NewzIntel.com

Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Defendants Sentenced in Connection with Operating One of the Largest Illegal Television Show Streaming Services in the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Yesterday, the final judgments were issued for five Nevada men, including a citizen of Germany, who were sentenced on May 29 and 30 to terms of up to 84 months in prison for running Jetflicks, one of the largest illegal television streaming services in the United States.

    “The defendants operated Jetflicks, an illegal paid streaming service that made available more television episodes than any licensed streaming service on the market,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This scheme generated millions of dollars in criminal profits, and hurt thousands of U.S. companies and individuals who owned the copyrights to these shows but never received a penny in compensation from Jetflicks. The sentences issued in this case demonstrate the Criminal Division’s commitment to protect American creativity and to ensure that large-scale infringers are brought to justice and punished for their crimes.”

    “Digital crimes are not victimless crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The copyright owners lost millions of dollars as a result of the illegal paid streaming service. These sentences underscore our joint commitment with the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and FBI to deter and disrupt intellectual property crime via thorough investigation and prosecution of those who violate federal intellectual property laws.”

    “By building and running one of the largest unauthorized streaming services in the U.S., these individuals not only stole from content creators and legitimate streaming services, they undermined the integrity of our economy and the rule of law,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “These sentencings are a reminder that illegal actions have consequences. The FBI and our partners are unwavering in our commitment to protect intellectual property rights and hold criminals accountable.”

    After a 14-day trial that ended in June 2024, a federal jury in the District of Nevada convicted Kristopher Lee Dallmann, 42; Peter H. Huber, 67; Jared Edward Jaurequi, also known as Jared Edwards, 44; Felipe Garcia, 43; and Douglas M. Courson, 65, all of Las Vegas, of conspiracy to commit copyright infringement. The jury also convicted Dallmann of criminal copyright infringement by distribution, criminal copyright infringement by public performance, and money laundering. Subsequently, the court sentenced Dallmann to 84 months in prison; Huber to 18 months in prison; Jaurequi to time served (almost 5 months in prison), 180 days of home confinement, and 500 hours of community service; Garcia to three years probation with 49 days in prison and 1000 hours of community service; and Courson to three years probation with 48 days in prison.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the defendants ran a site called Jetflicks, an online subscription-based service headquartered in Las Vegas, that permitted users to stream and at times download copyrighted television programs without the permission of the relevant copyright owners. At one point, Jetflicks claimed to have 183,285 different television episodes, significantly more than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, or any other licensed streaming service. This was the largest internet piracy case — as measured by the estimated total infringement amount and total number of infringements — ever to go to trial as well as the first illegal streaming case ever to go to trial. The defendants’ conduct harmed every major copyright owner of a television program in the United States. Copyright owners lost millions of dollars from the operation.

    Evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants used automated software and computer scripts that ran constantly to scour sites around the world hosting pirated content. The software and scripts would download, process, and store illegal content, and then make it immediately available on servers in the United States and Canada to tens of thousands of paid subscribers located throughout the United States for streaming and/or downloading. The defendants often delivered episodes to subscribers the day after the shows originally aired on television. The service was not only available to subscribers over the internet but specifically designed to work on many different types of devices, platforms, and software.

    Each defendant performed at least one and often multiple roles at Jetflicks including management, computer programming and coding, design of the website, applications, and customer interface, technical assistance, content acquisition, subscriptions and revenue, and customer support.

    Dallmann reaped millions of dollars in profit from the operation. The government conservatively estimated the value of the copyright infringement in the case at $37.5 million. This included the approximate retail value of the defendants’ reproduction of infringing works to create the Jetflicks inventory as well as the approximate retail value of the streams of pirated television episodes that the defendants provided to subscribers.

    The five defendants sentenced were among eight defendants originally indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in connection with operating Jetflicks. In addition to the defendants just sentenced in Nevada, defendant Darryl Polo previously pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to four counts of criminal copyright infringement and one count of money laundering for his involvement with Jetflicks as well as an equally large illegal streaming site he ran called iStreamItAll. Similarly, defendant Luis Villarino also previously pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. In May 2021, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Virginia sentenced Polo and Villarino to, respectively, 57 months in prison and 12 months and a day in prison.

    After the case was transferred to the District of Nevada for trial, defendant Yoany Vaillant was tried separately from the other five remaining defendants. In November 2024, after an eight-day trial, a federal jury convicted Vaillant of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. Vaillant is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. 

    Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti, Trial Attorney Michael Christin, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher S. Merriam of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Edward G. Veronda for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. The CCIPS Cybercrime Lab, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada provided significant assistance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Fostering Digital Villages Initiative showcases innovation at agricultural shows in Zimbabwe

    Source: APO

    The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Mhondoro-Ngezi District Agricultural Show Society, successfully hosted a ‘Digital Fair’ in the Mashonaland West Province in Zimbabwe. The Digital Fair was held under the auspices of the Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDiVi).

    This strategic blending of digital innovation with traditional agricultural exhibitions marks a significant step in Zimbabwe’s journey towards agrifood systems transformation as it showcases tools and services that significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural practices.

    The event served as a dynamic platform to introduce digital service providers to rural communities, enabling farmers, youth, and local leaders to explore and evaluate digital tools tailored for agricultural productivity and rural development. The digital fair is part of the broader global FAO Digital Villages Initiative, which aims to transform agrifood systems in rural Malawi, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe using effective digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.

    Digital Fairs are platforms for raising awareness as well as conduits for digital literacy for rural communities on one hand and rural market entry points for digital service providers, innovators and entrepreneurs.

    “Collaborating with Agricultural Show Societies is a step in the right direction. The success of the digital fair in the Mhondoro-Ngezi where we partnered the Mhondoro-Ngezi District Agricultural Society sets the stage for future integration of digital fairs into national and sub-national agricultural shows, amplifying outreach and fostering inclusive access to innovation,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.

    “This approach aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader goals for sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment, and rural development, and is more sustainable,” added Talla.

    “The Venice Digital Fair has been overwhelmingly welcomed by the Mhondoro-Ngezi farmers, extension staff and stakeholders, with a lot of interest shown on the services that were being exhibited. We wish to continue to synchronize our future agricultural shows with these digital fairs as this has shown a positive impact on attendance, knowledge sharing and exchange.” said Spiwe Goto an extension officer with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

    The digital fair brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Government officials; digital service providers; local traditional leaders and community members; and youth organizations, rural development groups, and digital champions.

    “I have learnt a lot through being part of this initiative. Digital innovation isn’t just for urban centres. It’s for every farmer, every youth, and every rural entrepreneur ready to grow. We’re building bridges between technology and tradition,” Maria Chinyoka a Digital Champion trained under the FDiVi project who is also the Kushinga farmer group leader.

    The Digital Fair delivered tangible results, reinforcing the value of integrating digital innovation into Zimbabwe’s agrifood systems. The digital fair contributed to increased awareness of digital tools among rural stakeholders, showcasing their potential to drive agricultural productivity and rural transformation. It also strengthened engagement between digital innovators and grassroots communities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

    “These series of Fairs are a vital bridge between us as digital innovators and grassroot communities that we often overlook in tech-driven agriculture” said Tafadzwa Chikwereti (Co-founder of eAgro).

    “As a financial institution, we witnessed opportunities for our company to penetrate the under-banked community. We will be partnering with local agents to offer our micro-finance services,” Kanukai Madende the Managing Director of Village Finance.

    The digital fair enhanced the visibility of digital solutions within sub-national agricultural platforms, laying the groundwork for broader adoption and policy integration. FAO remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s digital transformation journey, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of modern, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Strengthening vulnerability analysis to tackle food insecurity in Southern Africa

    Source: APO

    Food insecurity in Southern Africa is worsening, driven by erratic weather patterns, pest outbreaks, and economic shocks. An estimated 46.3 million people across seven countries -Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania— are projected to fate acute food insecurity during the 20205/26 consumption period. As shocks intensify, timely and harmonized vulnerability assessments remain critical to inform early action, response planning, and policy development.

    To this end, representatives from 11 Southern African Development Community  (SADC) Member States, joined by regional and international partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Regional Support Unit, gathered virtually from 14 to 16 July 2025 for the Annual Dissemination Forum of the SADC Regional Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis (RVAA) Programme. The event was followed by the 29th Steering Committee meeting on 17 July 2025.

    Despite data collection and budgetary challenges, seven Member States successfully completed their national assessments and presented findings at the forum. These findings contributed to the finalization of the 2025 Regional Synthesis Report on the State of Food and Nutrition Security in SADC, validated by the Regional Vulnerability Assessment Committee (RVAC).

    The report highlights a concerning uptick in food insecurity, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and low-income urban areas, underscoring the compounded impact of the 2024 El Niño-induced drought, ongoing conflict, and high food prices. At the same time, the region experienced normal to above-normal rainfall in many areas during the 2024/25 season, supporting a modest recovery in cereal production and grazing conditions, particularly in countries like Tanzania, Lesotho and Eswatini.

    FAO’s technical support and way forward

    As a long-standing partner of the RVAA system, FAO continues to support Member States in enhancing the quality and use of vulnerability assessments. This includes contributing technical expertise to the Regional Vulnerability Assessment Committee, promoting alignment with IPC frameworks, and strengthening links between data and early action.

    Looking ahead, FAO will continue engaging with SADC Member States and partners to improve the quality and coverage of vulnerability assessments across the region. This includes supporting harmonization of tools and methodologies, promoting digital data collection systems, and fostering cross-country learning and peer-to-peer exchange. FAO is committed to working alongside the SADC Secretariat to strengthen the institutional sustainability of the RVAA programme and integrate early warning into broader disaster risk management systems.

    The outcomes of the 29th Steering Committee meeting reaffirm the urgency of accelerating investment in regional food security analysis. The Committee called for renewed efforts to mobilize resources for the upcoming landscape analysis of existing national frameworks, which will inform the development of a harmonized vulnerability assessment framework for the SADC region by 2026. FAO will remain a key technical partner in this process, offering expertise to ensure that the proposed framework is scalable, inclusive, and responsive to the complex drivers of vulnerability facing Southern Africa today.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Premier of China’s State Council calls for proper work on agricultural production, consolidation of poverty alleviation gains

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NANNING, July 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Tuesday called for properly implementing the production of grain and other major agricultural products in China and continuously consolidating and expanding the achievements of the nationwide poverty alleviation campaign.

    Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (south China) from July 20 to 22.

    During the trip, Liu Guozhong studied the situation of rice production, sugar crop cultivation and the development of high-standard farmland on the spot.

    Touching upon the pressing issue of typhoons, floods and other natural disasters, the Vice Premier called for measures such as emergency floodwater drainage, replanting and reseeding crops on damaged lands, making efforts to reduce losses in the agricultural sector.

    Liu Guozhong stressed the need for targeted implementation of measures to support the poor, paying special attention to stabilizing the employment of rural migrant workers and people who have escaped poverty, as well as developing rural industries with local specific advantages that improve the well-being of farmers. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: The United States and Indonesia Reach Historic Trade Deal

    Source: US Whitehouse

    DELIVERING ON RECIPROCAL TRADE: President Donald J. Trump announced a landmark trade deal with Indonesia that will provide Americans with market access in Indonesia once considered impossible and unlock major breakthroughs for America’s manufacturing, agriculture, and digital sectors.

    • Under this deal, Indonesia will pay the United States a reciprocal tariff rate of 19%.
    • The key terms of the U.S.-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade will include:
      • Eliminating Tariff Barriers: Indonesia will eliminate tariff barriers, on a preferential basis, on over 99% of U.S. products exported to Indonesia across all sectors, including for all agricultural products, health products, seafood, information and communications technology, automotive products, and chemicals, which will create commercially meaningful market access opportunities for the full range of U.S. exports, supporting high-quality American jobs.
      • Breaking Down Non-Tariff Barriers for U.S. Industrial Exports: Indonesia will address a range of non-tariff barriers, including by: (1) exempting U.S. companies and originating goods from local content requirements; (2) accepting vehicles built to U.S. federal motor vehicle safety and emissions standards; (3) accepting FDA certificates and prior marketing authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals; (4) exempting U.S. exports of cosmetics, medical devices, and other manufactured goods from burdensome certification and labeling requirements; (5) removing import restrictions or licensing requirements on U.S. remanufactured goods and their parts; (6) eliminating pre-shipment inspection or verification requirements on imports of U.S. goods; (7) adopting and implementing good regulatory practices; (8) taking steps to resolve many long-standing intellectual property issues identified in USTR’s Special 301 Report; and (9) addressing U.S. concerns with conformity assessment procedures.
      • Breaking Down Non-Tariff Barriers for U.S. Agriculture Exports: Indonesia will address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products in the Indonesian market, including by: (1) exempting U.S. food and agricultural products from all of Indonesia’s import licensing regimes including its commodity balance policy; (2) ensuring transparency and fairness with respect to geographical indications (GIs) including meats and cheeses; (3) providing permanent Fresh Food of Plant Origin (FFPO) designation for all applicable U.S. plant products; and (4) recognizing U.S. regulatory oversight, including listing of all U.S. meat, poultry, and dairy facilities and accepting certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities.
      • Strengthening Rules of Origin: The United States and Indonesia will negotiate facilitative rules of origin that ensure that the benefits from the agreement accrue to the United States and Indonesia, not third-countries.
      • Removing Barriers for Digital Trade: The United States and Indonesia will finalize commitments on digital trade, services, and investment. Indonesia has committed to eliminate existing HTS tariff lines on “intangible products” and suspend related requirements on import declarations; support a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) immediately and without conditions; and take effective actions to implement the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, including submitting its revised Specific Commitments for certification by the WTO. Indonesia will provide certainty regarding the ability to move personal data out of its territory to the United States through recognition of the United States as a country or jurisdiction that provides adequate data protection under Indonesia’s law. American companies have sought these reforms for years.
      • Aligning on Economic Security: Indonesia has committed to join the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity and take effective actions to address global excess capacity in the steel sector and its impacts. The United States and Indonesia are committed to strengthening cooperation to increase supply chain resilience. This includes addressing duty evasion and cooperating on export controls and investment security. Indonesia will remove restrictions on exports to the United States for all industrial commodities, including critical minerals.
      • Improving Labor Standards: Indonesia has committed to adopt and implement a forced labor import ban and remove provisions that restrict workers and unions from exercising freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.
      • Notching Commercial Deals: The United States and Indonesia take note of commercial deals in the areas of agriculture, aerospace, and energy, which will further increase U.S. exports to Indonesia.
    • President Trump has delivered a forward-looking and tough trade deal that will benefit American workers, exporters, farmers, and digital innovators—this deal is what winning looks and will feel like for all Americans.

