How did the tradition of the Christmas tree get started? Gary Crawford has one of several possible theories coming up on This Land of Ours. No one knows for sure exactly how the tradition of decorating an Evergreen tree for the holidays got started, but one story is called “The Blessing of the Fir Tree.” Agriculture Department history researcher Anne …
Partnership for U.S. Forests
A new partnership to improve the nation’s forests. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The nonprofit conservation organization American Forests is teaming up with the USDA Forest Service to help in reforestation across millions of burned and degraded acres over the next five years. The $20 million agreement will enable American Forests to aid the Forest Service to …
Tight Supply of Christmas Trees
What’s the story behind the recent very tight supplies of real Christmas trees? Gary Crawford tells us in today’s This Land of Ours. Shop early to find that perfect Christmas tree before they’re all gone. Shoppers are hearing that message a lot this year, but why? Well, Tim O’Connor with the National Christmas Tree Association says most growers these days …
New Nutritional Campaign Launches on Wheat
Why you may be hearing more about the nutritional benefits of wheat. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Consumers want nutrition information, so the Wheat Foods Council (WFC) is launching a social media campaign that educates fitness professionals and trainers about the benefits of wheat foods in healthy diets. U.S. Wheat Associates and the WFC are both farmer-led …
Optimism in Christmas Tree Industry
There’s optimism about the future of the Christmas tree industry. Gary Crawford has more coming up on This Land of Ours. Ten to fifteen years ago Christmas tree growers were worried about the long-term future of their industry. Today that worry is changing into optimism. It seems more and more people are telling us that they are done with artificial …
U.S. Farmers at COP28
U.S. farmers are involved in international climate change conversations at COP28. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Several U.S. farm representatives will be on hand during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, to express agriculture’s important role in climate mitigation efforts. “We’ll have a number of opportunities both through our direct involvement as a member …
National Christmas Tree Now on Display
A holiday tradition is now on display at the nation’s capitol. Rod Bain has more coming up on This Land of Ours. This 2023 holiday season will kick-off with the National Christmas Tree Lighting! This beloved American tradition, presented by the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF), will feature musical performances and the official lighting of the …
Jury Rules that Egg Producers Conspired to Fix Prices
A case of a price-fixing conspiracy from over a decade ago is finally decided. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. An Illinois jury found that several of the country’s major egg producers conspired to limit America’s supply of eggs in order to raise prices in a case that began in a federal lawsuit 12 years ago. Several large …
NCGA, BASF Announce 16th Annual Scholarship Program
A scholarship opportunity for undergraduate students who are passionate about agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and BASF have partnered for another year to provide scholarships to undergraduate students passionate about agriculture. Over the past sixteen years, more than 80 undergraduate students have received scholarship funds to aid them in pursuing …
Working to Strengthen Agriculture’s Talent Pipeline
Working to strengthen the future of ag. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Agriculture Future of America and the National FFA Organization made their partnership official. The groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding during AFA’s Leaders Conference in November. The MOU cements the bond that existed between the two groups and underscores a shared commitment to developing and …