Sat.Feb 22, 2025 - Fri.Feb 28, 2025

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Connecting early-adopter farmers with agtech startups, at scale

Real Agriculture

Startup culture meets farming culture, at scale. Getting on farms to do in-field testing and due diligence is often one of the largest costs for startup companies in the agtech space. A network of farmers that started in Tennessee and has since expanded to other regions across the U.S. is working to provide an efficient, Read More Startup culture meets farming culture, at scale.

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NASDA members urge Congress to initiate labor reform for agriculture

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the 2025 Winter Policy Conference , members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture called on the Congress to develop strategies to address agricultural labor stability challenges along with border security. The new policy item states comprehensive agricultural labor reform is needed to allow access to the H-2A program for year-round agriculture industries, create a pathway to legal status for agriculture and agri-business workers who are employe

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What’s up with all the food production plant closures?

Food Politics

At a glance across the country: Meatpacking plants closed at an unprecedented rate this year, accelerated by a number of factors such as rising livestock costs, workforce shortages, food safety violations and foodborne illnesses, and ongoing industry consolidation. Here are some examples: of these and others: Tyson closes 3 meat plants, lays off 1K workers The food giant plans to shutter its 328,000-square-foot facility in Emporia, Kansas,as well as two cheesesteak factories in Philadelphia.

Food 130
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In Hawai‘i, Restoring Kava Helps Sustain Native Food Culture

Civil Eats

Last fall, Ava Taesali opened Kava Queen , Oahus only brick-and-mortar kava bar, after three years of building a loyal following for this traditional beverage at farmers markets in Honolulu. Located in the repurposed Waialua Sugar Mill , former home of a sugar industry giant, the establishment is surrounded by a mix of local businesses that includes a yoga studio, a surf shop, and a sewing collective.

Food 128
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Profitable Practices: Poultry innovation improves bird health and reduces costs

Real Agriculture

Scott Buchan sees the impact of technology whenever hes watching his broiler chickens or looking at his hydro bills. For Buchan, who operates Buchrest Farms along with his family in Ontarios Waterloo Region, investing in technology and innovation plays a key role in making the operation more profitable and sustainable. Buchan notes that his energy Read More Scott Buchan sees the impact of technology whenever hes watching his broiler chickens or looking at his hydro bills.

Poultry 293
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State agriculture departments seek to support new farmers with business and technical assistance services

NASDA

Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. State agriculture officials expressed the need for farm technical assistance resources to support farmers in business management and farm transitions during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference. Members passed a policy amendment that specifically supports the creation of state block grant programs that provide technical assistance to farmers.

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Weekend reading: the top 60 food science blogs

Food Politics

FeedSpot, a group with which I am unfamiliar, has just named FoodPolitics.com as one of the top 60 blogs and websites in food science. I am honored to be named as #7, and especially because I am in very good company. FeedSpot says that these are the best Food Science blogs from thousands of blogs on the web and ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.

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Grazing leases carry a legacy of stewardship

Real Agriculture

In the late 1800s, settlers began to graze cattle on native grasslands, beginning what eventually became known as the range wars in the United States, says Brett Matthiessen of Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association (AGLA) in this interview with RealAgricultures Amber Bell. This access and competition for grazing eventually produced a few really great Western movies, Read More In the late 1800s, settlers began to graze cattle on native grasslands, beginning what eventually became known as the

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NASDA members champion 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members passed an action item today at NASDAs Winter Policy Conference supporting the United Nations resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. As state agricultural leaders, we recognize the essential contributions of women in farming and agribusiness, said NASDA Vice President, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal.

Forestry 189
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Industry-funded study of the week: dairy foods

Food Politics

Thanks to Peter Johnston, a dietitian in Melbourne, Australia, for sending this one. The study: Huppertz T, Blom L, van Est L, Peters S. Exploring Nutrient-Adequate Sustainable Diet Scenarios That Are Plant-Based but Animal-Optimized. Nutrients. 2025 Jan 18;17(2):343. doi: 10.3390/nu17020343. Results Reducing the amount of meat products in the diet reduced the environmental impact but increased the price.

Food 145
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Rural Businesses, Farmers Lose While USDA’s Rural Energy Program is Frozen

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Photo credit: AgriSolar Clearinghouse The recent freeze to federal grants and loans has impacted countless federal programs and simultaneously left rural businesses and farmers in a lurch. Among the most impacted programs has been the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). As a result, farmers and businesses alike may be on the hook for millions of dollars of energy efficiency and energy independence improvements they have already purchased or installed.

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Transport Canada to ease some drone regulations in 2025

Real Agriculture

Regulations around flying drones in Canada, especially drones in the 25-150 kilogram weight class, can be complicated. In agriculture, drones that show great potential for producers fall under two different jurisdictions. The first is Transport Canada, which oversees aviation safety and security. The second is Health Canada, which is responsible for pesticide regulations and approvals.

