Sat.Jan 25, 2025 - Fri.Jan 31, 2025

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Cover crops play key role in “sustainably intensified” agriculture

Real Agriculture

Theres growing evidence that cover crops have the ability to support sustainably intensified agriculture. Thats the verdict from Purdue University associate agronomy professor Dr. Shalamar Armstrong. He makes a strong case to support the claim that cover crops have the ability to help agriculture produce more crops per acre while also preserving natural resources, including Read More Theres growing evidence that cover crops have the ability to support sustainably intensified agriculture.

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The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sets its federal policy focus for 2025

NASDA

Press Release ARLINGTON, Va. NASDAs members-led Board of Directors chose five issues to serve as the organizations primary policy focus for 2025. They include the farm bill , food systems , pesticide regulations , PFAS and state cooperative agreement funding. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney remarked on the significance of these issues for 2025. NASDA members have specified these areas as necessary to work on to best support farmers, ranchers and communities nationwide, said McKinney.

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Brainfood: Diversity patterns double, Diversification drivers, Polish genetic erosion, Tibetan naked barley diversity, Indian sorghum diversity, Do novo domestication, Eggplant tree, Banana diversity, Pearl millet diversity, Pigeon pea genome, Grasspea genome, Jersey bull diversity

Agricultural Biodiversity

Floristic classifications and bioregionalizations are not predictors of intra-specific evolutionary patterns. You can’t use spatial structures in interspecific diversity to predict spatial structure in instraspecific diversity. Gotta do the hard work, there are no shortcuts. Intraspecific trait variability in wild plant populations predicts neither variability nor performance in a common garden.

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Catching up with (but hopefully not catching) bird flu

Food Politics

Its a big worry. From the Cleveland Clinic: Bird flu (avian influenza) Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infection from a type of influenza (flu) virus that usually spreads in birds and other animals. Sometimes, humans can get bird flu from infected animals. Like the versions of flu that people usually get, bird flu can make you severely ill. It has infected and, in the case of dairy herds and poultry flocks, mass culling: Wild birds Domestic Chickens Domestic Turkeys Domestic Ducks Dairy cattle

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“Huge missed opportunity”: Wheat Growers’ chair blasts $300 million OFCAF announcement

Real Agriculture

The Canadian governments plan to inject another $300 million into its On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) over the next three years is drawing sharp criticism from the chair of the Wheat Growers Association. On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay formally announced the commitment to continue paying farmers an incentive to implement on-farm practices around cover Read More The Canadian governments plan to inject another $300 million into its On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) over th

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25 Books Guiding Us Toward More Regenerative Food Systems

Food Tank

Food Tank is rounding up 25 books about the past, present, and future of global food and agriculture systems to get you through the winter. In Chop Chop , Ozoz Sokoh celebrates Nigerian cuisine through 100 recipes. Insatiable City by Theresa McCulla explores race, power, and social status in New Orleans through the lens of food. And in The Painful Truth about Hunger in America, Mariana Chilton offers a new approach to eliminate food insecurity.

Food 133
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Rounding up the breadfruit

Agricultural Biodiversity

Jeremy’s latest Eat This Newsletter has a piece on Dumbarton Oaks’ Plant of the Month feature on breadfruit. And much else besides. Do have a look. In contrast to Jeremy, I myself have knowingly eaten breadfruit, in various forms. It makes pretty good chips. I’ve also blogged about it here — a lot. Breadfruits Bounty Dumbarton Oaks is a beautiful building, museum, library and garden in Washington DC and I have often linked to its Plant of the Month features.

More Trending

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Deere loses appeal in patent dispute with AGCO and Precision Planting

Real Agriculture

A federal appeals court in the U.S. has sided with AGCO and Precision Planting in a long-running legal dispute with John Deere over high-speed planter patents. On Friday, Jan. 24, a judge with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld an earlier U.S. District Court jury ruling, ruling in favour of AGCO Read More A federal appeals court in the U.S. has sided with AGCO and Precision Planting in a long-running legal dispute with John Deere over high-speed planter patents.

