(USDA-ARS/Baton Rouge, LA, April 7, 2022) — Pol-line honey bees, a type of Varroa mite resistant honey bee developed by the Agricultural Research Service, are more than twice as likely to survive through the winter than standard honey bees, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Although ARS developed Pol-line bees in 2014, this study was the first time that …
NCBA Endorses Bipartisan A-PLUS Act
(NCBA/WASHINGTON, April 7, 2022) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) supports the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). If enacted, the bill would clarify regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act to allow livestock market owners to maintain an …
GPC Approves Research Funding for 2022-23
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission’s (GPC) recent approval of $795,205 for research funding signals its emphasis for the state’s growers to remain sustainable now and into the future. Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman, talks about the importance of the funding. It includes 36 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley …
Peanut Industry Leaders: Tips for Producers Ahead of Planting Season
By Clint Thompson Soon it will be planting season for peanut growers in the Southeast. Industry leaders are ready to provide last-minute tips for farmers preparing to plant their crop. Ken Barton, executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, reminds producers about the importance of not planting their crop too early. “One of the things I would recommend to …
U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Deadline Extended: GCC Encourages Growers to Enroll
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) reminds producers that the deadline to enroll in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has been extended. Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission, discusses the importance of his state’s growers participating in the program. “The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol deadline for your 2021 crop has been pushed back to April …
Rising Chocolate Demand Means More Plant Health Research
As demand for chocolate rises, so does the need for agricultural research. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When was the last time you had a bite of chocolate? USDA researcher Doctor Alina Puig says people around the world are wanting it more, and that means a higher demand for cacao beans. As much as 40 percent of …
Southern Peanut Growers Conference Registration Underway
By Clint Thompson Registration is underway for the 23rd annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference scheduled for July 21-23 at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event provides farmers from Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi a chance to obtain timely information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. Don Koehler, executive director of the Georgia …
Protect Chocolate Supply by Not Transporting Plants
Following rules about plant transportation can help the world’s chocolate supply. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are rules in place about not transporting soil and plants from one country to another, and USDA researcher Dr. Alina Puig says those are important to follow. She is studying diseases in the cacao plant, which provides the main ingredient …
Georgia Ag Bills Headed to Governor’s Desk
The Georgia legislative session wrapped up on Monday. Will Bentley, President of the Georgia Agribusiness Council says it was a good session for agriculture and some important bills are headed to the governor’s desk. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United …
Ocean Shipping Reform Act Continues Getting Closer to President’s Desk?
Last week the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 was unanimously approved during a voice vote of the U.S. Senate. A version of the legislation was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives late last year. Final negotiations will take place before a final bill can be sent to President Joe Biden for a signature. “AFBF appreciates the unanimous vote in …