ATHENS, GA (USDA/NASS) – During the first two weeks of September, growers of small grains around the country will receive survey forms from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2019 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, and rye. “The small grains industry is …
DeSantis: Keep Up ‘Momentum’ on Water Issues
TALLAHASSEE, FL (NSF) — During an appearance in Bonita Springs Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis encouraged advocates for clean water to keep pressing lawmakers to pass conservation measures in the upcoming 2020 legislative session. DeSantis, proudly noting that legislators this year exceeded his environmental funding request of $625 million by $55 million, said local voices are needed to maintain the “momentum” …
U.S. Department of Commerce Announces a New Draft Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico
WASHINGTON, D.C. (USDOC) —The U.S. Department of Commerce initialed a draft agreement with Mexican tomato growers to suspend the ongoing antidumping (AD) investigation of fresh tomatoes from Mexico, ensuring that the domestic tomato industry will be protected from unfair trade. “For many years, there have been disputes over the roughly $2 billion worth of tomatoes that are imported from Mexico …
Analyzing Genomes to Improve Disease Control in Poultry
(USDA/ARS) — Marek’s disease—a highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpesvirus—is a constant threat to poultry worldwide. It is also one of the most preventable diseases with vaccination. However, while vaccines prevent poultry from becoming sick with symptoms of the virus, they do not prevent virus spread and mutation—considered the main reason for increased virus virulence, or severity, in …
Tariffs, Farm Income, Squeezing Sales for Deere
(NAFB) — Low farm income, a challenging growing season and the impact of trade tariffs on agriculture have farmers putting off purchases of equipment. The depressed farm economy is part of the factors why Deere &Co. trimmed its earnings forecast for the year to $3.2 billion, from an expected $3.3 billion and a five percent increase in sales. The sales …
Elanco to Acquire Bayer Animal Health
(NAFB) — Elanco Animal Health has entered into a $7.6 billion agreement with Bayer to acquire its animal health business in a transaction valued at $7.6 billion. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, will double Elanco’s companion animal business. Bayer CEO Werner Baumann says the acquisition by Elanco will “give rise to a leading competitor in the animal …
UF/IFAS Researchers Close in on a Tastier Tomato
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — In their quest for a tastier tomato, University of Florida scientists are finding traits they believe will tempt consumers with flavor that triggers their senses even more. They’re making significant progress on improving the UF-developed Tasti-Lee™ tomato – and it will feature improved flavor and aroma. “Modern tomato cultivars typically have poor flavor as compared to …
UF/IFAS Researcher Aims to Improve Bacteria Treatments for Cows, Humans
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — University of Florida scientists believe they can develop new antimicrobials that will benefit dairy cattle and, eventually, humans by treating bacteria that normally resist antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria take a serious toll on cattle and humans. On the human side, at least 2 million people contract an antibiotic-resistant infection each year in the United States, and at …
Study Shows Decrease in Poultry Antibiotics Use
(NAFB) — A new report on antimicrobial use in broiler chicken and turkey farms shows antibiotics use has decreased from 93 to 17 percent since 2013. The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association announced the findings as part of its commitment to transparency and sustainability. The report represents a five-year data set, collected between 2013 and 2017. The report shows that …
China Makes August U.S. Pork Purchase
(NAFB) — The world’s biggest pork consumer bought just over 10,000 tons of U.S. pork sometime between August 2-8. Reuters says that was the biggest purchase of American pork in almost two months. The pork purchase is due for shipment this year as African Swine Fever continues to ravage the world’s biggest pork herd. The Chinese Commerce Ministry had said …