PCN water supply forecasts mixed - AgMinute for January 30, 2015

Irrigation water supplies for Washington and Idaho are shaping up to be adequate overall for the coming growing season. Oregon's outlook is yet uncertain, however, and California is again facing deficits. Click here for the full story

IDFA: Regulations hinder innovation, opportunity - AgMinute for January 29, 2015

International Dairy Foods Association, representing processors, is calling for changes in milk pricing and product standards to allow for innovation to meet the needs of growing and changing consumer demand. Click here for the full story

USDA cannot restrict GMO pine - AgMinute for January 28, 2015

A genetically modified variety of pine developed by Arborgen cannot be restricted by USDA, the agency has determined. Click here for the full story

Bird flu hits first U.S. commercial poultry flock - AgMinute for January 27, 2015

Highly pathogenic bird flu has struck a commercial turkey flock in California’s Central Valley, escalating the virus’ threat to the U.S. poultry industry. Click here for the full story

Idaho bean meetings to focus on direct harvest of edible beans - AgMinute for January 26, 2015

Direct harvest of dry beans will be the focus of bean meetings Jan. 29 and 30 in Twin Falls and Nampa, Idaho. An update on Gowan Co's reintroduction of its Eptam 20G herbicide will also be provided during the free meetings. Click here for the full story

DOL complicates minimum wage enforcement, attorney says - AgMinute for January 23, 2015

The U.S. Department of Labor plans to change its enforcement of minimum wage law for piece rate workers, potentially complicating record keeping for farmers. Click here for the full story

Raisin ruling may impact crop volume controls - AgMinute for January 22, 2015

A farmer's legal challenge to USDA's marketing order for raisins will be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court and could have an impact on other volume controls for crops. Click here for the full story

GM sugar beets save Idaho, Oregon growers millions - AgMinute for January 21, 2015

Genetically modified sugar beets have resulted in a positive impact of about $22 million to Idaho growers since they began planting them in 2008, according to Snake River Sugar Co. Click here for the full story

U.S. ag sees potential in Cuba trade - AgMinute for January 20, 2015

U.S. ag organizations pushing to end the U.S. embargo on Cuba contend there is plenty of opportunity in Cuba if the U.S. government allowed the country to purchase U.S. food and ag commodities on credit rather than cash in advance. Click here for the full story

Idaho embezzlement case continued - AgMinute for January 19, 2015

BLACKFOOT, Idaho — A preliminary hearing has been continued until Feb. 19 in the case of a former local fresh potato shed employee charged with embezzling funds. Click here for the full story

Idaho net farm income jumped 46 percent in 2014 - AgMinute for January 16, 2015

An 11 percent increase in total farm revenue in 2013, coupled with a 6 percent decrease in expenses, resulted in a 46 percent increase in net farm income for Idaho farmers last year. Click here for the full story

Idaho wine industry has $169 million impact on economy - AgMinute for January 15, 2015

A new impact study shows Idaho's wine industry brought in almost $170 million to Idaho's economy in 2013. It was also responsible for 1,226 full-time equivalent jobs. Click here for the full story

Otter’s budget includes $1.53 million more for ag research - AgMinute for January 14, 2015

Gov. Butch Otter's proposed fiscal year 2016 budget includes additional funding for ag research, wolf control efforts, sage grouse preservation, ag education and rangeland management. Click here for the full story

Stallman sees challenges, opportunities for farmers - AgMinute for January 13, 2015

SAN DIEGO — Bob Stallman’s vision for the future of American agriculture includes a consuming public that understands modern farming and ranching is a business that involves significant risk and tough decisions. Click here for the full story

Figures show US-Cuba trade hit decade low last year - AgMinute for January 12, 2015

U.S. exports to Cuba hit one of their lowest points in a decade last year, a demonstration of the longstanding barriers to trade that will hamper President Barack Obama’s recent move to expand ties, new figures showed Monday. Click here for the full story

Push for national chicken cage standards stalls - AgMinute for January 9, 2015

California's 2008 Prop 2 mandating more space for egg-laying hens is going into effect but federal hen welfare legislation seems dead. Click here for the full story

Federal mediator to help West Coast ports contract dispute - AgMinute for January 8, 2015

A federal mediator is getting involved in stalled contract talks between West Coast dockworkers and their employers. Click here for the full story

‘Perfect storm’ pushes onion prices below costs - AgMinute for January 7, 2015

Onion prices have dropped significantly and are below the cost of production for most growers. The West Coast port slowdown, a decline in exports and the Russian embargo are some of the many factors causing the price decrease. Click here for the full story

Processors ship fries by air to ease shortages in Japan - AgMinute for January 6, 2015

Some processors have flown french fries to Japan, seeking to keep markets intact in the face of West Coast dock worker labor stoppages and slowdowns. Click here for the full story

Farm Service Agency offers new insurance buy-up - AgMinute for January 5, 2015

A new USDA Farm Service Agency insurance option has broad appeal for hay and grass seed growers, according to an agency official. Click here for the full story

NASS to survey organic producers across U.S. - AgMinute for January 2, 2015

The USDA is conducting a survey of organic producers across the United States as a follow-up to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Click here for the full story

Analysts ponder whether cattle, beef prices can go higher - AgMinute for January 1, 2015

Rabobank analysts say it remains to be seen whether constrained supply and strong demand have set a new norm for cattle and beef prices or whether they could go even higher in 2015. Click here for the full story

Longshoremen blame terminal operators for port congestion - AgMinute for December 31, 2014

Longshoremen are blaming port congestion on container terminal operators but have not decided whether to let federal mediators participate in labor contract negotiations. Click here for the full story