Interruption in U.S.-Mexico Rail Link Affects Grain Transport
The closure of a key railway connection between the United States and Mexico is causing substantial delays in grain exports, impacting several American states. This development, highlighted by the National Grain and Feed Association, is particularly concerning due to the lack of a clear timeline for the resumption of services. Mike Seyfert, the Association’s President, […]
EPA to Lift Restrictions on Chlorpyrifos, Reinstating Limited Agricultural Use Following Court Ruling
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to lift food tolerance restrictions on the pesticide chlorpyrifos, following a recent federal court ruling. This decision will lead to the reinstatement of the pesticide’s use in agriculture, albeit with specific guidelines. Chlorpyrifos, a widely used pesticide, had its food tolerance restrictions imposed in 2020, significantly […]
New Zealand Aligns with Global Goals for Sustainable Beef Production
New Zealand has taken a significant step towards sustainable beef production, aligning its goals with the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB). The 2023 annual report of the GRSB highlights the completion of the first goals consultation process by the New Zealand Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (NZRAB), involving members and key stakeholders. The NZRSB, comprising […]
East Coast Farmers in New Zealand Face Uncertain Future Amid Weather Challenges and Market Concerns
Farmers on New Zealand’s East Coast are facing a period of uncertainty and challenge following a series of weather-related setbacks. Gisborne-based AgFirst consultant Peter Andrew reported that many farmers, having recently repaired infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent rainstorms, are now dealing with further destruction caused by recent rainfall. Andrew explained that farmers had […]
New Zealand Government to Repeal Fair Pay Agreement Legislation, Extending 90-Day Trial Periods for All Employers
Farmers in New Zealand have received welcome news as the new Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke van Velden, announced the government’s decision to repeal Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) legislation by Christmas 2023. This move has been particularly significant for the agricultural sector, which had expressed strong opposition to the FPAs. Richard McIntyre, the Feds […]
Missouri River Experiences Significant Low Levels, Impacting Regional Waterways
The Missouri River, a crucial waterway in the United States, is currently experiencing notably low levels, as reported by Mark Fuchs, a senior service hydrologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis. This decrease in water levels is beginning to impact the already low levels of the Mississippi River. Fuchs explained that the reduced […]
Federal Judge Upholds USDA’s New Swine Inspection System Amidst Legal Challenges
In Buffalo, New York, a recent ruling by a federal judge upheld the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) New Swine Inspection System (NSIS), dismissing challenges brought by several animal rights organisations. The NSIS, a system aimed at modernising hog slaughter establishment inspections, faced opposition from groups including Farm Sanctuary, Animal […]
Optimising Livestock Handling: The Effective Use of Powered Gates in Animal Management
In the realm of livestock handling, powered gates have become a staple for efficiently moving animals, particularly in large CO2 stunning systems for pigs. These systems, when used correctly, can eliminate the need for electric prods. However, it’s crucial that these gates do not knock over or drag animals, as dragging a conscious animal is […]
USDA Launches Nationwide Study on Sheep Health and Management Practices
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), has announced a comprehensive nationwide study focusing on the health and management of sheep and lambs. This study, part of a decennial research initiative, is scheduled […]
Negotiations Continue for Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement Amid Red Meat Industry’s Push for Market Access
In a recent development concerning the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA), representatives from the Australia-EU Red Meat Market Access Task Force joined Trade Minister Don Farrell in Osaka, Japan, in October 2023. This meeting, aimed at finalising the FTA, unfortunately, did not yield the desired progress, as stated by Minister Farrell. Despite this […]
