Federal regulators launch probe of big agriculture

ST. LOUIS — Some Obama administration officials have made clear their unease with the increasing control a handful of corporations have over the nation’s food supply, and this week in Iowa they could show whether they are serious about changing the system.

Major manure spill in Iowa's Clayton County

GARNAVILLO, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a major manure spill in eastern Clayton County.

Smithfield Foods returns to 3rd-quarter profit

SMITHFIELD, Va. — Meat processor Smithfield Foods returned to a profit in the third quarter, partly due to strength in its packaged meats business and higher sales overseas.

Raw milk hearing draws hundreds

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Hundreds of people packed a legislative hearing in Eau Claire Wednesday on legalizing the sale of unpasteurized milk.

Farm markets for Wednesday March 10, 2010

Farm markets for Wednesday March 10, 2010

Lawmakers approve more privacy for feedlots

BOISE, Idaho — Cattle feed lot operators are hoping lawmakers will restrict public access to manure management reports, comparing their waste handling strategies to trade secrets worthy of protection from competitors.

Amish farmer wins fight over registering livestock

NEILLSVILLE, Wis. — An Amish livestock farmer who refused to follow a 2005 Wisconsin law requiring him to register his land and livestock has won a legal battle with state regulators.

Farm markets reports for Tuesday March 9, 2010

Farm markets reports for Tuesday March 9, 2010

Farm market report for Monday March 8, 2010

Farm market report for Monday March 8, 2010

NDSU Equine Center opening emergency horse shelter

FARGO - With spring flooding likely in the Red River Valley, the North Dakota State University Equine Center again will open an emergency shelter for horses.

Continue bovine TB prevention as status improves

ST. PAUL — Results from a recent USDA review have returned with overall positive indications for Minnesota’s bovine tuberculosis (TB) program. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health, with help from its partners, is working aggressively to again upgrade Minnesota’s bovine TB status levels.

Beef Talk: Raise the beef you want by buying the genetics you need

Time does not allow us to absorb everything in one setting. For example, it often is best to read one chapter at a time in a book so one can absorb as much as possible. Bull buying is like reading a good book. It is best to do it one chapter at a time.

Deer defense: State steps in when depradation is too much

LEHR, N.D. — Deer stand by the dozens from the swales surrounding the Boschee Brothers ranch in south-central Logan County, N.D.

Waiting.

As soon as humans leave the scene, they’re drawn like magnets to the rows of large round hay bales picturesque farmstead among the Coteau Hills.

• Destructive deer

SURE in 2010?

FARGO, N.D. — Farmers and ranchers have until close of business March 15 to buy insurance that could make them eligible for the 2010 federal “permanent” disaster program known as SURE.

• Keep loss records now for LIP program

Keep loss records now for LIP program

FARGO, N.D. — Livestock producers who lose animals because of weather should think ahead to keep inventory and death records for the Livestock Indemnity Program, says Aaron Krauter, state executive director for North Dakota Farm Service Agency.

• SURE in 2010?