What would happen if U.S. farmers stopped producing animals for food and Americans went vegan? Some have called for a move in that direction to address increasing concerns about U.S. health, eating habits, and climate change. Researchers at USDA‘s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Virginia Tech recently explored those questions and found surprising results. Mary Beth Hall, an ARS animal scientist at the U.S. …
Cranberries-Thanksgiving Superfood
Cathy Isom checks out cranberries and how they are the Thanksgiving superfood with impressive health benefits. That’s coming up on “This Land of Ours.” When it’s time to sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, don’t forget to pass the cranberries. These little red berries have so many healthy reasons to deserve a place on your plate. They’re low in …
Bringing Persimmons into the Limelight
Persimmons are a sweet, flavorful fruit that hasn’t gotten much attention. That’s probably because many people don’t know what it is, how to eat it, or that it’s good for you. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their collaborators are working to bring this uncommon Asian native fruit into the limelight. In 2016, the United States exported 7.4 million pounds of …
Agri View: Grape Farming Growing
Everett Griner talks about grape farming growing across the country in today’s Agri View. Everett gives us a bit of history of grapes and looks at how grape farming is expanding into the eastern part of the country. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and Management PracticesMarch 6, 2026CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle …
Florida Ag Expo is Wednesday
The 2017 Florida Ag Expo, a can’t-miss opportunity for growers and consultants looking to maximize profitability in fruit and vegetable production, will be held Wednesday in Balm. And Dr. Jack Payne, University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, says they have a great lineup for those who attend. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support …
Agri View: Tree Damage from Storms
Everett Griner talks about the agricultural impact of tree damage caused by storms in today’s Agri View. Everett discusses various types of tree damage from recent hurricanes and what the agricultural losses were. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and Management PracticesMarch 6, 2026CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted …
Jack O’ Lanterns Made With Fruit
Everyone carves a pumpkin into a Jack O’ Lantern for Halloween, but, have you thought about carving some fruit. Cathy Isom gives you ideas about some great fruits you can use to make Halloween Jack O’ Lanterns. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Sure, nothing screams Halloween more than the biggest, plumpest, perfectly carved pumpkin with a happy, …
Seasonal Fruits for Your Health
Cathy Isom has the details about six of the best seasonal fruits good for your hair, skin, and nails. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Even if you’re not looking to add a little extra glow to your complexion, there are some wonderful fall fruits that will give your skin, hair, and nails an extra boost. Persimmons have a …
No “Skull and Crossbones” for GMO Apple Labels
The company behind GMO apples hitting the market later this fall says the apples won’t be labeled as containing GMO’s. The arctic variety apples developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, an initiative started by an apple farmer, will instead include a QR code, as outlined in the GMO labeling bill that was passed by Congress and signed by then President Barack …
Putnam Speaks to Florida Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott to discuss the recent agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to request federal assistance. The following are excerpts from his remarks: “The Florida delegation has a long history of coming together in the aftermath of these types of disasters and bringing the full weight of the third largest …