There is a new certification focused on sustainable agricultural practices developed by the United Soybean Board (USB), American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA). The certification will ensure best management practices are used by the industry. “The majority of U.S. soybean farmers are using sustainable practices, but we want to continue to improve our operations,” … Read More
USDA Studies Phosphorus Loss Through Tiles
New information from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that while surface runoff is a big contributor to phosphorus in watersheds, there is a significant amount coming from tiles. This article from the USDA says scientists in two studies for the agency found the runoff from farm fields into the Lake Erie Basin is a major contributor to algal … Read More
Soil Health Partners Pleased with Progress
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) was launched just shy of a year ago with seed funding in part from Monsanto and technical support from The Nature Conservancy (TNC). At the first Soil Health Summit last week in St. Louis, Monsanto Sustainability Business Development Lead Kevin Coffman said having partners in the environmental community is very helpful to the effort. “They’ve … Read More
EPA’s Neonicotinoid Findings Disputed
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is disputing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) findings critical on the efficacy of neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean operations. ASA President and Brownfield, Texas, farmer Wade Cowan said “…soybean producers use neonicotinoid seed treatments where they are needed and effective, and don’t use them where not.” Cowan pointed to recent research from Mississippi showing … Read More
The Fertilizer Institute Names 2015 4R Advocate Award Winners
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced the winners of the 2015 4R Advocate Awards. The 4R Advocate Award program, now in its fourth year, recognizes on-farm stewardship actions. Winners are selected based on their actions to protect the environment, boost profitability and benefit society through nutrient stewardship practices based on the 4Rs (using the right nutrient source, at the right rate, … Read More
NRCS Talks Programs at NAFB
Soils, climate change, pollinators, and the 2014 Farm Bill conservation programs were among the topics addressed at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention by James Tillman, southeast regional conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Tillman says NRCS has been very active in protecting pollinators, and honeybees in particular. “NRCS is working with five states – South Dakota, … Read More
Polar Tractor Lands in Antarctica
The Massey Ferguson tractor set to spearhead an expedition to the South Pole has touched down in the Antarctic. The ambitious Antarctica2 mission to reach the Pole by tractor is scheduled to depart on its 5000 km journey across the ice this weekend (22/23 November) depending on weather conditions. Transported in a IL76 heavy-cargo aircraft, the tractor landed at Novo … Read More
Lower Rate for N YIELD CX Nitrogen Stabilizer
During the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk meeting last week, Eco Agro Resources announced a new N YIELD CX label that includes a new high-efficiency, lower rate for the 2015 season. According to the company, testing during the 2014 growing season confirmed that N YIELD CX makes stabilized nitrogen fertilizer more affordable and is equally effective. Testing showed … Read More
Future of Ag Joins in Chorus of ‘Ditch the Rule!’
Producers who will be the future of agriculture are telling the federal government to keep an unpopular water rule from having a future of its own. This news release from Farm Bureau says the group’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee wants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers to ditch the proposed Waters of the U.S. … Read More
Nominations Open for 2015 4R Advocate Awards Program
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) launched the 2015 4R Advocate Awards Program with a call for entries from retailers wishing to highlight the exceptional nutrient stewardship practices of their grower customers. The 4R Advocate Award program, now in its fourth year, recognizes farmers who are protecting the environment, boosting profitability and benefiting society through nutrient stewardship practices based on the 4R’s. … Read More