Ag in the News

10/26/2007

National and International

Committee approves farm bill, debate expected on Senate floor
The Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday approved its version of the 2007 farm bill, sending the legislation to the full Senate, where debate is expected on a number of issues. MORE!

Sara Lee names new board member, raises quarterly dividend
Sara Lee stockholders elected Norman Sorensen, president and CEO of Principal International, as a new member of the company's board of directors. MORE!

Plants honored for environmental management
The American Meat Institute has honored 140 plants for achievements in environmental management through AMI's two Environmental MAPS award programs. MORE!

Live from MIRC: AMI preparing to take on upcoming cancer report
CHICAGO — Without even having read a word of the World Cancer Research Fund Report, which is due for "synchronized global release" on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, the American Meat Institute is readying its response to findings relevant to meat, AMI Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Janet Riley told attendees of the Meat Industry Research Conference at Chicago's McCormick Place this week. MORE!

Wrap Up

Farm bill reactions. There are varying reactions to the Senate Ag Committee's version of the farm bill they approved Thursday. Acting USDA Secretary Chuck Conner said the bill isn't as strong on reform as the administration would like and others still want additional changes once the bill hits the Senate floor.

Crude keeps rising. Crude oil futures marked a new high of $92.22 in overnight trade. The weaker dollar continues to support crude oil along with the geo-political situation relative to Iran and U.S. sanctions announced Thursday.

Smaller Aussie crop. The Australian state of New South Wales says their wheat crop may only be 1.67 million metric tons (MMT), down some 25% from the level forecast in late September. It would also be below the 2.05 MMT the state produced last year under severe drought conditions.