown dramatically.
The rest of this story is at http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2004/05/16/462188-cp.html
New FCA Chair is Woman Beef Leader from Iowa
SUCCESSFUL FARMING MAGAZINE reports President Bush had named Nancy Pellett, Iowa farm woman and beef industry leader, as chair of the Farm Credit Administration board. Pellett says she wants the Farm Credit System to do more to work with young and beginning farmers and to promote value added enterprises in rural America.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=topStoryDetail__ANewsindex_html___51775___1
USDA's Anti-Flu Program Gets Praise
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports the National Chicken Council (NCC) is welcoming a decision by USDA to use $13.7 million for avian influenza eradication, including $10.8 million to develop a national program to control and prevent outbreaks of the disease. "The National Chicken Council has strongly supported USDA's initiative to develop a program in this area, and we are pleased to see the funding come through," said NCC President George Watts.
This story can be found in full at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51777___1
May 14
28 COUNTRIES TRY TO BOOST TRADE TALKS
Multiple news services report that ministers from 28 countries met informally in Paris to jump-start stalled trade talks. Some reports were cautiously optimistic, but agriculture continued to be a sticking point. The top-level talks occurred on the margins of a meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group of wealthier countries.
For additional details, see http://www.businessreport.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=2077132 and http://servihoo.com/channels/kinews/v3news_details.php?id=42009&CategoryID=47
FAO TO UNVEIL WORLD AGRICULTURE REPORT
The Food and Agriculture Organization today will unveil its annual assessment of the state of food and agriculture in the world. The FAO says this year's report focuses on biotechnology from the Green Revolution to the Gene Revolution. It also looks into economic, health and environmental aspects of biotechnology and more.
For more information, see http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=101-05142004
CATTLE TRADES INVESTIGATED
The Grand Forks Herald reports federal prosecutors are looking into possible criminal violations by commodities traders who may have received advance knowledge about the first U.S. case of mad cow disease and used it to reap profits in the cattle futures market.
The complete story is at http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/business/8662966.htm
THAILAND CLAIMS FREEDOM FROM AVIAN FLU
Thailand claims to be almost sure it is now free of bird flu after the last area to suffer an outbreak was declared safe at the end of a 21-day monitoring period. The Associated Press quotes the Thai agriculture minister as saying that "we haven't found the disease anymore in farms."
The full story is at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/5/14/latest/17362Minister&sec=latest
May 13
Oilseed Production Increases 19%
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports USDA's supply and demand report released Wednesday shows the nation's oilseed production for 2004-05 could reach 90.2 million tons, 19% more than the previous season. Soybean production is the major reason for the increase. USDA said the soybean crop will increase 23% to a record 2.965 billion bushels (80.7 million tons), based on acreages reported in Prospective Plantings and trend yields.
For all of this story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=MonsentoDetail__ANewsindex_html___51759
Syngenta Offers Expanded Corn Lineup
SUCCESSFUL FARMING MAGAZINE reports Syngenta's purchases of the corn and soybean business from Advanta and the GA-21 glyphosate tolerance trait from Bayer CropScience means the company can offer an expanded lineup of corn traits in 2005. Syngenta expects the purchase of Garst will increase its share of the North American corn seed business to 11% and of the soybean business to 10% beginning in 2005.
This entire story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=topStoryDetail__ANewsindex_html___51764___1
Monsanto Insists on Its GA 21 Property Rights
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports Monsanto is insisting on its intellectual property rights to GA21 glyphosate-tolerance technology used in some varieties of glyphosate-tolerant corn. Syngenta says it has bought claims to some parts of the GA21 technology from Bayer CropScience, but Monsanto has pointed out that Syngenta is not licensed under the intellectual property of Monsanto.
The rest of this story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51766___1
Dow Markets New Weed Treatment
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports Dow AgroSciences has a new treatment option designed to control brush and broadleaf weeds on rangeland and pastures. PastureGard recently was registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. It brings a new active ingredient to rangeland and pasture applications, combining a new product, fluroxypyr, with the active ingredient in Remedy herbicide (triclopyr).
To read more on this story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51765___1
Drought Could Affect Cattle Markets
Nebraska agricultural economist Dillan Feuz says for both Kansas and Nebraska "it is likely that the further west you are the poorer your pastures are" and that could have an effect on cattle markets. Feuz's comments are from the Livestock Marketing Information Center, according to SUCCESSFUL FARMING. In Montana, for example, 55% of pasture was rated poor or very poor in USDA's crop progress report Monday. AMS' Billings, MT, office reported Friday there's good demand and inquiry for hay, and some are gathering extra inventory and supplementing cows on pasture due to the very dry conditions.
