Okeechobee dairy farmers Sutton and Kris Rucks have been been honored by the state of Florida as one of this year’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award winners. The award recognizes agricultural enterprises that are at the forefront of developing and adopting environmentally innovative farming practices. Nominees were reviewed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as industry and … Read More
Family Dairy Farm Wins Legal Fight, Can Expand Responsibly
A family dairy farm in Wisconsin has won a legal battle and can expand its operation responsibly. This news release from the Dairy Business Association (DBA) says that after protracted litigation, Kinnard Farms is allowed to expand without changes to its facility designs or nutrient management plan. The Kinnard brothers … now milk over 700 cows, which by law classifies … Read More
House Votes to Protect Private Property Rights
The House of Representatives passed HR 5078 Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014 in an attempt to halt the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed “Waters of the United States” rule. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council applaud the efforts of Rep. Southerland (R-Fla.) to block … Read More
EPA Finally Hands Over Maps of their WOTUS Proposal
The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology released maps of waters and wetlands the Environmental Protection Agency has to-date refrained from making public. After multiple requests, the Agency finally handed over the maps to the committee, which appear to detail the extent of the “Waters of the United States” proposal. “Given the astonishing picture they paint, I understand the … Read More
Ditch the Rule at Missouri State Fair
Agriculture’s “Ditch the Rule” campaign against the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule was highlighted at the Missouri State Fair this week. Three members of Missouri’s congressional delegation held a press conference at the fair, organized by the the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Farm Bureau. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), … Read More
Honoring Stewards of the Land
The cattle industry’s best stewards of the land were recognized at the recent Cattle Industry Summer Conference. The seven regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners will now compete for the national ESAP award, which will be announced at the 2015 Cattle Industry Annual Convention & NCBA Trade Show in San Antonia, TX. The 2014 regional winners are: Conlan Ranches California/True … Read More
NCBA's Environmental Committee Brings Packed House
Ashley McDonald, Environmental Council for NCBA, talked about what is on everybody’s minds here at the 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference. Waters of the United States (WOTUS) has become a household phrase over the last couple of months and she highlighted NCBA’s efforts to eliminate the EPA’s term ‘navigable’ from the Clean Water Act. “We are in the midst of … Read More
EPA Chief to Explain Water Rule in Missouri
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy will travel to Missouri this week to defend and explain the Administration’s proposed rules defining Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). “I’m hoping that this trip helps us ‘ditch the myths’ and misinformation,” said McCarthy during a media call this morning in an obvious reference to the American … Read More
2013 U.S. Diary Sustainability Report Released
The 2013 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report has been released by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. The report outlines the Center’s progress to measure, communicate and improve the social, environmental and economic performance of the diary industry. A key element of this has been the role the Center has played in aiding the diary industry in improving its sustainability programs … Read More
NPPC Environmental Issues Update
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) president-elect Dr. Ron Prestage of South Carolina provided an update on some environmental issues on the forefront for the hog industry during World Pork Expo last week. First of all, Prestage says pork producers are encouraged by Environmental Protection Agency administrator Gina McCarthy, who has been in the position for the past year or so. … Read More