NewzIntel.com

Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unsafe quad bike killed farmhand

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    A quad bike rollover which cost a Tararua farmhand his life could have been avoided if the farm manager had kept the bike in good working order, WorkSafe New Zealand says.

    Worn brakes, uneven tyre pressure, and poor suspension were among the defects found on the bike that flipped at low speed and killed 31-year-old Ethen Payne at an Eketāhuna dairy farm in November 2022.

    The bike was purchased second-hand and had no crush protection device installed. The farm manager and bike owner, Dane Hemphill, has now been sentenced for health and safety failures uncovered by a WorkSafe investigation. A victim impact statement read in court said Mr Payne’s mother has since died of a broken heart.

    Uneven tyre pressure on the quad bike Ethen Payne was killed on.

    “This tragedy should be the lightning rod the agriculture sector needs to up its game on quad bike safety,” says WorkSafe’s central regional manager, Nigel Formosa.

    “First and foremost, WorkSafe strongly recommends installing a crush protection device on the back of a quad bike.”

    Pre-start checks are important, primarily to check tyre pressure and brake function before setting off.

    Regular servicing in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation is also a must. This may include oil changes and filter replacements. A checklist can be handy to document the frequency of servicing, what was looked at, and any fixes undertaken.

    Any issues identified during pre-start checks or servicing should be addressed promptly to avoid further problems or potential hazards.

    “We know life is busy for farmers, but there’s no excuse for letting your quad bike maintenance slide – especially when the consequences can be catastrophic. Ideally maintenance checks are done by a mechanic. If you are too busy to take your quad bikes in for a service, arrange for a mobile mechanic to come out to you. The cost is nothing compared to having a preventable death on your conscience,” says Nigel Formosa.

    Agriculture was New Zealand’s deadliest industry in 2024, with 14 workers killed. Vehicles were the leading cause of death and injury on New Zealand farms, which is why WorkSafe’s new strategy targets about a quarter of our future inspectorate activity towards agriculture.

    Businesses must manage their risks, and WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.

    Read more about the safe use of quad bikes

    Background

    • Dane Hemphill was sentenced at Wellington District Court on 30 April 2025.
    • Reparations of $75,000 were ordered to be paid to the family.
    • Dane Hemphill was charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and 48(2)(b) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
      • Being a PCBU, having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Ethen Donald Payne, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, namely using a Honda TRX420FM2 quadbike at Spring Grove Dairies farm, did fail to comply with that duty and that failure exposed the workers to a risk of death or serious injury.
    • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $300,000.

    Media contact details

    For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

    Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville op-ed: Pete Hegseth Isn’t the Hero We Deserve, But the Hero We Need

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    “When President Trump nominated Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of the Department of Defense, he intentionally picked someone who understands what it means to fight for this country—not from behind a desk, but from the frontlines”
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed in Breitbart defending the great work Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is doing at the Pentagon amid a flurry of attacks from the Mainstream Media. As Alabama’s representative on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Tuberville played a pivotal role in getting Secretary Hegseth confirmed and continues to support the Secretary’s work to refocus the Pentagon on lethality, not woke politics.
    Read excerpts below or the full piece here.

    “It’s no secret in Washington that the globalist Democrats and woke media are working together with one singular goal in mind: to take down Donald Trump and derail his America First agenda. The latest target? President Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. I’m convinced that many Democrats would rather see America and its leaders fail than see this country succeed. It’s sad, but true.
    When President Trump nominated Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD), he intentionally picked someone who understands what it means to fight for this country—not from behind a desk, but from the frontlines. Pete didn’t inherit stars on his uniform. He earned his stripes in the Middle East. He’s one of the few in Washington who’s been in the fight and experienced the traumas of war. He knows firsthand what the warfighter goes through each and every day, which is why military recruiting has skyrocketed under his leadership.
    Predictably, Democrats, the Swamp, and RINO Republicans immediately banded together in opposition to Hegseth’s nomination. I’m convinced that their only real opposition to Hegseth was because he was not a part of the Military Industrial Complex. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I enthusiastically supported Hegseth’s nomination because of his outsider status—and I’m continuing to fight for him today.
    Unfortunately, the smears have only gotten worse since his confirmation. Globalists, the media, and some Republicans are working overtime to try to take Hegseth down. Their latest obsession are the various publicity stunts coming from several disgruntled former employees who were fired by Secretary Hegseth. It’s clear as day that these efforts to embarrass Hegseth are nothing more than desperate attempts to salvage reputations and distract from the successes he is already having at the Pentagon.
    The truth is, Hegseth inherited a complete mess at DOD. The Pentagon has failed an audit seven years in a row. And thanks to the Biden administration’s horrible withdrawal from Afghanistan, our enemies were emboldened. Instead of working to deter World War III, however, Joe Biden’s Pentagon was more focused on social justice. In 2024 alone, the Biden Defense Department requested more than $114 million for DEI initiatives. Meanwhile, recruitment was at historic lows. Military readiness was slipping. And the world saw a weakened United States. […]
    The Swamp doesn’t like people it can’t control. But America loves leaders who tell the truth and fight for what matters. Pete Hegseth is one of those leaders. So, let’s be clear: Pete’s not the problem. He’s the solution. And while the Swamp keeps losing its ever-loving mind because we have leaders who are putting America First again, Secretary Hegseth will keep marching forward, focused on the only thing that matters—making our military the strongest, fiercest, and most respected fighting force the world has ever known.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks to Trump’s U.S. Department of Agriculture Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, to consider the nominations of Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and of Devon Westhill to be Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville and Mr. Lindberg discussed the significant impact foreign trade has on American farmers and producers. Additionally, Senator Tuberville and Mr. Westhill discussed protecting American agriculture and rural communities from woke, DEI policies.
    Read excerpts below or watch the full clip on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON PRESERVING AMERICAN FARMLAND
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, thanks for being here. Five-alarm-fire. We’re in trouble.
    The Ag Department and us, we have a big chore in front of us. We’re losing farmers every day. We lost 150,000 farms in the last four years […] It’s not acceptable. The Biden administration sat on their hands for four years, didn’t do one trade deal, and it looked like they tried to put our farmers out of business on purpose. […] I couldn’t believe it. Sat there watching it. We have got to do something. I get calls every week.
    I get a call every week: ‘we’re going out of business.’ Worst the farmers have ever been. We can’t do business as usual. Something has got to be done. And if we don’t do that, we’re gonna lose them. It’s gonna be over and we’re gonna be buying every bit of the food that we eat out of this country. And we saw what happened during COVID. It was a disaster when we couldn’t get drugs because China’s only one making drugs. So, I’ll get off my soapbox here and thank both of you for what you’re gonna try to do.”
    ON U.S.-FOREIGN TRADE DISADVANTAGES
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Lindberg, cotton has weakened due to the surge of low value textile imports of synthetic fibers – all from Southeast Asia. And they come through an $800 de minimis loophole, and it’s killing us. So, President Trump’s been working to close this loophole. Can you talk a little bit about that?”
    MR. LINDBERG: “Senator, thank you. I can, and I appreciate you spending some time with me in your office to discuss these issues prior to this. Enjoyed our conversation. Absolutely, President Trump has taken seriously—based on the news reports I’ve seen— the de minimis exemption which has been a tragedy for not only our cotton farmers, but also for manufacturers and a lot of other industries across America.
    I will absolutely work alongside, and look forward to working alongside, our interagency colleagues to make sure that those de minimis exemptions and things are held accountable and are following the law of the land. Our former governor is now at the Department of Homeland Security and looking to work with her team at Customers and Border Protection as well […] Thank you.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, you know, it sounds like a little thing, but all those little things add up for our farmers. And, you know, we have got to get better commodity prices. If we don’t, I mean, it’s gonna be over with for United States farmers.”
    ON CIVIL RIGHTS
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Westhill, how do you plan to approach and manage the USDA career staffers in the civil rights departments that do not support President Trump’s agenda?”
    MR. WESTHILL: “Senator, I really appreciate the question. And I’ll say, look, I think the career staffers that I worked with in the first term were, many of them, consummate professionals. In fact, one of them is here today supporting my nomination as one of my guests. He served as the chief of staff the entire time that I served in the first term. I think the important thing to do is to you know, to put out a clear vision for what your plan is.
    I think the vast majority of the individuals who are in that office want to actually enforce civil rights. That’s why they went into that office. And at the end of the day, it is a civil rights office. Not a DEI office. And I think that the vast majority of those individuals will get behind President Trump’s agenda, which is to advance civil rights.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Team USA. I mean, the only way we can make [and] we can’t do it by pulling each other apart.”      
    ON CATTLE PRODUCTION
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Lindberg, the Biden administration put U.S. cattle producers at a competitive disadvantage and endangered the American public by allowing imports of beef from Paraguay. That’s ridiculous. Paraguay cattle producers do not have the same food safety standards as [the] U.S. Can you speak to USDA’s plans to ensure sufficient due diligence is done in these inspections?”
    MR. LINDBERG: “Sir, thank you for the question. For me, in my role at USDA, as the Under Secretary of Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and Trade, that will be an effort by my colleagues. But I look forward to working with my colleagues in making sure that they have timely market analysis and market intelligence on those exact issues.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
    ON PEANUT FARMERS
    TUBERVILLE: “Also, our peanut growers in my state, which is huge, and across the country, have been at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace due to non-tariff trade barriers on peanuts from aflatoxin in the European Union. I asked Mr. Vaden this when he came through a few weeks ago and I’ll ask you too. Would you commit to ensuring USDA and USTR work together on Trump’s agenda to reduce trade barriers and prioritize market access for all of our farmers?”
    Mr. Lindberg: “I look forward to doing exactly that.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Jobs for Nature supercharges river restoration |

    Source: Department of Conservation

    By Sarah Wilcox

    It’s more than 4 years since the $1.2 billion Jobs for Nature programme was set up as part of the COVID-19 recovery package. DOC has managed about 40 percent of the funding, allocated to 225 projects, many of which had a focus on enhancing the biodiversity of freshwater habitat and ecosystems.

    Our established Ngā Awa river restoration programme works in Treaty partnership in 12 river catchments across the country, taking a mountains-to-sea approach. The rivers are diverse, ranging from Waipoua in Northland to Taiari (Taieri) in Otago, and reflect the variations of climate, soil type, vegetation and land uses in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    The existing partnerships enabled us to support mana whenua (people with authority over the land) and local groups to apply for Jobs for Nature grants with a focus on river restoration in their catchments. A total of $42,918,000 went to freshwater restoration projects in Ngā Awa rivers. This significant investment has supported ‘boots on the ground’ work known to improve the biodiversity of waterways.

    Restoration planting and fencing beside a tributary of the Rakitata River | Sarah Wilcox, DOC

    As many of the projects are now wrapping up, it’s a good opportunity to celebrate the successes and reflect on what’s been achieved for freshwater and the local river communities. This article focuses on work to date in three Ngā Awa rivers, with selected data used to illustrate progress. All figures were current in January 2025.

    Whanganui River, Central North Island

    • Number of plants added to riparian or wetland areas: 373,958 and other areas 56,530.
    • New fencing: 129,513m, fencing maintained: 10,218m.
    • Area treated for weeds: 159.01ha, area treated for pests: 512ha.
    • Total employment starts: 158.
    • Project completion date: September 2025.

    The Mouri Tūroa project, valued at $7.86 million, is a partnership between DOC and Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua.

    Gordon Cribb (Whanganui iwi), project manager, says the project is based around a relationship with the Whanganui River and guided by Tupua te Kawa, the value system that recognises the interdependence of the land and river.

    “We’ve kept the project team small to efficiently bring together local suppliers and businesses with landowners to get the work done – 68 contractors and 5 nurseries have been connected to a wide range of landowners via 136 expressions of interest.”

    Fencing stock out of wetlands and tributaries was a priority. “It mitigates pollution by reducing the amount of sediment going into waterways, as well as supporting landowners to comply with the stock exclusion regulations. Many of the fenced areas have been planted with natives, with pest control in place to keep the survival rate high.

    “The only way we’re going to see an improvement in water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem health is through collective efforts across all landowner types. It’s encouraging to see farmers, hapū, marae and community groups taking ownership of the restoration work.”

    A completed farm fencing project in the Whanganui River catchment | Gordon Cribb

    Ko Waikanae Te Awa, Kāpiti Coast

    • Number of plants added to riparian, lake or wetland areas: 22,300, and other areas: 114,300.
    • New fencing: 6,700m.
    • Area treated for possums or goats: 2,578ha.
    • Total employment starts: 94, people completed formal training: 67.
    • Project completion date: December 2024.

    Groundtruth Ltd received the $8.5 million Mahi mō te Taiao – Waikanae Jobs for Nature contract, partnering with Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai. Kristie Parata of Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai was the iwi (tribal) coordinator.

    “The model here was to run a practical three-month conservation and land management training programme with groups of six to eight tauira (students). Tauira then moved into teams working as kaitiaki (carers) and kaimahi (trainees) on their awa and whenua, caring for the environment. Ten groups were trained.

    Kaimahi arawai learning about stream health with DOC staff as part of their training, Maungakōtukutuku Stream | Ashley Alberto, DOC

    “Our kaimahi learned a wide range of skills, including plant propagation, environmental monitoring, fencing, track cutting, and pest control. Many reconnected with their past and heritage, and discovered new life paths and future goals. One said, ‘I thought I was here to save the taiao (nature) but found the taiao was saving me.’”

    Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust has transitioned elements of the project including some kaimahi and the new plant nursery, into an iwi-led environmental business to continue the restoration work in the Waikanae catchment and iwi rohe (area).

    Four years have passed, and the river speaks differently now.
    The Waikanae flows steady, its waters no longer weighed by the silence of neglect.
    We’ve begun to mend its edges, to tend its wounds, but the work is far from finished.
    Each effort, a first step on a path that stretches beyond us.
    – Excerpt from poem by Dan Dupont, Training and Operations Manager, Groundtruth Ltd

    Kaitiaki and tauira of Waikanae Jobs for Nature at the closing celebration, December 2024, Otaraua Park, Waikanae | Sarah Wilcox, DOC

    Rakitata (Rangitata) River, Canterbury

    Three Jobs for Nature projects have supported restoration work in this river. Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua received $2.75 million for the Arowhenua Native Nursery and $8.7 million for restoration work in the lower river. The Upper Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group was awarded $7.3 million to lead restoration work in the upper river.

    Funding for the nursery ended in December 2024 and the business is now transitioning to a commercial wholesale model. Funding for the restoration projects ends in March 2026.

    Totals across the projects are as follows:
    • Number of plants produced: 616,236.
    • Number of plants added to riparian, lake or wetland areas: 257,869.
    • New fencing: 124,631m.
    • Area treated for weeds: 81,250ha.
    • Area treated for rats, mustelids and other animal pests: 122,364ha.
    • Area treated for wallabies: 107,935ha.

    Arowhenua Native Nursery | Brad Edwards, DOC

    Brad Edwards, DOC’s Ngā Awa river ranger for the Rakitata River, is proud of how work across the different projects has come together.

    “Every project is important, from seed collection and propagation at the nursey, to the crews out preparing the ground and planting, maintenance work while the plants get going, extensive fencing to keep stock out of the riverbed and the landscape-scale pest control.”

    As well as trapping sediment and nutrients, the planting is creating a native corridor along the whole river. Established trees will be seed sources for birds to spread into new areas.

    A predator control network of more than 3,500 traps has been set up and maintained to protect the threatened birds that nest on the riverbed, including ngutu pare/wrybill and tarapirohe/black-fronted tern. Predator catches for 2024 totalled 2,828 hedgehogs, 368 feral cats and 479 stoats.

    “The variety and scale of what’s been achieved through Jobs for Nature is absolutely staggering.”

    Jobs for Nature team planting beside Deep Stream, a spring-fed tributary of the Rakitata River, in October 2024 | Greg Wilkinson

    Measuring changes and benefits

    Anyone who works in freshwater knows that making change is a long-term game. It can take years for positive changes, like more fish, improved water quality or a reduction in sediment, to show up. Monitoring has therefore been part of these projects, so future changes can be tracked.

    An October 2024 impact report by MartinJenkins1 estimated that the DOC-managed Jobs for Nature projects will deliver a return of $4 for every $1 spent. This figure is based on economic, environmental and wellbeing benefits, such as avoided irrigation loss, improved farm productivity, and reduced youth unemployment, water treatment costs and human health risks.

    In its approach to Jobs for Nature, DOC chose to put people first and trust the work would follow. The benefits for people, however, are also significant for freshwater. Many people employed said they had formed a much deeper relationship with the place and the river, which could bring further lasting benefits for nature in the long term.