Seeding 304
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The politics of PFAS

Food Politics

PFAS ( highly fluorinated forever chemicals )are in the news practically every day. PFAS Central, a project of Green Science Policy, tracks this news. I do too to a lesser extent. But I sure noticed this one in the New York Times: Their Fertilizer Poisons Farmland. Now, They Want Protection From Lawsuits. The company, Synagro, sells farmers treated sludge from factories and homes to use as fertilizer.

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Nibbles: USDA NPGS, Korean seed museum, Endangered plants, National security, Sicilian grapevines, Mike Jackson again

Agricultural Biodiversity

A way to get free seeds from the US government? Yeah probably not. And if so, maybe not for long? Ok, let’s try the Korean government then. A way to find endangered plants in the US. And get the government to protect them, of course. A way to ensure national security ? Why, conserving crop diversity of course. Government unavailable for comment.

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"WE WILL FAIL YOU"

The Lunatic Farmer

I just walked in the door from speaking at a homeschool co-op in Bumpass, Virginia and hearing the most unbelievable story that must be shouted from the rooftops. A middle-aged farmer told me his 18-year-old go-getter entrepreneurial son in 2022 wanted to install a slaughterhouse. This family has a serious farming operation and the son spearheads a deer processing facility on their property.

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Live cattle futures cross $200 for the first time in history

Real Agriculture

It was a very lofty week for live cattle futures, as February and April contracts crossed $200 per contract for the first time. Driven by tightening supplies and strong demand by consumers around the world, beef has seen exceptional price appreciation. Cash cattle markets traded above $200 average last week for the first time ever, Read More It was a very lofty week for live cattle futures, as February and April contracts crossed $200 per contract for the first time.

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Industry-funded study of the week: Pork and handgrip strength!

Food Politics

Charles Platkin sent me this article from Food Manufacturing : Eating pork linked with better handgrip strength, industry group says. I quickly found the The Pork Boards press release. And went right to the source. The study: Jung A-J, Sharma A, Chung M, Wallace TC, Lee H-J. he Relationship of Pork Meat Consumption with Nutrient Intakes, Diet Quality, and Biomarkers of Health Status in Korean Older Adults.

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Safer pesticide use: Voluntary standard for agro-dealers launched in China

CABI

On December 26, 2024, Sichuan Province launched a significant initiative: the “Establishment Specification for IPM Promotion Pesticide Stores. Written in collaboration with local partners and PlantwisePlus, including CABIs Dr Min Wan, this new voluntary standard aims to reform agro-shop operations in China. Starting January 1, 2025, it promotes safer pesticide use aligned with Integrated Pest… The post Safer pesticide use: Voluntary standard for agro-dealers launched in China appeare

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RISK ADJUSTED FACTOR SCORE

The Lunatic Farmer

This weekend I had a fantastic long conversation with a surgeon who is working with several clinics to secure land and create a comprehensive wellness-oriented medical facility in Virginia. Can't tell you more than that. The reason I'm in the mix is they want to offer a clean food dispensary (this is medical, so you can't call it a grocery store) on site so patients can find and acquire real food as part of a doctor's visit.

Food 88
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Ontario adds $100 million to Risk Management Program pot

Real Agriculture

The Ontario government is increasing annual funding for its Risk Management Program (RMP) from $150 million to $250 million, following an announcement at Eden, Ont. on Tuesday by Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Rob Flack. Our government promised farmers we would continue to expand and enhance RMP, and with this historic investment, we have Read More The Ontario government is increasing annual funding for its Risk Management Program (RMP) from $150 million to $250 million, followi

Food 303
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How to make the smart call on replacement heifers

West Texas Livestock

Replacement heifers are the backbone of a successful and profitable ranching operation. Over time, breeding stock needs to be rotated out to maintain a strong genetic pool and ensure your herd’s overall health and productivity. Plus, as cows age, they eventually reach a point where they can no longer breed, leaving gaps in your operation. […] The post How to make the smart call on replacement heifers appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers.