More on this story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51762___1
May 11
Veneman Vows FTA with Central America
XINHUANET reports Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman has promised approval as soon as possible between the United States and Central America. She said farm trade with Central America was of fundamental importance. Veneman said she was in favor of opening market to agricultural products since "the treaty will widen the opportunities for both parties."
For the rest of the story, go to http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/11/content_1462450.htm
Monsanto Won't Develop Wheat Variety
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports Monsanto Co. has stopped developing a genetically engineered variety of wheat, a decision met with joy by opponents of biotech crops. The biotech wheat would have been able to withstand Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, like corn, cotton and oilseeds produced by Monsanto.
Go to http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/business/8636733.htm for the rest of the story.
Pesticide Levels in Humans May Be at Unhealthy Levels
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports many U.S. residents have unhealthy levels of pesticides in their bodies. Children, women and Mexican Americans are disproportionately exposed to the toxic chemicals, according to a study released Tuesday. The Pesticide Action Network analyzed data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a study of more than 2,648 people tested for levels of 34 pesticides, the environmental group said.
For the entire story, go to http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/peninsula/8637594.htm?1c
U.S. Bans Poultry From Asia
REUTERS reports the United States banned all birds and poultry parts from Asian countries affected with a strain of bird flu. This expands an earlier USDA import ban to include all unprocessed poultry products and pet birds from countries with the H5N1 strain.
The rest of the story is at http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5094163
Pork Producers Like Australian Action
The National Pork Producers Council is welcoming implementation of Australia's import risk analysis on pork saying it is great news for America's pork producers. The risk assessment provides access for processed US pork or frozen unprocessed US pork exported to Australia for further processing. "There is significant potential in Australia for US pork exports, which is why NPPC has been working tirelessly to obtain access to this market," says NPPC President Keith Berry, a pork producer from Greencastle, Indiana.
Go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51735___1 for the rest of the story.
Doha May Be Delayed Two to Three Years
THE ECONOMIC TIMES (India) reports it could be two to three years of delay for the Doha trade negotiations. World Trade Organization member countries are willing to arrive at a framework package by the end of July but there still could be a delay if there was no consensus.
For the rest of the story, go to http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/668769.cms
May 10
Veneman Blames Miscommunication in BSE Fiasco
ABC NATIONAL RURAL NEWS reports U.S. Agriculture Secretary Anne Veneman blames miscommunication for USDA's failure to test a cow for BSE in Texas. The animal had displayed possible nervous system problems. "The animal at a Texas meat packing plant was destroyed and rendered, making it impossible to test. USDA admitted it should have been tested," she said. "The animal should have been tested. And, there was some miscommunication between our agencies - FSIS and APHIS. We are looking at what happened, and investigating it to the fullest extent."
For the full story, go to http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/stories/s1104985.htm
EU Will End Subsidies if Others Promise Reforms
BLOOMBERG NEWS reports the European Union will end subsidies supporting agricultural if nations, including the United States, promise to reduce farm grants and lower import tariffs, the bloc's top negotiators said. The EU, which spent 3.4 billion euros ($4 billion) to compensate exporters of beef, wheat or milk powder for lower world prices in 2002, had said it was willing to cancel only subsidies for products "of interest" to developing countries at World Trade Organization talks. Poorer nations refused to compile the list.
Go to http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000086&sid=aXFZh6Jkq9DY&refer=news_index for the rest of this story.
U.S. Imports of Canadian Beef Probed
REUTERS reports USDA is probing to determine if the United States wrongly imported millions of pounds of Canadian beef that were banned due to BSE concerns, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said. R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America, a U.S. cattle industry group, has accused USDA of allowing of 3.5 million pounds of Canadian bone-in meat product imports between September 2003 and February 2004.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/25038/story.htm
Brazil Throws U.S. Farmers New Curve
THE ABERDEEN (SD) NEWS reports Brazil added American hide to its list of global farm product exports April 26. The World Trade Organization had made it known it likely would grant Brazil's request to declare some U.S. cotton subsidies illegal in mid-June. U.S. cotton producers were angry, as were some members of Congress. If the WTO ruling remains standing after a year of anticipated wrangling and appeals, the carefully constructed farm subsidy policies of the the European Union, Japan and other developed nations could also be affected by the WTO.
For the rest of the story go to http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/americannews/business/industries/8626312.htm
USDA Will Revise China's Corn
REUTERS reports USDA will revise China's corn stocks and consumption in its report Wednesday for the world supply and demand. USDA Chief Economist Keith Collins, in an interview with REUTERS, refused to say if the Chinese corn revisions would be higher or lower than currently published data. "I'm not going to indicate one way or another," he said. In its April report, the USDA projected China corn stocks at the start of the 2003-04 marketing year were 44.44 million tons and would be reduced to about 21.44 million tonnes at the end of the marketing year.