    1. Publications: Jobs 4 Nature (or download PDF: Final-report-2024-Q4-J4N-impact-results-2024.pdf)
    This article was first published in the New Zealand Water Review (nzwaterreview.co.nz).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hunters across the country get set for Opening Weekend for game bird season

    Source: Fish and Game NZ

    Tens of thousands of Kiwis from the Far North to the Deep South are preparing for the start of the 2025 game bird season this Saturday (May 3).
    Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan said a strong breeding season has set the stage for an exciting Opening Weekend for hunters.
    “We know the anticipation is building in communities nationwide as hunters gear up for the big day. Opening Weekend is a popular event on the calendar for New Zealanders from all walks of life.”
    Jordan, who will join Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager at a maimai in Otago on Saturday, says New Zealand offers a wide range of hunting opportunities beyond just the Opening Weekend.
    “New Zealand is a haven for game bird hunters, offering more than just the Opening Weekend. Hunters in many parts of the country have the opportunity to go game bird hunting all through winter.
    “As much as game bird hunting is about the challenge, it’s also about the camaraderie with friends and family, the connection to nature, and the valued tradition of hunting, which has been passed down through generations.
    “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of standing alongside fellow hunters on Opening Weekend and the opportunity to provide wild, sustainable food for family, friends, and communities up and down the country.”
    The forecast for the Opening Weekend shows cloudy skies and mild temperatures across many regions, says Jordan.
    “While the dry summer had raised concerns for game bird hunters in some parts of the country, recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief. This should lift the spirits of the approximately 60,000 hunters heading out this weekend. 
    “We also want to thank those farmers who are generously opening their farms to hunters — many of whom are hunters themselves. Their support helps ensure that the tradition of game bird hunting continues.”
    Game bird hunting regional wrap
    Region Details Northland Region In the last two weeks of April, some areas of Northland received three times the average expected rainfall for the month. Heavy and persistent falls have landed on much of the region’s east coast, causing widespread flooding. The west coast has been less affected but has still received some rain. This has been a relief for some who have had their wetlands and duck ponds replenished after a long dry spell but it is a cause for frustration for others. Hunters that have been feeding ponds may find that the ducks have dispersed around the floodplains to take advantage of the floodwater and the abundance of protein rich food that it brings. Many hunters are also unable to reach their maimai due to floodwater submerging their access tracks and, in some cases, their entire maimai. Whether the floodwater will subside by the weekend will depend on how much rain remains to fall. Opening Weekend is forecast to be fine and sunny, although a reasonable wind on Saturday will help keep the ducks moving. Hunting prospects are expected to be reasonable this season. Mallard/grey numbers look good, although there is likely to be a higher proportion of adults and fewer juveniles than last year, considering that the dry spring period will have resulted in lower-than-usual juvenile recruitment. Paradise duck numbers remain high, and with an increased bag limit of 25 birds, there will be an opportunity for some exciting hunting and taking home lean protein. Swan numbers are significantly lower than in previous years due to the large population from Lake Ōmāpere dispersing, with many leaving the region. Shoveler numbers remain stable, and pūkeko are as prevalent as ever. Upland game numbers are good this season and will provide an excellent opportunity to add some diversity to hunting activities and get more value out of the licence purchase with the longer season that is offered for pheasant and quail. Hunters that adapt to the change in conditions will do well this Opening Weekend. Those hunters whose maimai is unreachable are encouraged to hunt the margins of floodwater on or near the main flight lines of the river systems. Tactics normally used mid and late season — such as scouting for shallow floodwater and bird concentrations, will pay off — particularly for evening hunting. Fish & Game rangers will be out both days and look forward to seeing hunters enjoying the great tradition that is opening weekend. 
    Eastern region The Opening Weekend weather is looking promising for hunters in the Eastern Region. Given the forecast, the region predicts that Opening Weekend bags should be similar to last year. Eastern Council has decided to increase the season length for the 2025 mallard, grey, and shoveler duck season to six weeks, providing keen hunters with an additional opportunity. Paradise shelduck and black swan populations are on par with the last few years and pukeko are plentiful. Upland game hunting should be better than last year. Rangers will be out and about checking hunters’ bags and will be accompanied by police and Firearms Safety Authority staff in areas. 
    Hawke’s Bay region With a good amount of rain forecast in the days leading up to opening day, windy, cold conditions for Saturday and Sunday, and a good chance of more rain on Saturday morning, the prospects are good for Opening Weekend. There are good numbers of mallards and high numbers of paradise ducks; the rain should help keep the birds flying, the wind should keep them from flying straight out to sea, and the cold weather should make them hungry — maximising hunting opportunities for all hunters, particularly those who have put in good pre-season work. The upland prospects are looking equally good. The local Fish & Game team has seen good numbers of Quail and Pheasants on river margins and in forested areas, no doubt helped by a large number of donated cock pheasants released after last year’s upland season and the great breeding season with no major rain events, minimising juvenile mortality. We expect a good season with game birds in great condition. We wish all licence holders a happy and successful season while reminding them to carry their hunting licence and read and comply with the regulations. 
    Taranaki region Summer drought periods have finally broken with recent rainfall, which has been happily received throughout the region. As water returns to ponds and wetlands that have been dry or at a low ebb over summer, birds will be congregating in these areas to feed on concentrations of worms and bugs. Recent trend counts have shown gamebird numbers are strong throughout Taranaki, Wanganui and the Waimarino. As we head into the wetter months and water starts to accumulate in paddocks of maise stubble and newly sown grass, productive hunts can be had, particularly for paradise shelduck, which, according to January moult counts, are currently in record-high numbers throughout the Taranaki ring plain. As a result of these higher numbers, the bag limit has been increased from 10 to 15 shelduck for opening weekend in Area C, with the rest of the season returning to the usual 10 birds. Recent monitoring has shown that mallard, black swan, and pūkeko populations remain stable in good numbers, providing plenty of hunting opportunities. The weather forecast is a mixed bag for the weekend, with sun and clear skies forecast from Saturday onwards, with strong southerly winds that ease on Sunday. 
    Nelson Marlborough region The regions mallard monitoring programme indicates numbers in the Marlborough area are up 20 percent the average. Also the regions paradise shelduck numbers are very v strong in the Tasman and Golden Bay area. This bodes well for hunters in the region in the coming months. 
    West Coast region West Coast game bird populations are in excellent shape. A wet spring provided ideal breeding conditions, leading to strong duckling and chick survival rates. Recent monitoring confirms that mallards, grey ducks, paradise shelducks, pūkeko, shoveler, and black swans are all in healthy numbers across the region. Though summer has been dry, the strong start to the breeding season means bird numbers remain high. Waterfowl have adapted to the changing conditions, with many concentrating around the most reliable water sources. This makes preseason scouting crucial, as identifying where birds are feeding and roosting offers hunters the best chance of success. Farm ponds and spring-fed creeks are often key feeding areas, while wetlands, riverbeds, and estuaries are expected to continue holding significant numbers of roosting birds. 
    North Canterbury regionHunters in North Canterbury should have plenty of opportunities this opening weekend. This week’s rain, however, will disperse birds by providing plenty of new habitat for the ducks to feed on so be prepared to move around to hunt your ducks. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, regarded as one of New Zealand’s Waterfowlers’ bucket list hunting locations is looking fantastic. The Lake will be opened to the sea in the coming weeks, but it is at a perfect level for opening weekend. Elsewhere in the region, duck numbers are good following a mild summer, and with a three-month-long season, hunters will have lots of opportunities to hunt over the coming weeks. 
    Central South Island region Overall, the relatively wet summer on the Plains and foothills has set up water levels nicely at hunting ponds; however, further inland, it has been much drier. Central South Island Fish & Game’s game bird population surveys suggest that, in general, the relatively wet summer on the Canterbury Plains has supported a productive breeding season, which bodes well for the 2025 season. A Canterbury Plains survey of mallard duck and paradise shelduck population undertaken in March observed healthy numbers — the third highest count since records began for mallard duck and the highest on record for paradise shelduck. Annual population monitoring shows black swan numbers are currently high in the Wainono Lagoon area and the Mackenzie Basin. The Central South Island Region game bird season is open until July 27th for waterfowl species: mallard duck, grey duck, NZ shoveller duck, black swan and pūkeko. 
    Otago region Game bird hunters across the Otago region are gearing up for what looks to be an encouraging start to the 2025 season. Despite a change in monitoring approach this year, Otago Fish & Game officers are optimistic about duck numbers throughout the region following favourable breeding conditions. Anecdotal reports from across the region suggest promising populations in multiple areas. Reports from South Otago and West Otago note substantial bird numbers, while good numbers have been observed in the Taieri and the Maniototo areas. Five ranger teams will be checking compliance at both private and public hunting locations across Otago on Opening Weekend. Hunters are reminded to make firearms safe, present game bird licences when requested and follow rangers’ instructions. 
    Wellington region A period of settled conditions across the lower North Island will come to an abrupt end just in time for the start of the season with rain and a strong southerly moving through late on Friday. While Opening Weekend weather looks a little calmer – cloudy with showers and westerlies – the forecast big southerly system will certainly stir birds up and get them moving for Opening Day, which is excellent news for hunters in the lower North Island. Our recent aerial trend counts for mallards in the Wellington Fish & Game region reveal a strong population, with higher numbers recorded in both the Wairarapa plains and Manawatu areas than this time last year. Large congregations of birds have been observed on small ponds and dams near recently harvested maize crops. The later-than-normal harvest means there is plenty of crop still to come in, and this will likely have kept ducks localised. Good numbers of mallards have also been holding on the big water, such as Lake Wairarapa, and loafing on the larger rivers in the region, like the Manawatu. 
    Southland RegionThe Southland region is expecting a strong season this year. The spring breeding season was productive, with favourable conditions leading to higher duckling survival. This has resulted in a good number of younger birds in the population, which are generally easier to hunt. Southland Fish & Game has recently completed pre-season mallard monitoring flights. While some areas, particularly Northern Southland, showed higher counts, mallard numbers across the region are sitting around the long-term average. This is good news for hunters, as it points to a typical Southland season with steady numbers, plenty of opportunity, and the prospect of a memorable opening weekend followed by a rewarding season overall. At this stage, the forecast is pointing toward still, calm conditions.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 30th, 2025 Heinrich Announces Legislation to Combat Gun Trafficking, Protect Communities from Gun Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Legislation builds on Heinrich’s work to increase criminal penalties for straw purchases and stop illegal gun trafficking out of our country
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the core bipartisan group of senators who negotiated and passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), co-sponsored the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act, legislation to protect communities from gun violence by requiring federal law enforcement to coordinate efforts to prevent the importation and trafficking of machinegun conversion devices including ‘auto-sears’ — illegal gun modification devices that can convert semi-automatic weapons into fully-automatic weapons — and seize all profits that come from the illegal trafficking of these devices.
    “I’m proud that the provisions I wrote in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act have already led to hundreds of arrests and kept firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals. But with at least 91 mass shooting in the United States already this year, it’s clear we have more work to do,” said Heinrich. I’m proud to co-sponsor the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act, which will help law enforcement keep New Mexicans safe from gun violence by providing new tools to combat illegal gun trafficking.”
    Specifically, the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act will: 

    Direct the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of the Treasury to develop a coordinated national strategy to prevent or intercept the importation and trafficking of automatic gun conversion devices;

    The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.),  Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). 
    The legislation is endorsed by GIFFORDS and Brady: United Against Gun Violence.
    The text of the bill is here. 
    Heinrich-Led Gun Trafficking and Straw Purchase Provisions: 
    Heinrich-led provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act increased criminal penalties for straw purchasers and made it a crime, for the first time ever, to traffic firearms out of the United States. Straw purchasers are people who buy guns for those who cannot buy them directly themselves due to their age, felony criminal convictions, or other limitations. By increasing penalties for straw purchasing, Heinrich’s provision is helping to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who would use them against our communities. By making it illegal to traffic firearms out of the country, Heinrich’s provision gave law enforcement the tools needed to prosecute and disrupt the flow of firearms to Mexico and the Northern Triangle, fueling the violence that has driven so many to flee their home countries.  
    To date, the Department of Justice has charged more than 600 defendants using BSCA’s gun trafficking and straw purchasing laws, removing hundreds of firearms off the streets in the process. These cases are significant, often preventing and prosecuting highly dangerous activity, such as crimes linked to organized trafficking rings and transnational criminal organizations.  
    For example, in March 2024, the Justice Department charged several defendants with trafficking and straw purchasing over 100 firearms, including many military-grade weapons, that were allegedly intended to be smuggled to a Mexican drug cartel. In April 2024, a defendant was sentenced to 276 months in prison for firearms trafficking and straw purchasing, as well as distribution of fentanyl, where the evidence showed that two of the trafficked firearms had been used in gang-related shootings. In 2o23, a defendant was sentenced to two years in prison for running an illegal gun trafficking enterprise, repeatedly taking money to lie on firearm purchase forms and obtain weapons for convicted felons. 
    In New Mexico, the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico has charged 11 defendants with BSCA violations. 
    Heinrich’s Longtime Leadership to Tackle Gun Violence:
    A gun owner and father, Heinrich has long worked to advance and pass bipartisan policies that save lives, protect public safety, and reduce gun violence.
    This month, Heinrich introduced his Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act and bipartisan Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act, commonsense legislation designed to protect communities from gun violence, while safeguarding Americans’ constitutional right to own a firearm for legitimate self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes.
    Heinrich recently convened a press conference in Albuquerque with New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, community leaders, and students to announce the introduction of his GOSAFE Act. For photos and videos of that event, click here.

    In October 2024, Heinrich secured critical funding for New Mexico law enforcement to purchase four new NIBIN machines for Las Cruces, Farmington, Gallup, and Roswell. This allows law enforcement to trace firearms used in crimes and hold criminals accountable, all while saving officers valuable time and resources.
    In 2017, Heinrich cosponsored the bipartisan Fix NICS Act, which now requires federal and state authorities to produce background check implementation plans and holds federal agencies accountable for reporting relevant criminal records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). He also led the successful call to repeal the Dickey Amendment, which had previously prevented the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from funding research on gun violence and its effects on public health.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier urges efforts to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements, prevent agricultural disasters

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese vice premier urges efforts to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements, prevent agricultural disasters

    ZHENGZHOU, April 30 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has urged sustained poverty alleviation efforts, and emphasized the need to fully implement agricultural disaster prevention and mitigation measures to secure a bumper summer grain harvest.

    Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip to the provinces of Shaanxi and Henan which took place from Monday to Wednesday.

    In Shangluo City of Shaanxi, he called for targeted measures to boost industries with distinctive local features and advantages to create job opportunities and enrich farmers.

    As winter wheat is in a critical period of growth that will affect the year’s output, he went to the fields in Weinan City of Shaanxi and Luoyang City of Henan, urging strengthened technical guidance and precise irrigation to minimize the impact of drought. He also stressed the importance of enhancing weather forecasting and early warning services and guarding against potential disasters such as plant diseases and insect pests to secure a bumper harvest.

    During the trip, Liu visited health service stations and child care centers, stressing the need to enhance prevention and control of key infectious diseases, leverage the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine to improve primary healthcare services, and boost integrated child care services.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on Senate Vote Rejecting President Trump’s Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement after voting for a bipartisan resolution that would terminate the national emergency that President Trump declared as the basis for his reckless tariffs:

    “President Trump’s reckless tariffs have caused the economy to shrink for the first time in three years. Tonight, Democrats and Republicans made it clear that this is not the right course for the American economy.

    “In recent weeks, President Trump’s tariffs have wreaked havoc on our business community, farmers, manufacturers, and families. New Mexicans in every corner of the state are facing higher costs, shrinking life savings, and job insecurity. The President – who promised to lower costs on day one – is damaging the American economy and making life more expensive for American families and businesses.

    “These tariffs are new and drastic tax increases on hardworking New Mexicans. Democrats and Republicans alike know that President Trump’s tariffs are hurting their states. That’s why I voted with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to send a clear message to President Trump that these reckless tariffs are taking a toll on the American economy and it must stop now.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor in Advance of Vote on His Bipartisan Legislation to End Trump’s Global Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    FULL VIDEO OF KAINE’S FLOOR SPEECH IS AVAILABLE HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the Senate’s expected vote later tonight on his bipartisan legislation to repeal President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs that the White House announced on April 2. These tariffs are a national sales tax – in total, Trump’s tariffs will cost the average American household nearly $5,000 per year. In the wake of President Trump’s trade wars, manufacturers have already laid off workers, foreign countries have imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods, and the economy has contracted.

    “The Constitution of the United States puts two powers clearly … within the hands of Congress: the power to tax and the power to conduct trade policy, including the imposition of tariffs,” said Kaine. “But President Trump finds Congress an inconvenience, and he has decided to take both of these powers onto his own shoulders by imposing a national sales tax.”

    “President Trump on Inauguration Day inherited the strongest economy on the Planet Earth,” Kaine continued. “We know this morning, that strong economy, which was growing for three years at a very solid pace, is now contracting. It’s not only the contraction of the economy, it’s the chaos of the stock market. It’s declining consumer confidence. It’s projections of recession by Federal Reserve districts and major economists.”

    “Last week, I traveled around the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Kaine said. “I talked to businesses everywhere in my state—and they talked about the layoffs, and they talked about the spending cuts, and they talked about the tariffs. And they added those three together and said what those three add up to is chaos—the chaos of unpredictability.”

    Kaine continued, “A tariff is nothing more than a sales tax. It’s a sales tax on the products that everyday Americans use, especially groceries and clothing, building supplies. For farmers, the cost of fertilizer that they need as they’re engaging in spring planting … This is a sales tax on everyone in the country, but it’s a sales tax—as all sales tax do—that falls hardest on those who can least afford it.”

    “A larger share of manufacturers are reporting declines in new orders … Some of those declines are driven because of the price effect of tariffs, the price effect of retaliatory tariffs, but some are also being driven by the uncertainty. There is a chaos penalty to the economy. When you’re not sure what’s going to happen, you slow your investments, and that’s why you see a decline in manufacturing,” Kaine said. “Businesses want to have predictability.”

    “So how did we get here? From an economy on Inauguration Day that was the strongest in the world—when President Trump stood 50 yards from here and said it was a golden age—to an economy that has nothing but red lights and question marks all over it?” Kaine asked. “We got here because one individual decided to bypass Congress to take both the taxing power and the trade power into his own hands without a debate, without a committee hearing, without deliberation, without considering what people thought about the plan, and that one man and his decisions have taken a chainsaw to the American economy.

    Kaine concluded, “We must turn this around, and the good news is the Senate has the ability to turn it around … All the economic trends are pointing the same direction. We should take a different path on the economy before it gets worse. The vote we will have later today gives the Senate—the greatest deliberative body in the world—the chance to stand up and say ‘Let’s take a different path.’”

