Last week, Colorado joined New Mexico and Texas as states affected by the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection after two horses displaying signs of the virus were tested and confirmed positive by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Previously, New Mexico had two VSV cases confirmed while Texas also had two cases confirmed. Colorado, New Mexico and Texas are the …
Beneath the Earth, the ‘Black Box’ of Soil Holds a Key to Crop Growth
IMMOKALEE, Fla. (UF/IFAS) — Like much of what lies just beneath the earth’s surface, soil microbes present a mystery. University of Florida scientist Sarah Strauss seeks to help untangle the web of intrigue surrounding soil microbes to improve agricultural production in Florida and globally. “There are microbial activities going on that we don’t exactly understand. It’s known as the ‘black …
Renewable Fuels Association CEO on EPA Proposal
Late last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued their proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard program for calendar year 2020. The proposal is a total renewable fuel volume of 20.04 billion gallons, of which 5.04 billion gallons are advanced biofuel, including 540 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel. This leaves the 15-billion-gallon requirement for conventional renewable fuels like corn ethanol …
Peanut Researchers Meeting This Week
The American Peanut Research and Educational Society 51th Annual Meeting is taking place this week in Auburn, AL. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentFL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …
Growing Onions from Seed Has Benefits
Just about every garden has onions. In today’s program, Cathy Isom explains the benefits of growing onions from seed. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Onions are staples in most vegetable gardens, and are usually grown from sets. Growing onions from seed, however, is just as easy. It’s also far more affordable, as a packet of 100 seeds …
Lawmakers Cite Enforcement as Top Concern with USMCA
While the top U.S. trade negotiator said the process of getting the USMCA on the path to ratification is going smoothly, Gary Crawford reports many lawmakers are voicing concerns about one particular aspect of the pending trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Sponsored ContentFL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses …
ASI President on Key Technologies
The American Sheep Industry (ASI) President, Benny Cox, recently discussed seeking funding to ensure American producers have access to key technologies. More specifically, the push to assist pharmaceutical development for sheep health products. Sponsored ContentFL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of …
NRCS Notes SoilWeb 2.0 App Update is Available
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants landowners to know the iOS and Android SoilWeb app, version 2.0 has been released. The app now has a cleaner and more modern interface with GPS-location-based links to access detailed digital soil survey data (SSURGO) published by the NRCS for most of the U.S. The newly updated SoilWeb smartphone application is available as …
Alabama Riparian Habitat Initiative Signup Ends Monday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama, wants to remind producers the Riparian Habitat Initiative signup ends Monday, July 8. NRCS, in partnership with the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, is accepting applications for the new initiative, which is focused on improving water quality and improving riparian area habitat through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The intent of the …
Grow Drought Tolerant Edible Plants
Most areas of the country have issues with water. A lot of us also like to grow our own fruit and vegetables. Cathy Isom lets us know about some drought tolerant edible plants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are several drought-tolerant productive plant choices that’ll put out fruits and veggies without much in the way of …