New home for Forestry under consideration; but laid-off foresters still in limbo

While the governor and the Legislature are trading shots over the coming fiscal budget gap, 37 workers from the state Division of Forestry who were laid off during the last budget crisis are still hoping to come back to work. The forestry workers were laid off over a $1.7 shortfall in their own agency's budget that came about largely because of a decrease in timber severance tax money.

DA Food Skyway program offers new market for Zambo Peninsula fisher folks

Fishermen in Zamboanga Peninsula will soon have a larger market for their fish catch, especially during this month's peak season, as the Department of Agriculture will launch the so-called Philippine Food Skyway program later this month, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources . BFAR Regional Director Isidro Velayo Jr. on Thursday said that they are currently preparing the mechanisms to collect the surplus catch that cannot be absorbed by the local market and the fish processing industries in the region.

Vice President Mike Pence defends his use of private email account as governor of Indiana

The matrix is a valuable tool... The season is on the line come Saturday when the Western Nebraska Community College men's basketball team hosts Northeastern Junior College in the first round of the Region ... -- A former competitor of Michael Phelps is calling out the gold medalist on social media following Phelps' testimony to Congress.Phelps was one of five panelists t... -- Vice President Mike Pence defended his use of a private email account while governor of Indiana, saying Friday in Wisconsin there is "no comparison" bet... -- It's been a long journey for Oscar winner for Viola Davis.

Hangry in the school caf: Sharing some food is off the table

School officials in a Connecticut town are criticizing new restrictions on lunchroom "share tables," which encourage students to donate uneaten food for any classmates who may be hungry. The concept has been promoted by the U.S. Agriculture Department as a way to reduce waste, but it is up to local governments to determine what health codes will allow.

Trump Supporters Starting To Lose Faith?

Tom Godat, a union electrician who has always voted for Democrats, cast his ballot for Donald Trump last year as "the lesser of two evils" compared to Hillary Clinton. There's a lot that Godat likes about President Trump, especially his pledge to make the country great again by ignoring lobbyists, challenging both political parties and increasing the number of good-paying jobs.

South Korea to extend subsidy on some egg imports as bird flu hits local output

A South Korean health official disinfects a vehicle to prevent spread of bird flu in Pohang, South Korea, December 19, 2016. Choi Chang-ho/News1 via South Korea is extending a scheme to subsidize up to half the cost of importing eggs by sea for another two months until the end of April, as it grapples with a shortfall in local supply in the wake of its worst-ever bird flu outbreak.

Fundraiser starts for urban farm resource center in Detroit

State economic development officials and a nonprofit urban farming group have launched a crowdfunded campaign to turn a vacant Detroit building into a community resource center. The campaign to raise $50,000 was launched Tuesday by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Michigan Urban Farming Initiative.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wears no. 46 jersey in apparent nod to Trump feud

Fighter jets were scrambled in Florida Friday night to intercept an unresponsive plane that violated restricted airspace over President Trump's Mar-a-Lago re... -- Mike Pence affirmed the United States' support for NATO and urged Russia to deescalate violence in eastern Ukraine while speaking Saturday at the Munich Secu... This week U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency Topeka Regional Office expanded the area for producers looking to request a limited irrigation yield by written... OGALLALA - It wasn't easy, but the Gothenburg Boy's closed out their regular season with a 85-57 win over Ogallala on Friday night.

The Latest: USDA reposts some online animal welfare records

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reposted some animal welfare records following complaints from animal rights groups and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer . The records posted Friday do not include inspection reports on other animal facilities such as horse and dog breeding centers.

Thompson Bill Seeks to Help Young Farmers

U.S. Rep. Glenn 'GT' Thompson has introduced a bill that will invest in the next generation of farmers and help them pay back their student loans through an existing program geared toward public service. H.R. 1060, the Young Farmer Success Act, is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Thompson, Rep. Joe Courtney and Rep. John Faso in an effort to preserve America's agricultural economy and the security of its national food supply.

For beginning farmers, From the mailbox

This is a time of tremendous opportunity in farming and ranching for beginners graduating from college or looking to start a venture of their own. Alternative crops and high value markets offer profit potential and lower risk for new farmers.a a If land ownership is the preferred route, funding will have to come from savings, bootstrapping, investors/partners, or loans.