West Virginia tackles farmland preservation
The Voluntary Farmland Protection Act would permit farmers to donate or sell a "protective easement" for fair market value and still retain private ownership of the land for farming or business directly related to marketing farm products.
Gore unveils USDA-EPA strategy for animal feeding operations
The joint USDA-EPA "Unified National Strategy for Animal Feeding Operations" was unveiled last week, but skeptics doubt the USDA has the funds or the manpower to make it work.
Ag easement donations offer tax advantages
If an agricultural easement is granted in perpetuity as a charitable gift, income tax and federal estate tax advantages usually accrue.
Hog producers to get cash payments
For the first time in 38 years, the USDA is using a little-known authority to make cash payments directly to producers, but most would prefer loan guarantees.
Buckeye Egg Farm has long history of problems
Buckeye Egg Farm gave black eye to Ohio's ag industry.
Independence gets final approval from FERC for pipeline
After a three-year approval process, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved certificates July 12 for the Independence Pipeline Company.
EPA creates final TMDL rule, but opponents win 14-month delay
President signs bill barring TMDL implementation two days after EPA publishes final rule.
Inspection of farmland remains big question if pipeline approved
Farmers may have to rely on company inspectors to monitor the construction and cleanup process if the proposed Independence Pipeline is approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Farmers facing more suburban pressures
Nineteen Ohio counties, most of which are near Ohio's major cities or in the Appalachian region, grew an estimated 10 percent or more between 1990 and 1998.
Life will go on after the cows
At the close of 1998, John and Wendy Cooper made the toughest decision of their young lives: to sell their top-producing dairy herd, replacement animals, farm equipment, tractors and even the forage and feed inventory.
