Miniature wireless sensors attached to bumblebees could soon give researchers real-time data on their pollination patterns. This story from Oregon State University says researchers at the school are planning to build sensors that will track how the bees pollinate fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, tomatoes and dozens of other staples. Given recent losses of European honeybees to diseases, … Read More
Report: Farmers Use of Cover Crops
Cover crops are one simple farming technique that can save money, produce better crops, clean rivers and estuaries, and address climate change. Yet, a new report released today from National Wildlife Federation, Counting Cover Crops, finds that less than 2% of cropland in the highly-farmed Mississippi River Basin is planted to cover crops. How can the nation get more cover … Read More
New Web Tool for Identifying Insects In Stored Grain
With over 50 species of insects recognized as pests of stored grain in Canada, how can you quickly identify a given insect? You can now use the Canadian Grain Commission’s insect keys, available at www.grainscanada.gc.ca. “Our insect keys are an effective, easy to use tool for insect identification. Once you know the insect you’re dealing with, you can make the … Read More
DEKALB Brand Launches First Tablet App in Canada
DEKALB brand seed has launched a new tablet application, available for download and use on Apple tablet devices. The DEKALB Seed Guide App is the first of its kind in Canada and is an innovative new tool that will provide corn, soybean, and canola farmers with the 2014 seed guide, including full product information. Once downloaded, farmers will have the … Read More
BASF Innovation Specialists
Grower engagement on both the people and services level is important for BASF Crop Protection to ensure they are doing all they can to help farmers grow smarter, market smarter and live smarter. Among the ways BASF is engaging with growers is through a new position called the Innovation Specialist, like Kaleb Hellwig who is based on the western side … Read More
Your Pre-Harvest Checklist
Seems like just yesterday we discussed the benefits of pre-season planting preparation, and now we find ourselves staring a pre-harvest checklist straight in the eye. But keep in mind that servicing your precision ag equipment prior to harvest is equally as important as in the spring. Ag Leader Technology is helping to give growers a few tips on where to … Read More
Nominations Open for 2014 4R Advocate Program
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) recently launched the 2014 4R Advocate Awards Program. They are calling for entires from retailers wishing to highlight the exceptional nutrient stewardship practices of their grower customers. The program is in it’s third year and recognizes farmers who are protecting the environment, boosting profitability and benefiting society through nutrient stewardship practices based on the 4R’s. Use … Read More
GROWMARK Celebrates National Co-op Month
Our friends at GROWMARK are joining cooperatives throughout the country in celebrating the contributions co-ops make to the social and economic development of rural America during National Co-op Month in October. This year’s theme is “Collaborate, Communicate, Cooperate,” reflecting the benefits that arise from collaboration – the sharing of ideas, resources and capital which helps individuals accomplish more together than … Read More
Monsanto Boosts Info Access with Climate Corp. Buy
An agreement by Monsanto to acquire The Climate Corporation is expected to boost information access for farmers. Monsanto announced its intent to buy the tech company for approximately $930 million, and the deal will combine The Climate Corporation’s expertise in agriculture analytics and risk-management with Monsanto’s R&D capabilities, giving farmers access to more information about the many factors that affect … Read More
Port of Baton Rouge Gets Upgrade with Elevator
Upgrades to Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana include a new a state of the art grain and oilseed export elevator. This news release from Louis Dreyfus Commodities LLC says the $150 million in upgrades will let the facility handle up to 5 million metric tons of grains and oilseeds annually during the first phase of its operation, eventually rising … Read More