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
FCC says with Productivity Gains, Canada’s Food Manufacturing Sector Could Add $40 Billion Friday, June 5, 2026 Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector could deliver a major economic boost over the next decade, but only if productivity growth accelerates, according to a new report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The report, , outlines how achieving three per cent annual GDP growth could add... Read this article online
North American Farm Groups Unite to Strengthen USMCA/CUSMA Ahead of 2026 Review Friday, June 5, 2026 Agricultural organizations from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico are presenting a unified message to governments: protect and strengthen the North American trade framework that underpins the continent’s food system. The letter, addressed to senior trade officials in all... Read this article online
FCC Investment Boosts Farm Lending Canada Growth Thursday, June 4, 2026 Farm Lending Canada (FLC) has received a strategic investment from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) to improve access to financing for farmers across Canada. This investment forms part of FCC’s broader plan to invest$2 billionin the agriculture and food sector by the year 2030. The funding aims... Read this article online
CAHI Honours Leaders in Animal Health Canada 2026 Thursday, June 4, 2026 The Canadian Animal Health Institute(CAHI)recognized outstanding leaders in the nation’s animal health sector during its 2026 annual awards event. The awards highlighted individuals who have made meaningful contributions to improving animal health, strengthening policy, and supporting... Read this article online
Canola Storage Tips Keep Crops Market Ready Thursday, June 4, 2026 Farmers knowproper storage is important tomaintaincanola quality and ensure it meets market standards. One major concern for growers is the use of malathion in storage bins. Malathion residue can remain in bins for many months after treatment. This residue can transfer to canola seeds,... Read this article online