Norfolk receives more than $1 million in grant funding, low-interest loans for water project

Norfolk town officials expect work to begin later this year on a new water project that's being funded in part by more than $1 million in federal grant funding and low-interest loans. U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Tuesday that the town would be receiving $694,000 in federal low-interest loans and $500,000 in federal grant funding.

East Tennessee native Jack Hanna: Cincinnati Zoo made right decision in shooting gorilla

An animal protection watchdog group Tuesday called on federal authorities to hold the Cincinnati Zoo responsible for the death of an endangered western lowland gorilla. The zoo's director, Thane Maynard, said Monday it remains safe for its 1.6 million annual visitors despite a weekend tragedy in which a gorilla was fatally shot to protect a 4-year-old boy who had entered its exhibit.

Weak Rand Drives South African Corn, Wheat, Soybean to Records

South African grain and oilseed prices surged to records after the rand weakened and international prices increased, making imports pricier just as the country becomes a net buyer of the commodities after a drought damaged local harvests. Yellow corn for July delivery rose 2.7 percent to 3,815 rand a metric ton on the South African Futures Exchange in Johannesburg Monday, the highest level since trading started in August 1996.

The Funny Business of Farm Credit

In May of 1998 we held a conference dedicated to two Government-sponsored Enterprises - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In my statement to that assembly, I noted that both corporations had been enjoying good times, but cautioned that one of the unintended consequences of fat profits over a long period is the tendency of both government and private corporations to start believing in the fantasy of ever-rising profits.

USDA awarding $8.8M to 108 companies to support the production of advanced biofuel

The US Department of Agriculture is awarding $8.8 million to 108 companies in 39 states to boost the production of advanced biofuels. The funding is being provided through USDA's Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, which was established in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Food Policy and the 2016 Presidential Election

With the Libertarian Party picking its nominee this weekend, and with Democrats and Republicans having all but chosen their respective nominees already, it's as good a time as any to chew on some of the key food-policy issues candidates should be discussing as we inch toward the general election in November. In that spirit, here are nine key issues I'd like to see the presidential candidates discuss this year.

New Philippine president to face early test over food security amid mounting drought damage to crops

There are concerns potentially vital imports may be delayed as the incoming administration of Rodrigo Duterte, who campaigned on making food available and affordable, looks to overhaul policies and review existing state purchase plans While Philippine elections this month were dominated by talk about crushing crime, the next president faces another critical early test: ensuring there is enough rice for the country's more than 100 million people. The Philippine crop is suffering mounting drought damage, just as the country's big Asian rice suppliers also suffer from an El Nino weather pattern.

Land O’Lakes, Minnesota partner on water quality initiative

The state of Minnesota and Land O'Lakes announced a partnership Wednesday to improve water quality in farm country, leveraging the farmer-owned co-operative's retail network to help expand a state program that encourages farmers to voluntarily implement conservation practices. Land O'Lakes will promote the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program through its seed and crop protection business, WinField US, using its remote sensing technology to map the topography of fields to reduce erosion and better manage runoff.

Fed inspectors find sick, dead animals at pet dealer ranch

Federal inspectors found sick and dead animals, inadequate sanitation, untrained employees performing euthanasia and other deficiencies at a Pennsylvania small-animal dealer that supplied major pet retailers like Petco and PetSmart. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report on its January inspection of Holmes Chinchilla Ranch that said inspectors found dozens of animals in need of veterinary treatment for symptoms ranging from hair loss to eye abnormalities to lethargy.

Governor Sam Brownback takes action to balance Kansas budget Vetoes two provisions; signs SB 249

Governor Sam Brownback today took action to balance the budget for Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018, subsequently signing Senate Bill 249 - the budget bill. The Governor announced allotments of $97 million creating a projected ending balance in FY 2017 of $87.5 million.

USDA Awards $4.5 Million in Rural Community Development Grants

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on May 20 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding more than $4 million in grants to 23 organizations to support rural economic development projects. Secretary Vilsack also announced that USDA soon will seek applications for the next round of program funding.

The Latest: Officials assure residents they are safe

Authorities say a shuttle bus has overturned on a highway in Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains, leaving two people critically injured, four with moderate injuries and 20 with minor injuries. A shuttle bus overturned Sunday on a highway in Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains, leaving two people critically injured, four with moderate injuries and 20 with minor injuries, authorities said.

China’s change sees little immediate impact

The end of price supports will send acreage plummeting, but the government's stockpile is estimated to last for years Fred Gale is still trying to figure out how China's new corn policy will affect grain markets, but his initial thought is that it won't.a China announced in March that it is ending its corn price support and procurement program for the country's northeast region.a That region accounts for 40 percent of production for the world's second largest corn producer, so the new policy could have a big impact on global corn output, depending on how it unfolds.a The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in last week's World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report that Chinese growers will plant 89 million acres of corn this year.

Another Bad Week for the Anti-GMO Movementby Julie KellyMounting…

This week has been a particular bruising one for anti-GMO activists, with the release of two reports that disprove most of their claims that GMOs are bad for people and the planet. On May 17, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued a lengthy study, "Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects," that supports the safety of GMO foods and finds no evidence of harm to human health or the environment.