Agri-Pulse staff

Critics of the close relationship between National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Beef Board will be disappointed by the findings of a new USDA Inspector General's report, which finds the two organizations are carrying out the $52 million beef checkoff program according to the law and

Biotechnology and a beef cattle disorder known as BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) are among the most common issues used by foreign countries to build unscientific barriers for U.S. exports, according to a Report on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Barriers to Trade released today by the Unit

Obama reiterated his call Friday to create a national infrastructure bank that would aim to provide increased funds to upgrade and rebuild the nation’s crumbling roads, bridges, and ports.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposed rule today to establish stricter vehicle emissions standards and reduce the sulfur content of gasoline.

Cantor raises hopes that a comprehensive immigration reform bill is possible in Congress.

President Barack Obama met with African leaders on Thursday, pledging that the United States is going to be a strong partner that will continue to engage them through the Millennium Challenge

Corn growers will plant 97.3 million corn acres in 2013, according to reports released today by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The USDA report is based on approximately 80,000 farmer surveys and is the first indication of planting intentions for this year.

Certain beef products are not consistently being tested for E. coli, according to an audit report from the USDA Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) needs to ensure that all components of ground beef are included in the agency’s E. coli testing program,

Dallas Tonsager, under secretary of agriculture for rural development, said today that he is leaving May 3 after nearly four years in the job. He did not announce future plans but said that he has “some great opportunities,” mostly in Washington.

Syngenta and Bayer CropScience today proposed an action plan to address bee health, following an inconclusive vote from the European Commission on banning neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides produced by the companies that some studies link to bee deaths.