    A DEFINED PATH FORWARD: In the coming weeks, the United States and Indonesia will memorialize the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade in order to lock in benefits for American businesses and workers.

    • The United States currently runs its fifteenth largest goods trade deficit with Indonesia.
      • The U.S. total goods trade deficit with Indonesia was $17.9 billion in 2024.
      • Before this deal, Indonesia’s simple average applied tariff was 8% while the U.S. average applied tariff was 3.3%. 

    LIBERATING AMERICA FROM UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: Since Day One, President Trump challenged the assumption that American workers and businesses must tolerate unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged them for decades and contributed to our historic trade deficit.

    • On April 2, President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the large and persistent U.S. goods trade deficit caused by a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, unfair tariff and non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption.
    • President Trump continues to advance the economic and national security interests of the American people by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers and expanding market access for American exporters.
    • Today’s announcement shows that America can defend its domestic production and strengthen its defense industrial base while obtaining expansive market access with our trading partners.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces Over $2.6 Million to Wise County Public Service Authority for Water System Improvements

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded the Wise County Public Service Authority, based in Wise, Virginia, a $1,905,000 grant and a $791,000 loan. The funding supports the final phase of constructing water system improvements. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “The Wise County Public Service Authority is dedicated to making needed improvements to the County’s water infrastructure.

    “These funds for more than $2.6 million helps the Service Authority deliver a reliable water system to Wise County citizens.” 

    BACKGROUND

    These funds were made available through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program.

    According to USDA Rural Development, this project will address pressure fluctuations and reduced water storage and flow capacities.

    In August 2023, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $4.8 million to the Wise County Public Service Authority for water system improvements.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $3,032,736 USDA Rural Development Grant to SWVA Biochar LLC

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded SWVA Biochar LLC, based in Floyd County, Virginia, a $3,032,736 grant. The funding supports the purchase of a site for an additional facility in Floyd County. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Biochar is a unique type of charcoal that improves soil fertility, yielding immense dividends for farmers.

    “This grant for more than $3 million helps SWVA Biochar continue producing local biochar and expand its operations in Floyd County.”

    BACKGROUND

    This grant was made available through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP). 

    According to USDA Rural Development, FPEP grants are provided to boost manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives and their availability in the United States.

    Biochar is black carbon produced from biomass sources, such as manure or agricultural waste, that can improve soil fertility.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Indiana Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA–The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Indiana small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the flooding occurring June 28-July 2, 2025. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Braun on July 11, 2025.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Knox, Martin and Pike which are eligible for both Physical Damage Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA.  

    Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.  

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.  

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning, Wednesday, July 23, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the county of Daviess to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Daviess County

    Odon Community Center

    311 Park Street

    Odon, Indiana 47562

    Opening: Wednesday, July 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Permanently Closing: July 31 at 4 p.m.

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 16, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 20, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Huffman Introduces Bill to Protect Small Farmers and Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    July 22, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) re-introduced legislation that would enshrine the right for small cannabis producers to ship and sell their products directly to consumers. This bill, the Small and Homestead Independent Producers (SHIP) Act, would enable small farmers and producers to operate their businesses within and across state lines. The legislation is specifically targeted to support the smallest family farmers and help them sustain their businesses under a larger federal legalization law.

    “Larger, commercialized cannabis operators are infiltrating the market and squeezing out our local farmers in the process,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “So when the antiquated federal prohibition on cannabis finally gets repealed, we need to have substantial legislation ready to help these small businesses survive. My legislation would ensure that folks can ship their products straight to consumers, which would both help expand small businesses and ensure farmers stay afloat. When full legalization is guaranteed, we must commit to not leaving our smallest family-farmers behind.”

    “Nearly 15 years into the experiment of state-level cannabis legalization, the cracks in the system are clear: small and craft producers are being pushed to the margins, safe access for consumers and patients is shrinking, and the industry is consolidating into the hands of a few,” said Ross Gordon, Co-Founder at National Craft Cannabis Coalition and Policy Analyst at Origins Council. “Without direct-to-consumer shipping, federal cannabis legalization risks reinforcing these failures instead of correcting them. The SHIP Act is a make-or-break policy for the future of small cannabis businesses in California and across the country.”

     “Our state’s DTC framework helps support nearly 1,700 cultivators in a state of 1.2 million people,” said Mark Barnett, Co-Founder at National Craft Cannabis Coalition and Policy Director at Maine Craft Cannabis Association. “Without these opportunities, quality in the legal market will suffer, and consumers will look elsewhere. The SHIP Act would guarantee that small farmers have a pathway to participate in one of the country’s most promising new economic frontiers.”

    “The regulation of cannabis has, unfortunately, not equated to adequate access,” said Frederika McClary Easley, President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA). “Many patients and consumers navigate plant deserts that have been created due to municipal opt-outs and zoning restrictions. The SHIP Act will help to address this while prioritizing access for small craft producers, which in turn positively impacts their success and sustainability. MCBA is proud to support this piece of federal legislation that recognizes the importance of craft growing and small businesses as the bedrock of this burgeoning industry.”

    This bill is co-sponsored by Representative Val Hoyle.

    It is endorsed by National Craft Cannabis Coalition, Minority Cannabis Business Association, National Cannabis Industry Association, Drug Policy Alliance, Parabola Center, Marijuana Justice, Veterans Cannabis Coalition, Origins Council, Washington Sun & Craft Growers Association, Vermont Growers Association, Maine Craft Cannabis Association, Humboldt County Growers Alliance, Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, Trinity County Agricultural Alliance, and the Central California Cannabis Club.

    Full text of this legislation can be found here.

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Understanding Thai Names: Law and Culture

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The following is a guest post by foreign law intern, Yuri Rattanaboonsen. Yuri works with Foreign Law Specialist, Sayuri Umeda, in the Global Legal Research Directorate in the Law Library of Congress. 

    In Thailand, surnames are generally unique to family lines, and more often than not, we rarely meet a stranger who has the same surname if he or she is not a distant relative.

    Before the enactment of the Thai Nationality Act in 1913, which is also known as the Surname Act, surnames were uncommon for the general public. This law required all Thai citizens and permanent residents to register a family surname for the first time. As a result, many families had to create a new surname. One important feature of the law was that each family’s surname had to be unique. (Thai Nationality Act sec.12(5).) If a name was already registered, the family would have to register a different one.

    Currently, the Person’s Name Act B.E. 2505 (1962), as amended by the Person’s Name Act (No. 3), B.E. 2548 (2005), governs the rules for personal names in Thailand. It still states “[t]he surname shall not repeat … a registered surname.” (sec. 8(3).)

    Thai Surnames

    Originally, Thai surnames often reflected a person’s ancestry, place of origin, or occupation, and usually consisted of two to three syllables. They can relate to information about religion, social class, or even links to royalty or heritage.

    Thai immigrant families’ surnames are often long. For example, because many Chinese families’ surnames were the same and were already in use, many immigrant families had to modify or expand them to register unique surnames under the 1913 law. Some families chose Thai words that sounded similar to their original Chinese surname. Others created longer surnames by adding extra syllables or translating the original name’s meaning into Thai. As a result, many names and surnames today are long and complex.

    The Person’s Name Act limits the length of a surname. It states “[t]he surname shall … not be comprised of more than 10 alphabetical letters….” (Id. sec. 8(5).) This only applies to the Thai alphabet. Therefore, a romanized Thai surname often has more than 10 Roman characters.

    It is rare, but some overlap of Thai surnames exists because technology was not advanced enough to detect all registered surnames nationwide at the time the registry was created. The Department of Provincial Administration’s system, which can check the population registration going back to 1984, came online to link data nationwide in 1993. It was then discovered that many people are not relatives but have the same last names.

    Name Change

    When a surname is changed to a new one, it often becomes quite long. In Thailand, people can change their names for any reason. (Id. sec. 17) Many individuals choose to change their names for personal, cultural, or spiritual reasons.

    Some people change names based on astrological beliefs, selecting letters that are thought to be compatible with the individual’s birthday. In these naming calculations, each letter and vowel has a specific meaning. People try to make the total value of their name and surname lucky or strong. To do this, they often need to use more letters, which results in longer names and surnames. However, many people who do not hold these beliefs still have short surnames.

    Permission to Use Another Person’s Surname

    A Thai person who is not a spouse or relative of another person and who has a different surname can have the person’s surname upon permission of the person who registered the surname. The act states that the permission “can be made by filing an application to the local Registrar in the area where he or she has his or her name on the household registry …The permission … shall be valid only upon the local Registrar’s issuance of a letter showing the permission to use such surname to” a particular person. (Id. sec. 11.)

    Romanization of surnames

    The same Thai names might be spelled differently in Roman characters on passports or national identity cards due to the different practices in different registrars’ offices. In addition, the registrar’s consideration and opinion affected the registration process. (Id. sec. 18.)

    In July 2023, Bangkok Metropolitan sent a letter to the Department of Provincial Administration to discuss the practice of using Roman characters for first and last names on national identity cards. The Department of Provincial Administration responded by stating that a person’s name must be romanized through transliteration based on phonetic principles, as written in the Prime Minister’s Office Announcement of English transliteration criteria on August 26, 1989, and the Royal Institute criteria for transliteration of Thai into Roman letters by phonetic means on January 11, 1999. The Department of Provincial Administration also forwarded this response to all provincial governors to study and practice in the same way. No other specific regulation was made apart from what the Person’s Name Act B.E. 2505 (1962) provides.

    Nickname of Thai People

    Although it is not officially registered or recognized under Thai law, nicknames are widely used in everyday life. Most Thai individuals receive a nickname at birth. Thai people do not usually change their nicknames; some do, but fewer compared to changes in their first names and surnames.  Thais’ nicknames have changed over time. In the past, most nicknames were in Thai, which were short and simple. usually named after animals, fruits, colors, and nature, such as Khao (Rice), Kai (Chicken), Fah (Sky/Blue), and Ploy (Gemstone). Nowadays, the number of syllables increases, and the use of foreign languages in nicknames has increased. Nicknames can be random English words, such as Donut, Golf, or New Year, brand names, such as Porsche, Benz, or Pepsi, or even be an alphabet letter, such as A, B, S, or X.

    A person may go by their nickname socially and professionally for their entire life, but only their official given name will appear in legal contracts, government records, and academic certifications. In daily life, individuals are more commonly known by their nickname than their full legal name.

    Further Reading

    If you would like to know how other countries regulate names, do not forget to check out our other blog posts on that topic, among them, Jenny’s post on naming laws in Germany, Kelly’s post on banning baby names in New Zealand, Laney’s on how many times you can change a name in Taiwan, or Elin’s post on Icelandic name laws.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 22nd, 2025 Heinrich, Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Expand and Improve Access to Clean Water for Tribal Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Half of households on Native American reservations lack access to reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or adequate sanitation

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), introduced the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act to dramatically expand access to clean water for Tribal families by investing in water infrastructure. This bill would increase funding through the Indian Health Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Bureau of Reclamation to support water infrastructure projects in Tribal communities and help provide clean water to Native American households that currently lack access.

    “Nearly half of Native American households lack access to clean and reliable water supplies. That is completely unacceptable,” said Heinrich. “By addressing a significant backlog of infrastructure projects and removing barriers to federal programs that provide technical and financial assistance to Tribes, this legislation is an important step toward delivering clean drinking water to all families in Indian Country.”

    “Too many Tribal communities in Colorado and across the country cannot access clean, safe water,” said Bennet. “This legislation builds on our efforts to improve access for Tribes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It fulfills the federal government’s promise to provide these communities with the clean water they deserve.”

    “Clean drinking water is a basic necessity. Yet, so many of our Tribal communities have been left without the infrastructure. It’s unacceptable,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s cut red tape and invest in modern resources to finally deliver safe, accessible water to every Tribe.”

    Lack of access to clean drinking water is a significant barrier for many Native American communities. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Native American households are 19 times more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing.

    The Tribal Access to Clean Water Act will:

    • Authorize the USDA to make grants and loans for technical and financial assistance, as well as for construction;
    • Increase funding authorizations for USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program by $100 million per year for five years, provide $30 million per year specifically for technical assistance, and ensure that Native communities are treated equitably and appropriately when considered for grants and loans;
    • Increase funding authorizations for existing programs of the Indian Health Service for water and sanitation facilities construction over a five-year period, including for community facilities ($2.5 billion), technical assistance ($150 million), and operation and maintenance assistance ($500 million); and
    • Authorize $90 million over five years for the Bureau of Reclamation’s existing Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program.

    “Water is a sacred resource given to us to protect. It is of the utmost importance that Tribes have access to clean water not only for personal consumption and economic development but also for cultural purposes. Many tribes in the Southwest rely on access to clean water to carry on our culture and traditions. We thank U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Michael Bennet for reintroducing the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act,” said Myron Armijo, Santa Ana Pueblo Governor.

    “It is far past time to ensure that Native people have the same level of basic water service most Americans take for granted,” said Manuel Heart, Chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. “This bill’s recognition of the need for technical support and operation and maintenance assistance for Tribal water supply facilities is not only essential to realizing the benefit of investment in water infrastructure, but also a critical step toward increasing Tribal independence and governance capabilities.”

