South maintains clout on Ag Committee with new member
Republican Sen. Kelly Leoffler, who took office on Monday, will replace fellow Georgian David Perdue on the Senate Agriculture Committee in a step that will assure a strong southern bloc on the panel.
Burdened by debt, Borden files for bankruptcy reorganization
Once the world’s largest dairy operator, Borden Dairy said it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, aiming to reduce its debt load “and position the company for long-term success.”
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Lake Erie to see more ag runoff (Columbus Dispatch): Ohio state officials are issuing new permits for livestock farms in watersheds that drain into the western basin of Lake Erie, despite signs that the goal of reducing phosphorus runoff will not be achieved.
Roundup faces competition (Wall Street Journal): With Monsanto mired in lawsuits about whether its cornerstone herbicide, Roundup, causes cancer, other agrochemical companies are stepping in to create the next big weedkiller.
Ruling shakes plant board’s standing (Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette): The Arkansas state Plant Board voted to appeal a circuit court ruling that declared the board unconstitutional because of the way it chooses its members. The board had restricted Monsanto’s dicamba herbicide and was sued by the company.
Strong exports to boost pork prices (farmdoc Daily): Hog prices should be profitable for much of 2020, thanks to larger pork exports, especially to Asia.
Tractor envy (Star Tribune): While it might sound outmoded, some farmers are eager to buy vintage tractors at auction because they think the older models are easier to repair and last longer than newfangled ones.
