Agriculture news covering farming, crop production, food supply, agricultural policy, and agribusiness developments.
USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, 5.6 miles from the first case. The second case was detected 24 hours after the first, which was in a three-week-old calf. Response includes mobile trailers and weekly release of 6 million sterile flies.
This commentary argues that voluntary conservation efforts in Iowa agriculture have failed to address water pollution, and that regulation is necessary. It profiles three farmers who advocate for mandatory measures, suggesting that industry insiders support such policies and that regulation would not harm farming.
Yale scientists documented forever chemicals in collards, okra, corn, and other crops on a Darlington County farm that used contaminated sewer sludge as fertilizer. Hay and collards showed high PFAS levels, raising concerns. The study is one of the first in South Carolina examining crops threatened by PFAS from soil and groundwater.
Canada imposed temporary import restrictions on livestock raised in or transiting through Texas after the first U.S. screwworm case in decades was detected. A spokesperson for Texas Governor Abbott called the restriction an 'overreaction' that is 'more political than science-based.' The parasite poses serious risks to Texas' $15.5 billion cattle industry.
The editorial argues that India should use the potential double-whammy of below-normal monsoon rainfall and fertiliser shortfalls as an opportunity to shift agricultural focus toward millets, pulses, and oilseeds. It contends that these crops consume less water and fertilisers than rice, wheat, or sugarcane, and that farmers will respond to price signals if assured of minimum support prices.
This commentary argues that a coalition of animal welfare, environmental, and residents' groups successfully pressured the Danish government to reform the country's intensive pig farming industry. It contends that the campaign, dubbed the 'pig election', achieved immediate and systemic changes, addressing both animal suffering and environmental damage from industrial agriculture.
This commentary argues that Jeremy Clarkson's show Clarkson's Farm has been a positive force for British agriculture, bringing farming to a wider audience. The author, a fellow farmer, praises Clarkson as a 'great advocate' despite the show's controversial elements.
This commentary reflects on the late actor Salim Kumar's deep connection to farming, arguing that agriculture provides profound satisfaction beyond financial gain. It highlights his advocacy for traditional Pokkali cultivation and his philosophical view that farming offers a unique, irreplaceable joy akin to creativity.
Industry representatives argued during a FairPlay webinar that government delays in export approvals are blocking growth. The poultry sector, facing flat local demand and bird flu threats, has invested in new capacity but lacks progress in inspections by importing countries.
This commentary argues that switching to less-thirsty crops could help address Colorado's water crisis, but notes that farmers need reliable markets for alternative crops. It explores the potential of crops like black-eyed peas and sainfoin to save water, while acknowledging economic and logistical barriers.