    “Some of the starkest examples of the public health impacts from not having clean, running water in the home are right in our backyards,” said Anne Castle, co-founder of the initiative on Universal Access to Clean Water for Tribal Communities. “Higher incidence of respiratory disease, gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, and cancer are all linked to ‘water poverty’ – the lack of access to secure and healthy household water – which is particularly acute for Native American households. With targeted resources and Federal agency coordination, we have the ability to solve this longstanding inequity in Indian country.”

    “For far too long, many indigenous Americans – American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians – have gone without access to a clean and safe drinking water supply,” said John Echohawk, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Native American Rights Fund and member of the Pawnee Nation. “These are not isolated or regional deficiencies, but rather a nationwide disparity in access to a basic ingredient of life. This bill will help to address gaps in current support for Tribal drinking water access and help to fulfill the Federal government’s treaty and trust responsibility to Native American Tribes.”

    “Every American is entitled to access to clean drinking water,” said Ken Norton, Chairman of the National Tribal Water Council. “But this undeniable truth simply does not hold for far too many Tribal households. It is well past time to bring the necessary resources to bear that will allow all Tribal families to enjoy the same basic services most Americans take for granted.”

    “Water is a basic human right and this bill fulfills the government’s trust obligation to Tribes and Indigenous communities to ensure all Native populations have access to clean drinking water,” said Garrit Voggesser, Senior Director of Tribal Partnerships and Policy, National Wildlife Federation. “For far too long more than half of the country’s Indigenous peoples haven’t had access to clean drinking water. Water must be accessible to not only support public health, but also meet historical, cultural, ecological, and rights-based needs.”

    Heinrich initially introduced this legislation with Bennet in 2021. He also successfully fought to include funding to improve Tribal access to clean water in the Infrastructure Law. The law included $3.5 billion for the Indian Health Service Sanitation Facilities Construction program to address needs for tribal sanitation facilities and services, $1 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation to support legacy rural water supply projects, which will benefit Tribes, and increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act State Revolving Funds.

    In addition to Heinrich, Bennet, and Hickenlooper, this bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

    The text of the bill is available here.

    A summary of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15 nomination forms for Election Committee Subsector By-elections received today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The nomination period for the 2025 Election Committee (EC) Subsector By-elections runs from today (July 22) until August 4. A total of 12 nomination forms for candidates and three nomination forms from designated bodies were received by the Returning Officers for various subsectors today.

    If there is a contested election for an EC subsector, a poll will be held on September 7.

    The By-elections will fill a total of 93 vacancies in the membership of the EC to be returned by election involving 28 subsectors. The breakdown of nominations by subsectors received today is set out below: 
     

    First Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Catering 0
    Commercial (first) 0
    Commercial (second) 0
    Commercial (third) 0
    Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong 0
    Hotel 1
    Import and export 0
    Industrial (first) 0
    Industrial (second) 0
    Real estate and construction 0
    Small and medium enterprises 0
    Tourism 0
    Transport 0
    Second Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape 0
    Chinese medicine 0
    Education 0
    Legal 0
    Medical and health services 0
    Sports, performing arts, culture and publication 0
    Technology and innovation 0
    Third Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Agriculture and fisheries 0
    Associations of Chinese fellow townsmen 1
    Grassroots associations 1
    Labour 1
    Fourth Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Heung Yee Kuk 0
    Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of Hong Kong and Kowloon 0
    Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of the New Territories 0
    Fifth Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations 8
       
    Total: 12

    Besides, 10 vacancies involving five subsectors to be returned by nomination will be filled through supplementary nominations by designated bodies. Today, three nomination forms for the relevant subsectors are received, with breakdown as below: 
     

    Accountancy
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited 0
     
    Sports, performing arts, culture and publication
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China 0
    Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited 0
     
    Technology and innovation
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians 0
     
    Religious
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong 0
    Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association 1 (1 nominee in total)
    The Hong Kong Taoist Association 1 (2 nominees in total)
     
    Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong 1 (1 nominee in total)
       
    Total: 3 (4 nominees in total)

    Particulars of the nominated persons received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Zinke, Sheehy, Moore, Banks Introduce Legislation to Implement Fees on Foreign Tourists to Rebuild National Parks

    Source:

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Western Montana Congressman and former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke (MT-01), with Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Representative Riley Moore (WV-02), and Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the bicameral Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists in Parks Act (PATRIOT Parks Act), which would authorize a surcharge for most foreign tourists visiting national parks. If implemented, the bill would ensure foreign visitors contribute their fair share to the upkeep and preservation of America’s most treasured places. 

    “National Parks are Americas best idea and maintaining that legacy for future generations means making smart investments in the management of the parks,” said Zinke. “Americans already pay for parks in our tax dollars as well as at the gates. It’s unfair to American taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of foreign visitors. Almost every other country charges foreign visitors more, it’s common sense. President Trump and Secretary Burgum did the right thing directing the National Park Service implement a foreign visitor fee. This legislation will codify the policy and ensure Americans are put First in our own parks.”

    “From the New River Gorge in my home state to Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon – God blessed our nation with a tremendous natural heritage. We owe it to future generations to ensure these natural marvels are protected, said Moore. “Unfortunately, the National Park System currently faces a backlog of more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on properties across the Mountain State. Our commonsense legislation keeps entry fees static for Americans while charging more for foreigners visiting our National Parks. This will allow us to finally start tackling this extensive maintenance backlog.”

    “Our national parks drive Montana’s tourism economy by bringing in visitors from all over the world and define our way life by offering an experience you can only find in America,” said Sheehy. “Implementing a foreign visitor fee is an America First, commonsense way to secure affordable access for American families, improve our national parks for all visitors, and better manage our treasured public lands. It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their government puts them first, and that’s why I’m proud to support the PATRIOT Parks Act so more American families can enjoy our national parks for generations to come.”

    The National Park Service has $23 billion deferred maintenance infrastructure backlog. NPS relies on appropriated funds from tax dollars, Great American Outdoors Act funds from energy leasing, and entrance fees to address infrastructure needs. Every park will benefit from this program regardless of if they collect fees or not. By law, under the current formula for entrance fees, 80% of the fees collected at a park stay in the park where they are collected. The remaining 20% of entrance fees collected is distributed to non-fee collecting parks to improve infrastructure and visitor experience. The foreign visitors surcharge will use the same formula ensuring all parks benefit from this funding. 

    According to a report by Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), a surcharge of just $40 per foreign visitor would raise $528 million for our park system.

    “People travel from around the world to experience America’s national parks, and now they can help conserve them too,” said PERC CEO Brian Yablonski. “A surcharge on international visitors is a common practice globally and offers a smart, reliable way to fund better trails, cleaner campgrounds, modernized water systems, and desperately needed restoration work in our parks. We appreciate Rep. Zinke’s support for strengthening America’s national parks.” 

    Virtually all other countries do this already. Foreign tourists visiting the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador pay a $200 surcharge, South Africa charges as much as 500% more for foreign visitors, many European Union nations charge non-EU citizens surcharges at museums and cultural sites. 

    The foreign visitor would only apply to National Parks units that already collect entrance fees. If a park does not currently collect an entrance fee, the surcharge will not apply. Canadian citizens visiting Glacier National Park would be exempt from the surcharge in recognition of our joint stewardship of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Fee-collecting monuments in Washington, D.C., are also exempted.

    The bill codifies an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture to implement a foreign visitor surcharge to support public lands and rural communities.

    Read the full bill text here.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Farewell to summer? ‘Haze’ and ‘trash’ among Earth’s new seasons as climate change and pollution play havoc

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Felicia Liu, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Sustainability, University of York

    Throughout history, people have viewed seasons as relatively stable, recurrent blocks of time that neatly align farming, cultural celebrations and routines with nature’s cycles. But the seasons as we know them are changing. Human activity is rapidly transforming the Earth, and once reliable seasonal patterns are becoming unfamiliar.

    In our recent study, we argue that new seasons are surfacing. These emergent seasons are entirely novel and anthropogenic (in other words, made by humans).

    Examples include “haze seasons” in the northern and equatorial nations of south-east Asia, when the sky is filled with smoke for several weeks. This is caused by widespread burning of vegetation to clear forests and make way for agriculture during particularly dry times of year.

    Or there is the annual “trash season”, during which tidal patterns bring plastic to the shores of Bali, Indonesia, between November and March.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    At the same time, some seasons are disappearing altogether, with profound consequences for ecosystems and cultures. These extinct seasons can encompass drastically altered or terminated migratory animal behaviour, such as the decline of seabird breeding seasons in northern England.

    Climate change is also calling time on traditional winter sport seasons by making snow scarcer in alpine regions.

    Nature’s new rhythms

    Perhaps more common are “syncopated seasons”. The changes are akin to new emphases on beats or off-beats in familiar music that capture the listener’s attention.

    Syncopated seasons include hotter summers and milder winters in temperate climates, with increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather that exposes more people and ecosystems to stress.

    The timings of key seasonal events, like when leaves fall or certain migratory species arrive, are becoming more unpredictable. We coined the term “arrhythmic seasons”, a concept borrowed from cardiology, to refer to abnormal rhythms which include earlier springs or breeding seasons, longer summers or growing seasons, and shorter winters or hibernating seasons.

    Changing seasonal patterns throw the interdependent life cycles of plants and animals out of sync with each other, and disrupt the communities that are economically, socially and culturally dependent on them.

    In northern Thailand, human activity has reshaped nature’s rhythms and affected the supply of water and food in turn. Communities along the Mekong river’s tributaries have relied on the seasonal flow of rivers to fish and farm for generations.

    At first, upstream dams disrupted these cycles by blocking fish migration and preventing the accumulation of sediment that farms need for soil. More recently, climate change has shifted rainfall patterns and made dry seasons longer and rainy seasons shorter but more intense, bringing fires and further uncertainty to farmers.

    Let’s rethink time

    How we react to changing seasonal patterns can either worsen or improve environmental conditions. In south-east Asia, public awareness of the “haze season” has led to better forecasting, the installation of air filters in homes and the establishment of public health initiatives.

    These efforts help communities adapt. But if society only uses adaptive fixes like these, it can make the haze worse over time by failing to tackle its root causes. By recognising this new season, societies might normalise the recurrence of haze and isolate anyone who demands the government and businesses deal with deforestation and burning.

    Powerful institutions like these shape narratives about seasonal crises to minimise their responsibility and shift blame elsewhere. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to fostering accountability and ensuring fair responses.

    The shifting seasons require us to rethink our relationship with time and the environment. Today, most of us think about time in terms of days, hours and minutes, which is a globalised standard used everywhere from smartphones to train timetables. But this way of keeping time forgets older and more local ways of understanding time – those that are shaped by natural rhythms, such as the arrival of the rainy season, or solar and lunar cycles, rooted in the lives and cultures of different communities.

    Diverse perspectives, especially those from Indigenous knowledge systems, can enhance our ability to respond to environmental changes. Integrating alternative time-keeping methods into mainstream practices could foster fairer and more effective solutions to environmental problems.

    Seasons are more than just divisions of time – they connect us with nature. Finding synchrony with changing seasonal rhythms is essential for building a sustainable future.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Farewell to summer? ‘Haze’ and ‘trash’ among Earth’s new seasons as climate change and pollution play havoc – https://theconversation.com/farewell-to-summer-haze-and-trash-among-earths-new-seasons-as-climate-change-and-pollution-play-havoc-260765

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Nova Scotia Wines Receive Award for Excellence

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Four wines received the 2025 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines during a ceremony at Government House in Halifax today, July 22.

    “Nova Scotia’s wine industry is a dynamic fusion of innovation and tradition, where winemakers create distinctive, expressive wines that truly embody the spirit of the Atlantic coast,” said Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage. “I am proud to congratulate this year’s award recipients, who exemplify the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.”

    The recipients are:

    • 2022 Reserve Chardonnay, Blomidon Estate Winery, Canning
    • 2022 Chardonnay, Blomidon Estate Winery, Canning
    • 2019 Blanc de Blanc, Domaine de Grand Pré, Grand Pré
    • 2017 Small Lot Trio Brut, Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, Wolfville.

    The award is administered annually by Wine Growers Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor.

    Wineries across the province submitted up to three commercially available wines made with 100 per cent Nova Scotian grapes. An independent panel of experts participated in a blind tasting of all wines to select the top submissions for the award.

    Quotes:

    “The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines is a prestigious recognition and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our province’s exceptional farm wineries. The award not only celebrates the excellence of individual producers, but also symbolizes the remarkable growth of the farm wine industry in Nova Scotia. As our region continues to craft world-class wines, it’s clear that we are making our mark on the global wine scene. We are incredibly proud of the 2025 award winners, whose passion and commitment continue to elevate Nova Scotia as a premier wine destination.”
    — Karl Coutinho, President, Wine Growers Nova Scotia

    “Nova Scotia’s farm wine industry is driven by excellence, creativity and a deep connection to place. Rooted in our distinct cool climate and coastal terroir, each bottle tells a story of innovation, resilience and craft. Our grape growers and winemakers are not only producing wines that compete on the world stage – they’re defining what’s possible in cool-climate winemaking. The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines continues to shine a light on the people, passion and place behind this remarkable industry.”
    — Emily Haynes, Executive Director, Taste of Nova Scotia

    Quick Facts:

    • the award program was established by former lieutenant-governor J.J. Grant in 2014 to recognize locally sourced and produced wines
    • 33 wines from 12 wineries were submitted this year for adjudication by a panel of independent judges
    • each winning winery is presented with a gold medal and a certificate; they may advertise that the wine is an award recipient

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Britt, Hill Work to Protect Small Business Access to Capital, Fight Regulatory Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced legislation in response to the finalization of the Biden administration’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) 1071 Small Business Lending Data Collection rule requiring small business lenders to collect and report social data on small businesses seeking loans.

