Globally Recognized UF/IFAS Crop-Model Researcher Wins National Soil Science Award

A University of Florida professor has received a top award from the Soil Science Society of America for helping to develop and apply practices that increase crops, income and help the environment. The L.R. Ahuja Ag Systems Modeling Award goes to a soil scientist, agronomist or crop scientist in recognition of distinguished contributions and their demonstrated impact in the past …

ASTA Supports USDA Action

Calls for Clarity on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was withdrawing its proposed rule to revise and update the agency’s biotechnology regulations for the purpose of soliciting additional stakeholder input. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is encouraged that USDA is taking steps to consider …

U.S. Must Make Commitment to Agricultural Research

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in testimony delivered urged Congress to renew its commitment to funding agricultural research to help America’s farmers feed a growing world population, improve public health and strengthen U.S. national security by ensuring America’s food security. NPPC chief veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom told the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and …

U.S. Must Make Commitment To Agricultural Research

The National Pork Producers Council in delivered testimony urged Congress to renew its commitment to funding agricultural research to help America’s farmers feed a growing world population, improve public health and strengthen U.S. national security by ensuring America’s food security. NPPC chief veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom told the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology …

New ARS Website Enhances Access to Scientific Information

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) launched a newly designed website that improves access to information about ARS research. The new site features mobile responsiveness allowing users to better navigate and view information on both mobile and desktop devices. ARS maintains scientific information stemming from research conducted by nearly 2,000 Federal scientists researching animal and crop health, human nutrition, food safety, …

NIFA Biotechnology Grants Put Science at Center of Food Safety Policy

The science of agriculture grows more complex every year. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced support for projects to help bridge the gap between biotechnology innovations and the policies on how to use them. These grants are funded through NIFA’s Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants (BRAG) Program. “Biotechnology offers innovative tools …

Soil Moisture Sensors Help Suwannee Valley Growers Manage Irrigation

Soil Moisture Sensors (or SMS) are a precision agriculture technology on the rise in North Florida. Using electronic sensors at various depths, moisture readings are taken continuously throughout the day. By using this technology, growers are now able to “see underground” and at a distance through cell phone transmission of data. UF/IFAS Extension, as part of the land grant system, …