    Earlier this month, bipartisan legislation led by Kaine to reverse President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, which amount to a 25 percent tax on imports, passed the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Booker Introduce Bipartisan Keep Finfish Free Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    04.30.25
    WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the Keep Finfish Free Act, bipartisan legislation to prohibit federal agencies from issuing any permit or taking any other action to authorize or facilitate commercial finfish aquaculture operations in federal waters, known as the exclusive economic zone, from 3 to 200 nautical miles off U.S. shores, unless Congress passes future legislation explicitly authorizing such permits. The legislation is consistent with current Alaska state law, which bans offshore finfish farming in state waters.
    “Alaskans are deeply invested in protecting the health of our marine ecosystem and maintaining the sustainability of our world-class fisheries,” said Senator Sullivan. “That is why I’m introducing legislation with Senator Booker to ban risky fish farming operations in federal waters that could jeopardize the health of our fish species and undermine Alaska’s coastal fishing communities. I hope my colleagues will join us in passing this important legislation to keep American finfish healthy and free!”
    “Industrial finfish aquaculture operations are like underwater factory farms, polluting our oceans and spreading potentially deadly diseases and parasites to wild fish,” said Senator Booker. “These operations use millions of pounds of wild fish to feed the caged fish at an unsustainable rate of consumption that depletes marine resources in traditional fishing areas. As we make decisions that will impact the future of our oceans, we should not go down the unsustainable road of allowing commercial finfish aquaculture in our federal waters. Instead we should chart a different path built around the health of wild fish stocks and ocean ecosystems.”
    “Reintroduction of the Keep Finfish Free Act is a welcome display of support that Senator Sullivan and Senator Booker have for the fisher people who provide natural and healthy food to the world,” said Melanie Brown, Native Alaskan fisherwoman and outreach director at SalmonState. “Thank you, Senators, for leading the charge on keeping net pens out of the waters of our wild-caught fisheries.”
    “Thank you, Senator Booker, for introducing the Keep Finfish Free Act. The last thing our ocean needs is industrialization, especially off New Jersey and New York coasts,” said Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, based in Long Branch, NJ. “Offshore finfish farms would harm and contaminate our wild and free ocean with pollution including from pharmaceuticals, chemical feed, and concentrated fecal matter. It will also promote diseases and genetic mutations which will threaten native species. In short, nothing but yuck. We need strong laws to ensure our ocean is clean and healthy for all to enjoy today and for future generations.”
    “What affects fishers affects farmers, too; we co-exist within the same food systems. Factory farming on land has displaced small producers, harmed rural communities, and depleted natural resources,” said Cali Alexander, board member and policy chair with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ (NOFA-NJ), and former state seafood administrator with the NJ Department of Health. “Now, industrial-scale fish farming threatens to do the same. So we at NOFA-NJ are grateful to Senator Booker for co-sponsoring the Keep Finfish Free Act, a vital push toward keeping food production truly sustainable and in the hands of those who put food on our plates.”
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Blumenthal champion bipartisan bill to protect animals, penalize abusers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today reintroduced the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act to protect livestock and other animals from abuse by strengthening law enforcement’s ability to penalize abusers.

    “Far too often, researchers, breeders and dealers who mistreat animals get away with their crimes. I’m proud to help introduce the Better CARE for Animals Act to make sure law enforcement has the authority to rescue innocent creatures from dangerous environments and punish people who have a hand in the mishandling of animals,” said Kennedy. 

    “Our bipartisan, bicameral measure protects animals from mistreatment and neglect by holding bad actors accountable for their abuse. Civil penalties and suspensions of abusers’ licenses will go a long way in strengthening Animal Welfare Act enforcement and keeping vulnerable animals out of harm’s way,” said Blumenthal.

    The Better CARE for Animals Act would:

    • Strengthen the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ability to enforce the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying that the DOJ has the same authority that the U.S. Department of Agriculture wields under the Animal Welfare Act, including the ability to seek license suspensions, revocations and civil penalties.
    • Expand on the Animal Welfare Act by granting the DOJ forfeiture authority to seize and remove animals experiencing harmful treatment.

    Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives. 

    “I’m proud to support the bipartisan and bicameral Better CARE for Animals Act which will hold abusers accountable for their mistreatment of innocent animals. Millions of animals have already suffered, and we must ensure the U.S. Department of Justice has the tools it needs to crack down on those responsible—to protect the welfare of animals and prevent future abuse,” said Malliotakis.

    “The Better CARE for Animals Act provides the Justice Department with the necessary authority to combat animal abuse, making them an equal partner to the USDA. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in improving enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act,” said Quigley.

    “The Better CARE for Animals Act provides for important animal protections, encourages stronger collaboration between departments, and empowers our law enforcement to combat abusers. As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to support this legislation and advocate for the better treatment of innocent animals,” said Reschenthaler.

    “No animal should suffer because bad actors know they can get away with it. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure stronger enforcement and greater accountability for those who abuse animals. The Better CARE for Animals Act gives us the tools we need to support more humane treatment across the country,” said Davids. 

    The Humane World Action Fund supports the Better CARE for Animals Act. 

    “For too long, derelict dog breeders, subpar research facilities, and roadside zoos that make a mockery of animals have put profits over animals’ care and wellbeing by exploiting holes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the law. The reintroduction of the Better CARE for Animals Act will give the Department of Justice tools to crack down on scofflaws harming animals and provide USDA better support. No animal deserves to be sacrificed due to a critical lack of enforcement. We call on Congress to pass the bill now to create a new era of better care for animals,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane World Action Fund.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Unanimously Passes Rep. Houchin’s Rural Broadband Protection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (Indiana 09)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the House of Representatives passed the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, led by Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) to strengthen transparency and accountability in federal broadband programs. 

    The bill, which passed unanimously by voice vote, ensures that taxpayer dollars invested in rural broadband projects reach the communities that need them most. It also guarantees that providers selected for funding are capable of delivering reliable, high-speed internet access. 

    “Across Indiana and throughout rural America, families, farmers, students, and small business owners are still struggling with slow or unreliable internet access,” said Rep. Houchin. “That’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a barrier to opportunity, education, healthcare, and economic growth. When Congress invests in rural broadband, we must make sure those dollars are reaching the communities they’re meant to serve.”

    The legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a formal vetting process for applicants seeking broadband funding through the Universal Service Fund’s high-cost programs. Providers will be evaluated based on their experience, technical capability, and demonstrated ability to deploy broadband infrastructure efficiently and effectively.

    The Rural Broadband Protection Act now advances to the Senate for further consideration. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Questions Trump’s Nominee to lead Customs and Border Protection: “I hope you can find a way to be really respectful of the long-term traditions that have been very beneficial for Vermonters.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) questioned Rodney Scott, President Trump’s nominee to be the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in a Senate Finance Committee hearing today.  
    Senator Welch asked how Mr. Scott plans to balance public safety while respecting migrants’ contributions to their communities and our agriculture industry, specifically discussing the recent arrests and detention of eight migrant farmworkers. Senator Welch also pushed the nominee on CBP’s limited hours at Land Ports of Entry between Vermont and Canada, as well as how CBP will work with northern border communities to protect shared traditions and institutions, like the Haskell Free Library and Opera House.  
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Rodney Scott, President Trump’s pick to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection: 

    Read excerpts of Senator Welch’s questioning below: 
    Sen. Welch: You’ve got a big responsibility, obviously, to have the border secure, criminals to be deported. But there’s also an element where the overreach in the power of prosecution and in the power of law enforcement—as you know better than anyone—is immense, can have some harmful consequences.  
    We’ve got folks working on dairy farms, and we just had one of our most prominent dairy farms—there was an incident there. That farm, by the way, has extremely good relations with CBP folks. These farmers understand the importance of the job. But there was apparently an ‘anonymous tip’ about somebody with a backpack that led to eight farmworkers being arrested—they’re now in detention. We’ve got to milk our cows. We’ve got to have access to labor. None of these folks have any criminal record, and really this is a question about priorities.  
    I’m all with my colleagues here on securing the border. I’m all with my colleagues on deporting criminals. But my goodness, we need farmworkers. How are you going to balance the aggressive efforts of the Trump Administration on the border and make distinctions between where you best can act in order to protect the public and not harm agriculture? 
    Scott: Thank you. So, Customs and Border Protection’s role is a little bit unique in that we’re focused on the interdiction aspect. So, we’re focused on people coming into the United States illegally at the borders or an international border, we’re not doing the interior enforcement aspects. But I will highlight that I don’t support asking law enforcement officers to not enforce the law that’s in front of them. And that’s kind of the challenge. I like highlighting the fact that we have a visa process now where it may not be the easiest on the planet, but it’s not as hard for employers to actually get guestworkers to come in—not a guestworker, but an HB1V… 
    Sen. Welch: This farm did that. But there’s always a dispute and there’s always a suspicion. These people, I spoke to the farmer, none of them have any criminal records, they’re all valued members of the community. And by the way, the economy—this is Franklin County in northern Vermont—has really benefited, obviously, by the wages that are paid, by the money that’s spent, and by maintaining these farms. I mean, these are real-world consequences for real people in Vermont. And I suspect, real people in many other states, especially along the northern border. 
    Scott: If confirmed as Commissioner, I’ll ensure that we enforce all of the laws that CBP enforces—immigration and customs—with humanity and respect and work with the communities. But I can’t apologize for actually enforcing the laws that Congress enacted and put on the books and asked us to enforce. 
    Sen. Welch: I’m not asking you to apologize. And you do have a point, because it’s on Congress that we don’t have a sensible policy on ag workers. That is on us. But you know what? We’ve got to do something about it. It’s horrible, what just happened to this farm—really terrible. These are all good people that are working there, and they’ve been separated from their families.  
    Land ports of entry in Vermont: We have a library that literally—you know about this—is between the border between Canada and in Vermont. And this is one of the challenges you face. Canadians come in the back door, which is on the Canadian side, and Vermonters go in the front door, which is on the Vermont side. And now we’re getting hassled about being able to maintain something that has served that community for 120 years. So, I get it that you’ve got to ‘enforce the law,’ but is it a real issue about Canadians coming into the Canadian side of a Vermont library to get a book? 
    Scott: So, I’m somewhat familiar with that library. I have not visited, but I’ve heard the challenges in both perspectives. The community, the history, the interaction, and then how like many times when we unintentionally create a vulnerability, how criminal elements will exploit it. 
    Sen. Welch: But there’s no criminal elements going to the Haskell Library to check out a book.  
    Scott: Well, they go in there, but it’s not to check out a book, I would agree. But my commitment to you is if confirmed, I will sit down and talk through issues like that. That we’re not going to make decisions in a vacuum. 
    Sen. Welch: I appreciate that. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Landmark Bancorp, Inc. Announces Growth in First Quarter 2025 Net Earnings of 43.2%. Declares Cash Dividend of $0.21 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Manhattan, KS, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (“Landmark”; Nasdaq: LARK) reported diluted earnings per share of $0.81 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $0.57 per share in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $0.48 per share in the same quarter last year. Net income for the first quarter totaled $4.7 million, compared to $3.3 million in the prior quarter and $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the return on average assets was 1.21%, the return on average equity was 13.71% and the efficiency ratio(1) was 64.1%.

    First Quarter 2025 Performance Highlights

    • Loan growth totaled $22.6 million or an annualized increase of 8.7% over the prior quarter.
    • Net interest margin improved 25 basis points to 3.76% compared to 3.51% in prior quarter.
    • Deposits increased $42.3 million, or 3.3%, from the same quarter last year and $7.1 million, or 2.2%, from prior quarter.
    • Other borrowed funds decreased $11.8 million compared to the prior quarter.
    • Non-interest expenses declined $1.1 million compared to the prior quarter.
    • Credit quality remained stable with net charge-offs totaling $23,000 in the first quarter.
    • Ratio of equity to assets increased to 9.04% this quarter.

    In making this announcement, Abby Wendel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Landmark, commented, “I am pleased to report strong growth in net income this quarter driven by growth in net interest income, lower expenses and excellent credit quality. We continued to experience solid loan demand in the first quarter 2025, especially for commercial real estate and residential mortgage loans. In the first quarter 2025, total gross loans increased by $22.6 million or 8.7% (annualized) with growth in most loan categories. Total deposits also increased in the first quarter by $7.1 million, exceeding the typical seasonal decline in money market and interest checking accounts. Over the last two quarters, deposits have increased over $60 million. Other borrowed funds declined by $11.8 million, which reduced interest expense and improved our net interest margin. Growth in our balance sheet, plus the shift in our funding position led to net interest income growth of 22.1% over the previous year and net interest margin expansion of 25 basis points to 3.76%. Non-interest expense also declined this quarter by $1.1 million compared to the prior quarter. Credit quality remained solid overall with minimal net charge-offs, and no provision for credit losses was taken this quarter. These strong results are a tribute to the associates who work hard every day to make Landmark the bank of choice for our customers and stockholders.”

    Landmark’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share, to be paid June 4, 2025, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 21, 2025.

    Management will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial results at 9:30 a.m. (Central time) on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Investors may participate via telephone by dialing (833) 470-1428 and using access code 866149. A replay of the call will be available through May 8, 2025, by dialing (866) 813-9403 and using access code 282640.

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income in the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $13.1 million representing an increase of $720,000, or 5.8%, compared to the previous quarter. The increase in net interest income resulted from a combination of both higher interest income on loans and lower interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds (FHLB, repurchase agreements and other debt). Net interest margin increased to 3.76% during the first quarter from 3.51% during the prior quarter. Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans increased $440,000 to $16.4 million due to higher average balances combined with higher yields on loans. Average loan balances increased $38.4 million, while the average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio increased 6 basis points to 6.34%. Interest on investment securities declined slightly due to lower balances, partially offset by higher earning rates. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, interest on deposits decreased $114,000, or 2.1%, due to lower rates as average interest-bearing deposit balances increased by $34.8 million. Interest on other borrowed funds declined by $216,000, due to lower rates and average balances. The average rate on interest-bearing deposits decreased 8 basis points to 2.17% while the average rate on other borrowed funds decreased 15 basis points to 5.09% in the first quarter.

    Non-Interest Income

    Non-interest income totaled $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $13,000 from the previous quarter. The decrease in non-interest income during the first quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a $704,000 decline in bank owned life insurance income relating to one-time benefits recorded in the fourth quarter, coupled with a $322,000 decline in fees and service charges relating to lower deposit related fee income, partially due to fewer days in the quarter. Partially offsetting those declines was a $1.0 million loss on the sales of lower yielding investment securities in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a loss of only $2,000 in the first quarter of 2025.

    (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation.

    Non-Interest Expense

    During the first quarter of 2025, non-interest expense totaled $10.8 million, a decrease of $1.1 million compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in non-interest expense was primarily due to decreases of $350,000 in other non-interest expense, $298,000 in occupancy and equipment and $298,000 in professional fees. The decreases in other non-interest expenses and occupancy and equipment were primarily related to branch closures in 2024 and associated cost savings in 2025. The decrease in professional fees this quarter was primarily due to higher consulting costs in the prior quarter related to several initiatives.

    Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

    Landmark recorded income tax expense of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to an income tax benefit of $886,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024. The effective tax rate was 17.8% in the first quarter of 2025. The fourth quarter of 2024 included the recognition of $1.0 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which significantly reduced the effective tax rate.

    Balance Sheet Highlights

    As of March 31, 2025, gross loans totaled $1.1 billion, an increase of $22.6 million, or 8.7% annualized since December 31, 2024. During the quarter, loan growth was primarily comprised of commercial real estate (growth of $14.4 million), one-to-four family residential real estate (growth of $3.4 million) and construction and land loans (growth of $3.3 million). Investment securities decreased $16.5 million during the first quarter of 2025 mainly due to maturities. Pre-tax unrealized net losses on the investment securities portfolio decreased from $20.9 million at December 31, 2024, to $17.1 million at March 31, 2025, mainly due to lower market rates for these securities at March 31, 2025.

    Period end deposit balances increased $7.1 million to $1.3 billion at March 31, 2025. The increase in deposits was driven by increases in non-interest-bearing demand deposits (increase of $16.9 million), certificates of deposit (increase of $10.0 million) and savings (increase of $3.7 million), partially offset by a decline in money market and checking accounts (decrease of $23.5 million). The decrease in money market and checking accounts was mainly driven by a seasonal decline in public fund deposit account balances. Total borrowings decreased $11.8 million during the first quarter 2025. At March 31, 2025, the loan to deposits ratio was 79.5% compared to 78.2% in the prior quarter.

    Stockholders’ equity increased to $142.7 million (book value of $24.69 per share) as of March 31, 2025, from $136.2 million (book value of $23.59 per share) as of December 31, 2024. The increase in stockholders’ equity was due mainly to a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive losses (lower unrealized net losses on investment securities) along with net earnings from the quarter. The ratio of equity to total assets increased to 9.04% on March 31, 2025, from 8.65% on December 31, 2024.

    The allowance for credit losses totaled $12.8 million, or 1.19% of total gross loans on March 31, 2025, compared to $12.8 million, or 1.22% of total gross loans on December 31, 2024. Net loan charge-offs totaled $23,000 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $219,000 during the fourth quarter of 2024. No provision for credit losses on loans was recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to a provision of $1.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Non-performing loans totaled $13.3 million, or 1.24% of gross loans, at March 31, 2025, compared to $13.1 million, or 1.25% of gross loans, at December 31, 2024. Loans 30-89 days delinquent totaled $10.0 million, or 0.93% of gross loans, as of March 31, 2025, compared to $6.2 million, or 0.59% of gross loans, as of December 31, 2024.

    About Landmark

    Landmark Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Landmark National Bank, is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Landmark National Bank is a community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services. Landmark National Bank has 29 locations in 23 communities across Kansas: Manhattan (2), Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, La Crosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park, Paola, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Topeka (2), Wamego and Wellsville, Kansas. Visit www.banklandmark.com for more information.