    The senators’ Preventing Regulatory Overreach to Empower Communities to Thrive and Ensure Data privacy (PROTECTED) Act would shield small financial institutions and Main Street businesses from the burdensome compliance costs associated with the CFPB rule as well as limit the number of small businesses impacted and significantly reduce the amount of data required to be collected and reported.

    “As the backbone of our economy, small businesses need access to capital. Identity-based data collection requirements handed down from Washington jeopardize lenders’ ability to provide vital investments and invite the federal government to pick winners and losers based on factors other than sound underwriting. Our legislation cuts this red tape for small and local financial institutions, including those trusted by farmers and rural communities, so they can focus on helping entrepreneurs and business owners launch or expand operations,” Boozman said. 

    “The CFPB under the last administration operated virtually unchecked—with no real Congressional oversight—and in an authoritarian manner, creating a regulatory nightmare for the very people and businesses it was meant to protect,” said Britt. “The PROTECTED Act delivers much-needed regulatory relief for community banks, farm credit lenders, CDFIs, and equipment financers. Importantly, this legislation safeguards small businesses by limiting excessive data collection and protecting consumer privacy. I’m proud to lead this effort to provide critical changes to this harmful rule.”

    “I will always advocate for small businesses across Alabama and our nation –– they’re the backbone of our country and what make our communities so unique — and our community banks play a pivotal role in providing these businesses with vital access to capital,” Britt continued. “This CFPB rule would have damaging downstream effects on our most rural and underserved communities. In the absence of a full repeal, this bill makes critical changes needed to ensure small lenders can continue to meet the needs of Main Street businesses.”

    The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Rep. French Hill (AR-01) is leading similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    “America’s small businesses depend on affordable and accessible credit, and community banks play a crucial role in their success. The CFPB’s current approach under the 1071 rule restricts credit and places unfair burdens on our community banks. The PROTECTED Act provides a clear path forward for how the Bureau can revise the 1071 rule to best support small businesses while ensuring responsible lending. I thank Senator Britt and Senator Boozman for working with me on companion legislation to the Small LENDER Act to support policies that help small businesses grow and achieve success,” said Hill.

    The PROTECTED Act also establishes critical safeguards to prevent the CFPB from publishing sensitive consumer data and requires the Bureau to conduct updated cost-benefit analyses prior to the rule’s implementation. Its effective date would be three years after the completion of these updated analyses and publication in the Federal Register, followed by a two-year grace period. 

    Boozman has pushed back against the regulation, designed to implement Sec. 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, and CFPB’s implementation that attempts to pick small business winners and losers based on social factors. The senator also supported a Congressional Review Act resolution to reverse the Biden-era CFPB rule.

    Click here for full bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Joins Push to Expand Access to Mental Health Care for Farmers, Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, joined a bipartisan group of colleagues led by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) to introduce the Farmers First Act of 2025, legislation aimed at strengthening mental health resources for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The Farmers First Act of 2025 reauthorizes and increases funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program that connects agricultural workers to critical stress assistance and mental health services.

    “Arkansas farmers face unique challenges that are often beyond their control and can take a serious toll on their mental health – from unpredictable weather and market volatility to the isolation that often comes with rural life,” Boozman said. “We have a responsibility to ensure they are not facing these burdens alone. This legislation builds on our efforts to deliver meaningful support and expand access to mental health care in rural communities.” 

    “Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to keep their businesses running and our Made in Wisconsin agricultural economy moving forward. But too often, the stress, isolation, and physical demands of this job leave them with nowhere to turn when it all gets to be too much,” Baldwin said. “I’m working to make sure our farmers and rural communities have the resources they need because no one should have to fight these battles alone.”

    “Iowa farmers work tirelessly from sunrise to sundown – rain or shine – to feed and fuel the world. Their work isn’t easy, and mental health issues, including suicide, are too common in our agriculture community, which is why I’m working to ensure farmers have better access to mental health resources,” Ernst said. 

    The Farmers First Act of 2025 would authorize $15 million annually for FRSAN through fiscal year 2030, up from the current $10 million. These funds will help state departments of agriculture, extension services and nonprofits provide:

    • Suicide prevention training for farm advocates;
    • Behavioral health specialists to serve agricultural communities;
    • Support groups tailored to farmers, ranchers and farmworkers; and
    • Expanded crisis hotlines and referral services.

    Boozman helped establish FRSAN in the 2018 Farm Bill and has consistently advocated for its expansion. The program currently operates through four regional centers and has proven effective in increasing access to mental health services in rural areas. 

    Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) have co-sponsored the bill.

    The Farmers First Act of 2025 also has the support of the National Farmers Union, National Rural Health Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Agriculture Retailers Association, The National Council, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, Organic Trade Association, American Psychological Association Services, NCBA CLUSA, Farm Credit Council, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Organic Farmers Association, National Pork Producers Council, American Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Farm Aid, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Organic Coalition, Farmer Veteran Coalition and American Farm Bureau Federation. 

    Bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Fund to Support Growth in Agriculture, Seafood Sectors

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is launching a new fund to support big, bold projects in the agriculture and seafood sectors.

    “This fund is about supporting the people who bring new ideas to grow our economy and help businesses,” said Greg Morrow, Minister of Agriculture. “Agriculture and seafood are important traditional industries in our province. But we can’t keep doing things the same old way – we need to support fresh thinking and innovation.”

    The Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund will support companies proposing large-scale projects that boost productivity and help their business expand. It could involve adopting new technology, changing how they do business, or finding new markets for their products.

    “We are looking for creative ideas that can take businesses to the next level,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “This isn’t just about helping individual companies, this is an all-hands-on-deck effort to build stronger industries and a stronger province.”

    Quotes:

    “Innovation truly thrives when industry and government actively join forces, combining expertise to drive meaningful progress and accelerate impactful change. Oberland welcomes opportunities to partner with the Government of Nova Scotia to advance sustainable solutions that turn local challenges into global leadership.”
    — Greg Wanger, founder and CEO, Oberland Agriscience Inc.

    “We’re pleased to see this investment as a positive step forward for Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry. Strategic support like this helps strengthen our competitiveness, drives innovation and creates opportunities for sustainable growth in the sector.”
    — Alicia King, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

    “The members of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance are experiencing first-hand the challenges of tariffs and the changing expectations of our global seafood customers. We need an industry that is innovative, resilient and adaptive to meet the needs of more diverse markets and customers so that we can maximize the economic value of the seafood sector for Nova Scotia’s seafood producers and for Nova Scotians. The alliance is pleased that with the launch of the new Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund, the Province is showing its continued commitment to supporting the innovation and diversification efforts of the seafood sector as we continue to evolve to provide the highest quality seafood to the world.”
    — Allan MacLean, President, Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance

    Quick Facts:

    • the Province is providing $4.71 million for the fund
    • funded projects must be completed by January 2027
    • the fund will be managed by Perennia, a provincial development agency with a mission to support growth, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia’s agriculture, seafood and food and beverage sectors

    Additional Resources:

    Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund: https://www.perennia.ca/sasi/

    News release – New Mapping Tool Supports Aquaculture Growth: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/07/03/new-mapping-tool-supports-aquaculture-growth

    News release – Seafood Companies Receive Climate Change Funding: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/06/27/seafood-companies-receive-climate-change-funding

    News release – Province Partners with Horticulture Nova Scotia to Extend Growing Season: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/06/04/province-partners-horticulture-nova-scotia-extend-growing-season

    News release – New Food Safety Pilot Program to Help Local Producers Expand: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/25/new-food-safety-pilot-program-help-local-producers-expand

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Missouri Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by April Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents in Missouri of the Aug. 22 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, heavy rains, large hail, flooding and flash flooding occurring April 29.

    The disaster declaration covers the Missouri counties of Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Stone and Webster as well as the Kansas county of Cherokee, and the Oklahoma county of Ottawa.

    Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 22.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Gwen Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses  and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the Aug. 22, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Gwen Fire occurring July 24‑Aug. 9, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Idaho counties of Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce as well as the Oregon county of Wallowa, and the Washington counties of Asotin and Whitman.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Aug. 22.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Livestock and lions make uneasy neighbours: how a fence upgrade helped protect domestic and wild animals in Tanzania

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jonathan Salerno, Associate Professor, Colorado State University, Colorado State University

    Protecting livestock in areas where large carnivores (like lions) live is increasingly important as human land use expands, wildlife habitat shrinks, and climatic changes reshape the ways in which humans and wildlife interact. Protecting the carnivores from livestock owners is important too. Intact carnivore populations support more resilient food webs and the ecosystem services they provide.

    It’s not easy for people, livestock, and carnivores to live together without conflict, though. One of the best ways to reduce conflict is to protect livestock like cattle and sheep from being attacked by predators.

    There are various methods to do this, like guarding livestock or erecting fences. That’s all very well for the livestock inside the fences, but do predators simply turn to the nearest unprotected livestock for their meal instead? Are the neighbours’ cattle, sheep, and goats at greater risk? This question hasn’t been explored much by researchers.

    We’re a group of conservation practitioners and scientists who have studied the interactions of carnivores, livestock, and people in Tanzania and elsewhere for decades to try and find solutions to conflict problems.

    Our study area is next to a national park which protects important populations of lion, leopard, hyena, African wild dog, and cheetah. The people who live here have traditionally kept their livestock overnight in enclosures made of acacia-thorn branches. More recently, some of them have built pens, or corrals, from tall chain link fencing. We knew from years working with communities and from previous research that these fortified corrals were effective at keeping livestock safe from predators.

    Our next step was to find out whether this made other nearby livestock less safe.

    Read more: What’s behind the conflict between people and animals in Tanzania

    The results were intriguing. We found that the new enclosures made predation less likely in the nearby traditional enclosures too.

    This type of beneficial spillover effect had yet to be documented in other systems where interventions aim to protect livestock from large carnivores.

    Our results show that in conservation, it’s important to look closely at complex local dynamics. The findings may help explain why there’s so much uncertainty about the effectiveness of various human–wildlife conflict mitigation strategies.

    Beneficial spillover effects

    People who keep livestock in east Africa have long had strategies to keep their animals safe from large carnivores. Sometimes acacia-thorn night enclosures (known locally as bomas), intensive herding practices, and guarding dogs work well.

    Other times, and especially in communities within and adjacent to large, protected carnivore populations, traditional strategies fall short.

    This is the case in Tanzania’s Ruaha-Rungwa Landscape. In our study area adjacent to Ruaha National Park, any pastoralist or agropastoralist (herding and crop farming) household has about a 30% chance of losing one or more animals to predation each year. This is a serious economic loss on top of important cultural and emotional costs.

    Read more: Losing a calf to wolves in Sweden hurts. But if lions take one in Uganda, a farming family’s income is gone

    Lion Landscapes, an organisation that some of us have been running for over a decade, works to support human-carnivore coexistence. Adjacent to Ruaha, we have been partnering with households to build 1.8-metre chain-link corrals. We subsidise them. Households contribute 25% of the cost and some of the labour for construction.

    We analysed about 25,000 monthly reports of livestock predation in fenced and traditional enclosures, using statistical models. There were 846 predation events over nearly four years. Unexpectedly, while we did detect spillover effects, these appeared to be beneficial. Rather than displacing conflicts, fortified enclosures actually conferred protective effects on their traditional-enclosure neighbours.

    For example, households within 50 metres (the minimum observed distance) of a fortified enclosure were half as likely to experience predation compared with distant households 2 kilometres away. And these beneficial effects increased with the number of fortified enclosures in a neighbourhood. Finally, the effects appeared to be durable over time.

    The fortified enclosures were extremely effective. We showed that households could break even after paying for the fence in just a few years through avoided livestock losses. And we know that when domestic animals aren’t being killed, their owners are more tolerant of predators. We didn’t record carnivore killings in this study but it has happened fairly frequently in the area in the past.

    In a few of the world’s human-wildlife conflict systems, where data exist to assess spillover effects, there is evidence that detrimental spillovers do occur. For instance, beehive deterrents may redirect elephants to nearby crop fields, or lethal removal of individual wolves may redirect the surviving pack to prey on adjacent ranches. Nevertheless, these are very under-studied interactions.

    Livestock management and carnivore coexistence

    In systems where humans, livestock, and wildlife overlap and sometimes come into conflict, management strategies too often focus on wildlife. Another option is to reduce whatever attracts wildlife. In the case of large carnivores, this means managing livestock.

    Read more: Livestock are threatened by predators – but old-fashioned shepherding may be an effective solution

    Our results support this approach by demonstrating that management and protection of livestock is fundamental for reducing conflict, and can benefit not only livestock owners but landscape-level coexistence.

    Conservationists and policy-makers need to encourage these practices that benefit people, carnivores, and livestock in shared landscapes.

    – Livestock and lions make uneasy neighbours: how a fence upgrade helped protect domestic and wild animals in Tanzania
    – https://theconversation.com/livestock-and-lions-make-uneasy-neighbours-how-a-fence-upgrade-helped-protect-domestic-and-wild-animals-in-tanzania-258113

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia expands grain export geography — Russian Minister of Agriculture

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 22 (Xinhua) — In 2024, Russia for the first time supplied grain crops to 11 countries, and also resumed exports to seven countries, Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut said on Tuesday, as cited by the Russian government’s press service.

    Currently, Russia exports grain crops to 108 countries, and 70 countries purchase wheat from Russia. Russia has been the leader in wheat supplies to the world market since 2016 and intends to maintain this status in the current agricultural season. By the end of 2024, the country became the world leader in barley exports for the first time.

    Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that Russia plans to increase agricultural exports by 1.5 times by 2030 compared to 2021 figures. Various government support measures are provided for the development of the grain industry, including subsidies, preferential lending, and reduced tariffs for rail transportation. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Livestock and lions make uneasy neighbours: how a fence upgrade helped protect domestic and wild animals in Tanzania

    Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Jonathan Salerno, Associate Professor, Colorado State University, Colorado State University

    Protecting livestock in areas where large carnivores (like lions) live is increasingly important as human land use expands, wildlife habitat shrinks, and climatic changes reshape the ways in which humans and wildlife interact. Protecting the carnivores from livestock owners is important too. Intact carnivore populations support more resilient food webs and the ecosystem services they provide.

