Category Archives: Agriculture Law

DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton reported this week that, “Leading into USDA’s Crop Progress report on Monday, May 13, roughly 79 million acres of soybeans and more than 71 million acres of corn were unplanted. Rains and cold weather hampered planting throughout major corn and soybean states this past week. “Already, there are a… Continue Reading

Reuters wrier Tina Bellon reported yesterday that, “A California jury on Monday awarded more than $2 billion to a couple who claimed Bayer AG’s glyphosate-based Roundup weed killer caused their cancer, in the largest U.S. jury verdict to date against the company in litigation over the chemical. “The large punitive damages award is likely to… Continue Reading

Bloomberg writer Joel Rosenblatt reported earlier this month that, “The jury in Bayer AG’s third Roundup weedkiller trial was urged by a plaintiffs’ lawyer to consider socking the company with $1 billion in damages as punishment for covering up the health risks of the herbicide for decades. “The aggressive demand on behalf an elderly couple… Continue Reading

Associated Press writer Grant Schulte reported earlier this month that, “The Iowa Supreme Court rejected an effort [May 3rd] by local landowners to block a proposed wind farm in northwest Iowa after it won approval from government regulators. “The court’s rulings remove a major obstacle for the 170-turbine wind energy project in Palo Alto County…. Continue Reading

An update yesterday from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “[FSA] announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due Oct. 31, 2019. “‘Producers can visit… Continue Reading

Late last month, Reuters writer Jarret Renshaw reported that, “A U.S. biofuels trade group asked a federal court on Wednesday to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from giving refiners new waivers from the country’s biofuels law until the agency reverts to the tougher criteria it used to assess applications before Donald Trump’s presidency, according to… Continue Reading

Bloomberg writers Shruti Singh and Michael Hirtzer reported this week that, “With crop prices stuck in a multi-year rout, more farmers are chasing price premiums by turning to organic crops. “Higher-value farm products such as organic allow farmers to boost returns over conventionally grown crops. While the number of farms overall in the U.S. from… Continue Reading

A news release today from USDA stated that, “Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced today the availability of a new web-based tool – developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – to help dairy producers evaluate various scenarios using different coverage levels through the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. “The 2018 Farm Bill authorized… Continue Reading

A news release today from USDA stated that, “USDA extended the deadline to May 17 from May 1 for agricultural producers to certify 2018 crop production for payments through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which helps producers who have been significantly affected by foreign tariffs, resulting in the loss of traditional exports. USDA’s Farm Service… Continue Reading

Earlier this week, Des Moines Register writer Donnelle Eller reported that, “Iowa’s second attempt to make it a crime for animal welfare activists, journalists and others to go undercover at meatpacking plants and livestock facilities will face a legal challenge. “The ACLU of Iowa filed a lawsuit Monday challenging the state’s new ag-gag law, saying it’s unconstitutional, chills free speech… Continue Reading