Mexico's SENASICA has confirmed a new New World screwworm case in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, less than 70 miles from the U.S. border. This northernmost detection poses a significant threat to the American cattle industry, prompting heightened surveillance and response efforts from the USDA.
Following a four-month fishing ban, fishing boats in Shandong Province, China, returned to sea, hoping for successful catches and improved earnings. The seasonal moratorium, implemented since 1995, has demonstrably helped replenish fish populations, leading to stable or growing catches of various species.
A UK homeowner, Claire Rands, was sentenced for the illegal removal of a protected 100-year-old lime tree from her garden, despite her claims of being unaware of the legal ramifications. After a lengthy legal battle, she faced a fine and prosecution costs while her husband was exonerated of any wrongdoing.
Fifteen police officers are being investigated for their alleged role in the abduction and suspected murder of at least 34 cockfighting fans, whose bodies were reportedly dumped in a lake. A key witness has accused a gambling tycoon of masterminding the killings, which occurred after the victims were accused of cheating.
Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering three guests and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them a beef Wellington containing deadly death cap mushrooms. Evidence presented at the trial included photos of the meal, the dehydrator used to prepare the mushrooms, and CCTV footage of Patterson's actions before and after the poisoning.
In Inner Mongolia's Xiliin Gol League, herders are observing a spring grazing moratorium aimed at protecting newly sprouted grass by preventing early grazing. Local authorities are offering subsidies to assist herders during the 45-day ban, which is part of a broader strategy to combat issues like desertification and restore the region's grasslands.
A Japanese whaling ship has set sail to hunt 25 fin whales in the Sea of Okhotsk, with plans to return in June after a month-long expedition. This marks a continuation of Japan's commercial whaling activities, which resumed in 2019 after the country withdrew from the International Whaling Commission.
California Democrats are imposing restrictions that are leading to the shutdown of family farms, particularly in Point Reyes where a dozen farms have already been affected. Local farmers have faced severe limitations, including contracts that push them off their land, resulting in the potential loss of half the dairies and many beef ranches in Marin County.
Sugimoto-Honten Co., a Japanese Wagyu beef producer, is experiencing rapid export growth to the Islamic world after obtaining halal certification, with exports exceeding 1 billion yen within three years. The company is expanding its reach and aims to increase its export-to-sales ratio, supported by the agriculture ministry as a model for other Japanese businesses.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that an ordinance to protect borrowers from illegal loan collection tactics by microfinance companies has been approved by the Governor and will be implemented soon.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for a healthier lifestyle through the promotion of millets and natural farming at the state-level Millet Mahotsav. The event showcased the growing popularity of coarse grains and natural farming practices, emphasizing their benefits to health, agriculture, and rural economy.
A centuries-old duck farm in Aquebogue, Long Island, has been shut down due to an outbreak of bird flu, resulting in the euthanasia of its entire flock of 100,000 ducks. The situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of culling policies and the potential need for vaccination programs to combat the spread of H5N1.
Daihatsu Motor Co. is collaborating with local officials in Ryuo, Shiga Prefecture, to produce methane gas from the manure of Omi Beef cattle, which the company aims to use in its aluminum casting processes.
Labour's connection with rural communities is deteriorating, as highlighted by criticism from countryside advocates regarding Sir Keir Starmer's focus and performance. A survey reveals a significant majority of rural residents feel the party is neglecting important issues, with farmers planning widespread protests in response to proposed tax changes.
A hunting trip in Virginia turned tragic when a falling bear crushed a member of the hunting party to death, highlighting the dangers associated with hunting large and potentially dangerous animals. The incident is under investigation, but the hunting party violated state laws by shooting at the fleeing bear.
A Hokkaido hunter lost his firearm permit after allegedly shooting near buildings during a bear culling operation, raising concerns among hunters about the potential impact on bear population control efforts. The high court upheld the permit revocation despite the hunter's claim that the shooting was conducted safely.
In Northwest China, herders are keeping their livestock on rented farmland instead of migrating to winter pastures, boosting farm incomes while reducing environmental stress. This new model allows livestock to access ample food during the winter, improving their health and increasing their sale price in the spring.
Sir Keir Starmer has distanced himself from comments made by a senior adviser to Tony Blair, John McTernan, who said "we don't need small farmers" during a discussion about the fury among farmers towards the inheritance tax rises announced in the Budget. McTernan's comments have sparked outrage among farmers, who say it will threaten the UK's food security and lead to the closure of family farms.
Lawrence Bishnoi has allegedly intensified his threats against actor Salman Khan due to a Blackbuck killing incident from 1998, which the Bishnoi community regards with deep reverence. While some members of the Bishnoi community support Bishnoi's actions, others argue against taking the law into their hands, emphasizing that the legal system should determine the outcome.
The third human case of bird flu reported in California this week involved a dairy worker who had contact with infected cattle. This comes amidst a surge in infections among dairy cows in the state, the largest milk producer in the U.S., with nearly 300 dairy herds across 14 states testing positive for the virus this year.