    Contact:
    Mark A. Herpich
    Chief Financial Officer
    (785) 565-2000
     

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Landmark. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Landmark undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets, including the effects of inflationary pressures and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; (ii) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business, including changes in interpretation or prioritization of such laws, regulations and policies; (iii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of our assets; (iv) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies; (v) timely development and acceptance of new products and services; (vi) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (vii) our risk management framework; (viii) interruptions in information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party services; (ix) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the threat or implementation of, or changes to, existing policies and executive orders, including tariffs, immigration policy, regulatory and other governmental agencies, foreign policy and tax regulations; (x) the economic effects of severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, or other external events; (xi) the loss of key executives or employees; (xii) changes in consumer spending; (xiii) integration of acquired businesses; (xiv) the commencement, cost and outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and regulatory actions against us or to which the Company may become subject; (xv) changes in accounting policies and practices, such as the implementation of the current expected credit losses accounting standard; (xvi) the economic impact of past and any future terrorist attacks, acts of war, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or threats thereof, and the response of the United States to any such threats and attacks; (xvii) the ability to manage credit risk, forecast loan losses and maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses; (xviii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xix) concentrations within our loan portfolio, concentration large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients (including commercial real estate loans); (xx) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xxi) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxii) the ability to raise additional capital; (xxiii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our or our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiv) declines in real estate values; (xxv) the effects of fraud on the part of our employees, customers, vendors or counterparties; (xxvi) the Company’s success at managing and responding to the risks involved in the foregoing items; and (xxvii) any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by Landmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning Landmark and its business, including additional risk factors that could materially affect Landmark’s financial results, is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)  
                                   
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,  
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Assets                              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 21,881     $ 20,275     $ 21,211     $ 23,889     $ 16,468  
    Interest-bearing deposits at other banks     3,973       4,110       4,363       4,881       4,920  
    Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value:                                        
    U.S. treasury securities     58,424       64,458       83,753       89,325       93,683  
    Municipal obligations, tax exempt     101,812       107,128       112,126       114,047       118,445  
    Municipal obligations, taxable     70,614       71,715       75,129       74,588       75,371  
    Agency mortgage-backed securities     125,142       129,211       140,004       142,499       149,777  
    Total investment securities available-for-sale     355,992       372,512       411,012       420,459       437,276  
    Investment securities held-to-maturity     3,701       3,672       3,643       3,613       3,584  
    Bank stocks, at cost     6,225       6,618       7,894       9,647       7,850  
    Loans:                                        
    One-to-four family residential real estate     355,632       352,209       344,380       332,090       312,833  
    Construction and land     28,645       25,328       23,454       30,480       24,823  
    Commercial real estate     359,579       345,159       324,016       318,850       323,397  
    Commercial     190,881       192,325       181,652       178,876       181,945  
    Agriculture     101,808       100,562       91,986       84,523       86,808  
    Municipal     7,082       7,091       7,098       6,556       5,690  
    Consumer     31,297       29,679       29,263       29,200       28,544  
    Total gross loans     1,074,924       1,052,353       1,001,849       980,575       964,040  
    Net deferred loan (fees) costs and loans in process     (426 )     (307 )     (63 )     (583 )     (578 )
    Allowance for credit losses     (12,802 )     (12,825 )     (11,544 )     (10,903 )     (10,851 )
    Loans, net     1,061,696       1,039,221       990,242       969,089       952,611  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value     2,997       3,420       3,250       2,513       2,697  
    Bank owned life insurance     39,329       39,056       39,176       38,826       38,578  
    Premises and equipment, net     19,886       20,220       20,976       20,986       20,696  
    Goodwill     32,377       32,377       32,377       32,377       32,377  
    Other intangible assets, net     2,426       2,578       2,729       2,900       3,071  
    Mortgage servicing rights     3,045       3,061       3,041       2,997       2,977  
    Real estate owned, net     167       167       428       428       428  
    Other assets     24,894       26,855       23,309       28,149       29,684  
    Total assets   $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,563,651     $ 1,560,754     $ 1,553,217  
                                             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                        
    Liabilities:                                        
    Deposits:                                        
    Non-interest-bearing demand     368,480       351,595       360,188       360,631       364,386  
    Money market and checking     613,459       636,963       565,629       546,385       583,315  
    Savings     149,223       145,514       145,825       150,996       154,000  
    Certificates of deposit     204,660       194,694       203,860       192,470       191,823  
    Total deposits     1,335,822       1,328,766       1,275,502       1,250,482       1,293,524  
    FHLB and other borrowings     48,767       53,046       92,050       131,330       74,716  
    Subordinated debentures     21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651  
    Repurchase agreements     6,256       13,808       9,528       8,745       15,895  
    Accrued interest and other liabilities     23,442       20,656       25,229       20,292       20,760  
    Total liabilities     1,435,938       1,437,927       1,423,960       1,432,500       1,426,546  
    Stockholders’ equity:                                        
    Common stock     58       58       55       55       55  
    Additional paid-in capital     95,148       95,051       89,532       89,469       89,364  
    Retained earnings     60,422       56,934       60,549       57,774       55,912  
    Treasury stock, at cost     –       –       (396 )     (330 )     (249 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (12,977 )     (15,828 )     (10,049 )     (18,714 )     (18,411 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     142,651       136,215       139,691       128,254       126,671  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,563,651     $ 1,560,754     $ 1,553,217  
    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)  
       
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   Three months ended,  
        March 31,     December 31,     March 31,  
        2025     2024     2024  
    Interest income:                        
    Loans   $ 16,395     $ 15,955     $ 14,490  
    Investment securities:                        
    Taxable     2,180       2,210       2,428  
    Tax-exempt     719       738       764  
    Interest-bearing deposits at banks     48       49       63  
    Total interest income     19,342       18,952       17,745  
    Interest expense:                        
    Deposits     5,236       5,350       5,457  
    FHLB and other borrowings     565       737       1,022  
    Subordinated debentures     357       389       412  
    Repurchase agreements     65       77       107  
    Total interest expense     6,223       6,553       6,998  
    Net interest income     13,119       12,399       10,747  
    Provision for credit losses     –       1,500       300  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     13,119       10,899       10,447  
    Non-interest income:                        
    Fees and service charges     2,388       2,710       2,461  
    Gains on sales of loans, net     562       522       512  
    Bank owned life insurance     272       976       245  
    Losses on sales of investment securities, net     (2 )     (1,031 )     –  
    Other     138       194       182  
    Total non-interest income     3,358       3,371       3,400  
    Non-interest expense:                        
    Compensation and benefits     6,154       6,264       5,532  
    Occupancy and equipment     1,252       1,550       1,390  
    Data processing     396       452       481  
    Amortization of mortgage servicing rights and other intangibles     239       240       412  
    Professional fees     745       1,043       647  
    Valuation allowance on real estate held for sale     –       –       129  
    Other     1,975       2,325       1,960  
    Total non-interest expense     10,761       11,874       10,551  
    Earnings before income taxes     5,716       2,396       3,296  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     1,015       (886 )     518  
    Net earnings   $ 4,701     $ 3,282     $ 2,778  
                             
    Net earnings per share (1)                        
     Basic   $ 0.81     $ 0.57     $ 0.48  
     Diluted     0.81       0.57       0.48  
    Dividends per share (1)     0.21       0.20       0.20  
    Shares outstanding at end of period (1)     5,778,610       5,775,198       5,747,560  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic (1)     5,777,593       5,775,227       5,743,452  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (1)     5,814,650       5,789,764       5,748,595  
                             
    Tax equivalent net interest income   $ 13,291     $ 12,574     $ 10,925  
                             
    (1) Share and per share values at or for the periods ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024 have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividend paid during December 2024.
    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Select Ratios and Other Data (unaudited)
                 
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   As of or for the
    three months ended,
        March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
        2025   2024   2024
    Performance ratios:                        
    Return on average assets (1)     1.21 %     0.83 %     0.72 %
    Return on average equity (1)     13.71 %     9.54 %     8.88 %
    Net interest margin (1)(2)     3.76 %     3.51 %     3.12 %
    Effective tax rate     17.8 %     -37.0 %     15.7 %
    Efficiency ratio (3)     64.1 %     70.8 %     72.1 %
    Non-interest income to total income (3)     20.4 %     25.0 %     24.1 %
                             
    Average balances:                        
    Investment securities   $ 377,845     $ 409,648     $ 456,933  
    Loans     1,048,585       1,010,153       945,737  
    Assets     1,574,295       1,568,821       1,555,662  
    Interest-bearing deposits     979,787       944,969       935,417  
    FHLB and other borrowings     48,428       57,507       72,618  
    Subordinated debentures     21,651       21,651       21,651  
    Repurchase agreements     8,634       12,212       14,371  
    Stockholders’ equity   $ 139,068     $ 136,933     $ 125,846  
                             
    Average tax equivalent yield/cost (1):                        
    Investment securities     3.29 %     3.03 %     2.96 %
    Loans     6.34 %     6.28 %     6.16 %
    Total interest-bearing assets     5.53 %     5.34 %     5.11 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     2.17 %     2.25 %     2.35 %
    FHLB and other borrowings     4.73 %     5.10 %     5.66 %
    Subordinated debentures     6.69 %     7.15 %     7.65 %
    Repurchase agreements     3.05 %     2.51 %     2.99 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     2.38 %     2.52 %     2.70 %
                             
    Capital ratios:                        
    Equity to total assets     9.04 %     8.65 %     8.16 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (3)     6.99 %     6.58 %     6.01 %
    Book value per share   $ 24.69     $ 23.59     $ 22.04  
    Tangible book value per share (3)   $ 18.66     $ 17.53     $ 15.87  
                             
    Rollforward of allowance for credit losses (loans):                        
    Beginning balance   $ 12,825     $ 11,544     $ 10,608  
    Charge-offs     (108 )     (246 )     (141 )
    Recoveries     85       27       134  
    Provision for credit losses for loans     —       1,500       250  
    Ending balance   $ 12,802     $ 12,825     $ 10,851  
                             
    Allowance for unfunded loan commitments   $ 150     $ 150     $ 300  
                             
    Non-performing assets:                        
    Non-accrual loans   $ 13,280     $ 13,115     $ 3,621  
    Accruing loans over 90 days past due     —       —       —  
    Real estate owned     167       167       428  
     Total non-performing assets   $ 13,447     $ 13,282     $ 4,049  
                             
    Loans 30-89 days delinquent   $ 9,977     $ 6,201     $ 4,064  
                             
    Other ratios:                        
    Loans to deposits     79.48 %     78.21 %     73.64 %
    Loans 30-89 days delinquent and still accruing to gross loans outstanding     0.93 %     0.59 %     0.42 %
    Total non-performing loans to gross loans outstanding     1.24 %     1.25 %     0.38 %
    Total non-performing assets to total assets     0.85 %     0.84 %     0.26 %
    Allowance for credit losses to gross loans outstanding     1.19 %     1.22 %     1.13 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total non-performing loans     96.40 %     97.79 %     299.67 %
    Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)     0.01 %     0.09 %     0.00 %
                             
    (1) Information is annualized.  
    (2) Net interest margin is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate.
    (3) Non-GAAP financial measures. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP equivalent.
    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Finacials Measures (unaudited)
                 
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   As of or for the
    three months ended,
        March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
        2025   2024   2024
                 
    Non-GAAP financial ratio reconciliation:                        
    Total non-interest expense   $ 10,761     $ 11,874     $ 10,551  
    Less: foreclosure and real estate owned expense     (50 )     (13 )     (50 )
    Less: amortization of other intangibles     (152 )     (151 )     (170 )
    Less: valuation allowance on real estate held for sale     —       —       (129 )
    Adjusted non-interest expense (A)     10,559       11,710       10,202  
                             
    Net interest income (B)     13,119       12,399       10,747  
                             
    Non-interest income     3,358       3,371       3,400  
    Less: losses on sales of investment securities, net     2       1,031       —  
    Less: gains on sales of premises and equipment and foreclosed assets     —       (273 )     9  
    Adjusted non-interest income (C)   $ 3,360     $ 4,129     $ 3,409  
                             
    Efficiency ratio (A/(B+C))     64.1 %     70.8 %     72.1 %
    Non-interest income to total income (C/(B+C))     20.4 %     25.0 %     24.1 %
                             
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 142,651     $ 136,215     $ 126,671  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets     (34,803 )     (34,955 )     (35,448 )
    Tangible equity (D)   $ 107,848     $ 101,260     $ 91,223  
                             
    Total assets   $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,553,217  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets     (34,803 )     (34,955 )     (35,448 )
    Tangible assets (E)   $ 1,543,786     $ 1,539,187     $ 1,517,769  
                             
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (D/E)     6.99 %     6.58 %     6.01 %
                             
    Shares outstanding at end of period (F)     5,778,610       5,775,198       5,747,560  
                             
    Tangible book value per share (D/F)   $ 18.66     $ 17.53     $ 15.87  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Modernize Short Line and Regional Railroad Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand the Short Line Railroad Tax Credit that would help equip operators with essential resources to provide regional communities with safe, reliable rail infrastructure.

    “Short line railroads are critical infrastructure that connect Idaho’s farmers, ranchers and manufacturers to national and global markets, supporting local jobs and driving economic growth in rural Idaho,” said Crapo.  “Modernizing the Short Line Railroad Tax Credit will provide railroads with necessary certainty and resources to invest in safety, efficiency and long-term infrastructure improvements in our regional areas.” 

    “Short line and regional railroads are not just a mode of transportation, but they are also a vital economic tool that connects local businesses with Oregonians and other people all across the nation,” said Wyden.  “For years, Senator Crapo and I worked together to make railroad tax credits permanent, and the next step is to make these tax credits better for our operators.  Our bipartisan bill will provide railroads with much needed resources to make vital upgrades that will bring our rural, suburban and urban communities and their local economies together.”

    The legislation (S. 1532) would:

    • Increase the per mile credit cap from $3,500 to $6,100;
    • Index the per mile credit cap for inflation; and
    • Update the track eligible for the credit to match modern maps.

    Crapo and Wyden have a proven track record of supporting short line railroad service, having previously secured a permanent extension of the tax credit for short line track maintenance, which had previously been a temporary credit, hampering long-term investments. 

    Find the legislative text here.

    Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania) and Mike Thompson (D-California) introduced companion legislation (H.R. 516) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MATTOON, Ill., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBH) (the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Highlights

    • Record high quarterly net income of $22.2 million, or $0.93 diluted EPS, an increase of $0.13
    • Adjusted net income (non-GAAP*) of $23.1 million, or $0.96 diluted EPS, an increase of $0.09 for the quarter
    • Net interest margin tax equivalent (non-GAAP*) expands to 3.60% helping drive fourth consecutive quarter of growth in net interest income
    • Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP*) increased 4.4% during the quarter
    • Board of Directors declares regular quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share

    “We kicked off 2025 with a record high quarterly net income that reflects our strategic focus on driving a higher return on assets,” said Joe Dively, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We delivered growth in both loans and deposits in what is typically a seasonally pressured quarter, and we significantly expanded our net interest margin through both an increase in earning asset yields and a decrease in the average cost of funds. In addition, we successfully completed our retail online system conversion during the quarter providing a better overall product for our customers and an improved platform to grow relationships across business lines.”

    “Lastly, while we recognize the uncertainty that exists in the macro environment, we are well-prepared with a disciplined credit culture and diversified revenue sources that position us to weather economic disruptions and continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers and communities,” Dively concluded.

    Net Interest Income
    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 increased by $0.5 million, or 0.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily the result of interest expense declining at a faster pace than interest income. Less days in the quarter drove declines in both interest income and expense. The decline in interest income included $0.5 million in lower accretion income, which totaled $2.9 million compared to $3.4 million of accretion income in the fourth quarter.

    In comparison to the first quarter of 2024, net interest income increased $3.9 million, or 7.1%. Interest income was lower by $0.1 million, inclusive of a decline in accretion income of $0.7 million compared to the first quarter last year. Interest expense was lower by $4.1 million compared to the same period last year.

    Net Interest Margin
    Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP), was 3.60% for the first quarter of 2025 representing an increase of 19 basis points over the prior quarter driven by both an increase to earning asset yields and a decrease to funding costs. Excluding the decline in accretion income, the net interest margin increased 23 basis points in the period. Beginning with the first quarter of 2025, the Company changed the methodology utilized for the calculation of net interest margin to be more consistent with what is typically used by peer banks. The calculation now is the annualized net interest income on a tax equivalent basis divided by average interest earning assets. This change added five-basis points to the net interest margin in the first quarter 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

    In comparison to the first quarter of last year, the net interest margin increased 35 basis points, with an average earning asset increase of 13 basis points, despite a five-basis point reduction to accretion income.

    Loan Portfolio
    Total loans ended the quarter at $5.70 billion, representing an increase of $26.4 million, or 0.5%, from the prior quarter, despite elevated payoffs during the period.   The increase was primarily in construction and land development, multifamily residential properties, and agriculture operating loans. The largest declines were in commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. The average loan balance for the quarter declined compared to the fourth quarter, as a majority of the net loan growth occurred in March 2025.

    In comparison to the first quarter last year, loan growth increased $199.6 million, or 3.6%. The largest increases were in construction and development, agriculture operating lines, and commercial and industrial loans.

    Asset Quality
    The first quarter was another solid performance with respect to the Company’s asset quality metrics. The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) ended the period at $70.1 million and the ACL to total loans ratio was 1.23%. In addition to the ACL, an unearned discount of $32.6 million remains at quarter end. Provision expense was recorded in the amount of $1.7 million with net charge-offs of $1.8 million in the quarter. Also, at the end of the first quarter, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.47%, the ACL to non-performing loans was 263.4%, and the ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.38%. Nonperforming loans declined by $3.2 million to $26.6 million at quarter end. Special mention loans increased by $16.2 million to $74.0 million and substandard loans decreased $1.6 million to $33.9 million.

    Deposits
    Total deposits ended the quarter at $6.13 billion, which represented an increase of $73.3 million, or 1.2%, from the prior quarter. Noninterest bearing and time deposits were the primary drivers of the increase with growth of $65.4 million and $75.4 million for the period, respectively. The increase in time deposits was driven by a combination of the Company retaining a vast majority of customers with maturing CD’s, gaining new customers with its promotional offerings, and the addition of $52.0 million in brokered deposits as rates declined and the wholesale market became attractive. With the Company’s strong liquidity position, it was able to reduce outstanding FHLB borrowings and subordinated debt during the quarter by a combined $55.5 million helping lower overall funding costs.

