U.S. Border Patrol has arrested a third Chinese national, they say was responsible for smuggling biological matter into the U.S., specifically nematodes.
The Chinese scientist was taken into custody at the Detroit airport. She is accused of sending biological materials to the University of Michigan, where she was going to study. The FBI says the package contained material related to nematodes and says shipments like that require a permit from the government.
This arrest comes just a week after another researcher at the University of Michigan was taken into custody on similar charges. The FBI says she and her boyfriend smuggled in a fungus that causes head blight in crops, also through the Detroit airport.
Related Stories
Hemp growth is driven by floral demand, with mixed returns elsewhere.
Farm programs remain small but politically easier to expand.
Export funding aims to strengthen global demand for U.S. commodities.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Jake Charleston from Specialty Risk Insurance Agency recapped an Oklahoma auctioneer contest and recent industry events, showing how stakeholder feedback helps insurers gauge market conditions and risk management needs.
Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.