Coping with the wild boar invasion Monday, August 5, 2013 There's a place where pork producers and the Humane Society of the United States can agree. Wild pigs have no place in New York State.According to the Wall Street Journal in June, the Humane Society was urging New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign legislation making it illegal to import, possess, sell or release invasive wild pigs in the state. Not that they aren't already there. They are also known as Eurasian boars, notorious for escaping their fenced enclosures and establishing breeding populations throughout the state. A minimum of a $500 fine would be imposed for breaking the law.Brian Shapiro, New York state director for the Humane Society, is quoted as saying in a press release: "For too long, these invasive species have been escaping fenced enclosures and wreaking havoc on our environment. We are grateful to our sponsors and the legislature for recognizing the importance of protecting our native wildlife and livestock and strongly urge Governor Cuomo to sign this critical legislation right away."Earlier in June, the society applauded Vermont governor Peter Shumlin for stopping captive hunts of wild boars in that state. BP Tighter rules may be on the way for castration A Chinese takeover of Smithfields?
Grain Markets Climb on Weather and Supply Concerns Monday, August 17, 2026 Grain markets finished higher during the week ending August 14, 2026, as traders reacted to a supportive USDA August crop report, changing weather conditions across the U.S. Midwest, and continued geopolitical concerns affecting global grain supplies. The latest Farms.com Risk... Read this article online
National Citizens Inquiry hosting public ag hearings in Alberta Monday, August 17, 2026 An organization is hosting three days of conversations about agriculture in Alberta. The National Citizens Inquiry (NCI), an independent and citizen-led initiative launched in November 2022 to investigate Canadian government responses to COVID-19, is hosting “Are Farmers Safe in Canada?”... Read this article online
Canadian Ag Minister Works to Strengthen US Farm Trade Ties at Iowa State Fair Monday, August 17, 2026 Canada’s agriculture sector took center stage at one of America’s most recognized agricultural events as Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald travelled to the Iowa State Fair to promote closer ties between Canadian and U.S. farm industries. Joined by Canada’s Ambassador... Read this article online
Flash Drought Threat Grows Across Southern Plains as Historic El Niño Builds Monday, August 17, 2026 After flooding, a derecho, storms, and wildfire smoke, asignificant shift in North America's weather pattern is creating a new set of challenges for farmers, with forecasters warning that flash drought conditions are becoming a growing concern across key agricultural regions of the United... Read this article online
Woolwich Farmland Fight - Petition Urges Council to Protect Prime Ontario Agricultural Land Monday, August 17, 2026 A proposal to redesignate 107acres of agricultural land in Woolwich Township for employment and industrial development is drawing increasing opposition from residents and farmland advocates who say the project would come at the expense of valuable farmland and the region's agricultural... Read this article online