An alternative food source for pollinators. That’s coming up in This Land of Ours. Sorghum bicolor, a pollen-rich grass species cultivated for grain and forage, which looks similar to corn, can be an important food source for pollinators and other beneficial insects during times when pollen and nectar are scarce. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) …
Research into Bee Health May Lower Winter Colony Losses
New research may help lower winter bee losses. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Agricultural Research Service scientists and their Chinese colleagues have identified a specific metabolic pathway that controls how honey bees apportion their body’s resources such as energy and immune response in reaction to stresses such as winter’s cold temperatures, according to recently published research. Entomologist and …
It’s Earth Day: Anniversary of the Birth of the Modern Environmental Movement
Today, April 22nd is Earth Day. More about that coming up on This Land of Ours. Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. Earlier this month Pique Action and earthday.org announced a strategic partnership as part of the ‘Invest In …
Seeking Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award Nominations
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has opened the nomination period for the 2022 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. Nominations must be submitted to FDACS by April 15, 2022. Get the nomination form here. “Through work in soil and conservation, pesticide and nutrient management, wildlife habitat conservation, and so much more … significant environmental contributions are the backbone of Florida’s thriving agriculture …
Program Helping Protect Pollinators from Invasive Pests
The USDA program helping protect pollinators from invasive pests. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bee pollination alone is responsible for more than 15-billion in added crop value, particularly for specialty crops such as almonds and other nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. Unfortunately, the honey bees are also vulnerable to invasive pests like parasitic mites, viruses, and predatory …
Plant Materials Center Provides Diverse Climate Plant Solutions
The center providing plant solutions in a diverse climate. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Lockeford Plant Materials Center is a 106-acre facility located in the Central Valley of California. It’s about an hour southeast of the state’s capitol, Sacramento, and is the only plant materials in the state. The center provides plant solutions for the diverse …
Predators that Threaten a Beekeeper’s Hive on the Farm
The common predators that can threaten a beekeeper’s hive on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Wild animals and insects prey on bees. One of the biggest bee predators is a Bear. They can destroy an entire hive by ripping it apart or tipping it on its side to get to the honey. Skunks enjoy eating …
How to Attract a Swarm of Bees to Your Property
How to attract a swarm of bees on your property. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If chasing bees isn’t for you, another way to get them to attract them is bait hives.You will need: Nuc boxes or old hive bodies, some new and old frames, and a swarm attractor. Place a ¾’ entrance in the nuc box …
How to Chase a Swarm of Bees to Become a Beekeeper
How to chase of swarm of bees so you can become a beekeeper. That’s coming up on This Land Ours. In order to chase bee hives, you will need a bee suit, shop vac or bee vacuum, bee box, frames and sugar water in a spray bottle. Then, get the word out that if someone comes across a swarm of …
Best Plants for Attracting Birds to Your Yard
Some of the best plants for attracting birds to your yard. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Many types of birds are attracted to plants that produce plenty of seeds. By growing seedy annuals and perennials in your yard, you’ll save money on birdseed and have beautiful flowers that you’ll enjoy, too. Attract more birds to your garden …