Soybeans are used for much more than just food and fuel. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Synthetic grass made from U.S. soybeans is just one of many different soy-based products supported through soy checkoff-funded research. United Soybean Board Director and Indiana farmer Tom Griffiths says there are more than 1,000 products with soy available on the market. …
How Your Dog Can Be Farm Dog of the Year
Find out how your dog can be Farm Dog of the Year. That’s coming up on this land of ours. They say every dog has its day. Farmers are invited to get their dogs a special day and submit nominations for the 2023 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which is supported by Purina. This is the fifth …
Experts Expect Inflation to Continue
Prices are going up yet again. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Inflation continues to rise as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports year-over-year inflation in March was 8.5 percent. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist Roger Cryan says we’re seeing the highest level of inflation in 40 years. “The Federal Reserve Bank has the levers to manage …
Low Pesticide Residues on Fresh Produce
How safe is your fresh produce? We answer that question coming up on this land of ours. Fresh fruits and vegetables and known for being healthy for us, but sometimes misinformation is put out about pesticide residue. One organization even claims to base its misinformation on a government study. So, advocates of healthy foods for American families went to work …
Finding The Truth About Pesticides in Produce
Finding the truth about pesticides in produce. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Each year, an anti-conventional farming organization puts out a list of fresh produce products that they claim are contaminated with harmful pesticide residues. However, there is no scientific evidence to support their claims, and they’re simply false. Another organization works to fight that misinformation. Teresa Thorn …
Vidalia Onions Ready for Grocery Store Shelves
It’s a favorite time of year for those who love a certain type of onion. That’s coming up on this land of ours. One of America’s favorite types of sweet onion is set to ship this month. Vidalia onions are only available for a limited time each year, so Vidalia onions hitting grocery store shelves often signals spring has sprung. …
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 …
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 …
Combating Viruses in Cacao Plants
Researchers are working to battle a virus that affects the world’s chocolate supply. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Up to 40 percent of the world’s cacao beans, which are used to make chocolate, are lost to cacao plant diseases. Researcher Doctor Alina Puig is finding ways to fight those issues. One issue she’s working on is cacao …
Research into Diseases that Threaten Chocolate
As the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes. Meet the researcher protecting the world’s chocolate supply. Chocolate is made from cacao beans, and research shows that up to 40 percent of the world’s cacao beans are lost to cacao plant diseases. Researcher Doctor Alina Puig says black pod rot causes the most losses in cacao, primarily because it’s found in …