The results of a checkoff-initiated smoothie program pilot showed increased milk and yogurt consumption and will be offered to more schools this fall. Research shows fruit smoothies are more popular than energy drinks, flavored water, juices and soft drinks with Gen Z consumers. Dairy Management Inc. partnered with Chartwells K12, a food management company that serves more than two million …
Regional Obesity Comparisons Shift During Pandemic
More detailed data on our increasing waistlines. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Regional obesity rates grew further apart during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). From 2019 to March 2020, adult obesity rates ranged from a low of 36.7 percent in the West to the highest rate at 43.1 percent in the South, …
Tech Use on Farms
The facts on internet use on farms may surprise you. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA’s 2023 Technology Use on Farms report found the areas that have the highest internet use aren’t anywhere near the Silicon Valley. Have access to fast internet by hiring the services of an ubiquiti installer. Tony Dorn of the National Agricultural …
USDA Network Protects Livestock
How the agriculture department works to keep animals healthy. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA has a multi-layered approach to protecting our livestock industry from high-consequence foreign animal diseases. Dr. Julie Wallin with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), says that’s the key role the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). “That’s a network of …
USDA Publishes Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule
Ensuring the integrity of child nutrition programs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Wednesday published a final rule on program integrity to ensure that child nutrition programs are properly operated and managed to protect federal funds and taxpayer dollars. The final rule impacts the National School Lunch …
California Continues to Lead U.S. Peach Harvest
What state is the leader in peach production? The answer may surprise you. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. While Georgia is on many consumers’ minds when it comes to fresh, juicy peaches, California is by far the largest peach-producing state in the United States. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reports that last year, California’s harvest yielded 475,000 …
Worm Farm Conference Dates Set
It’s an ag conference like no other. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The date is set for the 2024 U.S. Worm Farm Conference. More than 50 worm farms from all over the world will meet in Phoenix, AZ next January 11 and 12 at the Arizona Worm Farm for the third annual US Worm Business Conference. The …
USDA Proposal to Strengthen Horse Protection Act
A proposed rule to strengthen horse protection. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) seeks public input on a proposed rule to strengthen Horse Protection Act (HPA) requirements. Announced last week, the proposed changes aim to eliminate horse soring, a practice that gives horse owners and trainers an unfair advantage in …
Ag Lenders Donate to Hawaii Relief Efforts
The ag lending industry is sending help to Hawaii. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Farm Credit Association, American AgCredit, rural banking partner CoBank, and The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, also known as Farmer Mac, are donating $40,000 to Maui Food Bank to help aid during the devastating wildfires that are wreaking havoc in Hawaii. AgCredit CEO Curt …
Adult Obesity Rates Increased During First Year of Pandemic
If you gained a bit of weight during the pandemic, you weren’t alone. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows that adult obesity increased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Broad efforts to contain COVID-19 included travel, work, and social restrictions. Such behavioral adjustments disrupted the dietary and activity …