N.C. Beer Makers to Compete for N.C. State Fair medals

North Carolina’s growing craft beer industry has earned national recognition for its brews, and this fall brewers will compete to add a new honor — winner of the N.C. Brewer’s Cup at the N.C. State Fair.
 

The competition will name the top three commercial and home-brewed beers in 15 classes, such as light lager, Pilsner, American ale or Belgian strong ale. The N.C. Brewer’s Cup is spearheaded by members of the local beer community.
 

Savannah River Channel Deepening Project in SC’s Supreme Court
 

South Carolina's highest court is questioning the authority of a state agency to bypass a special commission in discussions over dredging the Savannah River.
 

Justices heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit by environmentalists who say the Savannah River Maritime Commission created by South Carolina lawmakers oversees the Palmetto state's side of the river.
 

Agencies that want to deepen the river to help larger ships get to the Savannah, Ga., port say decisions should be made by South Carolina's environmental board.
 

National Pork Producers Council Speaks Out
 

It is very disconcerting that retailers, in making decisions about sourcing pork products, continue to succumb to the pressure of activist groups such as the Humane Society of the United States without any consideration of the impact on American farm families. Nowhere in the announcements is there any discussion on the willingness of these companies to pay for these requests.
Simply making an announcement without understanding the supply chain's ability to meet the requests or the costs associated with them are simply irresponsible. Our customers need to understand that these announcements come with severe and unintended consequences. These forced changes on our producers' choice of sow housing may very well put hog farmers out of business and will certainly increase the price of pork for consumers.
 

Genetic Research Could Bring us Better Tomatoes
 

Dr. Catherine Woteki, USDA's Chief Scientist, saying that success in mapping the genetic makeup of tomato plants could eventually bring consumers more of what they say they want in a tomato.