Five agri-stories you should read today 2-19-2014

Here’s five stories you should read today, February 19, 2014.

1. Q&A: Why Are We Still Shouting About GMOs? (Science Magazine)

GMOs continue to be a hot topic for the public. Proponants of using GMOs say that tweaking a plant’s DNA can make it more resistant to disease, drought and pests, but some still oppose using GMOs in any way. Philosopher of science Daniel Hicks studies how sociopolitical and ethical concerns impact questions about food safety. Here’s a Q&A with Hicks about GMOs.

2. 6,000 Years Ago, the Trendiest Food in Ancient Britain Was Dairy (The Smithsonian)

What was the Britons’ food of choice beginning about 6,000 years ago? According to new research, ancient Briton’s seafood crazed stopped abruptly 6,000 years ago when livestock became the thing to eat. With the national dish of Britain being fish and chips, the news could come as a surprise to some Brits.

3. Farm Bill requires study of chicken farm ‘crop’ insurance (Delaware Online)

Is federal crop insurance something poultry farmers need? That’s what Congress is trying to find out. A provision in the new farm bill outlines a study of insurance for poultry farmers. The insurance would guard against losses due to avian flu, or similar diseases that could result in a major loss of inventory.

4. Farm bill spending pits Yellowstone bison against Montana beef (Al Jazeera America)

The new farm bill provides funding for brucellosis surveillance in Yellowstone bison in an attempt to prevent the disease from entering Montana’s beef industry. The only problem is: Yellowstone bison have never once transferred the disease to Montana cattle. Montana wildlife advocates are upset because many bison have already been killed to protect cattle for brucellosis. Industry advocates argue that any research done will benefit the cattle industry.

5. Va. Assembly gives chicken-chasing dogs a slight reprieve (The Washington Post)

In Virginia it’s within the rights of a poultry farmer to kill a dog that chases his chickens. However, with the popularity of backyard chickens growing, dog owners are protesting what they see as an antiquated law. According to the law if an officer sees a dog killing chickens, the officer is required to kill the animal on site. The state is currently trying to adapt the law for modern times.