Food prices continue to drop. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Global food prices fell by the biggest amount since 2008 due to easing concerns over the supplies of grains and vegetable oils as Ukraine restarted its exports. The United Nations world food cost index dropped almost nine percent in July. Bloomberg says the index is at its …
Celebrating National Farmers Market Week
We’re celebrating National Farmers Market Week. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. This week is National Farmers Market Week and the Department of Agriculture and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack say it’s in recognition of the role farmers markets play in making more nutritious food available to local communities. This is the 23rd year for National Famers Market Week, which …
Delicate Balance of International Trade and Markets
The balance of international trade and markets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. American Agri-Women hosted the Global Food and Energy Supply Conversation recently to respond to member interest in rising input and food costs. Chief economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation Roger Cryan was one of the speakers. He started with a discussion on the importance …
Discussion on Higher Input Costs
Taking a wider look at higher ag input costs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. American Agri-Women hosted the Global Food and Energy Supply Conversation recently to respond to member interest in rising input and food costs. AAW President Heather Hampton+Knodle, moderated the event. “As farmers and ranchers, we find ourselves grappling with this market price volatility and …
New NPB VP Suggests Volunteering, Talks Priorities
Strengthening the pork industry through volunteers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Volunteer involvement will strengthen any organization. Bob Ruth, the newly elected National Pork Board (NPB) vice president, was ecstatic to share why producers should get involved at the local, state, or national levels. He says the passion one has for the industry magnifies the story. “I …
Keeping Farm Dogs Safe from Heat Stress
How can you keep your farm dogs safe from heat stress? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Dogs aren’t proficient at sweating like humans are, and that makes them much more prone to overheating. Veterinarian Tony Hawkins says overweight, older, or out-of-shape dogs, along with dogs with underlying health conditions may be at greater risk than healthier dogs. …
Protecting Horses Against West Nile Virus
Protecting Horses Against West Nile Virus. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Since 1999, more than 25,000 cases of West Nile Virus encephalitis have been reported in horses, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Department Head for Entomology and Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Justin Talley, says West Nile Virus is spread by the …
High Oleic Soy Oil for Cooking
Promoting a certain type of cooking oil for chefs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. United Soybean Board farmer-leaders recently met with a group of professional chefs to promote the use of high oleic soybean oil in the restaurant and food service industries. Chuck Prellwitz is a soy checkoff leader from Wisconsin who took part in the event. …
USDA Says Rising Food Prices Could Ease in 2023
Could we see lower food prices next year? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The all-items Consumer Price Index increased 1.4 percent from May to June and is 9.1 percent higher than in June of last year. USDA once again raised its consumer food price inflation forecast from 8.5 percent to 9.5 percent for 2022. In their first …
Conservation Grants Available
Funding for more conservation programs in agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA this week announced it’s investing $25 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agricultural solutions, irrigation water management, nutrient management, and soil health. Through CIG, partners work to address our …