Researcher Discovers Link in Understanding Pest

Kelly MarshallEducation, Research

Nematodes are a billion dollar threat to agriculture each year.  Plant scientists at the University of Missouri and the University of Bonn in Germany have discovered that nematodes use a specific hormone to help them feed on the plant.  This discovering could allow scientist to develop plants with resistance to the pests. “Cell cycle regulation is a key aspect of … Read More

UF/IFAS Help Unravel Complicated Water Policy

Kelly MarshallConservation, Education, water, Water Management

The University of Florida/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education has a new program to help those who need information about water policies.  The mobile-friendly website provides people with access to the policies and aids them in deciphering complicated information.  In addition to several tools that help residents understand Florida policies, the website also contains ideas for thoughtful conversations about water … Read More

SARE Cover Crop Topic Brief Available

Kelly MarshallCover Crops, Education, Soil

Responses to a recent SARE-funded survey shows famers find cover crops increase corn and soybeans yields, reduce erosion and control weeds, but the number one reason farmers say they plant cover crops is improved soil health. If you are looking for practical advice for planting cover crops the SARE Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations is a good resource.  The … Read More

Agri-Women “Drive Across America”

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Agribusiness, Education, Events

Valent U.S.A. is sponsoring American Agri-Women in a five-month education and advocacy tour to celebrate 40 years of advocating for ag.  The “Drive Across America” entails a specially wrapped pick-up truck and a variety of educational, network, and advocacy events.  The drive will end at the annual conference in Portland, Maine. “Valent’s commitment to agriculture helps farmers be good stewards … Read More

Water for Food & Jain Irrigation Launch Joint Research

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Education, Irrigation, Water Management

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the Universtiy of Nebraska and Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. of India plan to work together on a joint international research and education partnership.  The two groups will provide financing for faculty, grad students, and post-doctoral scholars from UN to work with Jain Irrigation scientists to find solutions for water and food … Read More

Sustainability Game “Thrives” on AFBF Site

Kelly MarshallAFBF, Ag Group, Education

“Thrive” was the first soil and sustainability focused game offered by American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture on it’s educational resource website, My American Farm.  The game focuses on STEM standards, that’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and is aimed at third to fifth graders. Through interaction with Thrive, players will gain an understanding of how farmers and ranchers care … Read More

Soils Curriculum For Classrooms Around the Globe

Kelly MarshallConservation, Education, Soil

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) have developed a series of educational materials intended to teach children the importance of healthy soil.  Created as part of the 2015 International Year of Soils, the curriculum is for children ages 5 to 14 and focuses on healthy soil for our food, environment, … Read More

WinField to Put People Back in Touch with Farms

John DavisAgribusiness, Education

About 98 percent of Americans are not directly connected to where their food comes from, leaving many people with misconceptions about how food is produced. Agribusiness WinField is working to bridge that gap by partnering with Fair Oaks Farms to open the WinField Crop Adventure, an interactive educational exhibit that engages people of all ages. This news release says the … Read More

Help Research Out – Take Precision Farming Survey

Chuck ZimmermanEducation

I have been asked to help out Phil Bolton who is working on his Ag Econ Masters thesis. It involves a survey on the adoption of precision farming. Can you help out too? Take the survey or share it with someone who can. I know he’d really appreciate it. Take survey here: Precision Farming Survey Here’s some information from Phil … Read More

RNMF Offers Scholarships to Ag Students

Kelly MarshallEducation, Scholarship

The Responsible Nutrient Management Foundation is pleased to offer scholarships to students enrolled in ag-related programs for the 2015-2016 school year.  Scholarships are available in the amount of $2,500 for ag students at post-secondary institutions in the US. This scholarship opportunity is the result of a cooperative commitment between Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers, AgXcel, Ag PhD, Capello USA, Hagie Manufacturing, Midwest … Read More