By Sarah Fielder
USDA Delays GIPSA Rules A federal rule announce in late December by USDA was to go into effect on April 22, but USDA announced the rule will be delayed for six-months. The rule was designed to make it easier for contract growers to sue companies. The rule has been controversial since it was proposed in 2010. To learn more about the on-going debate around the rule, see the recent AP story http://bit.ly/2osm0pe.
Jury Deliberating Fate of Six Men Who Supported Cliven Bundy in 2014 Standoff Six supporters of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy currently have their fates being deliberated by a jury in Nevada. The six supporters faced numerous federal criminal charges related to the 2014 standoff. The standoff has become a symbol for the struggles in the West over federal land ownership of grazing lands. To see more on the criminal cases, click here http://bit.ly/2p1R95J.
Succession Tools for Younger Generations Considering how the farm will pass to the next generation is often a conversation that many families do not want to have. Successful Farming this week posted a story on ways the younger generation can start the conversation to begin the process. Developing a succession plan will ensure that the next generation has the tools necessary to keep the operation a success into the future. Click here to read the story http://bit.ly/2p1Fzb4.
Federal Court Reverses EPA Final Rule Back in 2008, EPA announced an exemption for animal feeding operations from reporting ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions. Environmental and animal welfare groups sued EPA seeking the rule be reversed. This week the DC Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that rule. To see more about the ruling, click here http://bit.ly/2peVy2f
Value-Added Producer Grant Workshop– April 18, 10a.m.-2p.m., University of Maryland Eastern Shore, to register go here.