Mink prices drop as global production rises - AgMinute for April 29, 2014

Mink pelt prices have plummeted recently, following years of sustained growth, according to Fur Commission USA Executive Director Michael Whelan. Click here for the full story

Vermont passes GMO labeling bill - AgMinute for April 28, 2014

Vermont lawmakers have passed the country’s first state bill to require the labeling of genetically modified foods, underscoring a division between powerful lobbyists for the U.S. food industry and an American public that overwhelmingly says it approves of the idea. Click here for the full story

Idaho dairymen ask to join lawsuit - AgMinute for April 25, 2014

Idaho Dairymen's Association has filed a petition to intervene in a lawsuit against the state of Idaho brought by ACLU and others challenging the state's new ag security law. The law is aimed at preventing animal activists from accessing livestock operations deceitfully to record alleged evidence of animal abuse. Click here for the full story

March U.S. milk production up 1.1 percent - AgMinute for April 24, 2014

Milk production in the 23 major dairy states, at 16.7 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent in March over March 2013. Total cow numbers were up 1,000 head from February, with production per cow 209 pounds above February. Click here for the full story

Biotech wheat talks make ‘some progress’ - AgMinute for April 23, 2014

Several farmers and biotech developer Monsanto have made “some progress” in negotiations to settle lawsuits over an unauthorized release of genetically engineered wheat last year. Click here for the full story

Board directs railroads to deliver fertilizer - AgMinute for April 22, 2014

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has directed railroads to outline their plans to deliver fertilizer so farmers can use it to plant their crops. More work is needed to keep rail traffic flowing smoothly, says transportation consultant Terry Whiteside. Click here for the full story

NAWG supports GMO labeling proposal - AgMinute for April 21, 2014

The National Association of Wheat Growers supports the proposed Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. If passed, the legislation would help provide clarity to the GMO issue, says Will Stafford, director of government affairs for trade, transportation and commodity markets. Click here for the full story

Dairy margin insurance offers flexibility - AgMinute for April 18, 2014

The new dairy margin protection program in the farm bill provides a better safety net and more flexibility to producers, offering them another risk-management tool. With an expected short sign-up period, producers are being encouraged to start running the scenarios of coverage and what might work best for their operations. Click here for the full story

ISDA enacts temporary ring rot rules - AgMinute for April 17, 2014

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has implemented temporary rules governing bacterial ring rot in potatoes. Click here for the full story

Cash for clean water - AgMinute for April 16, 2014

A proposal that has been tabled for this year would allow farmers and ranchers to be paid to help other entities such as cities meet federally mandated water quality standards. Bill supporters plan to bring it back next year. Click here for the full story

Idaho water situation continues to improve - AgMinute for April 15, 2014

A series of snow and rain storms in March and April improved the southwestern Idaho water supply situation significantly and water supply managers now expect a normal irrigation season. Click here for the full story

Rabobank: Strong beef markets to continue - AgMinute for April 14, 2014

Tight cattle supplies, drought in U.S., Brazil and Australia and extraordinary growth in China's beef imports add up to positive fundamentals in the global beef arena. Click here for the full story

Idaho growers step up mustard acres - AgMinute for April 11, 2014

Eastern Idaho's mustard acreage is poised to make a significant jump. Click here for the full story

Organic apples may run out sooner than usual - AgMinute for April 10, 2014

Prices and demand for organic apples are so good that Washington shippers will run out of them sooner this season. Marketers say it's fueled by a growing organic lifestyle and retailers willing to trim profit margins. Click here for the full story

Idaho dry bean acres increasing - AgMinute for April 9, 2014

Idaho farmers expect to plant 17 percent more dry bean acres in 2014 compared with 2013, according to USDA estimates. Click here for the full story

Ag groups seek answer on Idaho dust rule - AgMinute for April 8, 2014

A disagreement between Idaho regulators and farm leaders over a 1972 fugitive dust law will be addressed through the state's negotiated rule-making process. Ag groups worry the law could be used to fine farmers for creating dust. Click here for the full story

Idaho increases barley acreage - AgMinute for April 7, 2014

Idaho growers anticipate increasing their barley acres, while the other major barley states plan to plant less. Click here for the full story

Analysts predict profitable year for dairymen - AgMinute for April 4, 2014

U.S. farmers are expected to plant 4 percent fewer acres of corn this year, increase soybean acres by 6 percent and hold steady on hay acres, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistic Service. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Idaho farmers increase corn acreage - AgMinute for April 3, 2014

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho — Significantly more corn will be planted in Idaho than last year, though the national crop acreage will drop, according to a recent USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service planting intentions report. Click here for the full story

March rain, snow eases drought in Northwest - AgMinute for April 2, 2014

A wet March followed a wet February throughout the Pacific Northwest, further improving the water outlook for regional growers. Click here for the full story

Appeals court declines to halt meat COOL rule - AgMinute for April 1, 2014

A federal appeals court dealt another setback for opponents of mandatory country-of-origin labeling, agreeing with a lower court that the rule likely doesn't violate the First Amendment or cause irreparable harm to the meat industry. Click here for the full story