Government

‘Ag-gag’ laws on the rise

State legislators throughout the country are passing laws aimed to protect farmers from individuals who use hidden cameras to record images without consent. Recently, Idaho became the first state to have both a modern-day farm protection law and an agriculture disparagement, or “veggie libel,” law.

By Robert Holly

/ 21 Mar 2014

Idaho strengthens ag privacy with new law; critics challenge constitutionality

A group of nearly 20 nonprofit groups, advocacy groups and freelance journalists filed a lawsuit Monday challenging Idaho’s new farm protection law. The 50-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Idaho asks the court to declare that the new law violates the U.S. Constitution, and it seeks an

By Sam Robinson

/ 21 Mar 2014

Idaho strengthens ag privacy with new law; critics challenge constitutionality

States restrict drone use because of privacy concerns

In September 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration will open U.S. airspace to unmanned aircraft. As that deadline approaches, state legislators have begun to pass and consider legislation that places restrictions on domestic drone use. Some believe that unmanned aircraft hovering over private pr

By Robert Holly

/ 21 Mar 2014

States restrict drone use because of privacy concerns

As Foster Farms touts its use of probiotics, FDA officials say tool not approved

In a step to reduce Salmonella in chickens, Foster Farms representatives said they are feeding probiotics to the company's poultry through the water supply. But there currently are no probiotics approved for use in livestock, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials.

By Sam Robinson

/ 18 Mar 2014

As Foster Farms touts its use of probiotics, FDA officials say tool not approved

Challenges to food safety prompt new federal action plan

A recent report by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that Food Safety and Inspection Service is failing to protect consumers from Salmonella. The report, Weaknesses in FSIS's Salmonella Regulation , released in December, calls for mandatory recall authority and more stringent testing standards. This f

By Sam Robinson

/ 21 Feb 2014

Challenges to food safety prompt new federal action plan

Lack of evidence stopped federal recall request in 2013 Salmonella outbreak

An Office of Public Health official said the Food Safety Inspection Service agency was not able to link a specific Foster Farms product or production method directly to the Salmonella strain linked to a multistate outbreak. The U.S. Department of Agriculture food safety sector, lacked the appropriat

By Sam Robinson

/ 21 Feb 2014

Lack of evidence stopped federal recall request in 2013 Salmonella outbreak

New virus threatens U.S. pork supply

The livestock and poultry industries are poised for expansion, but a new fatal virus and low inventory could prove challenging. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) is taking its toll on the U.S. hog market. PEDv was first found in the U.S. in May 2013. Now nine months later, it is in 25 states an

By Sam Robinson

/ 21 Feb 2014

Food recalls, beef produce and dry weather cap USDA Ag Forum

The USDA’s 2014 Agriculture Outlook Forum concluded Friday with sessions on commodities, forestry, rural development and the weather. The two-day forum covered topics related to new producer assistance, food safety, and foreign and domestic markets. It also previewed the results of the 2012 Ag Censu

By Sam Robinson

/ 21 Feb 2014

Food recalls, beef produce and dry weather cap USDA Ag Forum

Diversity in farming encouraged, incentives offered

The USDA-sponsored Ag Outlook Forum takes place in Arlington, Va. this week with multiple panels and discussions on produce, farmers, markets and other U.S. agribusiness. The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting is following the event live. Yet as federal officials are urging more diversity –

By Sam Robinson

/ 20 Feb 2014

Diversity in farming encouraged, incentives offered

New Census data shows decrease in the number of farms, growth in the average farm size

New agriculture census data shows the number of farms and acres in farming has gone down since 2007. The 2012 Ag Census data show counted 2.1 million farmers, a 4.3 percent decrease from the 2007 Ag Census. There was about a 1 percent loss of acreage in farm use over 2007, which is down to 915 milli

By Sam Robinson

/ 20 Feb 2014

New Census data shows decrease in the number of farms, growth in the average farm size

Census, immigration and diversity start day one of the USDA Ag Forum

Thousands are expected to gather in Arlington, Va. this week for the 2014 Agriculture Outlook Forum hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting will cover the event with daily updates live from Virginia. Here are highlights from the first day as reported

By Sam Robinson

/ 20 Feb 2014

Census, immigration and diversity start day one of the USDA Ag Forum

The 2012 Ag Census on Twitter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released preliminary data today on the 2012 Agriculture Census - taken every five years - during its Ag Outlook Forum in Arlington, Va. Investigate Midwest reporter Sam Robinson is reporting live this week. Here's a quick look at the latest data.

By Investigate Midwest staff

/ 20 Feb 2014

‘Ag-gag’ laws on the rise

Idaho strengthens ag privacy with new law; critics challenge constitutionality

States restrict drone use because of privacy concerns

As Foster Farms touts its use of probiotics, FDA officials say tool not approved

Challenges to food safety prompt new federal action plan

Lack of evidence stopped federal recall request in 2013 Salmonella outbreak

New virus threatens U.S. pork supply

Food recalls, beef produce and dry weather cap USDA Ag Forum

Diversity in farming encouraged, incentives offered

New Census data shows decrease in the number of farms, growth in the average farm size

Census, immigration and diversity start day one of the USDA Ag Forum

The 2012 Ag Census on Twitter

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