    It’s not easy for people, livestock, and carnivores to live together without conflict, though. One of the best ways to reduce conflict is to protect livestock like cattle and sheep from being attacked by predators.

    There are various methods to do this, like guarding livestock or erecting fences. That’s all very well for the livestock inside the fences, but do predators simply turn to the nearest unprotected livestock for their meal instead? Are the neighbours’ cattle, sheep, and goats at greater risk? This question hasn’t been explored much by researchers.

    We’re a group of conservation practitioners and scientists who have studied the interactions of carnivores, livestock, and people in Tanzania and elsewhere for decades to try and find solutions to conflict problems.

    Our study area is next to a national park which protects important populations of lion, leopard, hyena, African wild dog, and cheetah. The people who live here have traditionally kept their livestock overnight in enclosures made of acacia-thorn branches. More recently, some of them have built pens, or corrals, from tall chain link fencing. We knew from years working with communities and from previous research that these fortified corrals were effective at keeping livestock safe from predators.

    Our next step was to find out whether this made other nearby livestock less safe.



    Read more:
    What’s behind the conflict between people and animals in Tanzania

    The results were intriguing. We found that the new enclosures made predation less likely in the nearby traditional enclosures too.

    This type of beneficial spillover effect had yet to be documented in other systems where interventions aim to protect livestock from large carnivores.

    Our results show that in conservation, it’s important to look closely at complex local dynamics. The findings may help explain why there’s so much uncertainty about the effectiveness of various human–wildlife conflict mitigation strategies.

    Beneficial spillover effects

    People who keep livestock in east Africa have long had strategies to keep their animals safe from large carnivores. Sometimes acacia-thorn night enclosures (known locally as bomas), intensive herding practices, and guarding dogs work well.

    Other times, and especially in communities within and adjacent to large, protected carnivore populations, traditional strategies fall short.

    This is the case in Tanzania’s Ruaha-Rungwa Landscape. In our study area adjacent to Ruaha National Park, any pastoralist or agropastoralist (herding and crop farming) household has about a 30% chance of losing one or more animals to predation each year. This is a serious economic loss on top of important cultural and emotional costs.



    Read more:
    Losing a calf to wolves in Sweden hurts. But if lions take one in Uganda, a farming family’s income is gone

    Lion Landscapes, an organisation that some of us have been running for over a decade, works to support human-carnivore coexistence. Adjacent to Ruaha, we have been partnering with households to build 1.8-metre chain-link corrals. We subsidise them. Households contribute 25% of the cost and some of the labour for construction.

    We analysed about 25,000 monthly reports of livestock predation in fenced and traditional enclosures, using statistical models. There were 846 predation events over nearly four years. Unexpectedly, while we did detect spillover effects, these appeared to be beneficial. Rather than displacing conflicts, fortified enclosures actually conferred protective effects on their traditional-enclosure neighbours.

    For example, households within 50 metres (the minimum observed distance) of a fortified enclosure were half as likely to experience predation compared with distant households 2 kilometres away. And these beneficial effects increased with the number of fortified enclosures in a neighbourhood. Finally, the effects appeared to be durable over time.

    The fortified enclosures were extremely effective. We showed that households could break even after paying for the fence in just a few years through avoided livestock losses. And we know that when domestic animals aren’t being killed, their owners are more tolerant of predators. We didn’t record carnivore killings in this study but it has happened fairly frequently in the area in the past.

    In a few of the world’s human-wildlife conflict systems, where data exist to assess spillover effects, there is evidence that detrimental spillovers do occur. For instance, beehive deterrents may redirect elephants to nearby crop fields, or lethal removal of individual wolves may redirect the surviving pack to prey on adjacent ranches. Nevertheless, these are very under-studied interactions.

    Livestock management and carnivore coexistence

    In systems where humans, livestock, and wildlife overlap and sometimes come into conflict, management strategies too often focus on wildlife. Another option is to reduce whatever attracts wildlife. In the case of large carnivores, this means managing livestock.



    Read more:
    Livestock are threatened by predators – but old-fashioned shepherding may be an effective solution

    Our results support this approach by demonstrating that management and protection of livestock is fundamental for reducing conflict, and can benefit not only livestock owners but landscape-level coexistence.

    Conservationists and policy-makers need to encourage these practices that benefit people, carnivores, and livestock in shared landscapes.

    Amy Dickman works for Lion Landscapes as the Joint CEO

    Jonathan Salerno, Kevin Crooks, Rekha Warrier, and Stewart Breck do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Livestock and lions make uneasy neighbours: how a fence upgrade helped protect domestic and wild animals in Tanzania – https://theconversation.com/livestock-and-lions-make-uneasy-neighbours-how-a-fence-upgrade-helped-protect-domestic-and-wild-animals-in-tanzania-258113

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: PureSky Energy Launches 100% LMI-Focused Clover Meadow Community Solar Project Under New York’s ESFA Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLAVERACK, N.Y., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PureSky Energy (“PureSky”) is proud to announce that its newest community solar farm, Clover Meadow Solar, located near Claverack, NY, is now fully operational and delivering clean, affordable energy exclusively to Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) households. The 7.3 MWdc project is enrolled in New York State’s Expanded Solar for All (ESFA) program, which ensures that the benefits of renewable energy reach the communities that need them most.

    This milestone underscores PureSky’s deep commitment to energy equity, bringing the benefits of solar to income-qualified residents who often face the greatest barriers to accessing clean energy savings. Clover Meadow was developed by Eden Renewables (“Eden”), based in Troy NY, and is the seventh such project that PureSky and Eden have worked on together.

    Clover Meadow Solar Key Facts:

    • Location: Claverack, NY
    • Capacity: 7,269 kWDC
    • Solar Panels: 13,338 high-efficiency modules
    • Annual Generation: 10.3 million kWh
    • Equivalent Homes Powered: ~1,417 annually
    • Estimated Annual CO₂ Reduction: 14.9 million lbs
    • Estimated 30-Year Customer Savings: $3.4 million

    “Clover Meadow represents what community solar should be—a tool to make the clean energy transition equitable and inclusive,” said Nicholas Topping, Vice President of Community Solar at PureSky. “By enrolling the solar farm entirely under the ESFA program, we’re able to deliver immediate savings to thousands of income-eligible households while strengthening New York’s energy independence and supporting the state’s clean energy goals.”

    “Clover Meadow is another exciting milestone in our ongoing collaboration with PureSky Energy,” said Giovanni Maruca, Chief Development Officer at Eden Renewables. “At Eden, we’re committed to putting communities at the center of our projects That’s why we’re especially excited that this project will deliver clean, affordable energy to low-income households through the ESFA program.”

    This 100%-all LMI project exemplifies the growing capability of community solar to lower energy costs for households, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Households enrolled in the program will see guaranteed savings on their electricity bills—without needing to install rooftop panels or pay any upfront costs.

    Beyond household savings, the Clover Meadow Solar project brings broader benefits to the Claverack community by generating new local tax revenue and supporting clean energy jobs. The solar farm is designed to be pollinator-friendly, helping to tackle the global climate crisis, and includes Eden’s industry-leading education program as a community benefit. Projects like this help build more resilient, distributed energy systems while investing directly in local economies.

    About Expanded Solar for All (ESFA)
    New York’s ESFA program is designed to ensure that LMI households across the state can participate in and benefit from the growth of renewable energy. By connecting utility customers directly to solar projects like Clover Meadow, ESFA delivers monthly bill credits and long-term economic relief to income-qualified participants.

    PureSky Energy remains committed to developing and operating inclusive solar projects throughout New York. The company has additional anchor capacity available for future community solar projects and invites municipalities, housing authorities, and local organizations to explore partnership opportunities.

    For more information about the Clover Meadow project or PureSky Energy’s community solar offerings, please visit www.pureskyenergy.com or contact customercare@pureskyenergy.com.

    About PureSky Energy:
    PureSky Energy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of US community solar, C&I and storage projects with headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Since entering the US market in 2016, the company has rapidly expanded its scale and currently operates a portfolio with generation capacity of approximately 233MW across forty-four sites or under-construction projects expected to be completed in the short term. The company has a large pipeline of solar and battery storage projects across existing and new US markets, placing the platform in a primary position within the distributed generation market. The company’s mission is to make clean energy accessible and affordable to local communities across the United States, while shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

    Website: www.pureskyenergy.com

    Host A Solar Farm: https://www.pureskyenergy.com/community-host

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/puresky-energy

    Media inquiries: Janet Janzen: marketing@pureskyenergy.com

    About Eden Renewables:

    Eden Renewables is an international developer of solar and energy storage projects in the US, UK, and sub-Saharan Africa. 

    Eden’s US office is based in Troy, NY, and currently has 21 pollinator-friendly community solar projects approved in the Capital Region and neighboring counties. All of Eden’s solar projects promote biodiversity and agricultural usage with excellent community and educational benefits. Subscribers to its community solar farms can benefit from savings of around 10% on their electricity bills.

    Website: https://edenrenewables.com/

    Media inquiries: sophy.fearnley-whittingstall@edenrenewables.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed3553da-f15c-4be8-a6a2-9f498be260fa

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Reports Strong Results and Sustainability Progress in 2024 Annual Development Effectiveness Report

    Source: APO

    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, announced the release of its 2024 Annual Development Effectiveness Report (ADER).

    The ADER serves as an essential reporting and transparency tool, enabling ITFC to measure, communicate, and continually refine its strategies and interventions for achieving sustainable development outcomes. The 2024 report highlights ITFC’s expanding role as a driver of sustainable trade, economic resilience, and inclusive growth across its member countries.

    “The ADER showcases ITFC’s ability to provide innovative, impactful solutions that address the complex needs of our member countries,” said Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC. “While we celebrate key milestones, we are also assessing our interventions to ensure we continue advancing toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.”

    Key Highlights of 2024 ADER

    In 2024, ITFC delivered tangible results, demonstrating its focus on resilience and economic inclusion. The key highlights include:

    • Filling Trade Finance Gaps. ITFC allocated US$2.66 billion, 38% of its total portfolio, to LDMCs, supporting inclusive growth. Additionally, US$268 million directly benefited over 380,000 smallholder farmers, enabling the procurement of 840,000 metric tons of local agricultural products.
    • Securing Critical Supply Chains. Disbursements to the energy sector amounted to US$4 billion, bringing reliable electricity to approximately 13.8 million households. Food security interventions provided over 5.6 million metric tons of essential commodities worth US$1.45 billion, benefiting more than 30 million households.
    • Strengthening Private Sector Participation. ITFC financed 312 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and corporates through partnerships with 23 financial institutions, promoting financial inclusion and economic diversification.
    • Fostering Regional Integration. Intra-OIC trade financing reached US$4.8 billion. Through strategic programs such as the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) and the Aid for Trade Initiative for Arab States (AfTIAS), ITFC strengthened regional value chains and institutional capacities.
    • Investing in Capacity Development. Technical assistance and training initiatives reached over 3,100 individuals, a 32% increase from the previous year, with nearly 40% women participants.

    Embedding Sustainability into Core Operations

    The Corporation adopted its first Environmental and Social (E&S) Policy and launched a Ten-Year E&S Action Plan. A new governance structure was also introduced to guide implementation, laying the foundation for more responsible trade finance operations.

    Empowering Growth through the SDGs

    ITFC made significant strides in advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals through its trade finance and development initiatives. Its efforts have helped reduce poverty (SDG 1), strengthen food security (SDG 2), and expand access to clean and affordable energy (SDG 7). By supporting smallholder farmers, empowering local economies, and promoting intra-OIC trade, ITFC has also played a key role in fostering strong global partnerships to accelerate sustainable development across member countries (SDG 17).

    The 2024 ADER affirms ITFC’s deepening commitment to transparency, sustainability, and measurable impact. As the Corporation looks ahead, it remains focused on bold innovation, collaborative partnerships, and leveraging Islamic finance to build a more inclusive and sustainable global trade ecosystem.

    Access the full English version here – https://ADER.ITFC-IDB.org

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

    Contact us:
    Tel: +966 12 646 8337  
    Fax: +966 12 637 1064   
    E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org      

    Social media:
    Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/3GYB6PJ  
    Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4f7UruK  
    LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (http://apo-opa.co/44Go3M4)  

    About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.  

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cammack Applauds $675.9 Million in Disaster Relief for Florida Farmers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement following U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ announcement of $675.9 million in federal disaster assistance for Florida farmers impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton:

    “Florida’s agriculture industry isn’t just the backbone of our state’s economy—it’s a cornerstone of our national food security. From citrus growers and cattle ranchers to timber operations and family farms, the devastation from back-to-back storms has been overwhelming. This $675.9 million investment will go a long way in helping our producers rebuild infrastructure, recover lost income, and stay in business,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “I want to thank President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and our state partner, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, for recognizing the urgent needs on the ground and delivering the targeted, meaningful relief our ag community needs and deserves.”
     
    Background:

    As the lone voice for Florida Agriculture at the federal level, Congresswoman Cammack has championed policies and relief for Florida’s agricultural community—from securing disaster assistance and pushing back against unfair trade practices to advancing pro-farmer policies through her work on the House Agriculture and Energy and Commerce Committees.

    The disaster funding, made possible through the American Relief Act of 2025, is part of a broader $30 billion USDA initiative to assist producers across 14 states recovering from extreme weather events. Florida’s share of the block grant will be used to cover losses in infrastructure, citrus, timber, and direct-to-market sales not addressed by other USDA programs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentarians join forces to advance the Right to Food and agrifood systems transformation

    Source: APO

    Amid growing food insecurity and malnutrition across Southern Africa, parliamentarians are stepping up to drive legislative solutions. From 22 to 24 July 2025, parliamentarians from across the region – are gathering  in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a high-level meeting and training organized by the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The aim is to enhance legislative capacity, foster collaboration, and operationalize the newly formed SADC Parliamentary Alliance on Agrifood Systems, Food Security and Nutrition.

