June, 2023

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The UNICEF-WHO Congress on infant formula marketing: a brief report

Food Politics

Last week, I attended and spoke at the UNICEF-WHO Global Congress on Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes at WHO headquarters in Geneva. The meeting was attended by more than 400 government, health, and advocacy representatives from more than 100 countries. Representatives of infant formula companies were not invited to participate.

Marketing 341
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Soybean School: Could higher seeding rates salvage poor plant stands?

Real Agriculture

Strong plant stands can set a soybean crop up for big yields. But difficult spring conditions can leave soybean seedlings fighting to emerge and unable to contribute to the population levels needed to reach yield expectations. In Ontario, typically one to four per cent of the soybean acres fail to establish adequate plant stands and. Read More Strong plant stands can set a soybean crop up for big yields.

Seeding 246
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Some Career News

Jayson Lusk

I’m excited to announce that I will serve as the next Vice President and Dean of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University, beginning early August. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the head of the Agricultural Economics Department at Purdue University, and I will miss my friends and colleagues in West Lafayette.

Science 189
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Berkeley pushes AI innovation, research with ‘Woodstock of Hackathons’

Berkeley Blog

We're at a fascinating 'epi-inflection point' in generative AI. There are so many valid concerns surrounding it, but if events like this, and others, help set a strong cultural orientation toward AI innovation that is ethical and responsible, there is much room for advancement that improves our lives in ways we can’t begin to fathom.

Science 145
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Soybean Aphids Have Arrived. Send in the Scouts

AgWeb Farm Journal

The pest is showing up in early-season soybeans. Current numbers don't necessarily warrant treatment. But the pests can double in population in only a few days, so scouting is the only way to stay on top of them.

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Did You Know That Soil Health Affects Human Health?

The Equation

As a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Package passed in 2022, Congress directed the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to investigate the links between human health and soil health, looking into how soil management practices that support healthy soils influence the nutritional content of foods and affect overall human health.

Food 115
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Weekend reading: Update on the International Code on infant formula marketing

Food Politics

Earlier this week I wrote about the UNICEF-WHO meeting I went to in Geneva on implementing the 1981 International Code governing marketing of infant formulas. UNICEF has just issued an update: What I [meaning you ] Should Know about the Code This new publication—a one-stop shopping guide to the issues—summarizes UN resolutions on the Code since 1981 as well as subsequent research on breastfeeding and infant formula marketing, most notably the Lancet Commission reports I wrote about earlier.

Marketing 246

More Trending

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Making Sense of Agrisolar in Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy

Global Ag Tech

The solar and ag industries can work together to make significant progress towards transforming food supplies and accelerating the transition to clean energy. The post Making Sense of Agrisolar in Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy appeared first on Global Ag Tech Initiative.

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What happens when open source AI falls into the wrong hands?

Berkeley Blog

A researcher was granted access earlier this year by Facebook’s parent company, Meta, to incredibly potent artificial intelligence software – and leaked it to the world. As a former researcher on Meta’s civic integrity and responsible AI teams, I am terrified by what could happen next. Though Meta was violated by the leak, it came.

Science 141
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Derecho Packs Punch of 100 MPH Winds, Flattens Cornfields and Crushes Grain Bins Across the Midwest

AgWeb Farm Journal

Hurricane-force winds swept from northern Missouri and Iowa all the way east to Illinois and Indiana. The derecho brought wind gusts up to 100 mph, flattening cornfields, but it also drenched soils with crucial rains.

Grain 117
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Why Living Above the Poverty Line Doesn’t Guarantee Food Security

The Equation

If you are worried about the rising cost of food, you are not alone. In the United States, approximately 1 in 10 households experience food insecurity (although research suggests it’s actually many more than that). Dramatic inflation , coupled with the premature expiration of additional dollars for those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and new work requirements for some SNAP recipients, has led to widespread worry about hunger.

Food 103
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Weekend reading: IPES Food on corporate governance of food systems

Food Politics

The prolific International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems has produced another must-see report: Here’s what it’s about: Corporate influence over food system governance has become the new normal: the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit exposed the ability of multinational agri-food corporations to influence food system decision-making and dominate seemingly inclusive ‘multi-stakeholder’ processes…corporations have succeeded in convincing governments that they must be central in any discussi

Food 238
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The five Ws of combine prep

Real Agriculture

It’s never too early to start thinking about harvest prep, especially as fall-seeded crops race towards the finish line in mid-summer. Jim Franceschetti, product marketing manager, crop harvesting, hay & forage for CASE IH, says that starting combine prep early means avoiding too-busy service bays and techs and avoids waits for parts, too.

