Ed Maixner

A new, comprehensive discipline in the use of antibiotics for animals will apply to all animal care by the end of next year.

While the historic bird flu outbreak now afflicting the nations poultry producers may abate with advent of summer and warmer temperatures, the effects of the highly pathogenic H5N2 strain of the virus may be felt in production and markets through Thanksgiving and into next year.

The poultry industry's conversion toward more space for each laying hen is another California-hatched trend spreading its wings and settling in for the long term across the country.

A fight by California dairy farmers and their co-ops for a better deal in the milk market will probably come to a head by yearPs end, sparked by their move to ditch a state system that has guided their market for 48 years and, instead, form a federal milk marketing order in the

The output of several major crops in the Golden State is climbing while others have fallen as the drought, which began moderately one in 2012, continues to tighten its grip.

Look for the nation's hospitals to be increasingly fertile ground for producers to sell fruit and vegetables at farmers markets or via other direct local marketing.

Some emulsifiers, which are used to thicken processed foods and beverages, keep mixtures of liquids and particles in suspension and extend shelf life, may soon be challenged by consumers and regulators as unhealthy and harmful to the digestive system Ð spelling changes for food pr

As another winter grips the country, the plight of abandoned horses, often old and sick, and wild steeds roaming the West's public lands isn't likely to improve soon, say sources with animal welfare and horse organizations.