    This initiative comes at a pivotal time, as the region contends with overlapping shocks, from climate extremes to economic pressures, that continue to disrupt agrifood systems and widen inequality. It also builds momentum in the lead-up to the Third Global Parliamentary Summit against Hunger and Malnutrition, to be hosted in 2026 at the Pan-African Parliament headquarters in South Africa.

    The event also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Right to Food Guidelines, reaffirming the importance of national legal frameworks in securing the fundamental right to adequate food for all. In a region where undernutrition and hunger remain persistent, the meeting offers an opportunity to align parliamentary action with regional and global frameworks such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), and SDG 2 – Zero Hunger.

    The Alliance is envisioned as a platform to foster cross-border cooperation, enabling parliamentarians to share good practices, advocate for sustainable food systems, and shape policy dialogue at national, regional, and global levels.

    FAO’s technical role in strengthening legal foundations

    As the lead technical agency, FAO is supporting this process by providing legal expertise, delivering targeted training, and promoting the domestication of the Pan-African Parliament Model Law on Food Security and Nutrition.

    As part of a global initiative funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany, FAO is equipping parliamentarians to legislate, monitor, and advance the right to food across diverse national contexts. Beyond the training, FAO’s support includes technical assistance to align national laws with the Model Law’s provisions—ensuring countries have the legal tools needed to address food insecurity through inclusive and rights-based approaches. This is part of FAO’s broader commitment to strengthening governance mechanisms and embedding food systems transformation within sustainable development priorities.

    Building on the establishment of the Alliance in December 2024, supported by FAO and the Spanish cooperation agency (AECID), the adoption of the Alliance’s first work plan and the establishment of its governance structures mark the beginning of a long-term process.

    Realizing the right to food requires sustained political will, robust legal frameworks, and active parliamentary engagement to protect biodiversity, support traditional food systems, and ensure that no one is left behind.

    As the countdown to the 2026 Global Parliamentary Summit begins, FAO remains committed to supporting SADC parliamentarians in translating commitments into concrete, lasting impact. The road to Zero Hunger will require solid laws, inclusive institutions, and continued partnerships rooted in the shared vision of a food-secure future for all.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Vadhavan Port to add 23.2 million TEUs to India’s maritime capacity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Vadhavan Port, a major infrastructure initiative located on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), is expected to significantly boost India’s container handling capacity by 23.2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). The development of this deep-draft port is set to strengthen India’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

    The project is not only focused on enhancing port infrastructure but is also creating avenues for skill development and livelihood generation for local communities.

    In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal shared key updates on the progress of the Vadhavan Port Project. He said that the project is not only focused on expanding maritime infrastructure but also aims to create employment opportunities through targeted skilling initiatives in the region.

    As part of these efforts, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL) and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) to promote education and training for local communities. Another MoU has been signed between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Directorate General of Shipping to provide skill development training to local residents and project-affected individuals through selected Maritime Training Institutes.

    To support rural entrepreneurship and the agricultural value chain, VPPL has also entered into a strategic partnership with Sahyadri Farms. In addition, skill training programmes for heavy vehicle driving and mechanical work are being conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations in the region.

    Further enhancing outreach, VPPL has launched a dedicated WhatsApp Chatbot to connect directly with the youth of Vadhavan. This platform enables interested candidates to easily access information and register for skilling programmes.

  • MIL-OSI: PSB Holdings, Inc. Reports Record Quarterly Earnings of $0.89 Per Diluted Share; Net Interest Margin Improves For Fifth Consecutive Quarter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUSAU, Wis., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PSB Holdings, Inc. (“PSB”) (OTCQX: PSBQ), the holding company for Peoples State Bank (“Peoples”) serving Northcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin reported second quarter earnings ending June 30, 2025 up 48% relative to the prior quarter to $0.89 per diluted common share on net income of $3.8 million, compared to $0.60 per diluted common share on net income of $2.6 million during the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, and $0.56 per diluted common share on net income of $2.4 million during the second quarter ending June 30, 2024.

    PSB’s second quarter 2025 operating results reflected the following changes from the first quarter of 2025: (1) a stronger net interest margin as asset yields rose; (2) higher non-interest income from higher mortgage banking income; and (3) lower non-interest expenses due to lower salaries and employee benefit expenses.

    “We are proud to report record earnings for the second quarter, highlighted by an improving net interest margin and cost controls that have lowered our non-interest expenses and improved our efficiency ratio to 63%. Over the past year, we increased tangible book value per share by 13.1% while paying $0.64 per share in dividends to our shareholders. As loans continue to reprice at higher rates and new loans are originated at higher levels than current yields, we expect our net interest margin to continue to expand from current levels. While non-performing assets have grown, they represent a small number with special circumstances, and we expect favorable resolutions for certain significant non-performing assets by the end of the calendar year,” stated Scott Cattanach, President and CEO.

    June 30, 2025, Highlights:

    • Net interest income increased $470,000 to $10.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, from $10.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, due in part to higher yields on loans and one additional day during the quarter.
    • Noninterest income increased $230,000 to $2.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $1.9 million the prior quarter due primarily to higher mortgage banking revenues.
    • Noninterest expenses decreased $776,000 to $8.2 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2025 from $9.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, reflecting lower salary and benefit expenses.
    • Net loans increased $12.9 million, or 1% in the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, to $1.11 billion compared to March 31, 2025, largely due to increased commercial line usage. Allowance for credit losses remained at 1.12% of gross loans.
    • Non-performing assets increased $2.6 million to $15.6 million, or 1.04% of total assets at June 30, 2025 compared to the previous quarter. One existing non-performing loan relationship increased during the quarter as an additional loan in this relationship was moved to non-performing status. The underlying security of these loans is undergoing a sales process by the owner. Additionally, an unrelated new loan relationship was added to non-performing status.
    • Total deposits increased $47.5 million to $1.18 billion at June 30, 2025 from $1.13 billion at March 31, 2025, with the increase largely consisting of non-interest bearing demand deposits and time deposits with balances greater than $250,000. Core deposits increased $32.3 million while brokered deposits decreased $13.7 million. A portion of the overall deposit increase relates to an established customer making a large time deposit near the end of the quarter.
    • Return on average tangible common equity was 13.11% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 9.21% the prior quarter and 9.34% in the year ago quarter.
    • Tangible book value per common share was up 13.1% over the past year to $27.77 at June 30, 2025, compared to $24.55 at June 30, 2024. Additionally, PSB paid dividends totaling $0.64 per share during the past year.

    Balance Sheet and Asset Quality Review

    Total assets increased $46.8 million during the second quarter to $1.51 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.46 billion at March 31, 2025. Cash and cash equivalents increased $34.9 million to $57.5 million at June 30, 2025 from $22.7 million at March 31, 2025 as new deposits replenished reserves used to fund new loans. Investment securities available for sale increased $1.7 million to $184.3 million at June 30, 2025, from $182.6 million one quarter earlier.

    Gross loans receivable increased $10.7 million to $1.15 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to one quarter earlier, due primarily to increased commercial & industrial lending. Commercial & industrial loans increased $11.2 million to $135.3 million at June 30, 2025, and commercial real estate loans increased $3.6 million to $566.5 million at June 30, 2025, compared to three months earlier. Commercial real estate construction and development loans decreased $9.2 million to $77.9 million at June 30, 2025, while residential real estate loans increased $3.3 million from the prior quarter to $337.1 million. Agricultural loans increased $1.6 million to $13.2 million at June 30, 2025 compared to three months earlier. The loan portfolio remains well diversified with commercial real estate and construction loans totaling 56.1% of gross loans, followed by residential real estate loans at 29.4% of gross loans, commercial non-real estate loans at 14.1% and consumer loans at 0.4%.

    The allowance for credit losses remained at 1.12% of gross loans at June 30, 2025 while annualized net charge-offs to average loans were zero for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Non-performing assets increased $2.6 million to $15.6 million, or 1.04% of total assets at June 30, 2025 up from 0.89% at March 31, 2025. The increase reflects a loan relationship that was non-performing in the prior quarter having an additional loan move to non-performing status in the second quarter and a separate loan relationship within the timber industry where the customer has experienced irregular cashflows. Approximately 80% of the non-performing assets consisted of five loan relationships.

    Total deposits increased 4% quarter over quarter, with 23% of the deposit portfolio being uninsured at June 30th. Overall, core deposits increased $32.3 million during the quarter while brokered deposits decreased $13.7 million.

    At June 30, 2025, non-interest bearing demand deposits increased to 23.6% of total deposits from 21.7% the prior quarter, while interest-bearing demand and savings deposits decreased to 27.4% at June 30, 2025 from 29.4% one quarter earlier. The additional deposit inflow helped to decrease FHLB advances during the quarter by $4.3 million and brokered deposits by $13.7 million.

    Tangible stockholder equity as a percentage of total tangible assets decreased to 7.95% at June 30, 2025, compared to 8.05% at March 31, 2025, and 7.32% at June 30, 2024.

    Tangible net book value per common share increased $3.22 during the quarter to $27.77, at June 30, 2025 compared to $24.55 one year earlier, an increase of 13.1% after dividends of $0.64 were paid to shareholders. Relative to the prior quarter’s tangible book value per common share of $26.94, tangible net book value per common share increased primarily due to earnings and an increase in the fair market value of the investment portfolios. The accumulated other comprehensive loss on the investment portfolio was $15.8 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $16.7 million one quarter earlier.

    Operations Review

    Net interest income increased to $10.7 million (on a net margin of 3.09%) for the second quarter of 2025, from $10.3 million (on a net margin of 3.03%) for the first quarter of 2025, and increased from $9.4 million (on a net margin of 2.84%) for the second quarter of 2024. The higher net interest income in the current period primarily relates to higher loan yields during the quarter. Earning asset yields increased to 5.40% during the second quarter of 2025 from 5.35% the prior period and cost of funds increased four basis points to 3.06% compared to 3.02% during the first quarter of 2025. Relative to one year earlier, earning asset yields were up 19 basis points while the overall cost of funds was flat.

    The increase in earning asset yields was due to higher yields on loan originations, loan renewals and security repricing. Loan yields increased during the second quarter of 2025 to 5.91% from 5.82% for the first quarter of 2025. Taxable security yields on a smaller average balance relative to the prior quarter were 3.24% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 3.35% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, while tax-exempt security yields remained at 3.35% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    Total noninterest income increased $230,000 during the second quarter of 2025 to $2.1 million. An increase of $161,000 in mortgage banking income during the quarter accounted for the majority of the change.

    Noninterest expenses decreased $776,000 to $8.2 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $9.0 million for the first quarter of 2025, and decreased $202,000 from $8.4 million for the second quarter of 2024. On a linked quarter basis, salary and benefits expense decreased $474,000 as the first quarter results reflected an increase in variable commercial sales incentive expense. Occupancy and facilities costs decreased $67,000, data processing and other office operation expenses decreased $12,000, a gain on the sale of foreclosed real estate was $58,000 and various other noninterest expenses decreased $225,000 during the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Partially offsetting the expense reductions was an increase in advertising and promotion expenses of $60,000.

    Income taxes increased $279,000 during the second quarter to $752,000, from $473,000 one quarter earlier on higher income levels. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was 16.6% compared to 15.6% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    About PSB Holdings, Inc.

    PSB Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Peoples State Bank. Peoples is a community bank headquartered in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northcentral and southeastern Wisconsin from twelve full-service banking locations in Marathon, Oneida, Vilas, Portage, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Peoples also provides investment and insurance products, along with retirement planning services, through Peoples Wealth Management, a division of Peoples. PSB Holdings, Inc. is traded under the stock symbol PSBQ on the OTCQX Market. More information about PSB, its management, and its financial performance may be found at www.psbholdingsinc.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about PSB’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management and include, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential growth of PSB, its future profits, expected stock repurchase levels, future dividend rates, future interest rates, and the adequacy of its capital position. Forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, strength of the economy, the effects of government policies, including interest rate policies, risks associated with the execution of PSB’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to current and future M&A activity, and risks associated with global economic instability. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made and PSB does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

     
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    June 30, and March 31, 2025, September 30, and June 30, 2024, unaudited, December 31, 2024 derived from audited financial statements
                 
        Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Jun. 30,
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
                 
    Assets            
                 
    Cash and due from banks   $ 23,022   $ 19,628   $ 21,414   $ 23,554   $ 16,475  
    Interest-bearing deposits     2,890     702     3,724     5,126     251  
    Federal funds sold     31,624     2,351     15,360     58,434     69,249  
                 
    Cash and cash equivalents     57,536     22,681     40,498     87,114     85,975  
    Securities available for sale (at fair value)     184,320     182,594     189,086     174,911     165,177  
    Securities held to maturity (fair values of $75,016, $77,375, $79,654, $82,389 and $79,993 respectively)     83,123     85,373     86,748     86,847     86,825  
    Equity securities     2,885     2,847     2,782     1,752     1,661  
    Loans held for sale     349     734     217     –     2,268  
    Loans receivable, net (allowance for credit losses of $12,553, $12,392, $12,342, $12,598 and $12,597 respectively)     1,109,296     1,096,422     1,078,204     1,057,974     1,074,844  
    Accrued interest receivable     5,006     5,184     5,042     4,837     5,046  
    Foreclosed assets     –     300     –     –     –  
    Premises and equipment, net     13,397     13,522     13,805     14,065     14,048  
    Mortgage servicing rights, net     1,684     1,717     1,742     1,727     1,688  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)     9,297     8,825     8,825     8,825     8,825  
    Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance     25,067     24,897     24,732     24,565     24,401  
    Core deposit intangible     330     353     195     212     229  
    Goodwill     3,495     3,495     2,541     2,541     2,541  
    Other assets     10,832     10,828     11,539     10,598     12,111  
                 