Forage 130
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Weather-Proofing Your Workforce for Summer 2023

DTN

For employers and managers, summer is not just about welcoming college interns, onboarding seasonal workers, and juggling an influx of vacation requests; the warmer weather also means additional planning and management for outdoor work and activities. The summer of 2023 will be no different — though potentially more extreme. In April, DTN meteorologists shared during a U.S.

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AgriTechNZ News: Northern Hemisphere spotlight

Agritech NZ

June was a busy month with New Zealand’s National Fieldays returning to its full glory and E-Tipu/IFAMA events driving thought leadership and inspiration. The Hort Connection tradeshow was also a hive of activity in Australia. So, it’s timely to now shine light on the Northern Hemisphere where many of our Members have a market strategy or customer base.

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Game Changer for Soybeans? USDA Ignites Fireworks in the Markets With Two Major Acreage Surprises

AgWeb Farm Journal

USDA released a few big surprises in the June acreage report, including a spike in corn acres and a large reduction in soybean acres. The agency also forecasts grain stocks below trade expectations.

Acre 113
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The United States Needs to Protect Its Farmworkers from “Danger Season”

The Equation

Farmworkers face many hazards while performing the labor that props up the $1.264 trillion US food and farm economy, yet a new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) found that federal agencies focused on agriculture and health invested an average of only $16.2 million dollars per year in farmworker health research projects between fiscal years 2019 and 2022.

Pesticide 103
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Industry influence of the week: pork

Food Politics

A member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the professional association for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, sent me this emailed announcement from Pork & Partners, a program of the National Pork Board Checkoff. The accompanying message: A Friend To All Foods + CPEUs for You! Pork & Partners is an exciting new community for RDNs, tailored to help you meet your professional needs.

Food 223
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Wheat School: World record wheat with Eric Watson

Real Agriculture

What does it take to grow 258-bushel-per-acre wheat? On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, Peter Johnson peppers New Zealand wheat grower Eric Watson on how he achieved that world record wheat yield in 202o. His record has since been broken but the Ashburton, New Zealand farmer is now planning another assault on the record. Read More What does it take to grow 258-bushel-per-acre wheat?

Acre 130
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Norwich Bioscience Institutes: Accessible Science Event

Agri-tech

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes (NBI): Accessible Science Event will take place on Tuesday 10th October from 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 3:15pm. Hear from world-leading researchers and support staff from four NBI Institutes in a series of seminars and flash-talks, covering subjects including plant and microbial science and diseases, genetics, human health and the vast array of diverse.

Science 98
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Exploring Irrigation Systems on U.S. Farms

The Farmers Daughter USA

Water is absolutely vital for the survival of every living thing. Plants are no exception. The challenge for adequate water is one that plagues agriculture. While rainfall provides a natural source of moisture, its erratic nature and unpredictable patterns often fall short in meeting the needs of crops. Enter irrigation systems–a strategic and purposeful approach to supplementing nature’s offerings and ensuring the optimal growth and productivity of crops.

Farming 98
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Ferrie: Derecho Took 20 to 30 Bu. Off the Top of April Corn but Don’t Throw in the Towel

AgWeb Farm Journal

Flattened corn can often recover, stand and produce decent yields. Soybeans can shake off a storm and flourish, but beware spider mites in the next 10 days if temperatures stay 85-plus degrees with low humidity.

Yield 112
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A Deep Dive on the Senate’s FY2024 Appropriations Bill

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Credit: Jonathan P. Larsen/Diadem Images On June 22, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill in what has become a rare occurrence – unanimous, bipartisan approval. The Senate’s approval of the Agriculture bill stood in stark contrast to what transpired in the House Appropriations Committee just a week earlier – an eight plus hour partisan slog that res

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Unify the FDA’s food programs—says Congressional Ag Appropriations

Food Politics

Once again I am indebted to Bill Marler for keeping me informed about items related to food safety: Publisher’s Platform: The House Appropriations Committee Directs the FDA to Restructure – will it be Ignored? He points to this item on page 79 of the House Agriculture Appropriations bill. I’ve written about problems with the FDA’s oversight of food and food safety previously (see this for example ).

