Salmonella victims upset no prosecutions yet AP (November 06, 2009) ATLANTA (AP) - At the height of the nationwide salmonella outbreak nearly a year ago, FBI agents raided two peanut plants and carried away boxes of evidence. FDA inspectors found roaches, mold and a leaky roof. Then, Congress revealed e-mails from the peanut company's top executive that seemed to suggest the pursuit of profits over ensuring public safety.
Minn. burger joint settles with McDonald's over ad AP (November 06, 2009) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota hamburger parlor and McDonald's Corp. have settled a federal lawsuit over the phrase, "Who's your patty?"
Former Iowa slaughterhouse manager testifies AP (November 06, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The former manager of a kosher Iowa slaughterhouse that was the site of a massive immigration raid says he never intentionally violated federal laws.
Starbucks says more customers visit and spend more AP (November 05, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - More people are visiting Starbucks Corp. coffee shops this year than last, and they're spending more money when they do, an executive said Thursday.
Sara Lee 1Q profit rises 23 pct though sales fall AP (November 05, 2009) DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (AP) - Falling commodity costs and internal cost-cutting helped food maker Sara Lee Corp.'s first-quarter profit rise 23 percent, the company said Thursday.
Ala.: Unapproved substance found in fish imports AP (November 05, 2009) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks on Wednesday extended a two-year-old order banning the sale of untested fish from Vietnam and China in Alabama.
Wendy's/Arby's earns $14.7 million in 3Q AP (November 05, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Fewer customers gulped down Arby's roast beef sandwiches at the third quarter, as more and more fast-food diners stayed home because of the recession, Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. said Thursday.
Wet weather delays harvest from Midwest to South AP (November 05, 2009) NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Hartwell Huddleston returned the extra combine he bought to help harvest what looked to be one of his best soybean crops ever.
Molson Coors 3Q profit rises 37 pct on price hikes AP (November 04, 2009) DENVER (AP) - Brewer Molson Coors says its third-quarter profit rose 37 percent although revenue fell as consumers bought less beer but paid higher prices for it.
Kellogg pulls immunity claims from Rice Krispies AP (November 04, 2009) (AP) - Kellogg Co. says it will pull immunity claims from its Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies cereal boxes amid the public's growing concern about swine flu.
Farmland released from conservation program AP (November 04, 2009) (AP) - Here's a look at the states where the most land is being released from the federal Conservation Reserve Program:
California lawmakers approve $11B water overhaul AP (November 04, 2009) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California lawmakers have passed an $11 billion overhaul of the state's antiquated water system, ending decades of debate over how to supply a soaring population while preserving the fragile environment.
Raided SC poultry plant mends hiring, avoids trial AP (November 03, 2009) COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina poultry plant raided by immigration agents last year has agreed to change its hiring practices under supervision to avoid federal charges of knowingly employing illegal immigrants, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
Vt. slaughterhouse closed for inhumane treatment AP (November 03, 2009) MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - A Vermont slaughterhouse closed Friday for alleged inhumane treatment of baby calves had its operating license suspended three times earlier this year for similar conduct.
Archer Daniels Midland profit falls on weak demand AP (November 03, 2009) ST. LOUIS (AP) - Archer Daniels Midland Co. said Tuesday that its first-quarter profit tumbled 53 percent as the global recession dragged down demand for crops and ethanol, but demand is improving in some key markets.
Kraft profit falls nearly 40 percent in Q3 AP (November 03, 2009) NORTHFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Kraft Foods says slower sales and lower prices on food cut its third-quarter profit nearly 40 percent from a year earlier, but the company raised its forecast for the year.
Landry's Restaurants OKs $1.2B acquisition offer AP (November 03, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - The chairman and CEO of Landry's Restaurants Inc. finally got what he was after Tuesday, as the restaurant owner's board approved his $1.2 billion all-cash offer to take the company private.
Prosecutors reach agreement with SC poultry plant AP (November 03, 2009) COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Federal prosecutors are giving a South Carolina poultry plant facing immigration violations two years to get in line with federal practices.
