J.M. Smucker 2nd-quarter profit more than doubles AP (November 20, 2009) ORRVILLE, Ohio (AP) - J.M. Smucker Co.'s acquisition of Folgers Coffee Co. continues to pay off for the jam maker, helping to more than double its fiscal second-quarter profit, as consumers continue to turn to the company's well-known brands and eat at home more during the recession.
Judge strikes down Tennessee guns-in-bars law AP (November 20, 2009) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee's new law allowing people with handgun permits to be armed in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol is unconstitutionally vague, a judge ruled on Friday.
South Dakota red meat production falls in October AP (November 20, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The U.S. Agriculture Department says commercial red meat production for South Dakota totaled 77.6 million pounds during October, down 22 percent from a year ago and down 1 percent from September's production.
Owner of famed NYC bagel biz hit with tax charges AP (November 19, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Prosecutors say the owner of a storied New York City bagel business shortchanged the state out of a lot of dough by cheating on taxes.
Food banks burdened by high demand in sour economy AP (November 19, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Soup kitchen workers are seeing new faces in line and charities are taking more calls for help as the recession makes for a less-than-bountiful Thanksgiving.
Tyson Foods names Donnie Smith as CEO AP (November 19, 2009) SPRINGDALE, Ark. (AP) - Tyson Foods Inc. promoted Donnie Smith to president and CEO on Thursday. He takes over leadership of the world's largest meat producer from interim President and CEO Leland Tollett.
SABMiller H1 net profit down 32 percent AP (November 19, 2009) LONDON (AP) - SABMiller PLC, the world's second-largest brewer, on Thursday reported a 32 percent drop in net profit as revenues were hit hard by unfavorable currency movements and lager volumes declined.
Kudzu-munching bug also threatens US bean crops AP (November 18, 2009) ATLANTA (AP) - Researchers recently found an insect in north Georgia that has never before been reported in the Western Hemisphere, and its arrival could be both a blessing and a curse.
Hershey, Ferrero confirm interest in Cadbury AP (November 18, 2009) LONDON (AP) - Chocolate makers The Hershey Co. and Ferrero International SA say they are considering a possible offer for Cadbury PLC, which is already the target of a hostile bid by Kraft Foods Inc.
Panera Bread board OK's share buyback program AP (November 18, 2009) RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. (AP) - Panera Bread Co. said Wednesday that its board approved a three-year share buyback program of up to $600 million.
Neb. company says it's recovered recalled beef AP (November 18, 2009) FAIRBURY, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska company says it has recovered the 90 pounds of ground beef listed in a federal recall report because of possible E. coli contamination.
AP IMPACT: Tobacco execs quickly find tax loophole AP (November 17, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - With a simple marketing twist, tobacco companies are avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars a year in taxes by exploiting a loophole in President Barack Obama's child health law.
Corn fungus fears easing in North and South Dakota AP (November 17, 2009) (AP) - A fungus problem with the potential to create widespread damage to corn crops in the Dakotas for perhaps the first time in memory might not be as ominous as first feared.
Job prospects drawing students to ag schools AP (November 17, 2009) CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Tristesse Jones will probably never drive a tractor or guide a combine through rows of soybeans at harvest time.
Judge raises concerns over Columbia salmon plan AP (November 17, 2009) GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - The federal judge overseeing the balancing act between salmon and Columbia Basin dams said he doesn't think he can consider new steps the Obama administration wants to take.
Feds give record loans to Kansas farmers AP (November 17, 2009) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The federal government has delivered a record-setting $148 million in loans to Kansas farmers during the 2009 fiscal year.
Costco stops carrying Coke drinks in price dispute AP (November 17, 2009) PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Costco is no longer carrying Coca-Cola products in its stores nationwide because of a pricing dispute with the beverage maker.
Fight is on between pro-fish camp, mine defenders AP (November 17, 2009) ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The fight is on between backers of an Alaska mine being developed near the world's most productive wild salmon streams and 13 Seattle restaurants.
Farmers make progress in delayed harvest AP (November 17, 2009) NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Farmers took advantage of the drier weather to make headway on their rain-delayed fall harvest.
Bristol-Myers splits off Mead Johnson Nutrition AP (November 16, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. is splitting off its holdings in infant formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. in order to focus on its biopharmaceutical business.
Dakotas might see record sunflower yields AP (November 16, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Sunflower crops could set records in the nation's top two producing states this year, helping to blunt a drop in nationwide production and ensure a healthy supply for processors in the United States and Canada.
Vermont sugarmakers to gather Thursday AP (November 16, 2009) BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (AP) - Vermont sugarmakers say their industry's enjoying good times in general, but there are still some worries: Insects.
Group to consider lifting La. oyster moratorium AP (November 16, 2009) BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A group considering whether a moratorium on new oyster leases should be lifted is meeting on Monday.
