Tennessee backs down on ag-gag law Monday, August 5, 2013 In June's Better Pork, we reported that lawmakers voted to make Tennessee the latest state to approve a so-called "ag-gag" law, a bill to make it illegal to record animal cruelty incidents on livestock farms without reporting them to the police right away.Just after we went to press, Tennessee Republican governor Bill Haslam vetoed the bill, following the opinion of his Democratic attorney general that it wouldn't pass a constitutional challenge, freedom of speech being nearly as important in that country as freedom to own a gun.According to Meatingplace.com, Haslam also cited concerns that the new law might take away reporters' rights to gather information for stories, and that it might be harder to prosecute legitimate animal cruelty cases "as an unintended consequence."As well, a number of Tennessee celebrities jumped on the bandwagon, among them songwriter Emmylou Harris, country music singer Carrie Underwood and even Priscilla Presley. The Humane Society of the United States sees it as a victory; the Animal Agriculture Alliance, which writes and speaks out against animal rights legislation, is not pleased. BP A Chinese takeover of Smithfields? The battle of the polls over gestation stalls
New Pivot Technology Helps Farmers Manage Water Better Friday, October 9, 2026 Centre-pivot irrigation systems could offer farmers more than water delivery, with new technology helping transform the equipment into a mobile field-monitoring platform. Autonomous Pivot is developing a system that collects real-time information to support irrigation planning and crop... Read this article online
Second Harvest Reports Rising Demand for Food Aid Friday, October 9, 2026 Community organizations across Canada are facing growing pressure as more people seek assistance to meet their basic food needs. New findings from Second Harvest’s The State of Food Charity in Canada survey reveal increasing demand for food assistance, leaving many organizations struggling... Read this article online
Western Canada’s Premier Fall Livestock Showcase Friday, October 9, 2026 Manitoba AG EX is the province’s largest all-breeds cattle show. Drawing top breeders, livestock exhibitors, and industry leaders from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Held each fall in Brandon, Manitoba AG EX is more than just a cattle show, it’s a celebration of agricultural... Read this article online
Regina Food Bank Opens Indoor Farm to Grow Fresh Produce Year-Round with Support From FCC Friday, October 9, 2026 The Regina Food Bank has officially opened Regina's first modular indoor farm, a hydroponic growing system designed to provide a steady supply of fresh leafy greens throughout the year, including during Saskatchewan's harsh winter months. Supported by a $250,000 contribution from Farm... Read this article online
Small Plane Crashes Near Fergus Into a Corn Field Friday, October 9, 2026 A small aircraft crashed into a corn field north of Fergus on Friday morning, sparking a fire and prompting a major emergency response in rural Wellington County. Witnesses reported hearing unusual noises from the aircraft before the collision, while police and aviation authorities... Read this article online