Tenn. harvesters race to beat river flood threats AP (November 02, 2009) MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Many West Tennessee farmers are in a race with rising water in the Mississippi River to harvest their crops.
Alabama's ag chief says heavy rain hurting crops AP (November 02, 2009) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama's agriculture commissioner says heavy rains have damaged some Alabama crops and caused poor harvesting conditions.
CDC: Contaminated beef may be linked to 2 deaths AP (November 02, 2009) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - Two deaths and 26 other illnesses may be linked to fresh ground beef that has been recalled because it might be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, a federal health official said Monday.
US fishermen rally to protest practices AP (October 30, 2009) GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) - Hundreds of fishermen from the Northeast have gathered in Massachusetts to rally against what they say are "unrealistic" regulations and "dysfunctional" management.
Retailers suspend dealings with Mich. fruit grower AP (October 30, 2009) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Wal-Mart, Kroger and Meijer are suspending business with a large southwestern Michigan blueberry grower after investigators found children as young as 6 working in the grower's fields.
Kellogg 3Q profit rises on strong brand loyalty AP (October 29, 2009) BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) - Kellogg Co. said Thursday that shoppers' loyalty to its cereal brands helped boost its profit 6 percent in the third quarter.
Cliffs Natural Resources has steep 3Q profit fall AP (October 29, 2009) CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) - Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter profit and revenue fell due to reduced volume in North American businesses and lower year-over-year iron ore pricing.
China to lift swine flu-inspired ban on US pork AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Chinese officials have agreed to lift the ban on U.S. pork imports they imposed last spring out of fear of swine flu.
White House Garden goes through second harvest AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - First lady Michelle Obama and several dozen children from Washington, D.C., schools have harvested the produce growing in the garden on the South Lawn of the White House.
Wisconsin farmer promotes 'good-food revolution' AP (October 29, 2009) MILWAUKEE (AP) - After years of tilling away in obscurity, Will Allen has found sudden fame as the face of the urban farming movement.
Burger King profit slips for first quarter AP (October 29, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Burger King Corp.'s fiscal first-quarter profit slipped 6 percent as recession-weary diners stayed home or went bargain-hunting at competitors, the company said Thursday.
Report: Official says dealers could teach farmers AP (October 29, 2009) MEXICO CITY (AP) - A Mexican agriculture official has caused a stir by reportedly suggesting that Mexican farmers could learn a thing or two from drug traffickers.
PepsiAmericas lowers full-year adj. profit outlook AP (October 28, 2009) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - PepsiAmericas Inc. lowered its full-year adjusted profit outlook Wednesday, saying it expects factors pressuring its business - such as the recession - to continue.
ND researchers: Upper Midwest wheat of good grade AP (October 28, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Nearly all of the hard red spring wheat grown in the Upper Midwest made top grade this year, while about three-fourths of the durum crop was top grade - a big improvement over last year, according to North Dakota State University researchers.
Coca-Cola Enterprises raises 2009 profit forecast AP (October 28, 2009) ATLANTA (AP) - Coca-Cola Enterprises, the largest bottler of Coca-Cola drinks, raised its 2009 profit forecast Wednesday after saying its third-quarter results rose on the strength of higher prices.
Farm states may copy Ohio vote on livestock rules AP (October 28, 2009) TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Ohio voters will decide next week whether to create a board overseeing livestock care in a move that could give farmers in rural America a blueprint for battling animal rights groups intent on outlawing cramped cages for chickens and hogs.
Damage, yields concerns for some Miss. farmers AP (October 27, 2009) NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Mississippi farmers are reporting widespread soybean damage and declining yields as soggy weather continues to hamper harvest.
Dr. Pepper Snapple finance chief to retire AP (October 27, 2009) PLANO, Texas (AP) - The chief financial officer of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. will retire at the end of March, the soft drink maker said Tuesday.
Low milk prices have dairy farmers killing cows AP (October 27, 2009) DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - After burning through $1 million in savings and seeing no end to their losses, dairy farmers Jake and Lori Slegers figured they didn't have much choice - they had to kill the cows.
