By:Kevin Hardy-June 3, 2026 A typical pen format for swine in many Iowa animal feeding operations  A confined swine feeding operation is shown in this photo. Congress is once again taking aim at state animal welfare laws regarding livestock confinement. (Photo by Kent Becker/U.S. Geological Survey) Congress is looking to roll back state animal welfare…

Power and control in agriculture: farm data rights, fertilizer pricing, and poultry competition A news briefing from Farm Action’s policy team June 3, 2026 Nebraska stakes out new ground on farm data ownership as other states weigh broader measures What happened: Nebraska’s statehouse in April became the first state to enact a law giving farmers…

Calves drinking milk in a factory farm. (Photo by Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) America prides itself on supporting small and local businesses, yet decades of agricultural policy decisions signal nothing but disdain for our small and local farms. Anna PesekChris Muse May 29, 2026Common Dreams Three years behind schedule, the US House of…

Why Do Economies Need Real Intelligence? Why do real people with human intelligence need to empower and regulate economies? John Ikerd Jun 1     In a recent interview, Elon Musk said he believes AI (artificial intelligence) will eventually increase productivity so much that work will be optional and money will be useless.[i] He apparently…