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State agriculture departments call for an integrated, national response to avian influenza

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference , NASDA members amended the organizations policy to support the implementation of a robust national action plan for the detection, surveillance, response and containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins remarks made to NASDA members this morning announced that these steps are already underway, and NASDA stands ready to coll

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Cover reveal: What to Eat Now!

Food Politics

Im thrilled to announce: COVER REVEAL WHAT TO EAT NOW is a thoroughly revised classic, a field guide to food shopping in America, and a treatise on how to eat well and deliciously. Marion Nestle, Americas preeminent nutritionist and a founding figure in American food studies, takes us through the American supermarket in an aisle-by-aisle guide. Above all else, WHAT TO EAT NOW is a defense of real food and of the value of eating deliciously, mindfully, and responsibly.

Food 147
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The Need for Agricultural Policy

Agric4profits

In the previous article, the types and importance of agricultural policy were discussed. In this article, the focus is on the need for agricultural policy objectives, which is a crucial aspect of agricultural policy and development. There is a need for the explicit statement of the food policy objectives of any nation.

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Beef Market Update: A smaller national herd, tariff talk, and carcass weight shifts

Real Agriculture

This week held no big surprises in the beef markets. While markets were lower last week, Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange surmised that would continue into this week and says that it has. The dressed market in the U.S. is down and the wholesale market is under pressure as well, however showing signs of Read More This week held no big surprises in the beef markets.

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State agriculture officials to support programs for increasing economic growth via access to local foods

NASDA

Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. At the 2025 Winter Policy Conference today National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members passed several policy amendments promoting increased programs for local and regional foods through federal policies and programs for states. Members adopted policy supporting the permanent establishment and funding of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Programs, or any successor programs, administered by the USDA.

Food 147
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The Tribal Elder Food Box Program: 94,500 Boxes and Counting

Wisconsin Farmers Union

The Tribal Elder Food Box (TEFB) Program started in 2021 with the goal of increasing access to nutritious, culturally meaningful foods for Tribal members over 55 years old. Since then, the program has distributed over 94,500 Tribal Elder Food Boxes. At the core of the TEFB Program is self-determined community healing, equitable food access, a decentralized food system, and food sovereignty.

Food 90
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Post Project Evaluation in Agricultural Projects

Agric4profits

Smaller agricultural projects may be evaluated by direct observation and by obtaining first-hand information from field staff, specialists, and other individuals connected with project implementation. For major projects, evaluation is typically based on periodic written reports, which may be enhanced with charts, graphs, and illustrations to add value to the reports.

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USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses DOGE cuts, ushering in a “golden age” for agriculture

Real Agriculture

A new administration in the White House brings many questions about the future. Recently sworn-in U.S. secretary of agriculture Brooke Rollins joined Kansas senator Roger Marshall for a fireside chat at the Top Producer Summit last week in Kansas City, Missouri, to discuss Rollins vision for the future of agriculture in the country. Between 2017 Read More A new administration in the White House brings many questions about the future.

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State agriculture officials vote to promote increased production of biofuels to support American economies

NASDA

Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Winter Policy Conference, NASDA members voted to amend the organizations biofuels policies to increase support for domestic and global demand for American produced biofuels. NASDA recognizes the importance biofuels play in the future of agricultural production, energy independence and our economy, NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.

Biofuel 189
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Do You Control Your Business or Does it Control YOU?

UnderstandingAg

By: Brian Dougherty Understanding Ag, LLC I recently attended a Ranching for Profit (RFP) school where one of the instructors asked a very simple but thought-provoking question: Do you control your business, or does your business control you? In other words, do you accept whatever happens and hope for a better outcome next year, or do you take control and hold yourself accountable for the success of your business?

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Meaning and Components of Environment for Agricultural Projects

Agric4profits

The classical and neoclassical economists of their time made specific comments about the significance of nature and the environment but, however, failed to include them in their explanation of theories.

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New vice-presidents from Manitoba and Quebec join CFA executive

Real Agriculture

Delegates at the Canadian Federation of Agricultures annual general meeting in Ottawa this week elected a pair of new vice-presidents to the national farm organizations executive. Keith Currie of Ontario was re-elected by acclamation as president, while Jill Verwey of Manitoba and Stphanie Levasseur of Quebec are joining CFAs executive as first vice-president and second Read More Delegates at the Canadian Federation of Agricultures annual general meeting in Ottawa this week elected a pair of new

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NASDA members advocate for expansion of “food as medicine” programs

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the National Association of State Department of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference , NASDA members voted to support federal programs and policies that expand “food as medicine” initiatives and strengthen their connection to local and regional food systems. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney highlighted the significance of the policy update stating, Food as medicine programs create new opportunities for small and medium-sized farmers to engage with regional and p

Food 165
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Growing Healthy Soil and Grass Regenerates Minnesota Farm, Farmer and Family

UnderstandingAg

By: Ron Nichols, Understanding Ag, LLC Every day on his farm, Luke Bergler sees the connection between healthy soil, healthy grass, healthy animals and healthy people. And he sees lifelots of life. When he pushes a shovel into the soft, well-aggregated soil on his 240-acre farm near Ridgeway, Minnesota, Bergler sees more earthworms than he ever thought imaginable.