EU approves Pepsi bottlers merger AP (October 27, 2009) LUXEMBOURG (AP) - The European Union on Tuesday approved the proposed takeover by PepsiCo Inc. of its two top bottling companies for $7.8 billion.
Lorillard 3Q profit dips partly on higher expenses AP (October 26, 2009) RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Cigarette maker Lorillard Inc. said Monday that its third-quarter profit dipped 1 percent, pinched by higher expenses and consumers tightening their spending.
Wash. wineries getting bigger as production grows AP (October 26, 2009) WALLA WALLA, Wash. (AP) - Six years ago, Precept Brands chose not to compete with companies making big-bucks wines, instead seeing opportunity in the under-$10-a-bottle market.
Wis. man convicted of failing to register cattle AP (October 26, 2009) MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A western Wisconsin farmer is the first person convicted of violating a law requiring owners to register their livestock with state officials.
Steak n Shake sells unit to Western Sizzlin AP (October 23, 2009) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Restaurant operator The Steak n Shake Co. said it sold a subsidiary to Western Sizzlin Corp. for $38.8 million.
Industry halts food label program over FDA concern AP (October 23, 2009) PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Smart Choices nutrition labeling program, created voluntarily by nine large U.S. manufacturers, is halting after federal regulators said such systems could mislead consumers, officials with the labeling group said Friday.
Chipotle shares fall after 3Q results AP (October 23, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Shares of fast food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. fell Friday, a day after the burrito maker offered disappointing growth forecasts for 2010.
Taiwan lifts ban on US beef in bone AP (October 23, 2009) TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan says it will lift a ban on imports of a range of U.S. "beef in bone" products including Porterhouse steak.
Kan., Okla. conduct joint livestock disease drill AP (October 23, 2009) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Officials in Kansas and Oklahoma have been pulling over trucks that could be carrying livestock and questioning drivers during a drill aimed at preventing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
Dole shares fall following IPO that priced low AP (October 23, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Dole Food are declining after the fruit and vegetable producer's initial public offering priced below what it had previously expected.
McDonald's sees profit climb 6 pct AP (October 22, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - McDonald's Corp. profit climbed almost 6 percent in the third quarter, as U.S. customers gobbled up its newest, more expensive Angus burger, the world's largest burger chain said Thursday.
Philip Morris International 3Q profit falls AP (October 22, 2009) RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Cigarette maker Philip Morris International Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter profit fell nearly 14 percent as the stronger dollar shrunk profit earned in other currencies.
Hershey 3Q profit up 30 pct, aided by lower costs AP (October 22, 2009) HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Hershey, the nation's second-largest candymaker, said Thursday that its third-quarter profit rose 30 percent, helped by price increases and lower restructuring costs.
Nestle: 9-month sales fall 2.2 percent AP (October 22, 2009) VEVEY, Switzerland (AP) - Nestle SA, the world's biggest food and drink company, said Thursday that sales for the first nine months fell 2.2 percent as the strong Swiss franc and weakened demand hurt overall performance.
Poultry industry: Okla. didn't enforce water rules AP (October 22, 2009) TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Arkansas poultry companies claimed Wednesday that an Oklahoma agency could have gone to court long ago to enforce water quality standards in a sensitive watershed, but failed to do so until 2005, when it filed a federal lawsuit blaming the companies for pollution there.
Hispanic farmers fight to sue USDA over lost land AP (October 22, 2009) SALINAS, Calif. (AP) - In their straw hats, rolled up sleeves and work boots, a dozen or so Latinos gathered by a field of ripening strawberries still look like farmers. All but one of them, however, have lost their land.
Altria Group 3Q profit rises on cost-cutting AP (October 21, 2009) RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Altria Group Inc. said Wednesday that cost-cutting and improved results from its cigar unit led its third-quarter profit to rise 1.7 percent, even though it sold fewer cigarettes.
