Patagonia to fund Earth: Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard transferred ownership in the outdoor apparel company, valued at about $3 billion, to a specially designed trust and a nonprofit organization, ensuring that “every dollar that is not reinvested back into Patagonia will be distributed as dividends to protect the planet.” (Patagonia)
Rail strike averted: President Biden early Thursday announced that negotiations between major railroads and unions had reached a tentative agreement to avoid a nationwide rail strike. The deal, if culminated, would bring a sigh of relief across the agricultural and biofuels supply chain. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Aggies could have conflicts: Five of 27 senators identified as having potential conflicts of interest for their financial dealings in industries that could be affected by their committee work are members of the Agriculture Committee. (New York Times)
Finstad joins House Agriculture: Republican Brad Finstad, winner of a special election in Minnesota, was appointed to the House Agriculture Committee, taking the seat of the late Rep. Jim Hagedorn. (House Agriculture Republicans)
Help wanted: A report from the American Immigration Council, citing the ongoing worker shortage, says that immigrants are especially vital to the U.S. meat processing and dairy sectors. (Meat and Poultry)