Category Archives: Agriculture Law

DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton reported today that, “The two largest general farm organizations have a different take on what should happen with the Section 199A tax provision, but 77 separate businesses in 28 states also have written a letter to Congress calling on lawmakers to fix the problems created by the ‘grain glitch.’… Continue Reading

A report yesterday from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) stated that, “United States honey production in 2017 from producers with five or more colonies totaled 148 million pounds, down 9 percent from 2016. There were 2.67 million colonies producing honey in 2017, down 4 percent from 2016. Yield per colony averaged 55.3 pounds, down… Continue Reading

The Associated Press reported last week that, “Some Wisconsin beekeepers are reporting high losses of bees this winter because of a parasite that infests hives and kills developing bees. “Kent Pegorsch, president of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association, told Wisconsin Public Radio that beekeepers had difficulty controlling varroa mites last year. “Beekeepers have been losing… Continue Reading

Jacob Bunge reported today at The Wall Street Journal Online that, “Lawmakers and agricultural companies say they have found a fix for a provision in the new U.S. tax law that stirred controversy in the Farm Belt. “The amendment to the tax law, which legislators aim to include in an omnibus spending bill later this… Continue Reading

A news release yesterday from USDA stated that, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the decision to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule published on January 19, 2017. The rule would have increased federal regulation of livestock and poultry for certified organic producers and handlers. The withdrawal becomes effective… Continue Reading

Associated Press writer Margaret Stafford reported today that, “A $1.5 billion settlement was reached Monday in a class-action lawsuit covering tens of thousands of farmers, grain-handling facilities and ethanol plants that sued Swiss agribusiness giant Syngenta over its introduction of a genetically engineered corn seed. “Lawsuits in state and federal courts challenged Syngenta’s decision to… Continue Reading

Donnelle Eller reported last week at The Des Moines Register Online that, “Trent Thiele loves feeding and caring for the 3,400 pigs that live less than a half mile from his home. “‘I truly enjoy coming to work every morning. They’re always in a good mood,’ said Thiele, reaching down to scratch the backs of a… Continue Reading

An update posted this week at the USDA Blog indicated that, “Everyday USDA works to develop tools for farmers and ranchers that support their financial success. The USDA Farmers Market on the National Mall is a ‘living laboratory’ for farmers market operations across the country. During our 2017 market season, we tested ‘VegU-cation’ and found… Continue Reading

Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski reported earlier this week that, “General Mills announced a deal Tuesday to create South Dakota’s largest organic crop farm as the food giant works to secure enough organic ingredients to meet growing consumer demand worldwide. “Gunsmoke Farms will convert 34,000 acres — more than 53 square miles — near Pierre… Continue Reading

The Wall Street Journal editorial board indicated late last month that, “One risk for the political success of the GOP tax reform is that some businesses will manipulate a large new deduction that could reduce federal revenue and discredit the project. An early warning is a carve-out that benefits some farmers, a clunker that ought… Continue Reading