The rest of the story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=MonsentoDetail__ANewsindex_html___51725
Pork Producers Like ITC Decision on Canada
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has unanimously put its support behind the finding of the US International Trade Commission (ITC), that there is a reasonable indication of injury to US pork producers from hog imports from Canada. Canada has vowed to fight the decision to allow the investigation to continue. The ITC determination should be obvious to U.S. pork producers, according to Jon Caspers, a pork producer from Swaledale, IA. "Unfair Canadian trade practices have resulted in increased Canadian hog exports to the United States which have negatively impacted prices causing financial harm to US pork producers," he says.
Go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=topStoryDetail__ANewsindex_html___51729___1 for the rest of the story.
Bad Year Shaping Up for Potatoes
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER reports 2004 is not shaping up as a good year for potatoes. Low prices, BSE, low-carb diets are a few of the reasons. Ed Schneider has stopped buying chemicals locally to save money. Instead, he started his own seed company to get rid of a large expense for his 900-acre potato farm in southeast Washington. "Fuel prices are going up. Labor prices are going up. I don't think potato prices are going to go up to offset that," Schneider said with a wry grin. "It's not good, but we're surviving."
For the rest of this story go to http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=WA%20Potato%20Plight
Creekstone Will Go To Court Over Beef Testing Ban
BLOOMBERG NEWS reports Creekstone Farms Premium will sue the government for preventing it from conducting tests for BSE in beef that is to Japan. Creekstone chief executive John Stewart said a suit may be filed soon against USDA. The agency's authority to regulate testing is based on an "antiquated" 1913 law regulating the distribution of toxins, he told reporters at a food policy conference Friday in Washington.
The rest of the story is at http://www.kansas.com/mld/eagle/business/industries/agriculture/8617420.htm
May 6
Record Harvest Still Short of Demand
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports this year's grain harvest will be a record but still fall short of demand. Nearly 60 million tons will be harvested, but that is short of what 6.4 billion people and more than 1 billion livestock will consume, an environmental group predicted. The group and a University of Missouri agricultural economist who agreed the estimate was "in the ballpark" cited weather problems, crop diseases and insects, new concerns about falling water tables, especially in the US and China, and rising temperatures worldwide.
For this entire story, go to http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/05/06/2003154340
Another Packer Wants to Test Cattle
THE ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER reports another small meat packer in addition to Creekstone Farms Premium Beef has asked USDA to test all the cattle it processes for BSE. The Gateway Beef Cooperative in Overland, MO, a St. Louis suburb, has followed the lead of Creekstone, and requested private testing to reopen foreign markets for American beef.
To read this entire story, go to http://www.arkcity.net/stories/050504/com_0002.shtml
China to Subsidize Peasants to Grow More
XINHUANET reports declining grain production and increasing concerns over food security again appear to be causing Chinese leaders to subsidize the world's greatest number of peasants to grow more grain. The action by Chinese governments to remove 10 billion-strong yuan (about US$1.2 billion) from its grain risk fund to subsidize individual rural households this year will have a far-reaching influence on China's grain production, say researchers and market observers.
Go to http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/06/content_1454463.htm for the rest of this story.
Watchdog Group Sues South African Agriculture Minister
INDEPENDENT ONLINE (South Africa) reports South African Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza and Monsanto Co., are being sued on allegations they withheld safety test data and other information on genetically modified food experiments in South Africa. Biowatch, a local environmental watchdog group, says the minister or agricultural officials have blocked attempts to obtain detailed information about dozens of experiments on genetically modified (GM) plant technology, including the location of farms and field laboratories.
For the rest of this story, go to http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&edition=us&ie=ascii&q=u.s.+agriculture&btnG=Search+News&start=10&sa=N
Banning Some Beef from Canada Continues
USDA has agreed to extend a federal judge's order to prevent the import of certain "high risk" cuts of beef from Canada. Under pressure from Canada and large multi- national meat packing corporations, USDA had sought to circumvent its own rulemaking by allowing shipments of Canadian beef that are at higher risk of carrying bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) than boneless cuts of beef. Instead, USDA agreed to extend a restraining order that had been granted in a suit filed by Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA).
This entire story is at http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/05-05-2004/0002167824&EDATE=
Texas Dairy Herd Monitored for BSE
REUTERS reports federal inspectors are keeping track of herd mates of a Texas dairy cow that should have been tested for BSE, However, the cow was not monitored because of an error, the Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday. Inspectors on April 27 failed to test a 12-year-old crippled dairy cow for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, before it was slaughtered. The cow was slaughtered when it showed signs of a nervous system disorder.
