Author Archives: Keith Good

Senator Fischer Introduces Real MEAT Act to End Deceptive Labeling of Imitation Meat Products

A news release on Wednesday from U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) stated that, “[Sen. Fischer], a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today introduced the Real MEAT Act to end deceptive labeling practices for alternative protein products. The bill would clarify the definition of beef for labeling purposes, eliminate consumer confusion resulting from misbranding, and ensure that… Continue Reading

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Plant-Based Meat Labeling Law on Hold in Arkansas

Last week, Reuters writer Barbara Grzincic reported that, “A federal judge in Arkansas has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a labeling law that bars the use of terms like ‘burgers,’ ‘sausage’ and ‘steak’ on plant-based foods, finding that a vegetarian-food producer is likely to prevail on its claim that the law is an impermissible… Continue Reading

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Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods Compete Against Local Startups in China

Writing earlier this month at The Wall Street Journal Online, Stephanie Yang reported that, “Beyond Meat Inc. and Impossible Foods Inc. are considering China as their next big market for plant-based meat products, but local startups aim to leverage their own knowledge of Chinese tastes to gain an edge over the U.S. companies. “China is… Continue Reading

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USDA Extends Deadlines for Dairy Margin Coverage, Market Facilitation Programs

A news release today from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “Due to the prolonged and extensive impacts of weather events this year, [USDA] today extended the deadline to December 20 for producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2020 calendar year. The deadline had been December 13.  USDA… Continue Reading

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Bayer Postpones Next Two Glyphosate Lawsuits, as Settlement Talks Proceed

Reuters News reported last week that, “Germany’s Bayer has agreed with plaintiffs to postpone its next two U.S. lawsuits over the alleged cancer-causing effects of its glyphosate-based weed killers to allow more time for talks on a settlement. “The company, which is facing 42,700 U.S. plaintiffs, is widely expected to eventually buy itself out of… Continue Reading

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Pork Industry Challenging California Animal Production Rules

Associated Press writer John Antczak reported last week that, “The pork industry is challenging the constitutionality of a voter-approved California measure that will prohibit the sale of meat products from hogs born to sows confined in spaces that don’t meet new minimum size requirements. “A lawsuit filed late Thursday in San Diego federal court by… Continue Reading

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USDA Reminds Producers Facing Delayed Harvest to Contact Insurance Agents

A news release today from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) stated that, “[USDA] reminds insured producers nationwide who currently participate in Federal Crop Insurance and are facing a delay in harvesting their crop to contact their crop insurance agent and file a Notice of Loss (NOL) by December 10 or the applicable end of… Continue Reading

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USDA to Open Signup for Conservation Reserve Program on December 9

A news release today from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on December 9, 2019. The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP is February 28, 2020, while signup for continuous… Continue Reading

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Buyout Activity in the U.S. is Down Sharply

Earlier this month, Wall Street Journal writer Miriam Gottfried reported that, “U.S. private-equity firms, armed with a record amount of cash, are struggling to find ways to spend it. “A year ago, fears of an economic slowdown and worries about trade tensions with China sent a tremor through markets and put some leveraged buyouts on… Continue Reading

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New “Ag-Gag” Law in Iowa on Hold, Federal Judge Says

Des Moines Register writer Donnelle Eller reported yesterday that, “A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Monday preventing Iowa officials from enforcing a new law that would make it a crime for whistleblowers or undercover animal welfare activists to take pictures or videos at meatpacking plants and livestock facilities. “The injunction will remain in place while a lawsuit challenging… Continue Reading

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