Alabama farmers planted fewer acres of corn this year, but high yields could elevate the harvest to near record levels. “Good yields are always a blessing,” said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady. “Farmers need high yields to help offset low prices this year.” U.S. Department of Agriculture spring reports showed Alabama farmers planted 240,000 acres of corn, a 27 …
Study Shows Fungal Infections Reduce Frogs’ Tolerance of Heat
Fungal diseases are increasing in animals, which might have serious consequences for wildlife living in a hotter world, said a University of Florida scientist. A new study published in the international journal Scientific Reports shows that fungal infections reduced the heat tolerance of frogs by up to 4 degrees Celsius. “We have seen an increase in animal and plant diseases, …
Tractor Sales Up in May
The monthly survey of tractor sales in the U.S. shows increases in May. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers reports the sale of all tractors in the U.S. in May 2017 were up eight percent compared to the same month last year. For the five months in 2017, a total of 92,000 tractors were sold which compares to 86,000 sold thru …
Healthy Diet with Affordable Produce
Cathy Isom helps us maintain a healthy diet by taking us on a stroll down the produce aisle. Cathy tells us about the plant-based foods we should always have on hand, even if we’re on a budget. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When it comes to a healthy diet, sometimes what’s in our wallet determines what comes home …
Tools to Navigate Nation’s Parks and Forests
Exploring national parks and forests is a timeless adventure, offering a blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and the thrill of the great outdoors. In the digital age, various tech tools have emerged to enhance this experience, making it safer, more enjoyable, and accessible. This article delves into the best tech tools for navigating these natural wonders, with a special …
Alabama Corn Planting Nears Completion
Alabama farmers hope for better prices by Kelsey Cassebaum, Alabama Farmers Federation Despite low feed grain yields in 2016 because of drought, some Alabama farmers increased corn acreage this year, counting on good market conditions come harvest in July. Butler County’s Steve Tanner planted 1,100 acres of non-irrigated corn this year, up more than 300 acres from 2016. His non-irrigated …
USFRA Unveils Agriculture in America Sustainability Report at Sustainable Brands Conference
First-ever Agriculture in America Sustainability Report by USFRA highlights examples of exemplary sustainable farming practices on farms across the nation. This week at the Sustainable Brands Conference, a national event showcasing brand leaders who create the environmental and social purpose to drive innovation, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®) will publicly introduce its first-ever Agriculture in America Sustainability Report. It …
What You Can Grow in a Straw Bale Garden
Yesterday Cathy Isom told us how to set up our straw bale garden to prepare it for plants. today Cathy fills us in on what we can grow in a straw bale garden and how to get started. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Using a straw bale is an easy, no digging, mess free, and alternative way to grow …
Canada Ag Census Shows Increase in Young and Women Farmers
Canada saw increases in young and women farmers in its latest Census of Agriculture. Statistics Canada has released its 2016 Census of Agriculture, which counted 271,000-some farm operators, down from 293,000 during the 2011 Census. While people age 55 and over still make up the fastest-growing segment of farmers in Canada, the latest report shows slightly more producers under age …
Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is Tuesday
The 14th annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is coming up this Tuesday, May 2nd where readers across the state will be using a new non-fiction children’s book that highlights Florida’s aquaculture and seafood industries. The book is geared to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and while those reading are encouraged to do this on Agriculture Literacy Day, it’s something …