    Noninterest Income
    Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $24.9 million compared to $26.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.   The decline was primarily driven by a $1.3 million gain on the sale of property in the fourth quarter. The current quarter included losses on securities sales of $0.2 million. Excluding those two items, noninterest income was flat versus the prior period. The decline of $0.5 million in wealth management revenue was as expected given the seasonal nature of farmland sales. Overall Ag Services revenue was $2.6 million in the period.   Insurance revenues achieved a record high quarter of revenue, despite a challenging operating environment for the industry. Debit card fee income was down $0.6 million primarily driven by less usage due to a pullback in consumer spending.

    In comparison to the first quarter of 2024, noninterest income increased $0.4 million, or 1.6%, with increases in wealth management and insurance as the key drivers. The combined increase for these two business lines was 8.2% year-over-year. Debit card fee income reflected the largest decline from lower consumer spending in the first quarter of 2025.

    Noninterest Expenses
    Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $54.5 million compared to $56.3 million in the prior quarter. The current quarter included $1.0 million of nonrecurring expenses primarily related to the Company’s technology initiatives, including the successful conversion of its retail online platform during the first quarter, versus $2.2 million in nonrecurring costs in the prior quarter. Excluding these items, noninterest expenses were down $0.6 million with the largest decreases in salaries and benefits and debit card expenses.

    In comparison to the first quarter of 2024, noninterest expenses increased $1.1 million. The increase was primarily driven by annual compensation increases and a $0.9 million credit in the first quarter of last year for a debit card fee negotiated settlement agreement with its primary provider.

    The Company’s efficiency ratio, as adjusted in the non-GAAP reconciliation table herein, for the first quarter 2025 was 58.9% compared to 58.8% in the prior quarter and 59.1% for the same period last year.

    Capital Levels and Dividend
    The Company’s capital levels remained strong and above the “well capitalized” levels. Capital levels ended the period as follows:

    Total capital to risk-weighted assets 15.59%
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 13.13%
    Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 12.73%
    Leverage ratio 10.73%
       

    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) increased $1.07, or 4.4% during the first quarter of 2025. The increase was driven primarily by earnings growth, which accounted for $0.79 of the increase. The remaining increase of $0.28 was the result of improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income from a lower unrealized loss position in the investment portfolio.

    The Company’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.24 payable on May 30, 2025, for shareholders of record on May 15, 2025.

    About First Mid: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (“First Mid”) is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, Inc., and First Mid Wealth Management Co. First Mid is a $7.6 billion community-focused organization that provides a full-suite of financial services including banking, wealth management, brokerage, Ag services, and insurance through a sizeable network of locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin and a loan production office in the greater Indianapolis area. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to the customers and communities and has done so over the last 160 years. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com.

    *Non-GAAP Measures: In addition to reports presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that such non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with information useful in understanding the Company’s financial performance. Readers of this release, however, are urged to review these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with the GAAP results as reported. These non-GAAP financial measures are detailed as supplemental tables and include “Adjusted Net Earnings,” “Adjusted Diluted EPS,” “Efficiency Ratio,” “Net Interest Margin, tax equivalent,” “Tangible Book Value per Common Share,” “Adjusted Tangible Book Value per Common Share,” “Adjusted Return on Assets,” and “Adjusted Return on Average Common Equity”. While the Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with a broader understanding of the capital adequacy, funding profile and financial trends of the Company, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute to the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may also differ from the similar measures presented by other companies.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This document may contain certain forward-looking statements about First Mid, such as discussions of First Mid’s pricing and fee trends, credit quality and outlook, liquidity, new business results, expansion plans, anticipated expenses and planned schedules. First Mid intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of First Mid are identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. Actual results could differ materially from the results indicated by these statements because the realization of those results is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, changes in interest rates; general economic conditions and those in the market areas of First Mid; legislative and/or regulatory changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the quality or composition of First Mid’s loan or investment portfolios and the valuation of those investment portfolios; demand for loan products; deposit flows; competition, demand for financial services in the market areas of First Mid; accounting principles, policies and guidelines; and the impact of pandemics on First Mid’s businesses. Additional information concerning First Mid, including additional factors and risks that could materially affect First Mid’s financial results, are included in First Mid’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Investor Contact:
    Austin Frank
    SVP, Shareholder Relations
    217-258-5522
    afrank@firstmid.com

    Matt Smith
    Chief Financial Officer
    217-258-1528
    msmith@firstmid.com

    – Tables Follow –

               
    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, unaudited)
     
      As of
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
      2025   2024   2024
               
    Assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 201,470     $ 121,216     $ 355,701  
    Investment securities   1,049,003       1,073,510       1,149,752  
    Loans (including loans held for sale)   5,698,858       5,672,462       5,499,295  
    Less allowance for credit losses   (70,051 )     (70,182 )     (67,936 )
    Net loans   5,628,807       5,602,280       5,431,359  
    Premises and equipment, net   97,446       100,234       101,666  
    Goodwill and intangibles, net   258,671       261,906       260,699  
    Bank Owned Life Insurance   171,127       170,854       167,247  
    Other assets   166,164       189,734       211,822  
    Total assets $ 7,572,688     $ 7,519,734     $ 7,678,246  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Deposits:          
    Non-interest bearing $ 1,394,590     $ 1,329,155     $ 1,448,299  
    Interest bearing   4,735,790       4,727,941       4,794,637  
    Total deposits   6,130,380       6,057,096       6,242,936  
    Repurchase agreements with customers   219,772       204,122       210,719  
    Other borrowings   195,000       242,520       238,761  
    Junior subordinated debentures   24,335       24,280       24,113  
    Subordinated debt   79,535       87,472       106,862  
    Other liabilities   52,717       57,853       56,903  
    Total liabilities   6,701,739       6,673,343       6,880,294  
               
    Total stockholders’ equity   870,949       846,391       797,952  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,572,688     $ 7,519,734     $ 7,678,246  
               
    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except per share data, unaudited)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
      2025   2024
    Interest income:      
    Interest and fees on loans $ 79,918     $ 77,823  
    Interest on investment securities   6,777       7,405  
    Interest on federal funds sold & other deposits   864       2,444  
    Total interest income   87,559       87,672  
    Interest expense:      
    Interest on deposits   23,722       26,096  
    Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase   1,180       2,056  
    Interest on other borrowings   1,831       2,314  
    Interest on jr. subordinated debentures   468       542  
    Interest on subordinated debt   949       1,194  
    Total interest expense   28,150       32,202  
    Net interest income   59,409       55,470  
    Provision for credit losses   1,652       (357 )
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   57,757       55,827  
    Non-interest income:      
    Wealth management revenues   5,800       5,322  
    Insurance commissions   9,925       9,213  
    Service charges   2,901       2,956  
    Net securities gains/(losses)   (181 )     0  
    Mortgage banking revenues   711       706  
    ATM/debit card revenue   3,646       4,055  
    Other   2,062       2,226  
    Total non-interest income   24,864       24,478  
    Non-interest expense:      
    Salaries and employee benefits   31,748       30,448  
    Net occupancy and equipment expense   8,479       7,560  
    Net other real estate owned (income) expense   101       (21 )
    FDIC insurance   849       869  
    Amortization of intangible assets   3,231       3,497  
    Stationary and supplies   431       391  
    Legal and professional expense   3,076       2,449  
    ATM/debit card expense   1,831       1,191  
    Marketing and donations   852       862  
    Other   3,874       6,116  
    Total non-interest expense   54,472       53,362  
    Income before income taxes   28,149       26,943  
    Income taxes   5,978       6,440  
    Net income $ 22,171     $ 20,503  
           
    Per Share Information      
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.93     $ 0.86  
    Diluted earnings per common share   0.93       0.86  
           
    Weighted average shares outstanding   23,858,817       23,872,731  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   23,959,228       23,960,335  
           
    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except per share data, unaudited)
                       
      For the Quarter Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   March 31,
      2025     2024     2024   2024   2024
    Interest income:                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 79,918     $ 81,288     $ 81,775     $ 79,560     $ 77,823  
    Interest on investment securities   6,777       6,990       7,036       7,405       7,405  
    Interest on federal funds sold & other deposits   864       1,564       2,371       1,718       2,444  
    Total interest income   87,559       89,842       91,182       88,683       87,672  
    Interest expense:                  
    Interest on deposits   23,722       26,144       28,341       26,338       26,096  
    Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase   1,180       1,333       1,444       1,615       2,056  
    Interest on other borrowings   1,831       1,917       2,195       2,248       2,314  
    Interest on jr. subordinated debentures   468       510       567       537       542  
    Interest on subordinated debt   949       988       1,092       1,180       1,194  
    Total interest expense   28,150       30,892       33,639       31,918       32,202  
    Net interest income   59,409       58,950       57,543       56,765       55,470  
    Provision for credit losses   1,652       3,643       1,266       1,083       (357 )
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   57,757       55,307       56,277       55,682       55,827  
    Non-interest income:                  
    Wealth management revenues   5,800       6,275       5,816       5,405       5,322  
    Insurance commissions   9,925       6,805       6,003       6,531       9,213  
    Service charges   2,901       3,058       3,121       3,227       2,956  
    Net securities gains/(losses)   (181 )     0       (277 )     (156 )     0  
    Mortgage banking revenues   711       1,104       1,109       1,038       706  
    ATM/debit card revenue   3,646       4,204       4,267       4,281       4,055  
    Other   2,062       4,917       2,984       2,096       2,226  
    Total non-interest income   24,864       26,363       23,023       22,422       24,478  
    Non-interest expense:                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   31,748       31,957       31,565       30,164       30,448  
    Net occupancy and equipment expense   8,479       7,285       8,055       7,507       7,560  
    Net other real estate owned (income) expense   101       240       107       85       (21 )
    FDIC insurance   849       863       829       902       869  
    Amortization of intangible assets   3,231       3,314       3,405       3,340       3,497  
    Stationary and supplies   431       642       482       370       391  
    Legal and professional expense   3,076       5,386       2,573       2,536       2,449  
    ATM/debit card expense   1,831       2,043       1,869       1,281       1,191  
    Marketing and donations   852       906       836       814       862  
    Other   3,874       3,661       4,212       4,392       6,116  
    Total non-interest expense   54,472       56,297       53,933       51,391       53,362  
    Income before income taxes   28,149       25,373       25,367       26,713       26,943  
    Income taxes   5,978       6,205       5,885       6,968       6,440  
    Net income $ 22,171     $ 19,168     $ 19,482     $ 19,745     $ 20,503  
                       
    Per Share Information                  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.93     $ 0.80     $ 0.81     $ 0.83     $ 0.86  
    Diluted earnings per common share   0.93       0.80       0.81       0.82       0.86  
                       
    Weighted average shares outstanding   23,858,817       23,818,806       23,905,099       23,896,210       23,872,731  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   23,959,228       23,908,340       24,006,647       23,998,152       23,960,335  
                       
    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights and Ratios
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
        As of and for the Quarter Ended
        March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   March 31,
        2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
                         
    Loan Portfolio                    
    Construction and land development   $ 269,148     $ 236,093     $ 190,857     $ 195,389     $ 186,851  
    Farm real estate loans     373,413       390,760       384,620       387,015       388,941  
    1-4 Family residential properties     488,139       496,597       505,342       507,517       518,641  
    Multifamily residential properties     356,858       332,644       338,167       334,446       312,758  
    Commercial real estate     2,397,985       2,417,585       2,440,120       2,406,955       2,396,092  
    Loans secured by real estate     3,885,543       3,873,679       3,859,106       3,831,322       3,803,283  
    Agricultural operating loans     296,811       239,671       233,414       213,997       213,217  
    Commercial and industrial loans     1,303,712       1,335,920       1,283,631       1,268,646       1,227,906  
    Consumer loans     47,220       53,960       63,222       70,841       79,569  
    All other loans     165,572       169,232       175,218       175,811       175,320  
    Total loans     5,698,858       5,672,462       5,614,591       5,560,617       5,499,295  
                         
    Deposit Portfolio                    
    Non-interest bearing demand deposits   $ 1,394,590     $ 1,329,155     $ 1,387,290     $ 1,393,336     $ 1,448,299  
    Interest bearing demand deposits     1,814,427       1,907,733       1,834,123       1,909,993       1,974,857  
    Savings deposits     643,289       636,427       648,582       673,381       704,777  
    Money Market     1,215,420       1,196,537       1,183,594       1,127,699       1,107,177  
    Time deposits     1,062,654       987,244       1,035,245       1,011,370       1,007,826  
    Total deposits     6,130,380       6,057,096       6,088,834       6,115,779       6,242,936  
                         
    Asset Quality                    
    Non-performing loans   $ 26,598     $ 29,835     $ 18,242     $ 19,079     $ 20,064  
    Non-performing assets     28,703       32,030       20,076       20,557       21,471  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries)     1,783       2,235       804       708       381  
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     263.36 %     235.23 %     377.01 %     358.05 %     338.60 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans outstanding     1.23 %     1.24 %     1.22 %     1.23 %     1.24 %
    Nonperforming loans to total loans     0.47 %     0.53 %     0.32 %     0.34 %     0.36 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.38 %     0.43 %     0.27 %     0.27 %     0.28 %
    Special Mention loans     74,019       57,848       38,151       30,767       65,693  
    Substandard and Doubtful loans     33,884       35,516       29,037       27,594       29,296  
                         
    Common Share Data                    
    Common shares outstanding     23,981,916       23,895,807       23,904,051       23,895,868       23,888,929  
    Book value per common share   $ 36.32     $ 35.42     $ 35.91     $ 34.05     $ 33.40  
    Tangible book value per common share (1)     25.53       24.46       24.82       23.28       22.49  
    Tangible book value per common share excluding other comprehensive income at period end (1)     31.21       30.42       29.70       29.43       28.67  
    Market price of stock     34.90       36.82       38.91       32.88       32.68  
                         
    Key Performance Ratios and Metrics                    
    End of period earning assets   $ 6,844,096     $ 6,775,075     $ 6,786,458     $ 6,812,574     $ 6,923,742  
    Average earning assets     6,769,858       6,884,303       6,857,070       6,815,932       6,884,855  
    Average rate on average earning assets (tax equivalent)     5.29 %     5.24 %     5.35 %     5.27 %     5.16 %
    Average rate on cost of funds     1.74 %     1.83 %     2.00 %     1.91 %     1.91 %
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent) (1)(2)     3.60 %     3.41 %     3.35 %     3.36 %     3.25 %
    Return on average assets     1.19 %     1.01 %     1.03 %     1.05 %     1.07 %
    Adjusted return on average assets (1)     1.23 %     1.10 %     1.05 %     1.07 %     1.17 %
    Return on average common equity     10.35 %     9.04 %     9.40 %     9.92 %     10.37 %
    Adjusted return on average common equity (1)     10.78 %     9.80 %     9.58 %     10.11 %     11.28 %
    Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent) (1)     58.88 %     58.76 %     61.33 %     59.61 %     59.09 %
    Full-time equivalent employees     1,194       1,198       1,207       1,185       1,188  
                         
                         
    1 Non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure.
    2 During the first quarter 2025, the Company changed the methodology utilized for the calculation of net interest margin to be more consistent with what is typically used by peer banks and research analysts. The calculation now is the annualized net interest income on a tax equivalent basis divided by average interest earning assets.
                     
    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
    Net Interest Margin
    (In thousands, unaudited)
     
      For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025
      QTD Average       Average
      Balance   Interest   Rate
    INTEREST EARNING ASSETS          
    Interest bearing deposits $ 70,701     $ 827       4.74 %
    Federal funds sold   75       1       5.41 %
    Certificates of deposits investments   3,162       36       4.62 %
    Investment Securities   1,090,099       7,254       2.66 %
    Loans (net of unearned income)   5,605,821       80,194       5.80 %
               
    Total interest earning assets   6,769,858       88,312       5.29 %
               
    NONEARNING ASSETS          
    Other nonearning assets   777,177          
    Allowance for loan losses   (70,620 )        
               
    Total assets $ 7,476,415          
               
    INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES          
    Demand deposits $ 3,039,621     $ 14,900       1.99 %
    Savings deposits   640,687       164       0.10 %
    Time deposits   1,022,200       8,658       3.44 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   4,702,508       23,722       2.05 %
    Repurchase agreements   201,679       1,180       2.37 %
    FHLB advances   194,324       1,807       3.77 %
    Federal funds purchased   –       –       0.00 %
    Subordinated debt   82,608       949       4.66 %
    Jr. subordinated debentures   24,306       468       7.81 %
    Other debt   1,467       24       6.63 %
    Total borrowings   504,384       4,428       3.56 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   5,206,892       28,150       2.19 %
               
    NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES          
    Demand deposits   1,370,107     Average cost of funds   1.74 %
    Other liabilities   42,946          
    Stockholders’ equity   856,470          
               
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $ 7,476,415          
               
    Net Interest Earnings / Spread     $ 60,162       3.10 %
               
    Tax effected yield on interest earning assets         3.60 %
               
    Tax equivalent net interest margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure.
               
