Bayer CropScience has partnered with Ernst Conservation Seeds to provide bulk seed to individuals and organizations that have pledged to become Feed a Bee partners and dedicate land to the establishment of pollinator habitat. This news release from Bayer says Feed a Bee partners will receive a pollinator seed mix from Ernst Seeds that includes wildflowers that bloom from spring … Read More
Case IH Glories Revealed in ‘Red Combines’
A new book recounts the glories of International Harvester and Case IH equipment. Octane Press says the book, “Red Combines 1915–2015,” comes out this September and chronicles the complete story of the most significant piece of farm equipment built in the 20th century. The 384-page coffee table book is also a tribute to the people who invented the machine that … Read More
Corn Growers Join Lawsuit to Overturn WOTUS
The National Corn Growers Association is the latest group to join a lawsuit to overturn the “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule. Chip Bowling, president of NCGA and a farmer from Newburg, Maryland, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are overstepping their limits with the rule. “Farmers need clarity and certainty about their … Read More
Federal Judge Strikes Down Maui Anti-GMO Law
A federal judge has struck down a Hawaii county’s ordinance against genetically engineered crops. This article from Civil Beat said the decision by Judge Susan Mollway found the ordinance “invalid and unenforceable” because it is preempted by state and federal law. Mollway emphasized that the ruling is not a statement on whether genetically modified organisms are beneficial or detrimental. “The … Read More
Harvest After Rain Enhances Food Safety
New research shows that waiting to harvest after a rain enhances food safety. This news release from Cornell University says rain or irrigation creates soil conditions that are more hospitable to Listeria monocytogenes, which when ingested may cause the human illness Listeriosis. Waiting to harvest crops reduces the risk of exposure to the pathogen, which could land on fresh produce. … Read More
Iowa Gov Signs $9.6 Mil Support for Water Quality
Iowa’s Gov. Terry Branstad has signed into law $9.6 million in support for water quality. The Iowa Department of Agriculture says the measure to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative also officially adds “Water Quality” to the Department’s Division of Soil Conservation. “Iowans in both rural and urban areas continue to be engaged in efforts to improve water quality. These … Read More
Michigan State Wins IFAMA Global Student Case Competition
Students at Michigan State University have taken first place in a competition to demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills. This article from the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA), a nonprofit of industry, students, academics, government leaders and other key stakeholders across the value chain of food production and consumption, says the school’s Tatevik Avetisyan, Kendra Levine, Andrea Leschewski, … Read More
New Report on Cover Crops, Soil Health Out Soon
A new report outlining recommendations for cover crop and soil health reform is due out soon. Seed breeder and producer Grassland Oregon gives a preview of what will be in the report that will come from the National Working Group on Cover Crops and Soil Health, in particular, the call for public-private partnerships for cover crop research and reform. When … Read More
Soybean Growers Want to Hear Your Conservation Story
The American Soybean Association wants to hear your conservation story. This news release from the group says those chosen could win a Conservation Legacy Award, recognizing U.S. soybean farmers who distinguish themselves through outstanding environmental and conservation practices, while remaining profitable. Are you using a reduced tillage practice on your farm such as conservation tillage, strip-till or no-till? Do you … Read More
Conservation Program Pre-Proposals Due July 8
Pre-proposals for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) are due July 8, 2015. Eligible conservation coalitions nationwide will submit pre-proposals to improve soil health, preserve clean water, combat drought and protect wildlife habitat. USDA is investing up to $235 million through RCPP to improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife … Read More