In an important move for independent ranchers, today U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation (S. 4282) aimed at preventing the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) from implementing mandatory electronic identification on livestock that moves in interstate commerce. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) has followed this issue and has been supporting efforts […]
New USDA Mandate to Test Dairy Cattle for Avian Flu Despite No Evidence HPAI is Foodborne
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced that all dairy cattle must be tested for HPAI prior to moving across state lines. The USDA order requires a negative test from an approved National Animal Health Laboratory. A number of recent reports have raised concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreading […]
May’s Member Monday!
The first Monday of every month is Member Monday where we feature a member photo or video on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is proud of our members, and we take great pleasure in highlighting their operations and the awesome work they are conducting in sustainable farming, animal husbandry, artisanal…
FTCLDF’s 24-Hour Emergency Hotline Did Not Cool Off in Winter 2024
Our member survey consistently shows our 24-Hour Emergency Hotline is one of the services our members value most. The hotline is available 24-hours in the event of a farm raid, surprise visit, inspection, or short-term notice regarding a member’s farm, ranch, homestead, cottage food business, or buying club. We always have an attorney on-call […]
USDA May Soon Implement RFID; Burden of Electronic Animal Identification Will Fall on Independent Ranchers
In January 2023, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed a rule that would require that animal traceability regulations require “official” animal ear tags to be both visually and electronically readable. This rule is part of HR 4366, which is the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024, which contains many items. Please click […]
FTCLDF Leadership Reflects on Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and as February comes to a close, we at FTCLDF are reflecting on the history of discrimination in America’s farming communities, what is being done about repairing the damage it caused, and what has yet to be done. Today, according to the latest U.S. agricultural census, approximately 1.4% of American […]
February’s Member Monday!
The first Monday of every month is Member Monday where we feature a member photo or video on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is proud of our members, and we take great pleasure in highlighting their operations and the awesome work they are conducting in sustainable farming, animal husbandry, artisanal…
2024 Membership Drive Is Feb. 1 – Mar. 15: It’s a Great Time to Join!
Have you been thinking about joining our community? It’s a great time to join! If you or someone you love is an independent farmer, cottage food producer, chef, or concerned consumer, take advantage of all the great discounts, offers, and prizes during our 2024 Membership Drive! TIP: Look for our advertisement in the Stockman Grass […]
January’s Member Monday!
The first Monday of every month is Member Monday where we feature a member photo or video on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is proud of our members, and we take great pleasure in highlighting their operations and the awesome work they are conducting in sustainable farming, animal husbandry, artisanal…
Fall 2023 Hotline Blotter: High Number of Calls Logged for Custom Slaughter, Zoning, and Raw Dairy
Our member survey consistently shows our 24-Hour Emergency Hotline is one of the services our members value most. The hotline is available 24-hours in the event of a farm raid, surprise inspection, or short-term notice regarding a member’s farm or related farm business. We always have an attorney on-call who can be on the phone […]