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Pineapple Production and Post-Harvest Techniques

Agric4profits

Pineapple Production has become a significant agricultural activity worldwide, offering a rich source of vitamin C and other nutrients. It thrives in tropical climates, requiring optimal soil, temperature, and rainfall conditions for healthy growth. This fruit’s production process involves various stages, from planting to harvesting. Successful cultivation begins with the careful selection of planting material.

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PhD Student Malik earns Anthony Grano Scholarship Award from Agricultural & Applied Economics Organization

Ohio State University

[COLUMBUS] Khyati Malik, a PhD candidate in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at Ohio State, was awarded the Anthony Grano Fellowship Award for 2025. The award, presented by the AAEA Trust Committee and the AAEA Executive Board, is aimed to support her interest in agricultural policy and the policy formation process.

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OFCAF to continue with same priorities and $300 million in federal funds for next three years

Real Agriculture

The federal governments On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is poised to run for at least another three years with $300 million in federal funding. While the dollar amount was previously known, Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay formally announced the funding for the OFCAF initiative through 2027-28 on Tuesday. The fund, along with other Agriculture and Agri-Food Read More The federal governments On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is poised to run for at least another three years with $300

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Save time and money: soil test tips for ranchers

West Texas Livestock

Have you ever wondered if your pasture is working as hard as possible? A soil test is like getting a health check-up for your landit reveals what nutrients are in the soil and how much of them are available. Think of it as the starting point for improving your pasture’s output. Without it, you’re just […] The post Save time and money: soil test tips for ranchers appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers.

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Mango Production and Post-Harvest Techniques

Agric4profits

Mango production is a vital component of agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions, offering significant economic benefits due to the fruit’s popularity and nutritional value. Successful mango farming requires a combination of careful planning and consistent cultivation practices, including the right choice of soil, climate, and irrigation methods to ensure optimal growth and productivity.

Harvest 64
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CattleCon 2025 Preview

Agwired

It’s time for the 2025 CattleCon. To get a preview of this year’s event I spoke with Kristin Torres, Executive Director of Meetings and Event, NCBA. She covers all the activities and if you’re interested you can also just link to the schedule here. CattleCon is where the beef industry meets! Were headed to San Antonio February 4-6, 2025!

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Spring wheat a good option for Northern Plains growers in 2025

Real Agriculture

Planting wheat this spring is a good option for farmers across the U.S. Northern Plains who are looking to manage input costs and want a durable crop that can stand up to weather stress. That advice comes from Limagrain Cereal Seeds team members Zach Thibault, based in Bozeman, Montana, and Troy Gerding from Fargo, North Read More Planting wheat this spring is a good option for farmers across the U.S.

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Study in Germany Shows Year-round Pesticide Persistence

ATTRA

A study of crop fields, vegetable fields, vineyards, and adjacent meadows in Germany showed that active ingredients of pesticides were present in soils and plants throughout the year. A study by the RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau sampled topsoil and vegetation monthly and found low levels of multiple pesticides all year. On average, ten pesticides were found in the soil.

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Guava Production and Post-Harvest Techniques

Agric4profits

Guava production has become a cornerstone of agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions, valued for its nutrient-rich fruit and growing global demand. The cultivation process demands meticulous attention to soil selection, planting techniques, and crop management to ensure optimal yields and a consistent supply of high-quality guavas.

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Predictive Analytics for Market Dominance: Harnessing big data in fuel supply

DTN

In today’s volatile fuel market, suppliers who refine their processes to best anticipate shifts and make data-driven decisions can gain a significant competitive edge. The integration of big data and predictive analytics has revolutionized the fuel supply industry, offering unprecedented insights and strategic advantages. This article explores how DTN for Fuel Suppliers suite of integrated capabilities is transforming market intelligence in the landscape of fuel supply chains.

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The Agronomists, Ep 183: Profit in the spray pass with Mike Cowbrough and Tom Wolf

Real Agriculture

When it comes to applying herbicides, is it better to do an imperfect job at the right time or a perfect job at the wrong time? This isnt a philosophical question, but it does require some discussion to fully understand what goes in to a spray pass to ensure that its worth the cost of Read More When it comes to applying herbicides, is it better to do an imperfect job at the right time or a perfect job at the wrong time?

