The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has released a report highlighting examples of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) illegally asserting jurisdiction over features that are traditionally exempt from the Clean Water Act. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals is continuing their nationwide stay on enforcement of EPA’s “waters of the United States” final rule, but according to this … Read More
IAWA Moves Forward with Conservation Strategy
Water quality continues to be on the forefront for the state of Iowa and the initiative tasked with overcoming challenges and pioneering solutions in relation to agriculture – the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) – has now unveiled a conservation strategy. The announcement was made during the 2016 Farm Progress Show by Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. As part of … Read More
NMPF Supports Investments to Improve Water & Air Quality
The National Milk Producers Federation endorses new Senate legislation that would help dairy farmers increase their investment in technologies that can improve water and air quality and maximize the value of nutrients. Senate Bill 3248, introduced by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) of the Senate Finance Committee, mirrors legislation introduced by the House of Representatives in June. … Read More
Hydration Tips from Sav-A-Chick ?
Adjusting birds’ water in the summer can help them continue to thrive as temperatures rise, and Sav-A-Chick products has some tips to help keep chickens hydrated and reduce heat stress this summer. “On average, a flock of seven adult birds should drink one gallon of water per day. Water is a great opportunity to provide additional nutrients,” says Julian (Skip) … Read More
Finger Millet Saves Water in Dairy Production
As the sustained increase in dairy production throughout the Southern High Plains region of West Texas and New Mexico continues to stretch the area’s Ogallala Aquifer beyond capacity, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have looked to the efforts of Indian cattle farmers for an attempt to lower the area’s water usage. The potential solution involves replacing corn silage and … Read More
Interior Appropriations Bill Advances through Committee
The Public Lands Council (PLC) and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) report that the House Committee on Appropriations favorably voted the FY 2017 Interior and Environment appropriations bill to the House of Representatives by a vote of 31-18. The bill addresses a number of priorities for the livestock industry, including language regarding the Greater Sage Grouse and full defunding of … Read More
NPPC Update on Trademark Lawsuit, WOTUS & Trade
As the policy arm for the U.S. pork sector, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has a number of hot button issues impacting the industry as we speak. During the 2016 World Pork Expo, NPPC President, John Weber, sat down with me to give an update on the Pork The Other White Meat lawsuit, Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and … Read More
Landowners Rights Upheld Challenging WOTUS
The Supreme Court in United States Army Corps of Engineers v. Hawkes Co., Inc., set a precedent that landowners may challenge the Corps’ jurisdictional determination specifying that a piece of property contains a “water of the United States.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) filed an amicus brief in support of Hawkes. NCBA President Tracy Brunner, said this is a … Read More
Thristy Land Debut Huge Success
As a hush came over the theater and the lights went down for the opening scene of the documentary Thirsty Land, the sound of rain pounding on the roof served as background noise. A bit ironic. Especially in light of meeting a community in California that has run out of water. Thirsty Land, directed and produced by Conrad Weaver, focuses … Read More
Enter USPOULTRY 2016 Clean Water Awards
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is accepting applications for the 2016 Clean Water Awards until June 30. The awards recognize outstanding performance of wastewater treatment plants that operate at poultry or egg processing facilities. Winners will be announced at USPOULTRY’s 2016 Environmental Management Seminar to be held Sept. 22 – 23, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & … Read More