Is a Bumblebee a Fish and Smithfield Shutting California Operations
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with the Agribusiness Update.**Can a bumblebee be considered a fish? A California state appeals thinks so.
The appellate ruling reversed a lower court decision, which had blocked the state from listing the bumblebee under the California Endangered Species Act and granting the insect protection as fish.
Farm groups argue that granting endangered status for bumblebees could affect farming activities, including growing crops, grazing and pesticide and herbicide applications.
**Many of agriculture’s leading groups are reacting positively to the expected nomination of Doug McKalip to be the chief agricultural negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.
McKalip has been a key ag policy official for three decades, and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says that makes him a great choice for the post.
The U.S. Grains Council says McKalip will be able to use his strong background in farm and trade policy and his knowledge of biotechnology to advance U.S. global trade priorities.
**Smithfield Foods is stopping all harvest and processing operations in Vernon, California, in 2023 due to the rising cost of doing business in the state.
The company will also better align its hog production system by reducing its sow herd in the western region.
That means the company will shrink the size of its sow herd in Utah and is looking at options to exit farms in Arizona and California.