**New federal rules to protect navigable waters promise to provide the certainty farmers and ranchers need to maintain ag production and enhance the land.

That’s according to California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson after last week’s release of the EPA’s WOTUS rule replacement, Navigable Waters Protection Rule.

He says “you won’t find a stronger ally than farmers and ranchers when it comes to protecting land and natural resources.”

**With an abundance of apple varieties available, Wenatchee-based Stemilt Growers is putting together “big, bold promotions” to drive their organic category beyond the 10% average.

Stemilt’s Brianna Shales tells thepacker.com, “Bulk apples are the big opportunity for organic promotions, and we recommend multiple varieties on ad at one time.”

Stemilt already has its entire line of the Lil Snappers 3-pound, kid-size fruit program in the Artisan Organics brand and a 5-pound value bag for organic apples.

**A Kansas law banning the secret filming at slaughterhouses and other livestock facilities unconstitutionally criminalizes free speech.

Agweb.com reports, that’s according to a U.S. District Judge siding mostly with a coalition of animal rights and consumer protection groups challenging the state's “Ag-Gag” law making it a crime for anyone to take pictures or videos at animal facilities without the owner’s consent OR to enter under false pretenses.

The Kansas AG’s office is carefully reviewing the decision to determine appropriate next steps.

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