The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food and 46 national organizations sent a letter to Congress requesting a uniform, national labeling standard for foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The letter comes as agriculture and business groups continue to urge key House and Senate leaders to include a federal preemption of state food labeling laws in the omnibus appropriations bill … Read More
UMass Amherst Finds Promise for Increased Crop Yields
A “double agent” peptide found by molecular biologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst may open doors to improving crop yields without increasing fertilizer use. The peptide, found in alfalfa, was discovered by scientists who study nitrogen-fixing bacteria in plants. Early reports indicate that alfalfa may be able to use the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, rhizobia, more efficiently. Lead author and postdoctoral … Read More
ASA Pleased with New Highway Bill
The final legislation for Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, commonly known as the Highway Bill, is headed to President Obama’s desk for a signature. The funding for road and bridge construction is good news for growers, as is the reversal of $3 billion in cuts to crop insurance that happened in October. The American Soybean Association is pleased with the results of … Read More
Alabama Hosts Corn and Wheat Short Course
The 2015 Alabama Corn and Wheat Short Course is just around the corner. This event will be held at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center on December 14-15. A variety of topics will be covered, pertaining to corn and wheat crops. Presenters are scheduled from Auburn University, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, other land grant universities, the agriculture … Read More
New HarvestMaster Field Applicator Reduces Error
A provider of data solutions, HarvestMaster has launched a new applicator that allows the grower to apply various treatments to specific plots. The applicator is set using the HarvestMaster’s Mirus software by a simple software plugin. This technology reduces error and increases a grower’s productivity. Using the Mirus field applicator plugin, users can select which treatments to apply to … Read More
DuPont, Ag Processing Expand Plenish High Oleic Soybeans
DuPont Pioneer and Ag Processing Inc (AGP) are now offering production contracts for Pioneer’s Plenish high oleic soybeans for 2016 in Nebraska. The Plenish soybean has 0 grams of trans fat and 20 percent less saturated fat than the typical soybean. It was developed with Pioneer’s elite T-series genetics and is approved for nearly all key U.S. soybean export … Read More
New Soybean Cropping Systems Offer Weed Control
The journal of Weed Technology recently published a study showing the proper application of post emergence herbicides are an important factor in controlling glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth and waterhemp in new soybean cropping systems. Glyphostae-resistant Palmer amaranth has been confirmed to challenge growers in twenty-five states, and glyphostae-resistant waterhemp is present in 16. Soon growers will be offered options combining glyphostae, … Read More
December Marks 30 Years for CRP
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reminds farmers and ranchers that enrollment for CRP runs now through February 26, 2016. This month also marks the 30th anniversary for the federally funded program which provides funds for landowners to prevent soil erosion, protect wildlife, and restore habitat. As of September 2015, 24.2 million acres were enrolled in CRP. CRP also is protecting more … Read More
SHP Invites Farmers to Commemorate World Soil Day
World Soil Day is December 5, and the Soil Health Partnership invites all farmers to commemorate the day by taking a look at ways to make their land healthier. “Soil health is critical to the future sustainability of our agricultural industry,” said Nick Goeser, SHP director. “We want to acknowledge this worldwide day by encouraging farmers at a local level … Read More
Monsanto Moving to Carbon Neutral Crop Production
Monsanto Company is addressing global climate change with plans to make their operation carbon neutral by 2021. The company has plans that target their seed and crop operations as well as best practice and data sharing with farmers. “Climate change is one of the biggest issues we face in agriculture, as well as one of the most pressing challenges facing … Read More