Farming 70
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Meaning and Objectives of Agricultural Project Evaluation

Agric4profits

Evaluation can be seen as synonymous with tests, descriptions, documents, or even management. Many definitions have been developed, but a comprehensive definition presented by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation (1994) holds that evaluation is “a systematic investigation of the worth or merit of an object.

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Ruminating with RealAg, Ep 18: Managing for wildlife attractants on the ranch

Real Agriculture

Access to high quality feed and water make for a good ranching location. They allow producers to raise productive livestock, setting up the ranch to turn a profit. Those same things are attractive to wildlife as well, and whether it is an ungulate, such as a deer or moose, or the predators that follow them, Read More Access to high quality feed and water make for a good ranching location.

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NASDA Foundation Welcomes 2025 NASDA’s Next Generation Cohort

NASDA

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation is excited to host the 2025 NASDA Next Generation program at the 2025 NASDA winter policy conference in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24-26. This program offers college students a unique opportunity to explore agricultural policy and industry, build professional connections and engage in interactive state and federal policy discussions.

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In Parched Zimbabwe, Small-Scale Farmers Turn to Traditional Crops

Food Tank

Zimbabwe is in the midst of a crippling El Nio-induced droughtthe worst in more than 40 years. It has wiped out most of last year’s rain-fed crops, particularly the now staple crop, maize. With up to 70 percent of Zimbabwe’s population surviving on rural economic activitiesmostly rain-fed crop farmingrecurring droughts are devastating to the country.

Crop 69
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Economics of Irrigation and Water Use in Agriculture

Agric4profits

Water is an important component in agricultural production and development. The issue of water shortage or insufficient water for agricultural production is addressed through irrigation. Irrigation is the artificial application of water on land in the absence of rainfall or where natural water is scarce or unavailable. Irrigation facilitates multiple cropping and increases crop productivity.

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MacAulay to make “major announcement” in his hometown on Saturday

Real Agriculture

Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is planning to make a major announcement at a community centre in his hometown in Prince Edward Island on Saturday. The longest-serving Liberal in the House of Commons, MacAulay was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1988. The question of whether MacAulay, who turns 79 in September, intends to Read More Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is planning to make a major announcement at a community centre in his hometown in Prince Edward Island on Sat

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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to address state agriculture officials

NASDA

Media Advisory WHO : U.S Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will discuss the U.S. Department of Agricultures priorities with state department of agriculture leaders during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference. WHERE: Conrad Washington, D.C. 950 New York Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20001 WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 HOW : Members of the press must RSVP with Sarah Grace Fowler ( sarah.fowler@nasda.org ) by Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 12 p.m. and r

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DWFI Podcast 41 – New Nebraska Nitrogen Recommendations for Irrigated Corn

Agwired

After years of dedicated work from many people and sectors, UNL has released new recommendations for nitrogen fertilization of irrigated corn. In this episode, Nebraska Water Extension Educator Crystal Powers talks to UNL professor of agronomy Richard Ferguson , who has been involved in the project from the start. Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform: DWFI podcast episode 41 17:34 The Robert B.

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Actually unlock the benefits of salt in Livestock diets

West Texas Livestock

Salt isn’t just a seasoning for your dinnerit’s a vital nutrient that cattle need to survive and thrive. Just like in humans, salt plays a crucial role in keeping a cow’s body running smoothly. From digestion to muscle function, even the most basic bodily processes depend on it. Without enough salt, cattle can suffer health […] The post Actually unlock the benefits of salt in Livestock diets appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers.

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Wheat Pete’s Word, Feb 26: Manure and microbes, soybeans and water quality, and protecting N from loss

Real Agriculture

When managing fertilizer, the when of application can matter almost as much as the rate, especially when it comes to nitrogen and minimizing losses, says Peter Wheat Pete Johnson. In this episode of Wheat Petes Word, Johnson shares insights into preventing nitrogen fertilizer losses, assessing manures nutrient release potential and impact on microbial activity and Read More When managing fertilizer, the when of application can matter almost as much as the rate, especially when it comes to nitrog

Manure 217
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Diverse minds for a diverse world: the case for Neurodiversity in science

Agri-tech

At the John Innes Centre, diversity is at the heart of what we do. Just as we celebrate and leverage biodiversity in our research to solve global challenges in plant and microbial science, we recognise that Neurodiversity – differences in how people think, process, and interact with the world – is equally vital to our success. Neurodivergent individuals bring exceptional strengths in.

Science 64