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TOP HEADLINES
Opposing groups battle about ‘Right to Farm’:
On July 18, a coalition of groups who oppose the potential November “Right to Farm” ballot initiative presented a unified front against the state question and presented a hefty legal analysis they say proves how bad the Right to Farm initiative is [Red Dirt Report].
Ranchers might push lawmakers to give wind and solar same property rights as oil and gas:
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association might push Oklahoma legislators to extend some of the rights afforded oil and natural gas properties to alternative forms of energy like wind and solar [StateImpact Oklahoma].
FEDERAL
The latest threat to the American cowboy: Environmentalists:
Pity the poor cowboy. Once the hero of hundreds of movies, television shows and pulp novels, he’s no longer an icon. Instead, he’s a social pariah, spending his days caring for cows, the worst environmental villain that modern man can imagine [Washington Post].
Legislation would make checkoffs voluntary:
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the “Check-Off Program Participation Act” that would make federal checkoff programs voluntary. The legislation would give any farmer or rancher the right to opt-out of USDA checkoff programs [National Hog Farmer].
Federal government seeks options as farm loan funds run out of cash:
The U.S. government’s $2.65 billion operating loan program to help farmers keep their businesses going has already run out of cash, officials said Monday [Reuters].
MISCELLANEOUS
Employment figures show Oklahoma government is far from gutted (editorial):
After the past few years of budget cuts, some activists contend Oklahoma government is now cut “to the bone.” Government employment figures highlighted by Governing magazine undermine that claim [The Oklahoman].
Kaine’s ag resume: For 2014 farm bill, against TPP:
Though U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack would have been considered a homerun for agriculture as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine’s, D-Va., resume suggests a mixed bag for farmers and ranchers [DTN/Progressive Farmer].
