A researcher at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) in Greece is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to estimate crop yield. “Crop yield is the most important piece of information for crop management in precision agriculture. Early crop yield estimations allow farmers to optimize farm operation scheduling, field management and product marketing decisions,” said AUA associate professor Spyros Fountas. Fountas …
Three Easy Methods for Growing Gourmet Potatoes
How to grow gourmet potatoes. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are literally thousands of varieties of potatoes, some the size of a foot and others barely bigger than your pinky finger. They can be purple, blue, yellow, red, or white; inside, out, or inside and out. They can have a fluffy texture or creamy or waxy. Three …
Tomato Plant Disease that Can Stick Around for Years
A tomato plant disease that has the capability of sticking around for years. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Early blight is caused by the soil-borne pathogen Alternaria solani, and this fungus can stick around for years because it overwinters in the soil, even in cold climates. Most early blight cases won’t kill your plants, but it causes bulls-eye-shaped …
Most Destructive and Deadly Tomato Diseases Not Very Common
One of the most destructive and deadly tomato diseases gardeners face that is not very common. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Without a doubt, late blight strikes fear in the heart of all gardeners. It’s one of the most destructive and deadly tomato diseases you could face, but it’s not that common, especially for northern gardeners. It …
Common Tomato Plant Disease to Watch for in the Garden
A common Tomato Plant Disease to watch for in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tomato plants are known for being vulnerable to a number of tomato diseases. Fungal, viral, and bacterial issues can wipe out entire crops and gardens in a short period if left unchecked, so you need to know how to spot these …
Best Pepper Varieties to Grow in the Garden
The best pepper varieties to grow in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are literally thousands of pepper varieties you can grow in your garden in different colors, shapes, and flavors. So it’s best not to just limit yourself to one pepper when planning your garden. Grow a few different kinds from super hot to sweet …
Best Carrot Varieties to Grow in the Garden
Some of the best carrot varieties to grow in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. One of the easiest veggies to grow and perfect for beginners – carrots. And, you can grow them in a variety of colors, besides orange. Atomic Red carrots are a showstopper. They have bright red skin are get darker when cooking. …
Florida Right to Farm Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
Just hours after the Florida House gave final approval Thursday, a bill that would expand legal protections for farmers was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the House voted 110-7 to support expanding the state’s “Right to Farm” law, a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. The Senate passed the bill (SB …
Fertilizer Costs Shape Crop Production Expenses
The Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reports production costs for corn and other major commodities are shaped by fertilizer cost. From 2010 to 2019, fertilizer was a major expense in U.S. corn production, accounting for 33 to 44 percent of operating costs-a category that includes other variable expenses like seed, chemicals, fuel, and repairs. Fertilizer also comprised 16 to …
Produce Union Unhappy with USDA’s Cancellation of Food Box Program
A trade group in the fruit and vegetable industry is unhappy with the USDA’s decision to cancel the Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution Program. United Fresh says millions of Americans gained access to healthy, fresh produce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the decision by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack “shortsighted.” The group says comments disparaging the program were a slap …