Yes, TSA does allow rotisserie chicken in carry-on bags
WASHINGTON ‒ The TSA says passengers are allowed to bring rotisserie chickens in their carry-on bags, with no limit on quantity, because they are considered solid food. The rule contrasts with strict limits on liquids, which must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. The policy sparked confusion and humor online, with travelers questioning how whole chickens are allowed while everyday items are restricted. TSA officials reiterated that the rule isn’t specific to chicken—most solid foods can pass through security without quantity limits.
Difficult times ahead for banana supply
TAPACHULA, Mexico ‒ The global banana industry is facing mounting pressure that could lead to significant supply disruptions over the next 18 to 24 months, according to industry sources. While banana supply in North America is currently stable and demand steady, farm closures in Costa Rica and Mexico, rising fuel costs, unfavorable exchange rates and an expected El Niño weather pattern are straining growers’ margins, Fresh Plaza reported. Industry leaders warn these factors could trigger a supply crunch by fall, potentially driving higher prices and pushing producers to seek markets outside North America if pricing does not improve.
FBI says agriculture remains a target in Chinese espionage investigations
WASHINGTON ‒ U.S. law enforcement officials say Chinese nationals linked to the Chinese Communist Party have repeatedly targeted U.S. agriculture through theft of seeds, proprietary technology and biological materials, according to court records, FBI statements and past prosecutions. In 2022, then FBI Director Christopher Wray described the level of CCP theft as “More brazen, more damaging than ever before.”
A report by The Scoop details multiple cases over the past decade involving smuggling of crop genetics, trade secrets and plant pathogens, often through universities (University of Michigan, Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas, Indiana University, Texas A&M University, Penn State, University of Florida), research labs (Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center) and agricultural companies (Monsanto), with some suspects arrested and others leaving the U.S. before prosecution. Federal officials warn the activity poses long‑term risks to U.S. food security and agricultural competitiveness, even as some cases have been dismissed or resolved through deportation rather than extended prison sentences.
Wisconsin dairy farms invite students of all ages to ‘Adopt a Cow’
MADISON, Wisconsin ‒ Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Discover Dairy are accepting enrollment for the free “Adopt a Cow” program for the 2026–27 school year. The program connects participants with calves on Wisconsin farms and provides updates, photos and educational materials throughout the year. More than 55,000 students and community members take part annually, learning about dairy farming and where food comes from. Early registration runs through Sept. 1, with both print and digital participation options available. To enroll, visit www.discoverdairy.com/adopt
House passes bill to allow year-round sales of E15
WASHINGTON ‒ Reuters reported that “the U.S. House passed legislation last week that would allow nationwide year‑round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol, handing a major win to biofuel producers and farm groups while raising concerns among refiners about higher compliance costs.” The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, approved by a vote of 218 to 203, would permit fuel retailers to offer E15 year‑round, removing seasonal restrictions linked to smog concerns,” Reuters reported. “…Supporters say allowing year-round E15 sales would expand biofuel demand and help lower fuel prices that have spiked since the start of the Iran war. Critics argue it risks raising costs for refiners already facing higher compliance burdens under federal biofuel mandates.”
EU move to halt Brazilian animal product imports draws protest
SAO PAULO, Brazil ‒ Brazil says the European Union plans to block imports of Brazilian animal products starting in September, citing concerns that exporters have not provided proof their products are free of antimicrobial substances used to promote animal growth, Associated Press reported. The move comes shortly after the EU‑Mercosur free trade agreement provisionally took effect and has drawn criticism from Brazil’s government, which said it was surprised by the decision and is seeking talks with EU officials. EU countries were Brazil’s third‑largest beef market in 2025, and the trade deal remains under legal challenge before the European Court of Justice.
Grocery prices climb as fuel costs and supply pressures build
WASHINGTON ‒ Grocery prices rose in April, with food-at-home costs up 2.9% from a year earlier, the highest increase since August 2023. Associated Press reported that higher fuel costs tied to disruptions in global oil supplies have driven up transportation and production expenses across the food chain. Prices climbed most sharply for meat and fresh produce, while some items like eggs, milk and butter declined. Economists warn the full impact of rising energy and supply costs may take several months to reach grocery store shelves.
USDA warns Plains drought will slash wheat production
WASHINGTON ‒ U.S. farmers are expected to harvest the smallest wheat crop since 1972, with production projected at 1.561 billion bushels for the 2026/27 season, down from 1.985 billion in 2025/26, according to USDA estimates. This sharp decline is driven by a severe drought across the U.S. Plains, which has slashed hard red winter wheat yields by an estimated 25%, with only 28% of the crop rated good to excellent—a four-year low, Farm Journal reported.
Meanwhile, soybean production is projected to reach a record-high 4.435 billion bushels, while corn output is expected to fall 6% to 15.995 billion bushels. Rising fuel and fertilizer prices—exacerbated by the Strait of Hormuz closure—and ongoing trade disruptions are further squeezing farm economies.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Ag Briefs: Yes, TSA does allow passengers to bring chicken in carry-on bags
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
