With the field of precision agriculture growing quickly, Trimble is ready to meet the challenges and better serve the farmers using their technology. The company has just announced they will be extending their distribution channel with a global network of independent distribution partners. This new Vantage distribution network will offer precision expertise to growers, advisors, retailers, co-operatives and local dealers. … Read More
Indoor Farms of America to Display at World Ag Expo
The makers of aeroponic indoor farm equipment have another exciting addition. Their vertical farm system has received a U.S. Patent, allowing for increased indoor farm production and reduced installation costs. Indoor Farms of America, LLC will be showcasing this platform at the upcoming World Ag Expo in Tulare, California on February 9-11. “The whole company is very excited to publically debut … Read More
New Education Materials Available about Weeds
You can now find newly updated materials about weeds on the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) website. The fact sheets are available to download for free. New offerings includes information that helps identify similarities and differences among several categories of weeds, including so-called “super weeds.” A new definition of “weed” has also been endorsed by the WSSA. “There are … Read More
USDA Awards $30.1 Million in Food Security Projects
The USDA and the Food Research Initiative (AFRI) have made possible $30.1 million to fund research projects pertaining to food safety, antibiotic resistance, and resilience of plants facing climate change. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and President Obama’s Science and Technology Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. John P. Holdren recently announced that, after … Read More
AgReliant Genetics Collaborates with AgSoil Analytics
AgReliant Genetics and AgSoil Analytics have paired up to provide soil information through an integration of soil-mapping technology. The AgSoil Analytics team is a Purdue-affiliated company headed up by agronomy professor Phillip Owens. Their company will be using AgReliant’s Advantage Acre precision farming platform to conduct their research. This partnership will allow the integration of a soil-mapping technology that provides … Read More
Important Housing Information for Commodity Classic
The 2016 Commodity Classic will be here before you know it. This year’s event is March 3-5 in New Orleans and registrations are coming in at a record rate. With that in mind there are some important housing issues to consider. Group rates are guaranteed through tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb 3) based on availability. You can check the Commodity Classic website … Read More
Open Climate Data Strengthens Food Supply
The USDA-Microsoft Innovation Challenge was crated in response to the President’s Climate Data Initiative in the hopes of utilizing climate data to protect America’s food supply. The USDA offered contestants more than 100 years of crop and climate data through the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform. Now Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Microsoft officials have announced the winners . Winners were … Read More
ARS Genebank Will Preserve Bee Genetic Diversity
With the nation’s beekeepers continuing to face problems with honeybee loss, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is creating a national bee gene bank to preserve the genetic diversity of bees. Of special interest are traits resistant to pests or disease and pollination efficiency. The new genebank will also be a resource for the ARS and others interested in researching better bee breeds. … Read More
ARA Releases Statement on West Fertilizer Report
More than two years after the fire and resulting explosion at the West Fertilizer Company the U.S. Chemical Safety Board has issued its concluding report and safety recommendations. The fire was responsible for the deaths of 12 emergency responders, three individuals and millions of dollars worth of damage. The Agricultural Retailers Association is appreciative of the extensive investigations and resulting report … Read More
ASA Urges Improvement for EU Biotech Approvals
The American Soybean Association recently addressed the European Commission to urge them to improve the process of accepting crops grown with new biotechnology traits. ASA noted that the delay in accepting these crops after passing through the EU’s long review process creates a barrier to the American soybean market and creates risk in the feed supply for Europe’s livestock industry. … Read More