    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (In thousands, unaudited)
                       
      As of and for the Quarter Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,
      2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
                       
    Net interest income as reported $ 59,409     $ 58,950     $ 57,543     $ 56,765     $ 55,470  
    Net interest income, (tax equivalent)   60,162       59,717       58,627       57,361       56,086  
    Average earning assets   6,769,858       6,884,303       6,857,070       6,815,932       6,884,855  
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent)   3.60 %     3.41 %     3.35 %     3.36 %     3.25 %
                       
                       
    Common stockholder’s equity $ 870,949     $ 846,391     $ 858,497     $ 813,645     $ 797,952  
    Goodwill and intangibles, net   258,671       261,906       265,139       257,377       260,699  
    Common shares outstanding   23,982       23,896       23,904       23,896       23,889  
    Tangible Book Value per common share $ 25.53     $ 24.46     $ 24.82     $ 23.28     $ 22.49  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCI)   (136,097 )     (142,383 )     (116,692 )     (146,998 )     (147,667 )
    Adjusted tangible book value per common share $ 31.21     $ 30.42     $ 29.70     $ 29.43     $ 28.67  
                       
    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (In thousands, except per share data, unaudited)
                       
      As of and for the Quarter Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   September 30, June 30,   March 31,
      2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
    Adjusted earnings Reconciliation                  
    Net Income – GAAP $ 22,171     $ 19,168     $ 19,482     $ 19,745     $ 20,503  
    Adjustments (post-tax): (1)                  
    Nonrecurring technology project expenses   728       1,710       –       –       –  
    Net (gain)/loss on securities sales   143       –       219       123       –  
    Integration and acquisition expenses   41       –       137       250       1,804  
    Total non-recurring adjustments (non-GAAP) $ 912     $ 1,710     $ 356     $ 373     $ 1,804  
                       
    Adjusted earnings – non-GAAP $ 23,083     $ 20,878     $ 19,838     $ 20,118     $ 22,307  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) $ 0.96     $ 0.87     $ 0.83     $ 0.84     $ 0.93  
    Adjusted return on average assets – non-GAAP   1.23 %     1.10 %     1.05 %     1.07 %     1.17 %
    Adjusted return on average common equity – non-GAAP   10.78 %     9.80 %     9.58 %     10.11 %     11.28 %
                       
                       
    Efficiency Ratio Reconciliation                  
    Noninterest expense – GAAP $ 54,472     $ 56,297     $ 53,933     $ 51,391     $ 53,362  
    Other real estate owned property income (expense)   (101 )     (240 )     (107 )     (85 )     21  
    Amortization of intangibles   (3,231 )     (3,314 )     (3,405 )     (3,340 )     (3,497 )
    Nonrecurring technology project expense   (921 )     (2,164 )     –       –       –  
    Integration and acquisition expenses   (52 )     –       (174 )     (316 )     (2,283 )
    Adjusted noninterest expense (non-GAAP) $ 50,167     $ 50,579     $ 50,247     $ 47,650     $ 47,603  
                       
    Net interest income -GAAP $ 59,409     $ 58,950     $ 57,543     $ 56,765     $ 55,470  
    Effect of tax-exempt income (1)   753       767       1,084       596       616  
    Adjusted net interest income (non-GAAP) $ 60,162     $ 59,717     $ 58,627     $ 57,361     $ 56,086  
                       
    Noninterest income – GAAP $ 24,864     $ 26,363     $ 23,023     $ 22,422     $ 24,478  
    Net (gain)/loss on securities sales   181       0       277       156       0  
    Adjusted noninterest income (non-GAAP) $ 25,045     $ 26,363     $ 23,300     $ 22,578     $ 24,478  
                       
    Adjusted total revenue (non-GAAP) $ 85,207     $ 86,080     $ 81,927     $ 79,939     $ 80,564  
                       
    Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)   58.88 %     58.76 %     61.33 %     59.61 %     59.09 %
                       
    (1) Nonrecurring items (post-tax) and tax-exempt income are calculated using an estimated effective tax rate of 21%.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Buy XDX Token As XenDex Fills Its Soft Cap Ahead of Exchange Listing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XenDex has officially filled its presale soft cap, and the clock is now ticking for those who still want in. As the crypto world celebrates Brazil’s first XRP Spot ETF, the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple gets withdrawn, and ProShares’ XRP Futures ETF receives approval, XRP sentiment has never been stronger, and XenDex is right at the heart of it.

    With the presale now entering its final stretch, the price of $XDX is getting higher, and with token supply shrinking fast, many believe this is the last chance to buy before full sellout and major listings go live.

    Buy $XDX Now Before Presale Ends

    XenDex Is Listing on Top Exchanges Soon

    Following the presale, $XDX will be listed on major centralized exchanges, opening the door to global access and deep liquidity. Confirmed exchange partners include:

    • Binance
    • Gate.io
    • BitMart
    • MEXC
    • FirstLedger
    • MagneticX

    These listings are expected to significantly drive up demand, making current entry points even more valuable.

    Buy Before It Sells Out Completely: https://xendex.net/presale

    Why $XDX Is In High Demand

    XenDex is solving some of XRPL’s biggest gaps by delivering a first-of-its-kind decentralized exchange with:

    • AI-Powered Copy Trading – Mirror the trades of top-performing investors
    • Non-Custodial Lending & Borrowing – Borrow and lend XRP and XDX tokens to earn rewards
    • Cross-Chain Trading – Swap XRP tokens across chains like Solana and BNB
    • Staking and Yield Farming – Earn rewards by supplying liquidity to our liquidity pool
    • DAO Governance – Use $XDX to vote on new features, upgrades, and token listings

    Buy $XDX Now & Earn Rewards

    Thousands of XRP holders have already joined XenDex’s Telegram and Twitter communities. Now that the soft cap is filled, attention is turning to the final phase of the presale, and tokens are vanishing quickly.

    “We’ve passed our soft cap, locked in listings, and entered our final presale pricing. The next step is sellout,” said a XenDex spokesperson. “Those who wait will pay more, if there’s even any left to buy.”

    Final Opportunity Before Full Sellout

    With listings locked in, token supply diminishing, and price pressure mounting, now is the moment to act. Every minute you wait could mean paying more, or missing out completely.

    Visit Official XenDex Links

    Website: https://xendex.net
    Presale: https://xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: https://t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91d8ec49-9b74-4631-a137-5362249fa888

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Push From Luján and Ag Committee Democrats, Trump Administration Releases $1.3 Billion for Specialty Crop Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released $1.3 billion in assistance for specialty crop producers that was previously withheld:
    “Our specialty crop producers provide high-quality, nutritious produce that feeds our nation and the world. Yet the Trump administration and Elon Musk recklessly suspended critical assistance that our producers rely on. This halt in funding was a direct blow to our agricultural industry and should never have happened.
    “I called on the Trump administration to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and producers receive the support they need — and now, the administration has heeded that call. New Mexico’s specialty crop producers work tirelessly to put food on tables and support our signature crops, from pecans to chile. I’m relieved they will now regain access to the resources they need and deserve. Specialty crop producers are the backbone of U.S. agriculture, and I will continue defending them from attacks by this administration.”
    Background on Senator Luján’s efforts to ensure assistance for New Mexico specialty crop producers, farmers, and ranchers:
    Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats sent a letter to then-USDA Acting Secretary Gary Washington asking for clarity and to raise concerns regarding the impact of recent Executive Orders and Presidential Memo on the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 
    “Farmers, ranchers, schools, and state governments have contacted my office in search of clarity on programs, websites, offices, and activities impacted by these orders. Conflicting information from the administration has added to the uncertainty, costing those who depend on the Department time and money,” said Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats. “The farmers, rural families, and businesses that depend on the Department need certainty to plan ahead for this growing season.”
    Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats urged USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to ensure the timely delivery of economic and disaster assistance to farmers, ranchers, and producers.
    “Farmers of fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops have also experienced difficult economic conditions and high input prices. Specialty crop producers have already applied for and received initial payment under the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC), and USDA should make the planned additional payments before we get into the growing season,” said Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Donald Trump has cast a long shadow over the Australian election. Will it prove decisive?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University

    Donald Trump is everywhere, inescapable. His return to power in the United States was always going to have some impact on the Australian federal election. The question was how disruptive he would be.

    The answer is very – but not in the ways we might have thought.

    As soon as Trump was elected president, the political debate in Australia focused on whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would be best suited to managing him – and keeping the US-Australia security alliance intact.

    Initially, at least, this conversation was predictable.

    The Coalition looked set to continue an ideological alignment with Trumpism that had flourished under the prime ministership of Scott Morrison. Dutton prosecuted the argument that given his party’s experience with the first Trump administration, it would be better placed than Labor to handle the second.

    Albanese, meanwhile, appeared caught off guard by Trump’s victory and timid in his response.

    But as has become all too clear, the second Trump administration is radically different from the first. That has rattled the right of Australian politics and worked to Labor’s advantage.

    A turning point at the White House

    In January, the Coalition announced that NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price had been appointed shadow minister for government efficiency – a direct importation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) being led by Elon Musk in the US.

    In a barely disguised imitation of the Trump administration’s attacks on “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) measures, members of the Coalition, including Price, singled out Welcome to Country ceremonies as evidence of the kind of “wasteful” spending it would cut.

    When the Coalition seemed to be riding high in the polls, Dutton, too, nodded at “wokeism” and singled out young white men feeling “disenfranchised”.

    Soon after, however, this began to change. The first few weeks of Trump’s second term were marked by a cascade of executive actions targeting trans people, climate action and immigration. Trump and his new appointees began the process of radically reshaping the United States and its role in the world.

    In February, polling by the independent think tank The Australia Institute found Australians saw Trump as a bigger threat to world peace than Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

    And then Volodymyr Zelensky went to the White House.

    The Ukrainian president was humiliated in an Oval Office meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, laying bare how the administration was willing to treat the leader of an ally devastated by a war it hadn’t started.

    Trump’s territorial threats towards Canada and Greenland, in addition to his dismissive statements about European allies, shattered the long-held assumptions about the US as a force for stability in the world.

    MAGA ideology isn’t ‘pick and choose’

    After this incident, Dutton was careful to distance himself from Trump’s abandonment of Ukraine. He even went so far as to say that leadership might require “standing up to your friends and to those traditional allies because our views have diverged”.

    Similarly, influential Coalition powerbroker Peta Credlin wrote in The Australian:

    it’s hard to see America made great again if the Trump administration’s message to the world is that the strong do what they will and the weak suffer what they must.

    Therein lies the bind for the Coalition – an ideological alignment with “Make America Great Again” cannot be fully reconciled with a nationalism that puts Australian interests first.

    MAGA ideology is all-or-nothing, not pick-and-choose.

    During the election campaign, the Coalition attempted to walk the path of “pick-and-choose”. And Labor quite successfully used this against them. Assertions the opposition leader was nothing but a “Temu Trump”, or “DOGE-y Dutton”, stuck because they had at least a ring of truth to them.

    The opposition’s pledge to dramatically reduce the size of the public service, for example, was clearly linked to Musk’s efforts at DOGE to take a chainsaw to the public service in the US. This idea has been deeply unpopular with Australian voters, and the Coalition has faced innumerable questions about it.

    For all the talk of “shared values” and how essential the US alliance is to Australian security, this campaign shows that Australia is not like America.

    Most Australians concerned about Trump’s impact

    When Trump’s tariffs arrived on “Liberation Day” in early April, both leaders claimed they were best placed to negotiate.

    Albanese insisted Australia had got one of the best results in the world, while Dutton asserted, without evidence, that he would be able to negotiate a better one.

    More broadly, the Trump tariffs have contributed to a growing sense of unease in the electorate.

    A recent YouGov poll found that 66% of Australians no longer believe the US can be relied on for defence and security. According to Paul Smith, the director of YouGov, this is a “fundamental change of worldview”.

    In the same poll, 71% of Australians also said they were either concerned or very concerned Trump’s policies would make Australia worse off.

    While neither party has signalled it would make a fundamental shift in Australia’s alliance with the US if elected, that doesn’t mean changes aren’t possible.

    Independents and minor parties may well play a significant role in the formation of the next government. Some, like Zoe Daniel and Jacqui Lambie, are increasingly vocal about the risks the Trump administration poses to Australia.

    A limit to Trumpism’s appeal

    As election day approaches, many of the assumptions driving conventional Australian political thinking are under pressure.

    Labor’s recovery in the polls, and the Liberals’ election win in Canada, suggest assumptions about the dangers of incumbency might have been misplaced. The dissatisfaction with incumbent governments last year may have had more to do with unresponsive political parties and systems.

    There’s evidence emerging, instead, that in more responsive democracies with robust institutions like Australia and Canada, Trumpism does not have great appeal.

    The idea that “kindness is not a weakness” may yet prove to be a winning political strategy.

    Emma Shortis is Director of International and Security Affairs at The Australia Institute, an independent think tank.

    – ref. Donald Trump has cast a long shadow over the Australian election. Will it prove decisive? – https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-has-cast-a-long-shadow-over-the-australian-election-will-it-prove-decisive-255422

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Informal workers in Ghana’s chop bars get no benefit from foreign aid: donors are getting it wrong

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Matteo Rizzo, Senior Lecturer in Development Studies, SOAS, University of London

    Informal street food caterers, popularly known as chop bars, are a key feature of Ghanaian city life. They offer the urban poor the cheapest food.

    A 2016 survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization estimated there were about 3,300 chop bars in the capital, Accra, employing almost 4,300 workers. This figure is likely to be much higher now due to rapid urban growth in the last decade. Ghana’s urban population increased from 50.9% in 2010 to 56.7% in 2021. By the same year the Greater Accra region was home to 91.7% of the urban population in the country.

    Street food caterers in Accra face a number of problems, including insecurity of land tenure, inadequate knowledge of food hygiene, harassment from local authorities, cut-throat competition, and low returns from work.

    Foreign donors have over the years stepped in to attempt to address these problems. A flagship of this assistance has been a programme funded by Danish trade unions and the Danish Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Under its aegis, Ghana’s Trades Union Congress was able to support workers in chop bars.

    Drawing on our expertise on trade unions in Ghana and on the informal economy, we assessed the effectiveness and strategic relevance of this aid.

    The aid focused on entrepreneurial skills and micro-credit. This overlooks some of the real problems in the sector. It leaves wage workers in a precarious position and does nothing to boost demand for what the sector supplies. We argue that to be more effective, foreign aid should address these gaps.

    Entrepreneurial pipe dreams

    Increased donor attention to workers in the informal economy and trade unions could be seen as a positive trend. After all, this is where the majority of workers in African cities are to be found. Ghana’s official statistical service places the size of the country’s informal sector between 70% and 80% of the working populace in its reports from 2024.

    However, close examination of the type of support given, and its results, yields a more sobering picture.

    Aid focused firstly on capacity building and entrepreneurship. This aimed at boosting skills such as financial literacy and capacity to care for customers. The programme’s own evaluation highlights the increased confidence that chop bar operators gained through this training. Important as this might be, increased confidence can do very little to overcome structural challenges, like intense competition in an oversupplied sector and the insecurity of land tenure.

    A second area of support was the provision of micro-credit via the Trades Union Congress (Ghana). One could argue that it boosted the creditworthiness of informal economy operators. But there is evidence, including our study, that credit can often result in a spiral of debt and “poverty finance”.

    Donors chose to focus on small-scale entrepreneurs as the only economic actors in the informal economy. This reflects an ideological, and market fundamentalist, understanding of the informal economy as inhabited only by small enterprises and self-employed workers, and the challenge as one of making the market work better for the poor.

    The blind spots of donors’ support to the informal economy

    This approach by donors neglects informal and highly precarious wage workers within the chop bar sector. Our research shows that the chop bar industry is stratified in terms of class. Within it, alongside genuine self-employed workers, there are people who own relatively small-scale capital (cooking assets and in some cases the land and buildings in which the bars are based) and who employ informal wage workers.

    The informal workforce is by and large made up of migrant female workers with relatively low education and skill. They work without contracts, for very long hours and very low wages, and face the risk of sudden dismissal and harassment from employers. Such poor working conditions stem from the lack of contracts, and of the rights that come with them. This is the weakest category of workers in the industry – yet they have no place in donors’ and trade unions’ activities to support workers.

    The main limitation of donors’ aid to the chop bar sector is that it focuses exclusively on supply-side interventions. It is based on the idea that improving skills and access to finance will result in increased demand for the services of small-scale entrepreneurs. Many aid programmes on employment make this mistake and suffer from so called “employment dementia” .

    This type of aid doesn’t ask where the stimulus to increase demand for street food will come from, or what the structural roots of urban employment challenges are. It doesn’t consider why African cities have large informal economies and poor-quality jobs.

    Aid priorities

    Donors should re-think their aid priorities, and put informal wage workers at their centre. This would entail moving away from the current focus on micro-solutions for job creation, and instead supporting policies to promote structural change, to tighten labour markets and increase the demand for good-quality jobs within them.

    This article was co-authored with Dr Prince Asafu-Adjaye, an associate of Labour Research Service.

    – Informal workers in Ghana’s chop bars get no benefit from foreign aid: donors are getting it wrong
    – https://theconversation.com/informal-workers-in-ghanas-chop-bars-get-no-benefit-from-foreign-aid-donors-are-getting-it-wrong-253633

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Irrigation Development Program Intake Closing

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 30, 2025

    The Ministry of Agriculture will be closing application intake under the Irrigation Development Program as of April 30, 2025. Applications may still be submitted under the program from April 30 to May 30, but those projects must be completed, with claims submitted, by December 31, 2025.

    The program supports infrastructure development to increase irrigation capacity by creating a secure water supply to land parcels suitable for irrigation. Introduced in April 2023, the successful program has seen high uptake from producers and is now fully subscribed. From the program’s launch on April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025, 202 applications were received, and over 41,000 acres of irrigated acres were developed.

    “The strong demand for this program demonstrates the interest in increasing production and crop diversity through irrigation,” Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said. “This government is committed to supporting irrigation through a variety of programs and projects. Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan sets the goal of reaching 85,000 irrigated acres by 2030, which is already 95 per cent achieved and expected to be surpassed in 2025.” 

    The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to funding all projects pre-approved through to May 30, 2025, and completed by the claim deadline. The claim deadlines for those projects pre-approved before April 30 are indicated in the Ministry’s letter of pre-approval to each applicant. 

    The Irrigation Development Program is one of many ways in which the Government of Saskatchewan provides support for irrigation expansion in the province. Irrigation allows more diverse crops to be grown and increases the number of livestock that can be supported. It is also important for strengthening rural economies and stabilizing crop production with a consistent source of moisture. 

    For more information, please visit saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues National Cleaning and Sanitation Company for “No Poach” Agreements

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a lawsuit against Packers Sanitation Services, Inc. LTD., now doing business as Fortrex (PSSI), a national cleaning and sanitation company, for allegedly engaging in unlawful “no poach” agreements that restrict competition and harm workers’ rights. Filed in the San Diego Superior Court, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that PSSI’s use of illegal agreements – where businesses agree not to solicit or hire each other’s employees – violated California law, specifically the Unfair Competition Law. Through this lawsuit, the DOJ is seeking civil penalties, permanent injunctive relief that bars PSSI from using no-poach agreements, and restitution for employees that were harmed due to PSSI’s alleged unlawful conduct.