Food 130
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The Agronomists, Ep 117: Controlling volunteer crops with Drew Thompson and Jason Voogt

Real Agriculture

Volunteer corn or canola aren’t just a plant out of place — both can eat yield and quality, depending on the following crop. Managing volunteers benefits from several layers of cultural practices, such as harvest settings and row spacing, and a well thought-out herbicide strategy. To delve into the challenge of volunteers, this episode of. Read More Volunteer corn or canola aren’t just a plant out of place — both can eat yield and quality, depending on the following crop.

Crop 130
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Tomatoes Farming: 9 Factors that Hinders High Yield for Profit

Agric4profits

Tomatoes farming business can be very lucrative if done correctly. Although some people find it very easy to have healthy and fresh tomatoes in their garden, not all of us have the right information or talent to do so. In this article we’ll look at some of the mistakes to avoid while planting tomatoes, to increase their size, flavor, and overall plant output.

Yield 97
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Meet the Arkansas Farmers Turning Sweet Potatoes into Spirits

Modern Farmer

The rich soil of the Arkansas Delta takes its minerals from the Mississippi River that winds in circuitous patterns between the state and its neighboring namesake. Prime farmland, it attracted countless farmers, including the Black farmers seeking to fulfill the promise of “40 acres and a mule” that followed the American Civil War. But Black farm ownership has dropped dramatically over the years, with just 1,500 estimated to remain in Arkansas today.

Acre 95
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Recent Rains Didn't Put a Dent in the Midwest Drought, 70% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Hit by Drought

AgWeb Farm Journal

Even with rains sweeping the Northern Corn Belt last weekend, the latest drought monitor shows drought continues to spread across Illinois with D2 (Severe Drought) taking a 28-point jump in a week.

Crop 109
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Release: Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship Recognizes Outstanding Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

For Immediate Release Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition lzaks@sustainableagriculture.net Tel. 347.563.6408 Release: Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship Recognizes Outstanding Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture Scholars Embody Hayes’ Dedication to Advancing Racial Equality Washington, DC, June 20, 2023 – The Southeastern African American Farmers’ Organic Network (SAAFON) , the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), and Minorities in Agriculture Nat

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Voices of Women in Ag Tech: Ambassador Profile on Carolyne Vowell

Global Ag Tech

We bring you exclusive insights from our inspirational ambassadors and other women leading the way forward in ag tech. The post Voices of Women in Ag Tech: Ambassador Profile on Carolyne Vowell appeared first on Global Ag Tech Initiative.

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Peggy Brekveld named chair of CAHRC

Real Agriculture

Ontario dairy farmer and producer group leader Peggy Brekveld has been acclaimed as chair of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC). Brekveld also serves as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. She replaces Paul Glenn, representing the Canadian Young Farmers Forum, who completed his 2021 to 2023 term as of June 20, 2023.

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Significance and Uses of Fall Flowers

Agric4profits

Fall flowers, with their captivating hues and delicate beauty, provide a breathtaking finale to the colorful tapestry of nature's yearly cycle.

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Video: As Wolves Return to Colorado, a Rancher Turns to Man’s Best Friend

Daily Yonder

During the 2020 general election, Colorado voters approved the reintroduction and management of gray wolves. Since then, you can’t find a more divisive issue. And we hope you don’t. The chasm between rural ranchers and urban voters seems to have plunged deeper than ever before, but beneath the headlines you’ll find people trying to adapt to make things work.

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Ghost Manure Digesters Scheme Sends California Man to Prison

AgWeb Farm Journal

A California man has shown that ghost cattle are unnecessary to create a Ponzi scheme, just ghost manure. Or, at least, ghost manure digesters.

Manure 116
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Report illustrates initial success of local food purchasing agreements 

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Des Moines Food Hub – Iowa. Photo credit: PJ Pasturczak Photography In the short time since its inception in 2021, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program has demonstrated its capacity to create economic opportunities for producers, scale regional supply chains, and deliver healthy, culturally relevant food to those in need.

Food 98
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USDA, NASA Strengthen Collaboration to Advance Exploration, Science

Global Ag Tech

The agencies intend to explore opportunities to improve crop performance to meet Earth and space-based goals. The post USDA, NASA Strengthen Collaboration to Advance Exploration, Science appeared first on Global Ag Tech Initiative.

Science 87
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Do More Ag Foundation launches AgTalk moderated community platform

Real Agriculture

The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) has launched AgTalk, powered by Togetherall. The 24/7 peer support platform will be accessible across the entire Canadian agriculture industry, equipped with bilingual clinical moderation for open discussions on mental health. Do More Ag says anyone 16 and older can connect, share, and receive support from a.