Associated Press
If you’re going small, “the more specialized you have to be”
While the average age of U.S. farmers and farm size is rising, the tale of young people returning to farm on a small scale "is more common than we think," economist Kent Olson tells the nonprofit Minnesota Post in a story that looks at two young farm couples.
Iowa county seeks moratorium on new CAFOs
Dickinson County in northwestern Iowa, by asking for a temporary moratorium on new, large-scale livestock farms, "could become the next battleground" over massive feedlots, says the Des Moines Register.
Des Moines water lawsuit, Vermont and two manure cases
State Rep Gary Worthan, who represents two of the northwest Iowa counties targeted by the Des Moines Water Works for a lawsuit over nitrate levels in the Raccoon River, said the utility should "reel in their legal beagles...talk with us and find a common solution" said the Des Moines Register.
EU will let members decide whether to grow GM crops
By a large majority, the European Parliament voted to let EU members decide whether to allow genetically modified crops to be grown on their land, says BBC News. Until now, decisions on GE crops were made for the bloc as a whole.
County prosecutors drop Utah ‘ag gag’ charges
The Iron County (Utah) prosecutor dropped charges against four animal activists accused under the state's so-call ag-gag law, said Associated Press. As a result, the four will each face a single count of criminal trespass.
Omnibus bill relaxes whole grain, salt rules for school food
Congress would relax rules that call for schools to use more whole grains and to reduce salt in meals provided to students, according to provisions of a government-wide funding bill. Unveiled on Tuesday night, the bill also calls for USDA to study the nutritional content of vegetables available in the so-called WIC program before removing any of them from the program - a response to complaints that white potatoes were being singled out unfairly.
Vermont GMO labeling contest comes to national stage
Assistant House Majority Leader Kate Webb, a sponsor of Vermont's GMO food labeling law, is scheduled to testify at a House subcommittee hearing on federal regulation of the foods on Wednesday.
Coffee, sugar, salt, meat, environment – five diet issues
The upcoming edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, due later this year, could propose "real limits on sugar," says an Associated Press story that lists "five things to watch for as the government begins writing the new guidelines."
Illinois ethanol plant aims to extract zein for food and pharma
Ethanol maker Big River Resources will use first-of-its-kind technology at a facility under construction in western Illinois "to extract zein, a highly valuable corn protein that will be used for food and pharmaceutical products," says the Associated Press.
The greening of the Dietary Guidelines?
The 2015 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the government's advice on a nutritious diet, "may look at what is healthy for the environment too," says Associated Press.
Smithfield says 70% of sows in group housing, not crates
The world's largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods Inc, says more than 70 percent of its pregnant sows are in group housing, part of a shift from so-called sow crates that limit their movement, says Associated Press.
No specific protection for farm workers likely in Obama order
When President Barack Obama unveils an executive order affecting up to 5 million illegal immigrants, it is not expected to include agricultural workers, according to published reports.
U.S.-Canada agency studies algae blooms in Lake Erie
The International Joint Commission, the U.S.-Canada group that oversees the Great Lakes, will spend the next few months studying the impact of algae blooms in Lake Erie before issuing a new report on the lake in the spring, says the Associated Press.
California water bill runs dry in Congress
Congressional efforts to provide drought relief to California farmers are dead for this year, according to Sen Dianne Feinstein, says the Associated Press.
Obama mulls action on immigration
President Barack Obama "is reportedly reviewing proposals to allow as many as 5 million illegal immigrants to stay in the United States at least temporarily, according to several people familiar with his plans," said the Washington Post, with a decision "either this month or in early December." Republican leaders in Congress say the president should delay action or risk opposition on a wide range of administration goals.
Berkeley soda tax and Maui GE limits win, GMO labels lose
Voters in Berkeley, Calif, approved the nation's first municipal soda tax and Maui County, Hawaii, passed an initiative that bars cultivation of genetically engineered crops during Tuesday's general elections. Statewide referendums in Oregon and California to require labels of food made with genetically modified organisms were defeated.
Documents show White House role in ouster of USDA official
An email released as part of a federal court case indicates the White House had a role in the forced resignation of USDA official Shirley Sherrod in 2010, says the Associated Press.
Ernst leads in Iowa for Senate, Kansas is neck-and-neck race
Republican Joni Ernst led Democrat Bruce Braley by 7 points, 51-44, in the latest Iowa Poll of the Des Moines Register. It was Ernst's largest lead in any poll in a month.
Wild duck with avian influenza found in Utah
Utah wildlife officials reported a mallard duck was the third waterfowl in the state with avian influenza since December, said the Associated Press.