The USDA is making $10.7 million available to fund research for water problems in rural and agricultural watersheds in the U.S. The funding is available through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). “Finding solutions for dealing water scarcity as well as maintaining water quality is critical for communities … Read More
One Year Results for Building Blocks for Climate Smart Ag
One year after the unveiling of the Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is sharing the results. He also announced an additional $72.3 million investment in carbon storage in healthy soils. “American farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners are global leaders in conserving rural America’s natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Vilsack. … Read More
USDA Awards $16.5 Million in Research Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $16.5 million in research grants to universities that are pursuing methods of boosting agriculture productivity and ensuring food security in the face of pests, diseases, and a changing climate. USDA is also seeking applications for the next round of projects, which will focus on pollinator health and plant and animal phenomics. The … Read More
USDA Announces Conservation Program Results
More than 800,000 acres of land have been enrolled in the CRP program through the 49th sign up period. Farmers and ranchers continue to participate in the program to provide benefits offered by restoring land, protecting wildlife, and improving water quality. “The Conservation Reserve Program provides nearly $2 billion annually to land owners – dollars that make their way into … Read More
Corn Planting Progress Ahead of Average
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that corn planting continues to be ahead of the five-year average. Last week results showed 30 percent of the total corn acres have been planted, numbers that exceed the average by 14 percentage points and ten percentage points ahead of where growers were just the week before. Missouri leads the way in corn planing, surpassing … Read More
#Plant16 Ahead of Average
The #Plant16 hash tag has been burning up Twitter in the past week as corn planting jumped up to 13% compared to the five year average of eight percent. According to USDA, planting progress is now ahead of average by 37 percentage points in Missouri, which at 58% planted nearly a quarter of its crop last week. Iowa, Kansas and … Read More
Reports Look Down for Corn Prices
While optimists hoped the increased demand for ethanol would help drive corn prices, the USDA reports say it won’t be enough to off-set other factors. Demand estimates are lower by 24 million bushels of corn, and ending stocks are higher by 25 million bushels. Production estimates remain unchanged from March. “U.S. corn farmers have indicated their intention to grow another … Read More
Cold Tolerant Faba Bean Developed
Faba beans are unique in many ways. They have double the protein of wheat and triple the amount found in rice. They contain beneficial amino acids, B-vitamis and micronutrients, plus they benefit the soil. Like others in the pulse family, Faba beans can pull nitrogen from the air for use by the plant. Their sweet, strong sent is attractive to … Read More
USDA Looking to Partner for Wetland Protection
The USDA is looking for conservation partners to leverage local investments and provide technical assistance for wetlands protection. They have allocated $15 million for this project through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). This program allows state, local, non-governemtnal organization and Tribal governments to collaborate within the USDA. The goal is to increase the voluntary participation in conservation projects, especially … Read More
Bearish Market Predicted for Row Crops
The news for row crop prices isn’t great, according to the Prospective Plantings Report, with corn and rice likely to continue their current trend through the end of 2016. “The report really highlights how challenging the market is right now for major crops,” said John Anderson, deputy chief economist of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “We currently have adequate supplies … Read More