USDA Tennessee Field Office spokespersons say crops and pastures have been stressed from the moderate to extreme drought conditions across the state. The Leaf Chronicle - www.theleafchronicle.com - Clarksville, TN Welcome toThe Leaf ChronicleClarksville, TN. Also, planting of crops, including tobacco transplanting, has been slowed or halted because of the lack of soil moisture. Producers of crops such as corn, soybeans, tobacco or non-insurable crops (NAP) such as forage crops, or fruits...

Hedges Originally published June 10, 2007 WASHINGTON // Amid concerns about the safety of pet food ingredients and catfish from China, consumers and even a few members of Congress are wondering why there isn't a law that requires merchants to label where food comes from. Hedges Originally published June 10, 2007 WASHINGTON // Amid concerns about the safety of pet food ingredients and catfish from China, consumers and even a few members of Congress are wondering why there isn't a law that...

But 2006 was the worst year yet for farmers like Williams, who say the rising costs of fuel, feed and fertilizer have far outpaced what they're paid for a gallon of milk. Even with aid, dairy farmers struggle to keep businesses going. Department of Agriculture began setting the minimum prices that farmers are paid for their raw milk in the 1920s to ensure they would be able to sell their perishable product before it spoiled. He looks at the bill and says goodbye to more than half of the...

Keeping livestock secure from the purposeful spreading of devastating diseases, crop supports for vegetable farmers and permanent repeal of the inheritance tax were also on farmers' minds. There's a sense of complacency out there because we've been able to deal with the BSE ("mad cow" disease) without a shock to our market," King said. He said that the success of ethanol and biodiesel manufacturing depends on keeping the livestock industry healthy and nearby, since it provides a feed...

Hedges Washington Bureau Published June 10, 2007 WASHINGTON -- Amid concerns about the safety of pet food ingredients and catfish from China, consumers and even a few members of Congress are wondering why there isn't a law that requires merchants to label where food comes from. Hedges Washington Bureau Published June 10, 2007 WASHINGTON -- Amid concerns about the safety of pet food ingredients and catfish from China, consumers and even a few members of Congress are wondering why there...