Sat.Jan 11, 2025 - Fri.Jan 17, 2025

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Could this fundamental discovery revolutionise fertiliser use in farming?

Agri-tech

Researchers have discovered a biological mechanism that makes plant roots more welcoming to beneficial soil microbes. This discovery by John Innes Centre researchers paves the way for more environmentally-friendly farming practices, potentially allowing farmers to use less fertiliser. Production of most major crops relies on nitrate and phosphate fertilisers, but excessive fertiliser use harms the.

Mechanics 144
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Stay ahead of resistant weeds with herbicide layering

Real Agriculture

Weeds are a constant challenge for farmers, but when they develop resistance to herbicides, the stakes get even higher. For years, the go-to advice was to rotate herbicide groups or mix different modes of action in a single application. While those can still be valuable strategies, this latest approach is making a difference: herbicide layering. Read More Weeds are a constant challenge for farmers, but when they develop resistance to herbicides, the stakes get even higher.

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The latest on ultra-processed foods

Food Politics

Ive been interviewed a lot lately about ultraprocessed foods. See, for example: New York Times Well Challenge: Day 4: Grocery shop like a nutrition scientist New York Times 10 Ways to Eat Better The New Yorker: Why is the American Diet So Deadly? And Gary Ruskin of US Right to Know sent me this collection of fact sheets. Overview: Ultra-processed foods tied to cancer, diabetes, dementia, depression, early death, and more Ultra-processed foods and early death Ultra-processed foods: increased risk

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Nibbles: KC Bansal, Mike Jackson, Spain strawberry genebank, Ho-Chunk maize, Heritage varieties, Romman apples, Hazelnut breeding, Old rye, Serbia grapevine herbarium, Horse domestication, Mt Vernon fruits, Worldwide Day of Botanical Art, Pre-colonial African agriculture

Agricultural Biodiversity

Prof. KC Bansal , who used to run the Indian national genebank, gets a much-deserved UNESCO honour. Friend-of-the-blog Dr Mike Jackson on running a rice genebank. UNESCO honour for him too? Spain’s strawberry genebank gets its 15 minutes. University and Native American nation collaborate on regenerating heritage corn varieties. The pros and cons of heritage varieties , according to an American farmer.

Maize 202
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Farmers Need Help to Survive. A New Crop of Farm Advocates Is on the Way.

Civil Eats

In 2007, fourth-generation farmer Luciano Alvarado Jr. and his family were looking for a fresh start. Their business had been booming in Florida, where they farmed citrus and vegetables. But after a family member died, they decided to pack up and head to land they owned just outside of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to process their loss in a new place.

Farming 134
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Ruminating with RealAg, Ep 15: Cover crops, winter feeding, and trying new things

Real Agriculture

Cover crops are all the not-quite-so-new rage and the process of integrating them into current agricultural systems has been gaining ground (pun intended). Seeding multiple species in a field can do some fantastic things for the land, such as enhance water holding capacity, improve soil biodiversity, provide added resistance to pests and disease, and improve Read More Cover crops are all the not-quite-so-new rage and the process of integrating them into current agricultural systems has been gain

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A New Path to Sustainable Farming: An Agrarian Commons Model

Food Tank

Agrarian Trust, a national nonprofit in the United States, is taking a commons-based approach to help ensure that a new generation of farmers can access farm land. The organization is working within communities to facilitate local land access and support strong local food systems. According to Agrarian Trust, more than 40 percent of U.S. farmland will change hands over the next 15 years.

Farmland 111

More Trending

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CIMMYT visit celebrates strategic scientific partnership

Agri-tech

Senior representatives from CIMMYT visited the John Innes Centre on 6th January 2025 to discuss current and future collaboration opportunities. CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops.

Maize 133
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Profitable Practices: Corn, covers, and cows

Real Agriculture

Grazing corn is becoming increasingly more common. So is grazing cover crops. But what happens when you put the two together? How wide should the corn rows be in order to make space for the cover crop? And is this a profitable way of farming? Byron Long of Long Family Farm at Barrhead County, Alberta Read More Grazing corn is becoming increasingly more common.

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Complete Practical Guide on Organic Almond Farming

Agric4profits

Organic Almond farming focuses on cultivating almonds without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It promotes a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to almond production, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Organic Almond farming supports natural ecosystems by using practices that protect soil fertility and prevent contamination of water and air.

Farming 103
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The truth about calf scours: causes and prevention

West Texas Livestock

Calf scours is a challenge that keeps cow/calf producers on edge, and for good reason. It’s the leading cause of financial loss in herds, hitting harder than any other health problem. What makes it so worrisome is how quickly it can show up and spread, much like wildfire sweeping through dry grass. To make matters […] The post The truth about calf scours: causes and prevention appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers.

