U.S. Potato Board unveils new price elasticity tool - AgMinute for March 31, 2015

A new tool developed for the U.S. Potato Board analyzes how the price fluctuations of fresh potato products affect demand. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Congress in no hurry to pass meat-labeling fix - AgMinute for March 30, 2015

Congress is apparently waiting for the outcome of the U.S.' appeal of a World Trade Organization ruling against its mandatory meat-labeling rule before crafting a bill to avert potential trade sanctions by Canada and Mexico, which complain the rule creates a competitive disadvantage for their livestock. Click here for the full story

Perennial rice coming soon, perennial wheat? - AgMinute for March 27, 2015

Perennial rice may soon be available to farmers in China and Australia, but researchers are mixed on how long it will take a perennial wheat to make its way to U.S. farmers. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Bill would create organic-type labels for non-GMO foods - AgMinute for March 26, 2015

The proposed government-certified label would allow companies that want to advertise their foods as GMO-free to do so, but it would not be mandatory for others. Click here for the full story

Northwest hop acreage continues to grow - AgMinute for March 25, 2015

The March 1 inventory of hops is slightly down but acreage is expected to keep growing this year as the craft brewing industry drives demand. Click here for the full story

Canadian government approves GM apples - AgMinute for March 24, 2015

Two Canadian agencies have approved genetically modified apples that were developed in British Columbia. They have also been approved in the U.S. Click here for the full story

Federal lawsuit takes on Idaho's Ag Security Act - AgMinute for March 23, 2015

The dairy group that authored Idaho’s Agricultural Security Act will not be allowed to intervene in a federal lawsuit against the law. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

OSU scouting program confirms onion thrips - AgMinute for March 20, 2015

An Oregon State University scouting program has confirmed onion thrips — tiny, winged insects that spread iris yellow spot virus in onion fields — are reproducing in Western Idaho and Malheur County, Ore., nearly a month early. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Bird flu strikes third California poultry farm - AgMinute for March 19, 2015

Bird flu has struck a third commercial poultry farm in Central California, according to a report posted Wednesday by the World Organization for Animal Health. Click here for the full story

Dairy price outlook not as rosy as futures market - AgMinute for March 18, 2015

Dairy analysts warn U.S. dairy suppliers and milk producers against putting too much faith in current futures pricing, which they say is presenting a false "slope of hope." Click here for the full story

U.S. Potato Board boosts salad bar program - AgMinute for March 17, 2015

The U.S. Potato Board has approved a proposal to match industry donations to buy salad bars for school cafeterias. Click here for the full story

Meat industry fights new dietary proposal - AgMinute for March 16, 2015

A government advisory committee relegated the health benefits of lean meat to a footnote in its dietary recommendations. Click here for the full story

Sheep industry fears loss of herder H-2A visa provisions - AgMinute for March 13, 2015

Sheep producers are concerned that a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor regarding special provisions for open-range livestock herders through the H-2A visa program could make open-range operations unviable. Click here for the full story

Study shows potential health benefits of GM potato - AgMinute for March 12, 2015

A new study out of Iowa State University suggests the potential health benefits of J.R. Simplot's genetically engineered Innate potato may outweigh consumer concerns about biotechnology. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Firefighting plan aims to protect Western habitat - AgMinute for March 11, 2015

The intent is to protect greater sage grouse habitat while contending with fires that have been especially destructive in the Great Basin region of Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and California. Click here for the full story

Deadly bird flu strain confirmed in Missouri, Minnesota - AgMinute for March 10, 2015

The virus is the same highly pathogenic H5N2 strain of avian influenza that’s been confirmed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Minnesota. Click here for the full story

USPB fills new research director position - AgMinute for March 9, 2015

The U.S. Potato Board has created a new position to coordinate industry research efforts. Click here for the full story

Cuba looks north to U.S. farmers for help with food crisis - AgMinute for March 6, 2015

Cuba spends roughly $2 billion a year to import about 80 percent of its food and a long-standing humanitarian exception to the trade embargo allows U.S. farmers to fill some of that demand. Click here for the full story

U.S. firm buys Canadian GM apple company - AgMinute for March 5, 2015

The Canadian company that developed a genetically modified apple is being purchased by a U.S. firm. The transaction is to be completed in the first half of this year. Click here for the full story

Comment period extension requested for 2015 Dietary Guidelines report - AgMinute for March 4, 2015

The North American Meat Institute has asked USDA and Department of Health and Human Services to extend the comment period for the scientific report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee from 45 days to 120 days. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Study shows countries distort wheat trade - AgMinute for March 3, 2015

U.S. Wheat Associates says a study shows that the governments of India, China, Turkey, Brazil and Thailand have increased trade-distorting subsidies for wheat, corn and rice production beyond their World Trade Organization agreements. Click here for the full story

Expert: Dairy farmers should be ready to counter criticism - AgMinute for March 2, 2015

Communications professor Robert Gass recently gave dairymen some pointers on countering criticisms of milk production. Click here for the full story