Utah

On Thursday, the Department of Agriculture proposed changes to how it manages greater sage grouse in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, and Utah.  The changes, according to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, “strive to improve the clarity, efficiency, and implementation of the current sage grouse plans."  The pro...

According to NASS, sweet cherry production is forecast at 362,000 tons this season, a 13% year over year increase.  Weather this spring across Washington and Oregon have been optimal for the crop.  Meanwhile, in California, growers reported sufficient chill and precipitation leading to a good crop.  NASS is...

Utah has agreed to pay $349,000 in attorney fees to settle a lawsuit over the state's so-called "ag-gag" law that a federal judge found unconstitutional last summer.  In 2012, Utah lawmakers approved a bill that made it a class B misdemeanor to trespass on private livestock or poultry operations and record sound or images without the owner's permission.  It also proh...

A federal judge has officially overturned a 2012 Utah law that made a criminal offense of lying to access a farm and filming once inside.  Politico’s Morning Agriculture Report said that makes it the second “ag-gag” law to be struck down for violating the First Amendment.   The Animal Le...