ROCKINGHAM - As part of the ongoing mission of the Richmond Observer to provide expansive coverage of current events, we offer the following links to allow ease of access to news garnering attention across the state and/or nation. These particular links relate to items of interest in conjunction with NC’s rural communities and agricultural developments.
1- For North Carolina tobacco farmers, trade tensions with China were causing them stress even before Hurricane Florence. Marketplace
Trump, China to talk trade at G20 SFN Today
Opinion: Whether it’s NAFTA or USMCA, Americans are better off when trade barriers are lifted The Hill
EU cleared to start talks on increasing U.S. beef imports SFN Today
2- A number of market factors— including the 2008 economic downturn that meant fewer planted trees that take 10 years to grow— mean that North Carolina tree farmers will have fewer Christmas trees available this year. WUNC
3- Even before Hurricanes Florence and Michael struck farmers in North Carolina and around the Southeast, this was a difficult year for farmers. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall writes about visiting his home state, Georgia, and encouraging people to help farmers and ranchers recover and rebuild. American Farm Bureau
4- A USDA Agricultural Research Service scientist in Raleigh is working to develop higher protein, high-yield soybeans to meet consumer demand for more protein. Southeast Farm Press
5- The Harris Teeter and Trader Joe’s recalls are a little broader than first reported, and salads, entrees, pizzas and more are being pulled from shelves. USA Today
Scientists look to new technologies to make food safer Knowable Magazine
6- A federal judge has upheld a verdict against Monsanto over a California groundskeeper’s claim that the company’s RoundUp products caused his cancer, but reduced the award. Monsanto says it will appeal. Brownfield Ag News
7- When creating a farm succession plan, factoring in the sweat equity of those who would be taking over the farm can complicate how assets are distributed. Medium
8- USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has said he will meet, and maybe exceed, President Trump’s directive to agencies to cut spending by 5 percent. SFN Today
9- Minnesota-based Cargill plays a role in almost everything that touches your dinner plate, and is focusing new efforts on seafood. Forbes
Cargill develops industry-first robotic cattle driver FarmJournal AgTech
10- The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 27, and you can search for a location site near you to dispose of prescription medications. Take Back Day
Editor's note: It is the policy of the Richmond Observer to print news release material in its original format, as it was received, with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.
