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 […]
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 […]
USDA Invites Public Feedback on Reporting of Foreign Agricultural Land Holdings
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an open call for public comments, with a deadline of February 16, 2024, regarding the reporting process for foreign ownership and leasing of agricultural land in the U.S. This initiative is part of the USDA’s efforts to enhance the data collection under the Agricultural Foreign Investment […]
EPA Proposes New Wastewater Standards for Meat and Poultry Plants
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put forward a proposal to update wastewater discharge regulations for meat and poultry processing facilities. Announced on December 15, this rule aims to implement stricter controls on pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, oil, grease, organic materials, salts, and ammonia in wastewater. The EPA’s proposal, which targets approximately 850 […]
USDA to Revise Foreign Agricultural Land Ownership Reporting Process
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency is set to revise the form used for reporting foreign agricultural land ownership in the country. This update aims to enhance the detail and scope of information gathered for the agency’s annual reports. Under current regulations, non-U.S. citizens or companies acquiring agricultural land in the […]
H-2A Guest Worker Wage Increases Pose Challenges for US Farmers, Says Farm Bureau
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is raising concerns over the fluctuating and often high wages for H-2A guest workers, a situation that is increasingly challenging for farmers across the United States. John Walt Boatright, the Director of Government Affairs at AFBF, spoke to Brownfield about the significant impact of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate […]
Paraguayan Beef Cleared for U.S. Import, FSIS Sets Inspection Protocols
In a notable development, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture has endorsed the importation of raw beef from Paraguay, a decision contingent on strict adherence to inspection protocols. Paraguay exports must comply with the FSIS’s rigorous standards, verified through inspection certificates issued by Paraguay’s Central Competent Authority […]
