The House Agriculture Committee has launched a new website with an updated design that is compatible with phones, tablets and desktops. The new website can be found at the same link: agriculture.house.gov. “I’m proud of our new website, that makes it easier for folks to navigate and find out what the committee is up to,” said Chairman Collin C. Peterson. … Read More
Secretary Sonny Perdue visits #CattleCon19
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, visited with the media during the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show prior to his remarks at the closing general session. The first topic of the press conference was on trade and it was obvious he really wanted to talk about it. He said the top priority for ag groups is trade, trade, … Read More
Sen. Moran Hosts Townhall at #AFBF19
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) hosted a townhall meeting at the 100th American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show on Sunday in New Orleans. Moran, together with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a resolution last week recognizing AFBF’s 100th anniversary and celebrating their long history representing farmers across the United States. “For a century, American Farm Bureau … Read More
Sen. Roberts Addresses #AFBF19
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), who just announced he will be retiring from Congress after his current term ends in 2020, addressed some 7,000 members of the American Farm Bureau Federation at the organization’s 100th annual convention Sunday in New Orleans. Known for his caustic wit and straight talk, as well as his dedication to the agriculture community, … Read More
Farm Bill Poised for Passage
The Senate voted 87-13 yesterday to pass the 2018 Farm Bill approved by the conference committee this week and the House is expected to do so soon. “We think the farm bill’s in very good shape,” said President Trump as he sat down with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), just before getting into a spat with … Read More
USDA and FDA to Jointly Regulate Cell-Cultured Meat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced plans to jointly oversee the production of cell-cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry, better known by meat producers as “fake meat.” The joint regulatory framework would include FDA overseeing cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation. A transition from FDA to USDA … Read More
Farm Bill Conference Committee Meets This Week
The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee will hold its first public meeting this week on Wednesday, September 5 at 9:30 am Eastern. Agriculture Committee Chairmen Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Members Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., announced the meeting last month, saying that they are “committed to working together … Read More
FDA Considering Fake Meat and Milk
The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is spending time this month discussing meat and milk. Last week, FDA held a public meeting to discuss foods produced using animal cell culture technology – mainly lab-grown fake meat products – and which agency should be in charge of regulating. The meat industry believes fake meat should be regulated by USDA. “Any … Read More
Scott Pruitt Resigns From EPA
Well, here’s news that probably won’t upset too many people I know. I’m actually amazed that this didn’t happen much sooner. Of course this had to happen during a pretty much vacation week for the ZimmComm Team and many, many other folks. Here’s some industry reaction on the announcement. I think you can sum it up that everyone is pretty … Read More
All Ag News DC Audio
Last week was a busy one in Washington DC and that gave Tony St. James plenty of news to discuss with lawmakers and industry leaders during his second annual All Ag, All Day DC Capitol Ag Tour. The purpose of the event is to talk with Congressional Representatives (House & Senate) who have a hand in policy that affects agriculture … Read More