    “When companies like PSSI use unlawful business practices to limit employee opportunities, they deny workers the freedom to compete for better wages, benefits, and career advancement,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Workers deserve a labor market free from illegal restraints. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to support workers’ rights by holding accountable any business that undermines a fair labor market.”  

    PSSI is a national cleaning and sanitation company that contracts with dozens of meatpacking and food processing facilities in California and hundreds across the country. Nationally, PSSI employs over 17,000 workers across approximately 500 worksites. PSSI has had cleaning contracts with over 20 meatpacking and food processing companies in California, including well-known names such as Foster Farms, Harris Ranch, and Pilgrim’s Pride. 

    Central to the company’s alleged unlawful conduct is its use of prohibited no-poach provisions. This business practice, often hidden from employees, can have serious implications including artificially lowering employee compensation, reducing incentives for companies to improve working conditions, and limiting employee career growth. The DOJ’s investigation revealed that PSSI had implemented a no poach provision in 22 out of its 24 operative contracts in California, which impacted the rights of approximately 6,000 employees who worked pursuant to those contracts. Workers who are aware that they are subject to an unreasonable or overly restrictive noncompete agreement should report it immediately to the Attorney General’s office at oag.ca.gov/report.

    Attorney General Bonta is committed to defending workers’ rights, workplace safety, and California’s fair and competitive labor market. Through the Worker Rights and Fair Labor Section, the Civil Rights Enforcement Section, and the Antitrust Law Section, Attorney General Bonta enforces California’s laws to protect the welfare of California workers and legitimate businesses operating in California. This year, Attorney General Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for conducting an illegal mass firing of federal probationary employees. In 2024, Attorney General Bonta took action by defending wages and overtime owed in the West Coast Drywall Lawsuit. In 2023, Attorney General Bonta took action to protect workers, launching an historic investigation into gender discrimination in the National Football League, joined 17 attorneys general in supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rule limiting noncompete agreements, fought for the rights of transportation workers, and immigrant children. In November 2022, Attorney General Bonta joined 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing McDonald’s attempt to evade liability for past alleged efforts to stifle competition and undercut wages through the use of “no-poach” agreements. In October 2022, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus brief in an effort to protect Californians from discrimination in the employment hiring process. 

    A copy of the lawsuit can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Major boost for emerging N West poultry farmer

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 30, 2025

    To strengthen rural economies, fight poverty, and ensure food security in the province, the MEC for North West Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, officially presented a modern poultry facility to an emerging farmer.

    The 5 000-layer poultry structure was handed over to Sibongile Gumede of Bongi G Farm, located in Lindequesdrift, as part of the fourth phase of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme at the JB Marks Municipality.

    According to the provincial government, the facility will enable Bongi G Farm to scale up egg production significantly, contributing to local food supply chains and creating employment opportunities within the province. 

    Bongi G is an enterprise dedicated to producing naturally grown, free-range poultry and eggs. 

    The farm’s eggs undergo regular grading by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) to ensure quality.

    Sambatha emphasised empowering small-scale farmers with the infrastructure and resources necessary for sustainable growth.

    “The handover is not just about providing a farm, it’s about creating growth opportunities, ensuring food security, and nurturing the essence of entrepreneurship within farmers,” the MEC added. 

    He further encouraged Bongi G to utilise the resources they are available responsibly and continue working towards sustainable agricultural practices that will benefit future generations.

    Speaking about receiving the state-of-the-art poultry structure, Gumede said: “I am beyond grateful to the department for this opportunity. I am now able to sustain myself, create jobs, and, through the progress I have made, I have even managed to build a 3 000-layer structure on my own.“

    The department said the handover of the farm marks a momentous breakthrough in the province’s ongoing efforts to promote agricultural development, empowering local farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector, whilst ensuring that local farmers have the tools and support they need to thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Keep Finfish Free Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the Keep Finfish Free Act, bipartisan legislation to prohibit federal agencies from issuing any permit or taking any other action to authorize or facilitate commercial finfish aquaculture operations in federal waters, known as the exclusive economic zone, from 3 to 200 nautical miles off U.S. shores, unless Congress passes future legislation explicitly authorizing such permits.
    Commercial finfish aquaculture, often with Atlantic salmon, utilizes infrastructure consisting of massive cages and intensive feeding systems. Commercial offshore cages typically contain hundreds of thousands of fish. Aquaculture nets are porous and can allow for waste and pathogens—viruses, bacteria, and parasites—to pass from farmed fish inside the cages to wild fish and shellfish outside the cages.
    “Industrial finfish aquaculture operations are like underwater factory farms, polluting our oceans and spreading potentially deadly diseases and parasites to wild fish,” said Senator Booker. “These operations use millions of pounds of wild fish to feed the caged fish at an unsustainable rate of consumption that depletes marine resources in traditional fishing areas. As we make decisions that will impact the future of our oceans, we should not go down the unsustainable road of allowing commercial finfish aquaculture in our federal waters. Instead we should chart a different path built around the health of wild fish stocks and ocean ecosystems.”
    “Alaskans are deeply invested in protecting the health of our marine ecosystem, and maintaining sustainability of our world-class fisheries,” said Senator Sullivan. “That is why I’m introducing legislation with Senator Booker to ban risky fish farming operations in federal waters that could jeopardize the health of our fish species and undermine Alaska’s coastal fishing communities. I hope my colleagues will join us in passing this important legislation to keep American finfish healthy and free!”
    “Thank you, Senator Booker, for introducing the Keep Finfish Free Act. The last thing our ocean needs is industrialization, especially off New Jersey and New York coasts,” said Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, based in Long Branch, NJ. “Offshore finfish farms would harm and contaminate our wild and free ocean with pollution including from pharmaceuticals, chemical feed, and concentrated fecal matter. It will also promote diseases and genetic mutations which will threaten native species. In short, nothing but yuck. We need strong laws to ensure our ocean is clean and healthy for all to enjoy today and for future generations.”
    “What affects fishers affects farmers, too; we co-exist within the same food systems. Factory farming on land has displaced small producers, harmed rural communities, and depleted natural resources,” said Cali Alexander, board member and policy chair with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ (NOFA-NJ), and former state seafood administrator with the NJ Department of Health. “Now, industrial-scale fish farming threatens to do the same. So we at NOFA-NJ are grateful to Senator Booker for co-sponsoring the Keep Finfish Free Act, a vital push toward keeping food production truly sustainable and in the hands of those who put food on our plates.”
    “Reintroduction of the Keep Finfish Free Act is a welcome display of support that Senator Sullivan and Senator Booker have for the fisher people who provide natural and healthy food to the world,” said Melanie Brown, Native Alaskan fisherwoman and outreach director at SalmonState. “Thank you, Senators, for leading the charge on keeping net pens out of the waters of our wild-caught fisheries.”
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah thanks Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah thanks Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam

    This decision of the Modi Government will benefit about 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families as well as about 5 lakh workers employed in sugar mills

    Committed to the prosperity of sugarcane farmers and increasing their income, this decision by Modiji will make the lives of farmers even better and easier

    Home Minister says, development of the Northeast has always been a top priority of the Modi government

    This decision will open a new fast lane of development for the Ashtalakshmi of Bharat by making transportation safer and seamless

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 8:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam.

    On a post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Modi Government’s gift to sugarcane farmers, this decision will benefit about 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families as well as about 5 lakh workers employed in sugar mills

    Shri Amit Shah said that committed to the prosperity of sugarcane farmers and increasing their income, this decision by Modiji will make the lives of farmers even better and easier.

    In another post, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that development of the Northeast has always been a top priority of the Modi government. He congratulated our sisters and brothers of the Northeast on the approval of the 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam. Shri Shah said that this decision will open a new fast lane of development for the Ashtalakshmi of Bharat by making transportation safer and seamless. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for this game-changing decision.

    *****

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER CALLS ON EPA TO CUT RED TAPE AND STOP DELAYING CONTRACT FOR CANANDAIGUA TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER FOR 40,000 IN ONTARIO & WAYNE COUNTIES

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Secured $1.75M In Fed Funding For Canandaigua to Upgrade Drinking Water System To Remove Toxic Chemicals Linked To Liver And Kidney Damage And Cancer

    Despite Canandaigua Having All Its Paperwork In Order For Months, EPA Has Delayed Signing Final Agreement And If They Do Not Sign Off In Next 30 Days Construction Will Not Be Able To Begin As Planned

    Schumer: EPA Must Cut Red Tape To Protect Thousands Of Families And Seniors Across Rochester-Finger Lakes

    U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut through the red tape and stop delays to help the City of Canandaigua install crucial equipment to remove disinfection by-product (DBP) chemicals – which have been linked to health issues including liver and kidney damage and cancer – from the water supply. Schumer explained that last year he secured $1.75 million in federal funding for Canandaigua, but the EPA has been dragging its feet on signing off on the final agreement, which the city needs in the next 30 days so construction can start this fall as planned.

    “Every family and resident from Canandaigua to Walworth deserves access to clean and safe drinking water. I was proud to secure $1.75 million so Canandaigua can upgrade its drinking water system and eliminate harmful chemicals that have been linked to liver and kidney damage and cancer, but if the EPA doesn’t stop its delays the project can’t move forward. We need the EPA needs to cut the red tape and sign off on the final agreement so construction can start this fall as planned, not to do so risks both public health and good jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “Every day the EPA drags its feet it is jeopardizing the health and safety of over 40,000 New Yorkers across Ontario and Wayne Counties. I will always fight to keep New York’s drinking water clean and our communities safe and healthy.”

    Disinfection by-products (DBP) have recently been found in excess of the maximum contaminant level established by the EPA in the water of systems that have purchased the city’s water. Schumer secured $1.75 million in federal funding in the fiscal year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to enable the City of Canandaigua to install a new aeration system into its three water storage tanks that will eliminate the DPA chemicals. This system will specifically integrate aerators and mixers into the city’s water storage tanks to eliminate the harmful DBPs from the drinking water supply. These DBPs are formed when disinfectants, like chlorine, react with naturally occurring substances in the water which have known toxicity and carcinogenic impacts that have been linked to liver and kidney damage and cancer.

    Canandaigua City Manager John Goodwin said, “We appreciate Senator Schumer’s support to secure and obligate this federal funding that will ensure that the City will continue to be able to provide high quality and safe drinking water to not just city residents, but to residents in towns across Ontario and Wayne County.”

    The city needs the EPA to sign off on the final agreement so it has the funding it needs to go out to bid in the next 30 days and construction can start this fall as planned. Schumer in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin explained this funding is key to improving water quality for approximately 40,000 New Yorkers in Canandaigua and surrounding communities across Ontario and Wayne Counties.

    Schumer’s letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin can be found HERE or below:

    Dear Administrator Zeldin:

    I write to express my deep concern regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) unacceptable delay in finalizing the grant agreement necessary to release critical funding for the City of Canandaigua’s drinking water treatment system upgrade. This funding is essential to safeguard the health and safety of over 40,000 residents across Ontario and Wayne Counties, from Canandaigua itself to neighboring towns like Bristol, Hopewell, Farmington and Manchester and communities served by the Wayne County Water Authority like Macedon, Walworth, and Palmyra.

    I was proud to secure a bi-partisan $1.75 million Congressionally Directed Spending investment in fiscal year 2024 to enable Canandaigua’s installation of crucial equipment to remove hazardous disinfection byproducts from the public water supply – chemicals which are known to cause serious health issues, including liver and kidney damage, as well as cancer. This project, developed through collaboration between city officials and state regulators, directly responds to urgent mandates to improve water quality and protect public health.

    Now, despite the clear congressional intent and urgent public health need, the City of Canandaigua is facing severe uncertainty. The City must go out to bid within the next 30 days in order to begin design and construction this fall and stay on track to deliver safe, clean drinking water to its residents. Yet, EPA’s persistent delays in approving the final agreements threaten to derail this delicate timeline, jeopardizing both the health of thousands of New Yorkers and the public’s trust in federal responsiveness.

    The EPA’s delay in obligating this funding is unacceptable and is placing entire communities at risk. Every day that passes without final approval raises the risks to public health, increases potential project costs, and undermines the ability of responsible municipalities to deliver safe and essential drinking water services to local residents, farms, businesses, and organizations.

    Therefore, I urge EPA to immediately approve the final grant agreement and release the $1.75 million funding to allow the City of Canandaigua to move forward without delay. The lives, health, and well-being of tens of thousands of Upstate New Yorkers depend on swift and decisive action.

    I stand ready to work with you to resolve any outstanding issues, but make no mistake: delay is not an option. The residents of Ontario and Wayne Counties deserve safe drinking water, and they deserve it without obstruction.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TRANSCRIPT: LEADER JEFFRIES REMARKS ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered the following speech on what a disaster for the American people that Donald Trump’s first 100 days have been and how costs, chaos and corruption are all up, thanks to the President and his Rubber Stamp Republicans.

    Good morning. Good morning. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Good morning. Good morning. Thank you. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.

    Right at the top, let me make one thing clear: The Trump administration has been a disaster. 100 days in, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have failed to make your life more affordable. They failed to make you safer. They failed to make us more respected around the world. But their biggest failure is this: they have failed to appreciate the strength of the American people.

    During the dawn of the Republic, it was once observed that when people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.

    Donald Trump and Republicans thought they could shock and awe us into submission. They thought we would be too complacent to stand up for liberty and justice for all. They thought we would walk away from the principle of equal protection under the law. They thought wrong. They thought wrong. They thought wrong.

    Trump’s unconstitutional assault on the American way of life is unprecedented, but the so-called dictator on day one is learning an important lesson. Americans don’t bend the knee to bullies. In the face of tyranny, we join together. In the face of tyranny, we rise up together. In the face of tyranny, we get into some good trouble together. And we’re just getting started.

    100 days in, Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in modern American history. 100 days in, voters have elected Democrats in Republican-held districts all across the country, including in Iowa and Pennsylvania. 100 days in, Elon Musk spent $25 million to buy a state supreme court seat in Wisconsin, and lost by double digits. 100 days in, more than 200 different lawsuits have been filed against the unconstitutional and unlawful executive orders of Donald Trump, and the American people are winning in court. 100 days in, principled opposition to Republican extremism is taking shape from sea to shining sea. The American people are rising up and making it clear that the Trump administration has a lot to fear.

    When my oldest son JJ was 9 years old, he played travel baseball with a group of his friends. Many of you know that travel sports can be taxing on the schedule. It’s a labor of love for our children. During the season, it seems like almost every weekend for several months, you’re on the road. And so, this one particular Memorial Day weekend, JJ had a baseball tournament in a little town off the beaten path somewhere in the Northeast. 

    Travel sports can take you to some interesting places. I decided to make it a road trip and bring my youngest son, Joshua, with us. He was just 6 years old at the time. And so I said to him, he’s gonna come on this trip, and it’ll be like a vacation. What did I say that for, y’all? 

    When I mentioned vacation, he had visions of Atlantis. So we pulled up to the motel where we were staying, and the situation was a bit shaky. My 6 year old looked at the motel, looked at me, looked at the motel and looked at me and said: “Dad, is this where we’re staying?” I said, “Yes, Joshua, why do you ask?” He responded, “Oh my God, Dad, this is a debacle.” 6 years old. I looked at him and asked, “What does the word debacle mean?” He responded quickly. He said: “I don’t know Dad, it’s something bad.”

    This is the moment we are in right now in the United States of America, with Donald Trump and the Republicans in charge. 

    Crashing the economy is something bad. Destroying Medicaid as we know it is something bad. Taking a chainsaw to Social Security is something bad. Raising costs on hardworking American taxpayers is something bad. Firing federal workers, including thousands of veterans who served this country, is something bad. Canceling medical research for children with cancer is something bad. Destroying the retirement accounts of everyday Americans is something bad. Trying to whitewash the most painful parts of our history is something bad. Targeting law-abiding immigrant families is something bad. Undermining the rule of law is something bad. 

    The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been a debacle. Enough. Enough. America is better than this. 

    When the new Congress began in January, Democrats were prepared to get to work in a bipartisan way. The Trump administration chose a different path. Far-right Republicans are tearing America apart, targeting our democratic way of life and tarnishing our reputation as the land of the free. It is wrong, and we will continue to push back aggressively. Donald Trump and the Republicans in Congress have given us 100 days of chaos, 100 days of cruelty and 100 days of corrupt behavior. That is not constructive leadership, it’s a recipe for disaster. 

    The American people deserve common sense leadership, the American people deserve compassionate leadership, the American people deserve courageous leadership that changes things for the better. Our message to the American people is simple: We hear you. We see you. We feel you. Democrats are determined to make life better for you.

    Donald Trump and his sycophants spent yesterday bragging about the speed with which they’ve moved during these first 100 days. They’re right.  Never has a president failed so spectacularly, so often, so quickly as Donald Trump. The White House referred to its strategy for the first 100 days as “shock and awe.” Well, they’re half right. It is shocking how rapidly this administration collapsed into chaos, cruelty and corruption. It is shocking how quickly MAGA Republicans turned their backs on working class Americans. It is shocking how spineless Republicans have been in the United States Congress. And it is shocking and tragic and infuriating how much damage Donald Trump and the Republican party’s policies have already done.

    Here’s the thing. They expected us to step back. But the American people are here to fight back. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to end inflation. He promised to lower costs on day one.  When he was asking for your vote, Donald Trump told you he would make life more affordable for everyday Americans. Now that he’s in office, it’s a different story.

    In March, President Trump was asked if he was worried that car prices would go up because of his tariffs. His reply? “I couldn’t care less.” The cost of living in the United States is too high. America is too expensive. And Donald Trump couldn’t care less. He couldn’t care less that housing costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that grocery costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that childcare costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that health insurance costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that utility costs are too high. Donald Trump couldn’t care less. Prices everywhere are too high, and Donald Trump couldn’t care less. 

    100 days in, Donald Trump is making life harder for you and your family. And every day his costly tariffs stay in place, life in America gets more expensive. American families will pay thousands of dollars more per year. Small businesses are shutting down. Corporations are not hiring. Businesses are unable to invest because of the uncertainty that has been created.  Inflation is on the rise, life is getting more expensive and the reckless economic policies of Donald Trump and House Republicans are driving us toward a recession.