Go to http://www.agriculture.com/worldwide/IDS/2004-05-04T234025Z_01_N0464458_RTRIDST_0_MADCOW-TEXAS-FDA-UPDATE-2.html for the rest of this story.
'Serious Constraints' Hamper CSP Implementation
AGRICULTURE ONLINE reports Bruce Knight, chief of USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service, says he is up against some serious constraints that resulted from the way Congress constructed the Conservation Security Program. Those decisions mean the agency has been forced to make some tough decisions about how best to implement the $41 million program for 2004. Knight says he remains committed to getting the program operating this year under a very tight timeframe and remains optimistic that this can be a vibrant program despite what he called its "interesting quirks." Further, "We are going to be growing this program at a very rapid pace," he said.
The entire story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=topStoryDetail__ANewsindex_html___51714___1
Heifer Prices Set Record
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports replacement heifers set a record average price of $1,392 per head at the Show-Me-Select sale. The sale is held at the Fruitland (MO) livestock sale barn. Last year, the state average price in four spring Show-Me-Select sales was $941. The Fruitland sale returned $340,950 to 14 consignors enrolled in the University of Missouri educational program to produce heifers capable of calving easily. "Remarkable," was David Patterson, MU extension beef specialist, reaction after the sale. Patterson brought the idea for improving beef herds to Missouri in 1996. He had started a regional program earlier in Kentucky.
For the rest of the story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51716___1
May 5
Concerns Remain on Crop Insurance Draft
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) continues to develop a standard reinsurance agreement (SRA). RMA's first draft sparked concern within the crop insurance industry and farm groups. While a second draft was released March 29, stakeholders have voiced concerns that remain unresolved, according to the National Association of Wheat Growers.
To read this entire story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51697___1
'Green Payments' May Be Coming
REUTERS reports the first U.S. program of "green payments" rewarding farmers for practicing soil and water conservation may be ready to be issued by mid-summer, USDA's conservation chief said. The Conservation Security Program was created as part of the 2002 farm law and allows payments of up to $45,000 a year to operators who implement programs that protect wildlife, soil and water.
The rest of this story is at http://www.agriculture.com/worldwide/IDS/2004-04-30T215539Z_01_N3074703_RTRIDST_0_ENVIRONMENT-FARMS.html
Cattle Producers Continue Pursuit of Ruling
SUCCESSFUL FARMING reports the Birmingham law firm Whatley Drake has filed an appeal on behalf of cattle ranchers seeking to overturn a federal trial judge's ruling that vacated the $1.28 billion jury verdict that had gone in the producers' favor. The unanimous jury verdict in Pickett, et al v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. had cattle ranchers cheering back in February. They won a historic class-action victory that painted a picture of Tyson Fresh Meats and IBP as having intentionally manipulated the cattle markets using "captive supplies" of cattle. Then came the judge's ruling overturning the verdict.
This entire story is at http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51703___1
No Harm to Crop Expected from Cold Snap
REUTERS reports cold weather late in the weekend and early Monday more than likely caused little or no hardship to corn or soybean crops. "There were some sub-freezing temperatures in the north this morning but we don't think anything was harmed," said Meteorlogix forecaster Joel Burgio. Some burning or discoloring of newly emerged corn plants may have occurred, but the weather didn't get cold enough early Monday to kill any of the corn plants.
For the rest of this story, go to http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___51691___1
Biotechnology Makes Little Dent in India
The FINANCIAL EXPRESS (India) reports that India's agricultural sector has not benefitted mcuh from indigenous research and development in biotechnology. Speaking to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) honorary professor and biotechnologist Prof G Padmanabhan said Indian scientists have proved that they can do pioneering research in the field of agriculture. "However, most of the time their efforts reach just the greenhouse (initial development sites)and then get buried due to lack of support and regulatory hassles."
Go to http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=58357 for the rest of the story.
People Trusts Smaller Farms More than Big Ones
For safe, nutritious food, U.S. consumers place more trust in smaller scale family farms than in large scale industrial farms, according to a national consumer opinion poll conducted by Roper Public Affairs on behalf of Organic Valley Family of Farms. They overwhelmingly say that smaller scale family farms are more likely to care about food safety than large scale industrial farms by a 71% to 15% margin. More than eight in ten consumers (85%) say they trust smaller scale family farms to produce safe, nutritious food..
