Massachusetts is first with P-EBT: State officials said they have USDA approval to issue Pandemic EBT benefits to families with school-age children for the rest of the 2020-21 school year, making Massachusetts the first state with the go-ahead to restart the benefits. (Mass Live)
Small rise in antibiotic use for livestock: Sales of medically important antibiotics for use in food-bearing animals rose 3 percent, to an estimated 6.2 million kilograms, in 2019. (FDA)
Fudge slams SNAP appeal: The Trump administration “is still trying to strip food assistance from hungry people in the middle of a pandemic” by appealing the U.S. district court decision that overturned a USDA rule setting more stringent time limits on food stamps for able-bodied adults, said Rep. Marcia Fudge. (House Agriculture)
Shrinking habitat for endangered species: A new Trump administration rule says only “critical habitat” for threatened or endangered species must be protected, a narrower view of federal protections that could allow agriculture, logging, or other development on land once occupied by the species. (Washington Post)
Australia takes on China at WTO: Trade minister Simon Birmingham said Australia will challenge China at the World Trade Organization over its imposition of an 80 percent tariff on imports of Australian barley. (ABC Rural)