A Pennsylvania district judge temporarily halted a state measure that would have given more than 7,000 dairy farmers added premium payments — totaling nearly $6 million — on out-of-state milk sold in Pennsylvania. The state Milk Marketing Board, which introduced the measure, was sued by the Pennsylvania Association of Milk Dealers claiming that the measure violates federal prohibitions against unfairness in interstate commerce. (The Patriot-News) Learn more.

Farmers soon may have to control the tiny dust particles kicked up by tractors and other farm machinery. The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing its current standards for dust, soot and other microscopic particles and is considering tougher restrictions. Supporters for tighter restrictions say they are needed to clear the air of tiny particles that could lodge in a person’s lung and cause respiratory problems. Farming organizations along with several senators argue that tighter restrictions could slow economic development and impose significant cost to farmers and businesses. (Associated Press) Read more.

USDA has awarded 54 grants totaling $55 million to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Specialty crops are considered to be fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops. The grants will fund 827 projects across the United States that will benefit growers and consumers. including floriculture. “We are pleased to support diverse efforts to help specialty crop growers market their products in a global marketplace,” said Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. Read more or review a summary of the awards.

Two new breeds of soybeans may produce oil that is more beneficial to the heart, according to scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The new genetic lines have an 80 percent concentration of oleic acid compared to 20 percent in a normal soybean. By increasing oleic acid, monounsaturated fat can avoid resorting to hydrogenation, which generates trans-fat and produces more bad cholesterol in the body. Increasing oleic acid also may offer improved cold-weather engine performance when using soy-based biodiesel. Learn more.

Farmers in 26 states may be eligible for a portion of the $630 million in disaster aid announced yesterday by the USDA to help producers re-establish purchasing power. The aid fulfills a campaign promise by the Obama administration to Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln who pushed for the money. The funds mainly will go to Southern farmers in 1,000 counties who have suffered a 5 percent or more crop loss to cotton, rice soybeans and sweet potatoes during the 2009 crop season. (Associated Press)  Read more. (Related articles: Arkansas News, Fox Business News).

Volunteers in Vermont spent Tuesday gleaning produce from area farms as part of the USDA People’s Garden initiative. City Market’s Eat Local Week in Burlington, Vt., gives farmers an opportunity to open up their fields for volunteers to pick up the leftover produce. The vegetables are then delivered to the local food bank and distributed to food pantries across the state. (WPTZ.com) Read more.

Scientists with the USDA Agricultural Research Service released the sequenced genome of the cacao tree, a feat that will help protect small farmers by speeding up development and creating trees that are resistant to drought and disease. The cacao tree produces seeds that are processed into cocoa beans, which are used to create cocoa, cocoa butter and chocolate. The research was a partnership between USDA, Mars Inc. and IBM. Learn more.