Smithfield tries mediation in hog waste cases (WRAL): The next several cases challenging industrial hog farms in North Carolina as nuisances will be delayed while attorneys for Smithfield Foods and plaintiffs “pursue potential options for alternative resolution of future trials.” Neighbors are 3-0 in trials so far; 23 cases are pending.
Nunes can call himself a farmer (Fresno Bee): A Sacramento Superior Court judge ruled that Rep. Devin Nunes can describe himself as a farmer on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. Three residents of the Central Valley signed a writ of election that said Nunes is not an active farmer and should not be allowed to claim a tie to agriculture.
Immigrants drop out of WIC (Politico): Officials in 18 states report drops of up to 20 percent in enrollment in WIC, which helps feed pregnant women, new mothers and their children, following reports the White House might deny legal statues to immigrants for using federal benefits although their children are U.S. citizens by birth.
Trump taps Angle to head NIFA (White House): Soil scientist J. Scott Angle is President Trump’s choice to become director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The appointment runs six years and does not require Senate approval.
Brazil court allows use of glyphosate (Reuters): A court in Brazil ruled that sales of the weedkiller glyphosate can continue while health officials complete a safety assessment; the ruling reduces the threat of a cutoff in approval of the herbicide until the safety report is issued.
Meet the 113-year-old farmer (Grand Forks Herald): Iris Westman celebrated her 113th birthday at the end of August and since she still owns and rents some of the family farmland, the oldest North Dakotan may also be the oldest U.S. farmer.