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Bonsai Robotics Secures $15M Series A Funding

World Agri-Tech

Bonsai Robotics Secures $15 Million in Series A Funding to Advance Its Physical AI Solutions for Agriculture Applications Bonsai Robotics Inc. (Bonsai), a leading developer of physical AI solutions for agriculture applications, today announced it has raised $15 million in Series A funding. Bison Ventures led the oversubscribed round with participation from new investor, Cibus Capital, and existing investors Acre Venture Partners, Congruent Ventures, Fall Line Capital, E14 Fund, SNR and Serra Ven

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Banana Production and Post-Harvest Techniques

Agric4profits

Banana production is a highly specialized agricultural practice that demands precise growing conditions and meticulous management to achieve optimal yields and fruit quality. The production process encompasses several critical stages, including soil preparation, planting, irrigation, and pest control, all of which are essential for fostering healthy plant development and maximizing productivity.

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Mastering Grain Procurement: 2025 Outlook for Buyers

DTN

As we begin 2025, grain buyers are preparing for the crop year as they normally do, by looking at a long list of variables that will impact their grain buying efforts. 2025 promises the usual challenges and opportunities, but the landscape for grain procurement is undergoing some unique changes, influenced by complex global economic factors, sustainability efforts and the persistent impact of weather on crop production.

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Beef Market Update: A solid cash market, screwworm impacts, and a predicted small calf crop

Real Agriculture

Coming off some near-month contract highs of $200-+ its no surprise to see futures falling as the week closes out, but cash cattle in the south ticked higher as they caught up to northern prices this past week. (Check out the related story in cattle futures here). The cutout did show signs of weakening in Read More Coming off some near-month contract highs of $200-+ its no surprise to see futures falling as the week closes out, but cash cattle in the south ticked higher as they caught up to nort

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‘Everybody Deserves Good Food’: Dunn County Pantry Reaps Benefits of Local Food Purchase Program

Wisconsin Farmers Union

Since its founding in 1984, Stepping Stones of Dunn County has been an invaluable resource to those facing food insecurity in Northwest Wisconsin. In 2024 alone, Stepping Stones distributed 816,000 pounds of food through their food pantry, serving over 5,000 people in the Menomonie community and beyond. Mike Racette is the Coordinator for Farmers Feed Dunn County , a Stepping Stones program that partners with Dunn County farmers for the purpose of getting a regular supply of local, fresh food in

Food 52
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Introduction to Tree Crops of Economic, Social, and Cultural Importance in Nigeria

Agric4profits

This article offers a comprehensive overview of tree crops in Nigeria, focusing on their economic, social, and cultural significance. It starts with an introduction to the definition of tree crops, distinguishing them from forest trees and highlighting examples such as oil palm, cocoa, cashew, and mango.

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European Weather Outlook: Late Winter 2025

DTN

Trend for late winter and early spring February and at least early March should be milder than normal There is little sign of any notable or sustained cold periods occurring anywhere in Europe to end the winter. Indeed, during February the east and northeast of the continent should experience above to well-above average temperatures, while western and northwestern regions have more variability with a few transient colder passages.

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New SeedMaster CEO discusses expansion amidst exchange rate and market uncertainty

Real Agriculture

SeedMasters new CEO says the company is focusing on providing solutions for farmers as it pushes forward with a major expansion in a tough market, with looming trade and exchange rate uncertainty. The Saskatchewan-based seeding equipment manufacturer plans to open a $10 million 6,000 square-foot expansion to its manufacturing facility at Emerald Park, Sask., this Read More SeedMasters new CEO says the company is focusing on providing solutions for farmers as it pushes forward with a major expans

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Handbook on Fish Processing Aids Small-scale Producers

ATTRA

Purdue University is offering a free Handbook on Processing Fish for Small-Scale Fish Farmers , to aid producers in the Midwest with limited or no access to economically feasible seafood processing infrastructure for farmed seafood products. Local kitchens, such as shared-use commercial kitchens and licensed on-farm kitchens, can provide resources for fish farming entrepreneurs interested in adding some form of value to their fish, by allowing them to diversify their market.