The entire story is at http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/05-03-2004/0002165175&EDATE=
Pre-Selling Crops Goal of Maine Farmers
The BLETHEN (Maine) NEWSPAPERS INC. report pre-selling crops to up to 300 consumers is a vision that one farmer shares with the farm's owners, who believe the community's first Community Supported Agriculture program will protect the town's future, as well as other farms across Maine."What is desperately needed for small agricultural farms to succeed is a way to interface with the consumer," said Tom Settlemire, a member of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. "Consumers get up to two times the value they would at a supermarket. We get someone to run the farm. It's good all the way around."
To read the rest of this story, go to http://www.pressherald.com/news/coast/040503farmer.shtml
Soybean Shortage Possible This Summer
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports a soybean shortage this summer may drive prices somewhat higher for products from baby food to frozen desserts. Poor rainfall and attacks by sap-sucking aphids last year have caused inventories to reach their lowest level in more than 30 years. "We are destined to, some would call it, run out of soybeans at our current usage rate," said Purdue University agricultural economist Chris Hurt. "We cannot continue to use them at the rate we are."
Go to http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/8578014.htm for the rest of this story.
May 3
Economist Promotes Agricultural Protectionism
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports economist Edmond Seifried of Lafayette College in Easton, PA, believes himself to be a "free trade economist" when it comes to such issues as agriculture and defense. The reason for his support is that both industries are of great importance to the nation. "Food production is so central to our nation that we must protect the United States farm industry from foreign competition," Seifried said. "Our agriculture output is so important that in a time of national crisis we should not have to depend on other sources for food."
For the rest of the story, go to http://agriculture.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.hpj.com/edit1/Economiststressesprotection.CFM
Child Safety on the Farm Hot Subject
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports a study by the Bassett Research Institute and the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, both in Cooperstown, found that giving farming parents child safety guidelines can cut injuries to children on the farm by half. The studywas conducted over 21 months on 845 farms in central New York and found there are more hazards to children on farms than health experts previously thought, said Dr. Anne Gadomski, a pediatrician with Bassett.
To read the entire story, go to http://www.troyrecord.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11427746&BRD=1170&PAG=461&dept_id=7021&rfi=6
China's Biotechnology Green Light Puzzles Some
XINHUNET reports China has issued final safety certificates to import five varieties of U.S. genetically modified products, and that has aroused some organizations' concern over why China chose to give the green light in the first place. China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) says all the five varieties, one soybean, two corn and two cotton, are from Monsanto. The American Soybean Association President Ron Heck on Feb. 23 said that China's decision "will help ensure a steady market for US soybeans, while helping stabilize meat, fish, egg, and cooking oil prices for Chinese consumers."
The entire story is at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/03/content_1451960.htm
Hong Kong Lifts Poultry Ban
The DAILY TIMES (Pakistan) reports Hong Kong, the third largest buyer of U.S. chicken, has lifted a three-month ban on U.S. poultry. The ban was imposed because of fears of bird flu disease. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said Hong Kong would resume purchasing U.S. poultry from all states except Texas. "The resumption does not apply to the state of Texas, but discussion will continue to ensure total access for U.S. poultry producers," she said in a statement.
For the entire story, go to http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_2-5-2004_pg5_26
Wheat Biotech Issue Could Be on November Ballot
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports a measure that would restrict biotech wheat in North Dakota will be the subject of a petition gathering effort. It is hoped get the signatures of 12,844 eligible North Dakota voters, needed to put the proposed measure on the Nov. 2 ballot. Biotech opponents have until Aug. 4 to get the signatures. "We would like to have it ready for the November ballot, but this may stretch longer than we would like," said Medina pastor Karl Limvere, chairman of the initiative's sponsoring committee.
Go to http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/state/8574143.htm for the entire story.
Women Managing U.S. Farms Increases
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports the number of women managing U.S. farms has been increasing steadily - by 13% to236,269 - between 1997 and 2002, according to the latest census from USDA. Now, about one of every 10 farms is run by a woman. Women always have worked on farms but now more are deciding what equipment to buy, selling their crops and trading commodities.
For this entire story, go to http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=46&u_sid=1084053
Farmers Union Dislikes Senate's Treatment of RFS
National Farmers Union President Dave Frederickson said he is disappointed in the U.S. Senate's vote on the renewable fuels standard (RFS). Sens. Tom Daschle ( D-SD, Tim Johnson (D-SD), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and others, extracted the renewable fuels standard from the comprehensive energy bill and introduced it as an amendment to the Internet Tax Moratorium Bill. With a 41-58 vote, the Senate failed to pass the RFS amendment, which would have tripled ethanol and biodiesel use in America's cars and trucks by 2012.
For this entire story, go to http://www.nfu.org/newsroom_news_release.cfm?id=1190