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More Than 150 Nobel And World Food Prize Laureates Issue Unprecedented Wake-Up Call Over Hunger Tipping Point

Farming First

A broad coalition of the worlds greatest thinkers makes an urgent plea for moonshot efforts to solve the tragic mismatch of global food supply and demand in an open letter. Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2025) – More than 150 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates have made an unprecedented plea for financial and political backing to […] The post More Than 150 Nobel And World Food Prize Laureates Issue Unprecedented Wake-Up Call Over Hunger Tipping Point appeared first on Farming First.

Food 98
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Wheat Pete’s Word, Jan 15: Sulphur payback, critical thinking, yellow wheat, and making a difference

Real Agriculture

The new year is rocking and rolling in the best way the opportunities for learning just keep coming! In this weeks episode of Wheat Petes Word, host Peter Johnson shares and discusses some of the key questions discussed at the South West Ag Conference and more. From early sulphur decisions, to stressing wheat (on Read More The new year is rocking and rolling in the best way the opportunities for learning just keep coming!

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Complete Practical Guide on Organic Cinnamon Farming

Agric4profits

Organic Cinnamon farming focuses on growing cinnamon without synthetic chemicals, fostering sustainable practices. It aims to provide high-quality, eco-friendly products while maintaining soil health and biodiversity. Organic cinnamon is cultivated through natural methods, using organic fertilizers and crop rotation. This process ensures minimal environmental impact while enhancing the flavor and aroma of the cinnamon.

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Learning through the land: Can farm visits help to bridge the ‘nature gap’ for young people?

Sustainable Food Trust

Kicking off our latest series of articles exploring the transformative power of on-farm education, the SFTs Head of Projects, Bonnie Welch, examines how farm visits can help to reconnect young people with nature and the story behind their food. Today, many of us spend most of our time indoors, often in front of a screen and disconnected from the natural world.

Farming 87
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What You Need to Know Before Choosing Farm Management Software

Cropaia

In the fast-paced world of modern agriculture, adopting the right farm management software can be transformative. These platforms go beyond basic record-keeping, offering powerful tools to monitor, plan, and optimize your farm operations. However, finding the right solution tailored to your agricultural needs requires careful evaluation. Lets explore the steps to identify the best farm management software for your farm while understanding the technological advancements driving innovation in this

Farming 79
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Will artificial intelligence (AI) live up to the hype in agriculture?

Real Agriculture

Artificial intelligence (AI) has generated significant buzz in agriculture, promising to transform the industry in so many ways. Whether you are talking equipment, agronomy, daily management tasks or livestock production, AI is a staple in any discussion. Even for the most optimistic of people like myself, I can see the dangers of AI promising too Read More Artificial intelligence (AI) has generated significant buzz in agriculture, promising to transform the industry in so many ways.

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Complete Practical Cockerel Chickens Feed Formulation Guide

Agric4profits

Cockerel chickens feed formulation for ensures they receive the right nutrients for healthy growth. It balances various ingredients to meet their specific dietary requirements, supporting their development, immunity, and overall well-being. Formulating the right feed mix is crucial for optimal performance.

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As Foodborne Illnesses Sicken Tens of Millions Each Year, FDA Falls Behind on Mandated Inspections

Modern Farmer

The Food and Drug Administration has not performed its legally required number of food safety inspections each year since 2018, according to a new government watchdog report. Each year, about one in six Americans falls ill to foodborne illnesses, and oversight agencies have routinely found that the U.S. food safety system a shared responsibility of the FDA, the U.S.

Food 84
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Nibbles: KC Bansal, Mike Jackson, Spain strawberry genebank, Ho-Chunk maize, Heritage varieties, Roman apples, Hazelnut breeding, Old rye, Serbia grapevine herbarium, Horse domestication, Mt Vernon fruits, Worldwide Day of Botanical Art, Pre-colonial African agriculture

Agricultural Biodiversity

Prof. KC Bansal , who used to run the Indian national genebank, gets a much-deserved UNESCO honour. Friend-of-the-blog Dr Mike Jackson on running a rice genebank. UNESCO honour for him too? Spain’s strawberry genebank gets its 15 minutes. University and Native American nation collaborate on regenerating heritage corn varieties. The pros and cons of heritage varieties , according to an American farmer.

Maize 189
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Resetting the farm to manage 10-year market plateau

Real Agriculture

Without new demand for corn and soybeans, producers are facing a sideways market plateau that could last 10 years. Over the next decade, corn could be anchored in a $4.30 to $4.40 trading range and soybeans could be stuck in the same mud at $10.30 to $10.40, says University of Illinois farm management professor Gary Read More Without new demand for corn and soybeans, producers are facing a sideways market plateau that could last 10 years.

Marketing 286
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Complete Practical Guide on Organic Pumpkin Farming

Agric4profits

Organic pumpkin farming is a method of growing pumpkins without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It focuses on maintaining soil health and promoting biodiversity. Farmers who practice organic pumpkin farming aim to create sustainable ecosystems. By using natural processes, they ensure that the land remains fertile for future generations.

