Rural renewables plan: Public comments will be accepted until April 29 on a Rural Renewable Energy Pilot Program that would provide financial assistance to communities looking to develop renewable energy projects. (USDA)
Swine fever is back: A resurgence of African swine fever has killed at least 20 percent of the breeding herd in northern China, a setback for a plan to rebuild the national pig population after huge losses in 2019. (Reuters)
Ghost cattle scam: A rancher in Washington State could face up to 20 years in prison for defrauding meatpackers out of $244 million they spent buying and feeding nonexistent cattle. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Ag trade barriers: The Biden administration “will continue to engage foreign governments” over barriers to U.S. agricultural products that range from tariffs to opaque approval processes for GE products. (USTR)
Bees hitch a ride: A swarm of 15,000 honey bees buzzed into the back seat of a car in a New Mexico parking lot while the driver was making a quick grocery run. (New York Times)