    Republicans in Congress could put a stop to this insanity at any time. Since they won’t, next November, we will. Yes, we will. Yes, we will. Which brings me to Elon Musk. I knew he would get that reaction. 

    We all agree that government should be more efficient. But like most things in life, there’s the American way and then there’s the cruel way. 100 days in, it’s clear that DOGE is not the American way. Cancelling medical research for children with cancer is cruel. Denying relief for communities reeling from natural disasters is cruel. Firing thousands of our veterans, like Joseph Quintinella of Virginia, who served this country in the Marines, is cruel. 

    But their cruelty doesn’t stop there. Republicans actually believe that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. And they want to take a chainsaw to it. During the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Social Security has faced an unprecedented attack. Social Security offices have been closed, wait times have dramatically increased and people are being denied access to benefits that they have earned. Republicans continue to insist that Social Security is an entitlement program. They think they are entitled to destroy it. 

    When I was 15 years old, I got my working papers and secured my first job. I was a messenger dropping off packages from office building to office building in Midtown Manhattan. My salary was $3.35 per hour. That was the minimum wage back in the day. And I thought that I had made it big, particularly upon learning that as a high school student who worked part time, I wouldn’t have to pay any income tax. So I couldn’t wait to get my first check. 

    On a piece of paper, I multiplied $3.35 by the number of hours I expected to work during my first pay period. I figured out the total, and in my mind, that money was already spent. I couldn’t wait to go to Albee Square Mall in downtown Brooklyn and get some new sneakers so I could dress like Run DMC. But then the check came, and some money was missing. 

    I had two questions, y’all: Who is FICA, and why is he taking my money? 

    Here’s what I learned. All of us pay the FICA tax in connection with Social Security and Medicare. We pay the FICA tax on our first job. We pay the FICA tax on our last job. We pay the FICA tax on every single job we have throughout our lifetime. 

    Social Security and Medicare are not entitlement programs. They are earned benefits. Earned benefits. You work hard for those benefits, pay into those benefits and deserve those benefits. They are earned benefits. 

    Democrats will make sure that Donald Trump and House Republicans keep their hands off your Social Security and your Medicare. Hands off today. Hands off tomorrow. Hands off this week. Hands off next week. Hands off this month. Hands off next month. Hands off this year. Hands off next year. Hands off Social Security and Medicare Forever. Forever. Forever.

    Now, if this administration actually had some common sense, it would look at the damage that it’s done, the rejection from the people, the historic unpopularity of this president, and they would change course. But Donald Trump is doubling down. And instead of being a check and balance on this president’s abuse of power, Republicans in Congress are nothing more than a rubber stamp for his extreme agenda.

    Recently, I met a woman named Mary Beth. She lives in Canton, North Carolina, a town of 4,400 people that is still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene. She has custody of her four grandchildren, ages 10, 12, 15 and 16. Their parents can no longer care for them due to addiction, domestic violence and homelessness. The moment you talk to Mary Beth, you know that caring for those grandkids is everything. 

    And she’s doing it on a fixed income, working part time making $8 an hour at a coin laundry— and is no longer employed—to supplement the disability support that she had received. Mary Beth has had to skip refilling her prescriptions to make sure her grandkids don’t have to skip any meals. 

    Medicaid is the only reason her grandchildren are able to see a doctor, including the youngest, who is dealing with ADHD and autism. Mary Beth works hard, loves her family and is a patriotic American. And Mary Beth is here with us today. 

    But her family, just like millions of others throughout America, is now at risk of losing their healthcare. Why? Republicans are trying to slash Medicaid by up to $880 billion, the largest healthcare cut in American history.  

    And why are Republicans trying to rip healthcare away from working people, from Americans with disabilities, from children, from grandmothers like Mary Beth? So that they can give their billionaire donors like Elon Musk another tax cut. These healthcare cuts will hurt families, hurt women, hurt children, hurt veterans, hurt seniors and hurt disabled Americans. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down and people will die. 

    Here’s the thing, in the United States of America—this is the wealthiest country in the history of the world—healthcare is not a privilege, healthcare is a right for every single American. For every single American. 

    If we were in the majority right now, none of this would be happening. But even in the minority, we are going to do everything we can to protect the healthcare of the American people.

    And we’ll keep reminding our Republican colleagues—especially the ones who vote like extremists but then go home and pretend to be moderates when it’s time to run for re-election— that the people are watching. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to stop being a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.

    You don’t work for Donald Trump. You don’t work for Elon Musk. You don’t work for the far-right extremists. You work for the American people.

    As Democrats, we will fight as hard as we can, fight as hard as we can, over the next two years to stop bad things from happening. We will protect our system of free and fair elections.

    And then work hard to convince the American people to entrust us with the majority next November. At that point, we will be able to do much, much more for you.

    We will build an affordable economy that works for everyday Americans. We will confront the climate crisis with the fierce urgency of now. We will block any budget that goes after your Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. And we will hold the Trump administration accountable for its corrupt abuse of power.

    Over these next 100 days, House Democrats are going to lay out a blueprint for a better America. And you will see a vision for this country’s future that isn’t about Donald Trump. It’s all about you. All about you. How can we make your life better? How can we put more money in your pocket? How can we lower your costs? How can we help you give your kids the future they deserve? These are the questions we are thinking about each and every day.

    Now, the American Dream isn’t about getting something for nothing. You have to work for it. But if you work hard and play by the rules, here’s what you should be able to have: A good-paying job. An affordable home. High-quality healthcare. Education for your children. And the ability to retire with grace and with dignity. That’s the American Dream. That’s the American Dream. That’s the American Dream. And when we’re back in charge, that’s what we will fight hard to deliver for you. 

    In January—late January—I had the opportunity to visit the Altadena community in Los Angeles County that was devastated by the wildfires. I met someone named Jackie Jacobs, an amazing 88-year-old woman who was raised in the Jim Crow South before moving to California. Her home was tragically burned to the ground.  She and her husband, David, who have been married for more than 50 years, barely managed to escape the raging wildfires. All they had was the clothing on their backs. They lost everything else. Photos gone. Possessions gone. Property gone. But the first thing Mrs. Jacobs said to us while touring the devastation was that she gave all glory, all praise and all honor to Almighty God—just as the Scripture teaches us. She believed that things would work out. Several of us teared up. Mrs. Jacobs lost everything, but she never lost her faith. She never lost her faith.

    Republicans have shown that their recipe for governing is chaos, cruelty and corruption. These first 100 days have not been easy. Everything we care about is under assault. The economy is under assault. Healthcare is under assault. Social Security is under assault. Veterans are under assault. Farmers are under assault. The right to organize is under assault. Public schools are under assault. The American way of life is under assault. Democracy itself is under assault. Everything we care about is under assault. 

    But just like Mrs. Jacobs, we must never lose faith. We must never lose faith. Faith in our community. Faith in our country. Faith in a brighter future. Faith in Almighty God. 

    America is a resilient nation. We are a resilient people. We have a resilient Constitution. We will never give up.  We will never give in. We will always show up. We will always speak up. We will always stand up. We will continue our march toward a more perfect union. We will not rest until we end this national nightmare and deliver an America with liberty and justice for all.

    God bless you. God bless our troops. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

    Full speech can be viewed here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: China has identified how to fight back against Trump’s tariffs, and is not ready to back down

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham

    US ports are now starting to see scheduled shipments from China decline as the result of Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. The port of Los Angeles, the biggest port for Chinese goods in the US, is predicting scheduled shipments in early May to be about a third lower than the same time last year.

    Declining numbers of ships arriving stocked with Chinese imports are likely to affect US supermarket shelves soon, and after warnings from US supermarket bosses, Trump responded by saying trade talks between the US and China were under way in the past few days. But Chinese president Xi Jinping quickly denied talks were happening, suggesting he has no intention of backing away from a fight with the US.

    As one of the most powerful leaders in the history of the People’s Republic of China, Xi has fashioned himself as a nationalistic icon. So if China perceives Trump’s tariffs as a bully tactic designed to undermine it, backing down from a confrontation with the US would seriously undermine Xi’s strongman image and rhetoric.

    This is something that Trump probably hadn’t considered. At a rally marking his 100 days in office, the US president was still suggesting that China would just back down and “eat the tariffs”.

    While tariffs appear to be the primary weapon in the trade war, China might have more tactics to hit back at Trump and the US economy. The question is what might they be?

    A few weeks ago it seemed like Washington might punish China’s lack of willingness to negotiate with more tariffs, but now it’s clear that Trump is willing to make a deal and is trying to get China to come to the table. Trump is now implying that US tariffs on China could come down substantially. And US treasury secretary Scott Bessent has called the trade war with China “unsustainable”.

    Leveraging agriculture and energy

    China has reduced its reliance on US farm imports since the trade war began in Trump’s first presidency. This is bad news for Washington as agriculture is one few sectors in the US that actually has a large trade surplus with China. The 125% retaliatory tariffs will harm the sector’s profitability.

    But China’s retaliatory tariffs aren’t the only issue American farmers have to contend with. As the trade war escalates, China has been using bureaucratic hurdles to restrict US agricultural products from entering China and as a potential negotiation tool. For instance, China has delayed the renewals of export license renewals of US pig farmers, and refused to renew licenses of poultry farmers for “health and safety” reasons.

    What’s the impact of tariffs?

    Beijing’s actions might be designed to particularly hit the economy in core Trump supporting states. A major part of Trump and the Republican party’s base lies in “red states”, such as Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, all have significant farming communities. Focusing on agricultural issues is a tactic that Beijing realises will hit home with Trump voters.

    Out of the 444 US counties designated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as farming-dependent, 77.7% voted for Trump during the 2024 US presidential election. So, any hardship faced by the agriculture sector due to Trump’s own actions is likely to lose him support from a major political base. And with mid-term elections in 2026, Trump has to tread carefully when antagonising Beijing.

    Another support base that Beijing might seek to undermine is those involved in the fossil fuel sector. In the past, the US has been a top supplier of natural gas to China.

    China has not imported natural gas from the US since early February 2025, and has sought its natural gas from Australia, Indonesia, and Brunei. As the trade war continues, it is unlikely that the US would be able to sell its natural gas to China anytime soon, and this will have an impact on the energy industry – one of Trump’s major political support bases.

    Restricting minerals

    Another huge problem that the US faces stems from China’s restriction of the export of critical minerals. They include seven rare earth minerals namely samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. While these are used in the clean energy and automobile sectors, the biggest concern would come from the US defence complex.

    These critical minerals are used in manufacturing fighter jets, submarines, missiles, and radar systems. China has an effective monopoly on the extraction and processing of rare earths, while the US lacks such capabilities. This means that China’s export restrictions are likely to affect America’s defence industry, while Beijing rapidly expands its ammunition and military technology.

    The White House probably anticipated export restrictions of critical minerals from China. After all, Beijing had banned the export of critical minerals to Japan in 2010 over a fishing trawler dispute, and stopped exporting “dual-use” metals that can be used to produce civilian and military technology, such as gallium, germanium and tungsten.

    What’s next?

    For the last few years, China has been trying to overcome an ailing economy that was primarily fuelled by a real-estate crisis. Trump probably expected China to buckle under pressure and come crawling to the negotiation table. After all, the Chinese Communist Party needs to fix its economy fast. The establishment has long relied on delivering economic prosperity to legitimise its rule over China.

    Right now the tit-for-tat battle continues. By April 11, US tariffs on China peaked at 145%, while China’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods reached an unprecedented 125%.

    Although it is clearly fighting back, China could go even further by selling off US treasuries and increasing US interest rates and thus borrowing cost. But unlike Trump, Xi often plays the long game. After all, Trump’s term as president will be over in less than four years, while Chinese president Xi has no term limits. All the latter has to do is exercise patience, and a friendlier US president might come around.

    Chee Meng Tan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. China has identified how to fight back against Trump’s tariffs, and is not ready to back down – https://theconversation.com/china-has-identified-how-to-fight-back-against-trumps-tariffs-and-is-not-ready-to-back-down-255325

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: My weekly column: 100 days of promises kept under President Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    April 30th marked 100 days of promises kept under President Trump. Like he pledged on the campaign trail, he has mobilized every tool at his disposal to make America strong again and reverse the failed policies pushed by the Biden administration. From border security and energy dominance to government efficiency and economic investment, President Trump has delivered real results for the American people and has worked around the clock to put our families, farmers, workers, and small businesses first.

    The clearest example of President Trump’s decisive leadership is his complete and total lockdown of our southern border. Illegal border crossings have plummeted by 95% and illegal immigrant “gotaways” have fallen by 99%. Drug traffickers, criminals, sex traffickers, and violent MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members have been quickly removed from our country. After Biden halted construction of the border wall, President Trump immediately restarted this vital national security initiative and reiterated his unwavering support for our border patrol agents who were treated so poorly under the Biden administration. President Trump was absolutely right when he remarked during his joint address to Congress on March 4th that “it turned out that all we really needed was a new President” to secure our border.

    Strengthening his work to close the border, President Trump honored families who have lost loved ones to illegal immigrant crime by signing the Laken Riley Act – the first piece of legislation to become law this year. The Laken Riley Act also included Sarah’s Law, in honor of 21-year-old Iowan Sarah Root, who was senselessly killed by a drunk driving illegal immigrant in 2016. Instead of answering for his crimes, this criminal posted bail, was released from jail, and fled our country never to be seen again. Sarah’s Law – now the law of the land thanks to President Trump – ensures that illegal immigrants who murder or seriously injure American citizens are detained without bail and held accountable for their actions. Fortunately, the illegal immigrant who killed Sarah Root was recently arrested in Honduras and the Trump administration worked quickly with Honduran authorities to extradite this criminal back to the United States to face justice. This is the action that the American people wanted to see, and President Trump is delivering.

    Upon his return to the White House, President Trump also announced that he would do everything in his power to restore American energy dominance – and that he did. He created the National Energy Dominance Council to determine every avenue available to increase energy production, lower gas prices, and make the United States the world’s energy powerhouse. He rescinded countless Biden executive orders that promoted the Green New Deal over affordable gas and electricity prices and cut needless red tape that prevented American energy producers from reaching their full production capacity. He overturned the Biden administration’s ban on liquefied natural gas exports, signed a resolution – that I voted for – to completely repeal Biden’s costly tax on natural gas production, and stopped the Biden administration’s ridiculous electric-vehicle mandates on American families. Under President Trump’s watch, we will use the energy resources abundantly available in our own country and reduce our dependence on our foreign adversaries for our energy needs.

    Government efficiency is another bright spot of President Trump’s America First agenda. The Biden administration exploded our national debt with trillions of dollars of wasteful spending that fueled inflation and made life more expensive for Americans. As promised, the Trump administration uncovered example after example of waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal government. DEI positions in federal agencies have been cut, spending on liberal initiatives has been slashed, and welfare for illegal immigrants has been suspended. Eliminating this type of waste ensures that programs like Medicare and Social Security – intended for American citizens only – can remain solvent now and well into the future. With President Trump in the White House, taxpayer dollars are being treated with the care that they deserve.

    Additionally, because of President Trump’s mission to hold our trading partners accountable to our laws and protect our farmers, workers, manufacturers, and businesses from unfair and unlawful trade practices, business investment is accelerating in our country. More than $5 trillion in new investments in America have been announced, which will create over 451,000 new jobs in American communities. This impressive figure does not even include pledges that other countries have made to bring manufacturing and jobs to the United States, spurring additional economic growth. To complement these investments, my Republican colleagues and I are working hard to extend President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to deliver tax relief for our families, farmers, workers, and businesses. While Democrats want Americans to see the highest tax hike in U.S. history, President Trump and Republicans are committed to lowering taxes and unleashing U.S. economic prosperity. The American workforce and American industry will no longer be taken advantage of by foreign nations, and American citizens will rightfully keep more of their hard-earned money.

    This is not an exhaustive list of the amazing achievements that President Trump has delivered in just 100 days, but it does prove that he is working harder than ever to serve the American people. I know that President Trump will take this same aggressive and results-oriented approach to his next four years in office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Pingree Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Expand and Strengthen Local Meat Processing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Today, U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.), along with U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), reintroduced legislation to support small meat and poultry processors throughout the U.S. The bipartisan, bicameral Strengthening Local Processing Act would make it easier for local livestock and poultry producers to process meat locally, by expanding access to federal resources and providing critical support for training and technical assistance to small processors.

    “Access to USDA processing facilities remains a significant challenge for livestock producers in Maine and across the country. Their livelihoods depend on having somewhere to take their animals, but under the current system, their options are severely limited. Chefs, retailers, and consumers want to buy locally raised meat, and they’re frustrated by how difficult it is to get,” said Congresswoman Pingree, a longtime farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Our bipartisan Strengthening Local Processing Act will increase processing, enhance opportunities for local producers, and help small slaughterhouses and butchers grow their businesses—delivering the quality, locally raised meat and poultry consumers expect at the store.”

    Under federal law, farmers and ranchers are required to send their animals to one of a limited number of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or state-inspected slaughterhouses—often hundreds of miles away—in order to sell individual cuts of locally raised meats. As a result, many smaller meat and poultry processing plants are booked out for months, and small farms are unable meet new demand due to a lack of processing capacity. 

    The Strengthening Local Processing Act will increase the federal cost share for both state facility inspections (from 50 to 65%), as well as the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (from 60 to 80%), thus encouraging more states to operate state inspection programs and participate in CIS. There are currently 29 states that operate a state inspection program, and 10 states that participate in CIS. 

    The legislation would create a competitive grant program for small and very small establishments, state inspected facilities, custom exempt facilities, or new small-scale slaughter facilities to help increase processing capacity and grow resiliency. It would also create two new grant programs for meat processing workforce training—one for colleges, universities, nonprofits, worker training centers, and others to establish or expand meat processing training program and one for small and very small establishments or nongovernmental organizations to offset the cost of training new meat processors.

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    MIL OSI USA News –