Agriculture officials to survey Mo. farmers AP (November 16, 2009) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Agriculture officials will be surveying farmers to determine if expected yields met expectations this year.
Virginia farms saw increased crops in 2008 AP (November 16, 2009) RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A report says Virginia farms saw increased crop yields and cash receipts last year.
Extensions available for crop insurance deadlines AP (November 13, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The state Agriculture Department says wet conditions have delayed what looks like a near-record harvest for many South Dakota farmers and raised concerns about a Dec. 10 harvest deadline for crop insurance.
FDA backs off oyster ban after strong criticism AP (November 13, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is backing off a plan to ban raw oysters from the Gulf of Mexico during warm weather.
Arizona grocery strike averted with tentative deal AP (November 13, 2009) PHOENIX (AP) - Thousands of Arizona supermarket workers won't go on strike as they planned Friday night after union leaders and two grocery chains announced a tentative labor deal 12 hours before the protest was to begin.
Calif water deal no quick fix for struggling farms AP (November 13, 2009) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was promoting a complex legislative package to rebuild California's water system, he often appeared alongside farmers who were unable to cultivate their land amid a third year of drought and federal pumping restrictions.
Settlement reached in fraud suit against Scruggs AP (November 13, 2009) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A settlement has been reached in a long-running fraud lawsuit filed against Richard "Dickie" Scruggs, the once powerful anti-tobacco litigator who is now behind bars, an attorney says.
Federal Reserve says Midwest farm economy weakens AP (November 13, 2009) OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City says lower income contributed to a weaker farm economy during the third quarter in some Midwest and Western states.
AB InBev makes 3Q profit, but revenue down 10 pct. AP (November 12, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - The world's largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev SA said Thursday it made a $1.546 billion profit in the third quarter but that revenue fell 10 percent from last year, when the company was created in a merger, as beer sales shrank.
Ida further slows harvest for Southern farmers AP (November 12, 2009) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Tropical Storm Ida may not have done much damage when it hit the Gulf Coast this week, but its wind and rain compounded the misery for Southern farmers already coping with a wet, difficult harvest season.
Syngenta acquires 2 seed companies in California AP (November 12, 2009) BASEL, Switzerland (AP) - Swiss agrochemicals company Syngenta AG said Thursday it has acquired two lettuce seed companies based in California.
Warming drives off Cape Cod's namesake, other fish AP (November 12, 2009) PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Fishermen have known for years that they've had to steam farther and farther from shore to find the cod, haddock and winter flounder that typically fill dinner plates in New England.
Restaurant groups: Alcohol at NY casino is illegal AP (November 11, 2009) UTICA, N.Y. (AP) - Three restaurant-owner associations have sued the New York state liquor board, claiming it illegally granted alcohol catering permits for the Indian-owned Turning Stone Casino and Resort.
Taiwan: No quid pro quo for lifting US beef ban AP (November 11, 2009) TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan's president says the island has not received anything in exchange for lifting a long-standing ban on the imports of certain U.S. beef cuts.
Hard-hit community learns to grow food AP (November 11, 2009) WILMINGTON, Ohio (AP) - Many of the new gardeners didn't know how to grow vegetables, and weren't sure what to do with them once they did.
US crop estimates may ease fears about wet harvest AP (November 11, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Newly released estimates for U.S. wheat, corn and soybean crops may put to rest fears that a wet harvest season in many parts of the country could cut into production.
Carrier, farm group form new partnership in Hawaii AP (November 10, 2009) HONOLULU (AP) - The Hawaii Farm Bureau Foundation and Aloha Air Cargo have formed a new partnership that they say "champions local farmers."
TV star Rachael Ray helps reeling Ohio town AP (November 09, 2009) WILMINGTON, Ohio (AP) - Television cooking star Rachael Ray is boosting the local food supply for a struggling Ohio town.
Industry pushes chocolate milk in schools AP (November 09, 2009) MILWAUKEE (AP) - The creators of the "Got Milk?" campaign are getting ready to make a big push to keep chocolate milk on kids' minds and on school lunch menus, a plan that has some educators and obesity activists none too pleased.
Cadbury rejects $16.4B hostile bid from Kraft AP (November 09, 2009) LONDON (AP) - British candy maker Cadbury PLC has rejected a hostile 9.8 billion pound ($16.4 billion) hostile takeover bid from Kraft Foods Inc.
Lawmaker wants probe of E. coli and school lunches AP (November 09, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee wants an investigation into the risk of deadly E. coli getting into school lunches.
Foreign sales keep McDonald's above water in Oct. AP (November 09, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - McDonald's Corp., the world's largest fast-food chain, said Monday that monthly sales growth edged down in October in the U.S., only the third time the monthly figures hasn't climbed in 6 1/2 years.
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.
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.
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?"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.