US Forest Service to implement grazing deals in ND AP (October 21, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service will implement new 10-year grazing administration plans on western North Dakota's federal grasslands even if the two major rancher associations decline to sign the deals, one of the state's senators said.
Cadbury lifts outlook, raising bar for Kraft bid AP (October 21, 2009) LONDON (AP) - British chocolate and gum maker Cadbury PLC on Wednesday upgraded its outlook as it reported a 7 percent rise in third-quarter revenue - proof, it said, that it does not need to be taken over by a conglomerate like Kraft to deliver results.
Supervalu fiscal 2Q profit falls 42 pct AP (October 20, 2009) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Grocery chain Supervalu says the recession is still hurting its bottom line as food prices remained low, stores closed and strained customers continued to pare spending despite deep discounting.
Coca-Cola 3rd-quarter profit risess slightly AP (October 20, 2009) ATLANTA (AP) - The Coca-Cola Co. said Tuesday its third-quarter profit inched higher, as sales fell as consumers continued to limit soft drink purchases and the stronger dollar took a toll on revenue.
Oregon gets approval to certify organic farms AP (October 20, 2009) SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon has received approval to certify farms under the National Organic Program, which sets standards for farms and other operations that market agricultural products as organically produced.
Federal judge shutters Idaho grazing allotment AP (October 19, 2009) BOISE, Idaho (AP) - A federal judge has ordered a western Idaho rancher to keep his sheep off his family's traditional grazing ground on public land, at least temporarily, to protect wild native bighorns.
USDA confirms H1N1 in Minnesota pigs AP (October 19, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - At least one pig from Minnesota has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Monday, the first case of a pig contracting the virus in the United States.
Some poor nations succeeding in fighting hunger AP (October 16, 2009) BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) - Government fertilizer has made the difference between hunger and plenty for Rodrick Jesitala, a farmer and father of three in southern Malawi.
Water uncertainty frustrates busy Calif. farmers AP (October 16, 2009) FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Farmers in the most prolific agricultural region in the country should be planting winter romaine lettuce and calculating spring cantaloupe acreage at this time of year.
Calif. water war spreads to Congress AP (October 16, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - It was the kind of legislation that rarely generates much debate in Congress: a bill to expand a local water recycling program.
Anheuser-Busch sponsors SNL to launch new brew AP (October 15, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Anheuser-Busch is buying all the national ads on this week's edition of comedy mainstay "Saturday Night Live" to launch its new brew, Bud Light Golden Wheat.
Safeway 3Q profit drops 35 percent on slow sales AP (October 15, 2009) PLEASANTON, Calif. (AP) - Safeway Inc.'s third-quarter profit fell 35 percent because of price-cutting and lower sales at its supermarkets.
Humane Society: IHOP's eggs aren't 'cruelty free' AP (October 14, 2009) FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - The Humane Society of the United States wants the International House of Pancakes to stop claiming the eggs it uses are "cruelty free."
PepsiCo iPhone app draws fire for stereotyping AP (October 14, 2009) MILWAUKEE (AP) - PepsiCo Inc. is facing criticism for an iPhone application that promises to help men "score" with two dozen stereotypes of women by giving users pickup lines and a scoreboard to keep track of their conquests.
Opening arguments in slaughterhouse fraud trial AP (October 14, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Opening arguments are set to begin in the financial fraud trial of a former manager of an Iowa kosher slaughterhouse that was the site of a massive immigration raid.
Former Iowa slaughterhouse manager on trial in SD AP (October 13, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A former manager of an Iowa kosher slaughterhouse that saw a massive immigration raid is set to go to trial in South Dakota.
Iowa kosher slaughterhouse owner sees lean future AP (October 13, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The new owner of an Iowa kosher slaughterhouse that was the site of a massive immigration raid says he's a turnaround artist who will operate a leaner plant that avoids the mistakes of his predecessor.
USDA: Pecan production to hit 309 million pounds AP (October 12, 2009) NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Pecan production is expected to reach 309 million pounds this year, up nearly 60 percent from last year's 193.9 million pounds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.