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,506,617   $ 1,459,772   $ 1,465,956   $ 1,475,968   $ 1,485,639  
                 
    Liabilities            
                 
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 277,239   $ 245,672   $ 259,515   $ 265,078   $ 250,435  
    Interest-bearing deposits     900,303     884,364     887,834     874,035     901,886  
                 
    Total deposits     1,177,542     1,130,036     1,147,349     1,139,113     1,152,321  
                 
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     165,950     170,250     162,250     181,250     184,900  
    Other borrowings     6,250     6,343     6,872     6,128     5,775  
    Senior subordinated notes     4,784     4,783     4,781     4,779     4,778  
    Junior subordinated debentures     13,075     13,049     13,023     12,998     12,972  
    Allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments     622     672     672     477     477  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     15,118     13,554     14,723     12,850     13,069  
                 
    Total liabilities     1,383,341     1,338,687     1,349,670     1,357,595     1,374,292  
                 
    Stockholders’ equity            
                 
    Preferred stock – no par value:            
    Authorized – 30,000 shares; Issued – 7,200 shares            
    Outstanding – 7,200 shares, respectively     7,200     7,200     7,200     7,200     7,200  
    Common stock – no par value with a stated value of $1.00 per share:            
    Authorized – 18,000,000 shares; Issued – 5,490,798 shares            
    Outstanding – 4,041,573, 4,084,708, 4,092,977, 4,105,594 and 4,128,382 shares, respectively     1,830     1,830     1,830     1,830     1,830  
    Additional paid-in capital     8,659     8,608     8,610     8,567     8,527  
    Retained earnings     144,548     142,277     139,838     138,142     135,276  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax     (15,764 )   (16,692 )   (19,314 )   (15,814 )   (20,503 )
    Treasury stock, at cost – 1,449,225, 1,406,090, 1,397,821, 1,385,204 and 1,362,416 shares, respectively     (23,197 )   (22,138 )   (21,878 )   (21,552 )   (20,983 )
                 
    Total stockholders’ equity     123,276     121,085     116,286     118,373     111,347  
                 
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 1,506,617   $ 1,459,772   $ 1,465,956   $ 1,475,968   $ 1,485,639  
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
                     
        Quarter Ended Six Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands,   Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Jun. 30, June
    except per share data – unaudited)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024     2025     2024  
                     
    Interest and dividend income:                
    Loans, including fees   $ 16,510   $ 15,782   $ 15,646   $ 15,634   $ 15,433   $ 32,292   $ 30,542  
    Securities:                
    Taxable     1,566     1,641     1,545     1,345     1,295     3,207     2,492  
    Tax-exempt     506     517     522     522     521     1,023     1,047  
    Other interest and dividends     332     345     948     699     265     677     608  
                     
    Total interest and dividend income     18,914     18,285     18,661     18,200     17,514     37,199     34,689  
                     
    Interest expense:                
    Deposits     5,934     5,884     6,027     5,905     5,838     11,818     11,920  
    FHLB advances     1,899     1,792     1,890     2,038     1,860     3,691     3,310  
    Other borrowings     48     47     57     57     58     95     118  
    Senior subordinated notes     58     59     59     59     58     117     117  
    Junior subordinated debentures     250     248     252     252     255     498     506  
                     
    Total interest expense     8,189     8,030     8,285     8,311     8,069     16,219     15,971  
                     
    Net interest income     10,725     10,255     10,376     9,889     9,445     20,980     18,718  
    Provision for credit losses     110     117     –     –     100     227     195  
                     
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     10,615     10,138     10,376     9,889     9,345     20,753     18,523  
                     
    Noninterest income:                
    Service fees     366     358     362     367     350     724     686  
    Mortgage banking income     411     250     414     433     433     661     741  
    Investment and insurance sales commissions     335     326     226     230     222     799     343  
    Net loss on sale of securities     –     (1 )   (511 )   –     –     661     (495 )
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance     170     163     166     165     159     (1 )   316  
    Other noninterest income     814     770     620     648     742     1,584     1,359  
                     
    Total noninterest income     2,096     1,866     1,277     1,843     1,906     3,962     2,950  
                     
    Noninterest expense:                
    Salaries and employee benefits     4,828     5,302     4,691     4,771     5,167     10,130     10,290  
    Occupancy and facilities     719     786     691     757     733     1,505     1,454  
    Loss (gain) on foreclosed assets     (58 )   –     –     1     –     (58 )   –  
    Data processing and other office operations     1,189     1,201     1,111     1,104     1,047     2,390     2,069  
    Advertising and promotion     189     129     141     164     171     318     300  
    Core deposit intangible amortization     23     23     17     17     20     46     44  
    Other noninterest expenses     1,303     1,528     1,351     1,337     1,257     2,831     2,563  
                     
    Total noninterest expense     8,193     8,969     8,002     8,151     8,395     17,162     16,720  
                     
    Income before provision for income taxes     4,518     3,035     3,651     3,581     2,856     7,553     4,753  
    Provision for income taxes     752     473     524     593     410     1,225     579  
                     
    Net income   $ 3,766   $ 2,562   $ 3,127   $ 2,988   $ 2,446   $ 6,328   $ 4,174  
    Preferred stock dividends declared   $ 122   $ 122   $ 122   $ 122   $ 122   $ 244   $ 244  
                     
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 3,644   $ 2,440   $ 3,005   $ 2,866   $ 2,324   $ 6,084   $ 3,930  
    Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.90   $ 0.60   $ 0.73   $ 0.69   $ 0.56   $ 1.49   $ 0.95  
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.89   $ 0.60   $ 0.73   $ 0.69   $ 0.56   $ 1.49   $ 0.95  
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Quarterly Financial Summary
     
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   Quarter ended
        Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Jun. 30,
    Earnings and dividends:     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
                 
    Interest income   $ 18,914   $ 18,285   $ 18,661   $ 18,200   $ 17,514  
    Interest expense   $ 8,189   $ 8,030   $ 8,285   $ 8,311   $ 8,069  
    Net interest income   $ 10,725   $ 10,255   $ 10,376   $ 9,889   $ 9,445  
    Provision for credit losses   $ 110   $ 117   $ –   $ –   $ 100  
    Other noninterest income   $ 2,096   $ 1,866   $ 1,277   $ 1,843   $ 1,906  
    Other noninterest expense   $ 8,193   $ 8,969   $ 8,002   $ 8,151   $ 8,395  
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 3,644   $ 2,440   $ 3,005   $ 2,866   $ 2,324  
                 
    Basic earnings per common share (3)   $ 0.90   $ 0.60   $ 0.73   $ 0.69   $ 0.56  
    Diluted earnings per common share (3)   $ 0.89   $ 0.60   $ 0.73   $ 0.69   $ 0.56  
    Dividends declared per common share (3)   $ 0.34   $ –   $ 0.32   $ –   $ 0.32  
    Tangible net book value per common share (4)   $ 27.77   $ 26.94   $ 25.98   $ 26.41   $ 24.55  
                 
    Semi-annual dividend payout ratio     22.58 % n/a   23.27 % n/a   33.61 %
    Average common shares outstanding     4,070,721     4,088,824     4,094,360     4,132,218     4,139,456  
                 
                 
    Balance sheet – average balances:            
    Loans receivable, net of allowances for credit loss   $ 1,111,004   $ 1,091,533   $ 1,064,619   $ 1,066,795   $ 1,088,013  
    Assets   $ 1,480,851   $ 1,462,862   $ 1,479,812   $ 1,445,613   $ 1,433,749  
    Deposits   $ 1,142,279   $ 1,140,397   $ 1,151,450   $ 1,110,854   $ 1,111,240  
    Stockholders’ equity   $ 123,077   $ 118,576   $ 118,396   $ 114,458   $ 110,726  
                 
                 
    Performance ratios:            
    Return on average assets (1)     1.02 %   0.71 %   0.84 %   0.82 %   0.69 %
    Return on average common stockholders’ equity (1)     12.61 %   8.88 %   10.75 %   10.63 %   9.03 %
    Return on average tangible common stockholders’ equity (1)(4)     13.11 %   9.21 %   11.07 %   10.96 %   9.34 %
    Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)     0.00 %   0.02 %   0.02 %   0.00 %   0.00 %
    Nonperforming loans to gross loans     1.39 %   1.15 %   0.95 %   0.97 %   1.15 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     1.04 %   0.89 %   0.71 %   0.71 %   0.84 %
    Allowance for credit losses to gross loans     1.12 %   1.12 %   1.13 %   1.18 %   1.16 %
    Nonperforming assets to tangible equity plus the allowance for credit losses (4)     12.64 %   10.71 %   8.85 %   8.71 %   11.09 %
    Net interest rate margin (1)(2)     3.09 %   3.03 %   2.96 %   2.90 %   2.84 %
    Net interest rate spread (1)(2)     2.34 %   2.33 %   2.23 %   2.16 %   2.15 %
    Service fee revenue as a percent of average demand deposits (1)     0.54 %   0.58 %   0.53 %   0.56 %   0.56 %
    Noninterest income as a percent of gross revenue     9.98 %   9.26 %   6.40 %   9.20 %   9.81 %
    Efficiency ratio (2)     63.00 %   72.88 %   67.59 %   68.43 %   72.52 %
    Noninterest expenses to average assets (1)     2.22 %   2.49 %   2.15 %   2.24 %   2.35 %
    Average stockholders’ equity less accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to average assets     9.31 %   9.22 %   9.08 %   9.06 %   9.03 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)     7.95 %   8.05 %   7.76 %   7.85 %   7.32 %
                 
    Stock price information:            
                 
    High   $ 25.70   $ 26.50   $ 27.90   $ 25.00   $ 21.40  
    Low   $ 23.65   $ 25.60   $ 25.00   $ 20.30   $ 19.75  
    Last trade value at quarter-end   $ 23.89   $ 25.70   $ 26.50   $ 25.00   $ 20.40  
                 
    (1) Annualized
    (2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.
    (3) Due to rounding, cumulative quarterly per share performance may not equal annual per share totals.
    (4) Tangible stockholders’ equity excludes goodwill and core deposit intangibles.
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
                 
        Quarter Ended
        Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, Jun. 30,
    (dollars in thousands – unaudited)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
                 
    Net income   $ 3,766   $ 2,562   $ 3,127   $ 2,988   $ 2,446  
                 
    Other comprehensive income, net of tax:            
                 
    Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale     972     2,551     (3,955 )   4,738     184  
                 
    Reclassification adjustment for security loss included in net income     –     1     404     –     –  
                 
    Accretion of unrealized loss included in net income on securities available for sale deferred tax adjustment for Wisconsin Act 19     (35 )   –     (76 )   –     –  
                 
    Amortization of unrealized loss included in net income on securities available for sale transferred to securities held to maturity     91     89     90     90     89  
                 
    Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap     (87 )   (6 )   65     (101 )   39  
                 
    Reclassification adjustment of interest rate swap settlements included in earnings     (13 )   (13 )   (27 )   (38 )   (40 )
                 
                 
    Other comprehensive income (loss)     928     2,622     (3,499 )   4,689     272  
                 
    Comprehensive income (loss)   $ 4,694   $ 5,184   $ (372 ) $ 7,677   $ 2,718  
    PSB Holdings, Inc.            
    Nonperforming Assets as of:            
                 
        Jun 30, Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30,
    (dollars in thousands)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
                 
    Nonaccrual loans (excluding restructured loans)   $ 15,333   $ 12,404   $ 10,109   $ 10,116   $ 12,184  
    Nonaccrual restructured loans     13     17     18     25     28  
    Restructured loans not on nonaccrual     295     280     286     292     299  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more     –     –     –     –     –  
                 
    Total nonperforming loans     15,641     12,701     10,413     10,433     12,511  
    Other real estate owned     –     300     –     –     –  
                 
    Total nonperforming assets   $ 15,641   $ 13,001   $ 10,413   $ 10,433   $ 12,511  
                 
    Nonperforming loans as a % of gross loans receivable     1.39 %   1.15 %   0.95 %   0.97 %   1.15 %
    Total nonperforming assets as a % of total assets     1.04 %   0.89 %   0.71 %   0.71 %   0.84 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans     80.26 %   97.57 %   118.52 %   120.75 %   100.69 %
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Nonperforming Assets >= $500,000 net book value before specific reserves
    At June 30, 2025
             
    (dollars in thousands)        
          Gross Specific
    Collateral Description   Asset Type Principal Reserves
             
    Real estate – Recreational facility   Nonaccrual   3,940     145  
    Real estate – Equipment dealership   Nonaccrual   2,708     560  
    Real estate – Non owner occupied rental properties   Nonaccrual   4,227     0  
    Real estate – Wood products   Nonaccrual   1,707     271  
             
             
    Total listed nonperforming assets     $ 12,582   $ 976  
    Total bank wide nonperforming assets     $ 15,641   $ 1,180  
    Listed assets as a % of total nonperforming assets       80 %   83 %
    PSB Holdings, Inc.            
    Loan Composition by Collateral Type            
                 
    Quarter-ended (dollars in thousands)   Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024
                 
    Commercial:            
    Commercial and industrial   $ 135,313   $ 124,074   $ 116,864   $ 115,234   $ 125,508  
    Agriculture     13,219     11,632     11,568     11,203     11,480  
    Municipal     12,805     12,878     15,733     12,596     11,190  
                 
    Total Commercial     161,337     148,584     144,165     139,033     148,178  
                 
    Commercial Real Estate:            
    Commercial real estate     566,526     562,901     551,641     541,577     544,171  
    Construction and development     77,905     87,080     79,377     60,952     70,540  
                 
    Total Commercial Real Estate     644,431     649,981     631,018     602,529     614,711  
                 
    Residential real estate:            
    Residential     266,203     268,490     271,643     269,954     270,944  
    Construction and development     31,439     26,884     28,959     34,655     36,129  
    HELOC     39,425     38,364     36,887     36,734     33,838  
                 
