USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the University of Montana, as well as other partners have built an interactive online map tool using Google Earth Engine. The project was started to present geospatial data on the Sage Grouse Initiative. “Bringing this data together in an easy-to-use online resource helps federal, state and private partners better target our work to … Read More
PanAridus Granted Natural Rubber Alternative Patent
PanAridus, LLC already has nine patents for guayule plants- a plant that yields a polymer nearly identical to natural rubber, and was recently awarded a tenth. Currently guayule plants are the only known source of domestically grown rubber that has been successfully tested in tires, making it attractive to tire manufacturers who must import tropically grown rubber. The newest patent … Read More
Simpler Pyrolysis Means On-Farm Fuel Production
U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers are getting closer to developing a system that will help farmers make their own energy on the farm or produce biofuels for commercial purposes. This article from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says scientists have found a way to simplify the pyrolysis processes for bio-oil. These findings by ARS scientists Charles Mullen and Akwasi … Read More
AgGateway Publishes Ag eStandards Release 5.3
AgGateway announced the publication of the Ag eStandards Release 5.3. The release includes new messages to support fertilizer tonnage reporting, feed tonnage reporting and seed booking processes. The new messages will enable eConnectivity among agribusiness companies, increasing accuracy and efficiency in their businesses. “This is one of the biggest standard releases in years for agribusiness,” said AgGateway Standards Director Jim … Read More
Studies Show Conservations Measure Working
An analysis of recent water data show long-term declining levels of nitrates in the Raccoon River, despite the weather-induced spike seen this spring. Additionally, according to Des Moines Water Works website posted measurements, 80 percent of the daily nitrate values since 2006 are less than the drinking water standard of 10 parts per million (ppm). “The fact that there’s been … Read More
Online Tool Makes Plant Stresses Manageable
With so many stresses at work in fields this season, it is important to understand the solutions that can minimize their toll. For this reason, Syngenta is introducing an online training moduleto teach corn, soybean and cereal growers how to manage plant stresses with Quilt Xcel fungicide. The first 500 participants who complete the module will receive a $25 gift … Read More
A New Guide of Fungicides
A new publication designed to help farmers make fungicide-related decisions is now available through Purdue Extension. The guide, Fungicides for Field Crops, was edited by specialists from five universities and printed by the American Phytopathological Society. The full-color publication includes photos and covers all aspects of fungicide use, including different modes of action, how to use them in various crops … Read More
Web-based Water Quality Index Tool
Scientists at the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recently developed a simple, web-based tool that helps producers easily understand the quality of water flowing off their fields – the Water Quality Index for Agricultural Runoff (WQIag). “Water quality is complex,” said NRCS National Water Quality and Quantity team leader Shaun McKinney. “Experts usually focus on one aspect of water quality … Read More
DPAC Awarded Training Program Grants
The Dakota Precision Ag Center (DPAC) has been awarded two grants totaling $3.28 million for the development of training programs in precision agriculture. DPAC will develop the programs to help fill in-demand jobs requiring high skill level in precision ag technologies and enhance current workplace training at North Dakota agribusinesses and implement dealers. Precision ag includes remote sensing or GPS; … Read More
E-marketplace Connecting Farmers
A new website recently launched, www.Sproutrade.com, which is a U.S.-based niche e-marketplace to connect farmers, growers and agriculture companies in a similar way as they might through broad e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon. Essentially, it is a way for farmers, growers and agriculture companies to market their products directly to consumers and other companies, via an online platform. One of … Read More