“i5k” is for Insects

Nearly 75 percent of all animal species are insects and other arthropods. Many profoundly impact people and the Earth’s ecology. Some insects pollinate a third of our food crops. Others destroy one-fifth of the world’s total crop production annually. Given the importance of arthropods, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) helped organize the “i5k Initiative.” The goal is to sequence and …

NMPF Urges Government-Take Action Against Misleading Labeling of “Blue Magic” Milk

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) urged federal and state food regulators to take enforcement action against imitation dairy product “Blue Magic Cashew Milk” for continuing to ignore federal standards of identity for dairy products. In a letter sent today to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, NMPF said that use of …

Irma Storm Damage?

Federal Program Provides Help Release from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service If your area suffers damage from a natural disaster, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help. The Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) relieves imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, wind­storms and hurricanes. Aid may include financial and technical assistance to remove debris from …

More Inspectors Expected to Grade Peanuts

Many inspectors and assistants are working overtime to help buying points try to stay ahead of peanuts arriving from the fields. But according to a story from Tyron Spearman, more inspectors are expected to help grade this year’s crop.   Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded …

Southeast Cattle Producers Invited to Forage Conference

Managing forages and grazing are critical elements of a successful cattle operation. So Southeast cattle producers are encouraged to attend the 2017 Forage Conference, coming up November 29 at Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula, Alabama. Alabama Extension Animal Scientist, Dr. Kim Mullenix, says “Attendees will have the opportunity to see current forage research as well as demonstration projects. They also will …

Autumn Homesteading Activities

Autumn is a busy time in the world of homesteading. Cathy Isom gives you a list of the seasonal chores you’ll want to do right now to keep you on track for winter and spring. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.   Some of the chores we do during Autumn will almost guarantee to keep us warm and …

Battle Lines Drawn on Tax Reform

The battle lines are drawn on President Trump’s tax reform proposals. The top Senate Democrat has just ‘tarred and feathered’ key provisions that would benefit farmers and other small businesses. Democrats stopped the GOP effort to repeal Obamacare, now they’re taking aim at the Republican push for tax reform, including estate tax repeal and changes to ‘pass-through’ tax rates that …

Coffee Supplies May Drop on Low Farm Earnings

International coffee growers are warning fewer coffee supplies may be in the future as coffee farmers are earning very little globally. The International Coffee Organization this week said farmers’ low earnings in many countries were depressing supply even as demand grows by two percent annually, according to Reuters. Rabobank last month forecast a 2017-18 global coffee deficit of 6.1 million …