Iowa farmers are known for not just growing food, fiber and fuel, but for doing it well. Their fertile soils, combined with varied terrain and a lot of Mother Nature mean farmers face challenges when it comes to keeping nitrates where they belong. The Iowa Water Quality Initiative has been a big part of helping farm families use innovative, science-proven … Read More
$103 Million Going to Vital Watershed Projects
The USDA has announced an investment of $103 million for the recovery and rehabilitation of aging dams in the U.S. The program will cover problem areas in 19 states, with the hard-hit states of Texas, Mississippi and Utah receiving the most assistance for damage caused by 2015’s excessive rains and other natural disasters. “The Emergency Watershed Protection program is vital to … Read More
Tweet Bee Emojis ? To Help #FeedABee
Today’s pollinators are facing a multitude of challenges, but their role in agriculture and human life remains as important as ever, and The Bayer Bee Care Center is continuing to make a tremendous impact on the lives of our nation’s pollinators. Aside from the program’s efforts in supporting research and educating beekeepers and farmers, the center’s #FeedABee social media campaign … Read More
$41 Million Invested in Water Quality for Lake Erie Basin
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA‘s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be putting $41 million into a three-year program designed to help farmers in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. The initiative hopes to improve water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) with science-based conservation measures designed to reduce runoff. The invested will offer opportunities to farmers and … Read More
The Fertilizer Institute Honors 4R Growers at #Classic16
The Commodity Classic was the site of many top honors last week, including the 4R Grower and Retailer Advocates title given to five American farmers and their retail partners by The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). 4R Grower Advocates are those who have shown excellence in the four areas of nutrient stewardship: using the right nutrient source at the right rate at … Read More
Celebrating Two Years Of Soil Health Partnership
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is beginning its third year of operation, seeing increasing strength and participation from the industry with each year. The organization hosted a learning session at the 2016 Commodity Classic, giving industry professionals an opportunity to learn more about the farmer-led conservation initiative of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). SHP also hosted a panel of … Read More
CTIC To Showcase Idaho Conservation Efforts
The team at the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) was on hand during the 2016 Commodity Classic, using the event as an opportunity to spread the word about their search for a new Executive Director, as well as their upcoming Conservation in Action Tour. The CTIC board of directors is searching for a new executive director, as former director Karen … Read More
Kansas Farm Wins ASA Conservation Award
The American Soybean Association is pleased to award Winsor Farms of Grantville, Kansas with the 2016 National Conservation Legacy Award. The award was presented at the annual ASA Banquet at Commodity Classic last week. Andy Winsor represented Winsor Farms at the event. Winsor Farms was chosen from among three regional winners. The 2016 Northeast winner was Cory Atkins from Seaford, … Read More
New Program Assess Fertilizer Management Tools
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has just launched NutrientStar, a new science-based program that reviews the performance of commercially available nutrient management tools. Nitrogen is one of the most critical nutrients for row crops, but as much as 50 percent of what a grower puts on his field is not absorbed by crops. This contributes to air and water pollution … Read More
CropMetrics to be Featured on Discovery
CropMetrics, an agriculture company specializing in precision irrigation and advanced agronomic solutions, will be features in an episode of Innovations on the Discovery channel. Viewers will have the opportunity to learn about CropMetrics’ mission to develop and supply precision management technology solutions that increase water, nutrient and energy efficiency while practicing natural resource conservation. “We are very excited to share … Read More