    Total Residential Real Estate     337,067     333,738     337,489     341,343     340,911  
                 
    Consumer installment     4,886     4,683     5,060     4,770     4,423  
                 
    Subtotals – Gross loans     1,147,721     1,136,986     1,117,732     1,087,675     1,108,223  
    Loans in process of disbursement     (26,496 )   (28,752 )   (27,791 )   (17,836 )   (21,484 )
                 
    Subtotals – Disbursed loans     1,121,225     1,108,234     1,089,941     1,069,839     1,086,739  
    Net deferred loan costs     624     580     605     733     702  
    Allowance for credit losses     (12,553 )   (12,392 )   (12,342 )   (12,598 )   (12,597 )
                 
    Total loans receivable   $ 1,109,296   $ 1,096,422   $ 1,078,204   $ 1,057,974   $ 1,074,844  
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Selected Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose
     
        Jun 30, Mar 31, Dec 31, Sept 30, June 30,
    (dollars in thousands)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
                           
        Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1) Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1) Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1) Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1) Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1)
    Multi Family   $ 145,523   14.0 % $ 143,674   13.9 % $ 140,087   14.0 % $ 140,307   14.7 % $ 146,873   15.2 %
    Industrial and Warehousing     105,256   10.2     109,366   10.6     103,794   10.4     96,995   10.2     96,286   9.6  
    Retail     29,407   2.8     29,285   2.8     23,438   2.3     25,263   2.7     26,154   2.7  
    Hotels     25,299   2.4     25,719   2.5     25,892   2.6     26,057   2.7     29,035   3.0  
    Office     7,131   0.7     7,254   0.7     6,234   0.6     6,378   0.7     6,518   0.7  
                           
    (1) Percentage of commercial and commercial real estate portfolio and commitments.
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Deposit Composition
                           
    Insured and Collateralized Deposits   June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,
    (dollars in thousands)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
        $ % $ % $ % $ % $ %
                           
    Non-interest bearing demand   $ 225,916   19.2 % $ 206,562   18.3 % $ 204,167   17.8 % $ 210,534   18.5 % $ 202,343   17.5 %
    Interest-bearing demand and savings     304,779   25.9 %   314,957   27.9 %   315,900   27.6 %   305,631   26.8 %   304,392   26.5 %
    Money market deposits     113,161   9.6 %   118,047   10.4 %   141,024   12.3 %   138,376   12.2 %   137,637   12.0 %
    Retail and local time deposits <= $250     165,368   14.0 %   158,066   14.0 %   155,099   13.5 %   155,988   13.7 %   149,298   13.0 %
                           
    Total core deposits     809,224   68.7 %   797,632   70.6 %   816,190   71.2 %   810,529   71.2 %   793,670   69.0 %
    Retail and local time deposits > $250     28,000   2.4 %   26,750   2.3 %   25,500   2.2 %   23,500   2.1 %   22,500   2.0 %
    Broker & national time deposits <= $250     748   0.1 %   1,241   0.1 %   1,241   0.1 %   1,241   0.1 %   1,490   0.1 %
    Broker & national time deposits > $250     65,917   5.6 %   79,090   7.0 %   56,164   4.9 %   56,164   4.9 %   56,328   4.9 %
                           
    Totals   $ 903,889   76.8 % $ 904,713   80.0 % $ 899,095   78.4 % $ 891,434   78.3 % $ 873,988   76.0 %
                           
                           
    PSB Holdings, Inc.                      
    Deposit Composition                      
                           
    Uninsured Deposits   June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,
    (dollars in thousands)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
        $ % $ % $ % $ % $ %
                           
    Non-interest bearing demand   $ 51,323   4.4 % $ 39,110   3.5 % $ 55,348   4.8 % $ 54,544   4.8 % $ 48,092   4.1 %
    Interest-bearing demand and savings     17,983   1.5 %   17,262   1.5 %   20,934   1.8 %   18,317   1.6 %   32,674   2.8 %
    Money market deposits     157,998   13.4 %   150,222   13.3 %   153,334   13.4 %   157,489   13.8 %   177,954   15.4 %
    Retail and local time deposits <= $250     –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %
                           
    Total core deposits     227,304   19.3 %   206,594   18.3 %   229,616   20.0 %   230,350   20.2 %   258,720   22.3 %
    Retail and local time deposits > $250     46,349   3.9 %   18,729   1.7 %   18,638   1.6 %   17,329   1.5 %   19,613   1.7 %
    Broker & national time deposits <= $250     –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %
    Broker & national time deposits > $250     –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %   –   0.0 %
                           
    Totals   $ 273,653   23.2 % $ 225,323   20.0 % $ 248,254   21.6 % $ 247,679   21.7 % $ 278,333   24.0 %
                           
                           
    PSB Holdings, Inc.                      
    Deposit Composition                      
                           
    Total Deposits   June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,
    (dollars in thousands)     2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
        $ % $ % $ % $ % $ %
                           
    Non-interest bearing demand   $ 277,239   23.6 % $ 245,672   21.7 % $ 259,515   22.6 % $ 265,078   23.3 % $ 250,435   21.6 %
    Interest-bearing demand and savings     322,762   27.4 %   332,219   29.4 %   336,834   29.4 %   323,948   28.4 %   337,066   29.3 %
    Money market deposits     271,159   23.0 %   268,269   23.7 %   294,358   25.7 %   295,865   26.0 %   315,591   27.4 %
    Retail and local time deposits <= $250     165,368   14.0 %   158,066   14.1 %   155,099   13.5 %   155,988   13.7 %   149,298   13.0 %
                           
    Total core deposits     1,036,528   88.0 %   1,004,226   88.9 %   1,045,806   91.2 %   1,040,879   91.4 %   1,052,390   91.3 %
    Retail and local time deposits > $250     74,349   6.3 %   45,479   4.0 %   44,138   3.8 %   40,829   3.6 %   42,113   3.7 %
    Broker & national time deposits <= $250     748   0.1 %   1,241   0.1 %   1,241   0.1 %   1,241   0.1 %   1,490   0.1 %
    Broker & national time deposits > $250     65,917   5.6 %   79,090   7.0 %   56,164   4.9 %   56,164   4.9 %   56,328   4.9 %
                           
    Totals   $ 1,177,542   100.0 % $ 1,130,036   100.0 % $ 1,147,349   100.0 % $ 1,139,113   100.0 % $ 1,152,321   100.0 %
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Average Balances ($000) and Interest Rates
    (dollars in thousands)
                             
        Quarter ended June 30, 2025   Quarter ended March 31, 2025   Quarter ended June 30, 2024
        Average   Yield /   Average   Yield /   Average   Yield /
        Balance Interest Rate   Balance Interest Rate   Balance Interest Rate
    Assets                        
    Interest-earning assets:                        
    Loans (1)(2)   $ 1,123,460   $ 16,558   5.91 %   $ 1,103,895   $ 15,830   5.82 %   $ 1,100,518   $ 15,520   5.67 %
    Taxable securities     193,926     1,566   3.24 %     198,426     1,641   3.35 %     172,563     1,295   3.02 %
    Tax-exempt securities (2)     76,774     641   3.35 %     79,282     654   3.35 %     79,564     659   3.33 %
    FHLB stock     9,189     166   7.25 %     8,825     241   11.08 %     7,931     182   9.23 %
    Other     14,571     166   4.57 %     8,960     104   4.71 %     8,241     83   4.05 %
                             
    Total (2)     1,417,920     19,097   5.40 %     1,399,388     18,470   5.35 %     1,368,817     17,739   5.21 %
                             
    Non-interest-earning assets:                            
    Cash and due from banks     15,498           16,292           17,345      
    Premises and equipment, net     13,527           13,728           13,930      
    Cash surrender value ins     24,960           24,795           24,297      
    Other assets     21,402           21,021           21,865      
    Allowance for credit losses     (12,456 )         (12,362 )         (12,505 )    
                             
    Total   $ 1,480,851     $ 1,462,862     $ 1,433,749  
                             
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity                            
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                            
    Savings and demand deposits   $ 315,978   $ 1,450   1.84 %   $ 339,909   $ 1,567   1.87 %   $ 331,740   $ 1,467   1.78 %
    Money market deposits     262,015     1,572   2.41 %     280,396     1,685   2.44 %     271,336     1,835   2.72 %
    Time deposits     294,750     2,912   3.96 %     268,821     2,632   3.97 %     257,006     2,536   3.97 %
    FHLB borrowings     173,080     1,899   4.40 %     164,968     1,792   4.41 %     174,596     1,860   4.28 %
    Other borrowings     8,843     48   2.18 %     6,321     47   3.02 %     6,870     58   3.40 %
    Senior sub notes     4,784     58   4.86 %     4,782     59   5.00 %     4,777     58   4.88 %
    Junior sub. debentures     13,062     250   7.68 %     13,036     248   7.72 %     12,960     255   7.91 %
                             
    Total     1,072,512     8,189   3.06 %     1,078,233     8,030   3.02 %     1,059,285     8,069   3.06 %
                             
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                            
    Demand deposits     269,536           251,271           251,158      
    Other liabilities     15,726           14,782           12,580      
    Stockholders’ equity     123,077           118,576           110,726      
                             
    Total   $ 1,480,851     $ 1,462,862     $ 1,433,749  
                             
    Net interest income     $ 10,908         $ 10,440         $ 9,670    
    Rate spread       2.34 %       2.33 %       2.15 %
    Net yield on interest-earning assets           3.09 %       3.03 %       2.84 %
                             
    (1) Nonaccrual loans are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.
    (2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    Average Balances ($000) and Interest Rates
    (dollars in thousands)
     
        Six months ended June 30, 2025   Six months ended June 30, 2024
        Average   Yield/   Average   Yield/
        Balance Interest Rate   Balance Interest Rate
    Assets                
    Interest-earning assets:                
    Loans (1)(2)   $ 1,113,731   $ 32,388   5.86 %   $ 1,097,419   $ 30,719   5.63 %
    Taxable securities     196,162     3,207   3.30 %     172,176     2,492   2.91 %
    Tax-exempt securities (2)     78,021     1,295   3.35 %     79,999     1,325   3.33 %
    FHLB stock     9,008     407   9.11 %     7,215     347   9.67 %
    Other     11,790     270   4.62 %     10,562     261   4.97 %
                     
    Total (2)     1,408,712     37,567   5.38 %     1,367,371     35,144   5.17 %
                     
    Non-interest-earning assets:                
    Cash and due from banks     15,893           17,356      
    Premises and equipment, net     13,627           13,557      
    Cash surrender value ins     24,878           24,221      
    Other assets     21,215           21,534      
    Allowance for credit losses     (12,409 )         (12,445 )    
                     
    Total   $ 1,471,916     $ 1,431,594  
                     
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity Interest-bearing liabilities:                
    Savings and demand deposits   $ 327,878   $ 3,017   1.86 %   $ 341,119   $ 3,139   1.85 %
    Money market deposits     270,785     3,257   2.43 %     272,591     3,732   2.75 %
    Time deposits     281,857     5,544   3.97 %     260,832     5,049   3.89 %
    FHLB borrowings     169,046     3,691   4.40 %     158,761     3,310   4.19 %
    Other borrowings     7,589     95   2.52 %     7,712     118   3.08 %
    Senior sub. notes     4,783     117   4.93 %     4,776     117   4.93 %
    Junior sub. debentures     13,049     498   7.70 %     12,947     506   7.86 %
                     
    Total     1,074,987     16,219   3.04 %     1,058,738     15,971   3.03 %
                     
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                    
    Demand deposits     260,522           249,909      
    Other liabilities     15,492           12,881      
    Stockholders’ equity     120,915           110,066      
                     
    Total   $ 1,471,916     $ 1,431,594  
                     
    Net interest income     $ 21,348         $ 19,173    
    Rate spread       2.34 %       2.14 %
    Net yield on interest-earning assets   3.06 %       2.82 %
                     
    (1) Nonaccrual loans are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.
    (2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.

    Investor Relations Contact
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    1905 Stewart Avenue
    Wausau, WI 54401
    888.929.9902
    InvestorRelations@bankpeoples.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission experts receive training to improve coordination towards accelerated reform of digital trade

    Source: APO


    .

    ECOWAS, with the support of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), organized an e-trade reform tracker (eTRT) training in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday 14th July, 2025.

    The eTRT is an innovative digital tool that will support implementing agencies in tracking progress, coordinating actions, and enhancing accountability in the implementation of e-commerce reforms.

    In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the training, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at ECOWAS Commission, on behalf of Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture,  stated that this session offers a hands-on opportunity to explore how the Tracker works, how it can be used to streamline internal and inter-departmental coordination, and how it can help generate reliable data for monitoring and evaluation. This will be especially valuable as ECOWAS moves toward the operationalization of the Regional E-Commerce Committee, which will serve as the broader governance platform for the regional e-commerce agenda.

    “I encourage all participants, particularly our focal points from key implementing directorates and agencies, to engage actively, ask questions, and explore how the tool can be applied within your respective mandates. I am confident that today’s training will equip us with a shared understanding of how to work smarter, together, to deliver the ambitions of the ECOWAS E-Commerce strategy”.

    The objective of the E-Trade Reform Tracker training and workshop was to familiarize key directorates in the ECOWAS Commission with the structure and functionalities of the eTRT, promote utilization of the eTRT in the regular follow-up of the ECOWAS ECS implementation, and strengthen coordination of the implementation of the ECS.

    The training was conducted for the ECOWAS internal working group on e-commerce with the following key agencies and directorates from the ECOWAS Commission in attendance: Directorates of Trade, Free Movement of Persons and Migration, Customs Union and Taxation, Private Sector, Macroeconomic Stability and Multilateral Surveillance, Communications,  as well as the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, the ECOWAS Gender Development Center and the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Center who were in attendance.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    MIL OSI Africa –