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
Essential Pre-Season Seeder Prep Every Farmer Should Do Tuesday, February 17, 2026 A successful planting season starts long before the tractor hits the field. Whether you run an air seeder, box drill, or precision planter, proper preseason maintenance ensures accurate seed placement, consistent emergence, and fewer costly breakdowns. Here is a guide to getting your... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Feb. 9 – 13 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 John Barlow, the Conservative agriculture critic, wanted answers about Canada’s dealings with China and how it pertains to canola farmers. On Feb. 12, and citing a Reuters report, Barlow asked for clarification about when Canadian canola farmers would see the tariff relief the prime... Read this article online
AWC Helps Women Navigate Hard Moments in Agriculture Tuesday, February 17, 2026 In these difficult economic times in agriculture, you may be needing to have a few hard conversations. When a conversation feels tough, it’s often because something meaningful is on the line — a relationship, a job, respect, expectations, or even your own boundaries. No wonder your nervous... Read this article online
Kelle Neufeld Appointed New General Manager of Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention Tuesday, February 17, 2026 The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC), whose annual convention is Feberuary 18 and19, has named Kelle Neufeld as its new General Manager, effective May 1, 2026. Neufeld brings more than 12 years of experience in the Canadian agriculture sector, with a career focused on... Read this article online
OPP Wrangle Runaway Horses Monday, February 16, 2026 Earlier this month, Lambton County residents saw a bit of unexpected horsepower trotting through Enniskillen Township—minus the engine. According to OPP West Region, officers were called out to rescue a loose horse that had taken itself on a brisk winter outing. Under the... Read this article online