Ag students head to the nation’s capital. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. For more than fifty years, FFA members from across the country have converged in Washington, D.C., in the summer. After a two-year delay, the Washington Leadership Conference is back. The annual conference began this week. More than 2,000 students are registered for the 2022 Washington Leadership Conference, …
Celebrate Avocados in June
A ten-year milestone for a certain fruit. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Ten years ago, the California Avocado Commission first observed June as the official California Avocado Month and they continue the tradition this year. Avocados are grown by about 3000 California growers primarily with Groves from San Diego to Monterey. The California Avocado Commission was created in 1978 …
Extensive Study Says GMO Corn Not Harmful to Non-Target Insects
What a new study says about GMO corn. That’s the subject of today’s This Land of Ours. The largest, highest quality analysis of data ever conducted on the subject shows that genetically modified Bt corn has little impact on nontarget insects and other organisms, especially compared to growing conventional corn. This study was published this week in Environmental Evidence by …
Stay Safe During the Summer Grilling Season
Stay safe during the summer grilling season. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. With summer officially here, it’s that time again when a lot of us will be gathering around the grill. Millions of people get sick each year because of a lack of food safety while grilling, but you don’t have to be one of them. The USDA offers …
Drivers Across the U.S. Reach 30 Billion Miles on E15 Fuel
A sector of the clean fuel industry is celebrating a milestone. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. The biofuel association Growth Energy this week announced that drivers around the nation have logged 30 billion miles on the road using E15. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls it a testament to the rising popularity of E15. The ethanol blend is made …
Sustainability in Agriculture
The lasting trend of sustainability in agriculture. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Sustainability is nothing new in agriculture. After all, humans have needed a sustainable food supply for all of our existence. However, in the last several years, it’s become a buzzword for the general public as well. Allison Nepveux is the Director of Sustainability at Bushel Inc. and …
West Nile Virus Still a Threat to Horses Despite Drought
Many parts of the nation are in drought, but that doesn’t mean the end of mosquitos. Find out what that means for your horses, in today’s This Land of Ours. While much of the western U.S. endures widespread drought, people may think mosquito season won’t be as intense. However, just because there’s no rain doesn’t mean there are no mosquitoes. …
Deadline Approaching for Climate Smart Partnerships
A deadline is approaching for funding for certain USDA partnerships. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds potential partners that the deadline to apply for the second round of funding through the new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities is Friday, June 10. This funding pool includes proposals from $250,000 to $4,999,999 that emphasize the enrollment of …
Growing a Little Berry with a Big Impact
A little berry with big impact. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Aronia berries have been around for hundreds of years, but they’re just now coming into the spotlight. Greg Nelson is an aronia berry grower, one of the few in the United States. The plant is native to North America, and is also grown in other countries …
Farm Bureau Virtual Event Focuses on Farmer Mental Health
Putting a focus on mental health for farmers. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the American Farm Bureau Federation will host a free virtual event, Farmers Saving Lives, on Tuesday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. The live event will feature compelling stories from three Farm Bureau members who believe that advocating …