Farming 78
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Ready to Garden? Start Here

Modern Farmer

Starting a garden can be a big step. Knowing what to plant, when, and how–that takes time. And what if you want to branch out, and start raising animals? The learning curve is steep. That’s where we come in. These guides are some of our most popular pieces, walking you through everything from rotating your crops to incubating chicken eggs.

Crop 103
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It’s not the plough, but the how!

Sustainable Food Trust

As news of weed killer resistant plants hits the headlines, Patrick Holden reflects on discussions at the latest Oxford Real Farming Conference, highlighting why the plough may not be the worst option when it comes to nature-friendly cultivation. Last week I attended the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC), one of two events hosted in that city at this time of year.

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Beef Market Update: A fascinating time for price, policy and trade

Real Agriculture

Strong and high prices across the board was the story in the cattle markets this week. In the southern U.S., trade remains steady at $2.01. Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange highlights that this is the first time she has reported prices at this level on the Beef Market Update. Nebraska markets are steady to Read More Strong and high prices across the board was the story in the cattle markets this week.

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Protect Your Farm with Integrated Risk Management 

Trimble Agriculture

The challenges farmers faced in 2024 will likely follow us into 2025making integrated risk management key to success. In 2024, farmers faced market volatility, rising input costs, labor shortages, and foreign policy challenges. In 2025, net farm income is expected to decline , continuing a softening trend after record highs in 2022. Input costs are stabilizing but remain elevated for labor and maintenance.

Farming 59
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Complete Practical Guide on Organic Grape Farming

Agric4profits

Organic grape farming focuses on cultivating grapes without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This method enhances the natural environment and supports sustainable agriculture practices. Organic Grape farming promotes biodiversity and soil health. By using natural methods, it reduces the risk of chemical residues in the final product.

Farming 59
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Gaining a Competitive Edge in the Agriculture Commodity Markets: The Power of Data and Insights

DTN

In today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, staying ahead of the curve is more crucial than ever for agribusinesses engaged in the buying and selling of grain. The commodity marketplace is a complex ecosystem, influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from global weather patterns to geopolitical events. In this environment, having access to timely, accurate, and comprehensive market intelligence is not just an advantageit’s a necessity for survival and growth.

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Mind Your Farm Business – Ep. 102: The legalities of handshakes and contracts

Real Agriculture

People have been using handshakes to solidify deals since at least as far back as ancient Roman times. A handshake in those days would show that each person was unarmed, thereby establishing a relationship of honesty and trust. Fast forward to today with the progression of law and contracts, a need for more formalized agreements Read More People have been using handshakes to solidify deals since at least as far back as ancient Roman times.

Farming 281
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Hurricane Helene and Western North Carolina: New Year, New Challenges and Available Resources

ATTRA

By Danielle Crocker Hurricane Helene struck in late September 2024. When it hit, I happened to be visiting Asheville, North Carolina, and so I rode out the storm there. The torrential rains and wind caused significant damage in every directiondowned trees, major flooding, and landslides. Because I was sheltering in an Airbnb with no food or water, I had no choice but to find my way home to Morganton, North Carolina, about 60 miles east of Asheville.

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Complete Practical Guide on Organic Apricot Farming

Agric4profits

Organic apricot farming focuses on cultivating apricots without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It follows sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring the production of healthy and chemical-free fruit. Organic apricot farming uses natural methods to enhance soil fertility and control pests. This approach promotes biodiversity and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem on the farm.

Farming 59
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Sec. Vilsack Bids Farewell with Climate-Smart Agriculture Rule

Agwired

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack held his last official press conference of his tenure at USDA on Wednesday, announcing the publication of an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. The interim rule establishes guidelines for quantifying, reporting, and verifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production of biofuel feedstock commodity crops grown in the United States.

Biofuel 56
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Canadian government grants approval of Bunge’s acquisition of Viterra

Real Agriculture

The Canadian government is giving the green light to Bunges US$8.2 billion acquisition of Viterra. The two multi-national grain companies originally announced their plan to combine operations under the Bunge banner in the summer of 2023. Approval by the Canadian government, with some conditions, was communicated in an order-in-council published on January 14th, 2025.

Grain 329
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Providing Economic Expertise

Ohio State University

[COLUMBUS] Dr. Amy Ando, Professor and Chair of the Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, continues to represent the department on a national level, providing economic expertise on key topics. Dr. Ando recently participatedas a panelist in a livestreamed, virtual White House Roundtable on Advancing the Frontiers of Benefit-Cost Analysis: Progress on Federal Priorities, Insights for The Research Community, And Emerging Topics".

Food 64
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How to Start and Operate a Successful Rabbit Farming Business for Profits

Agric4profits

Rabbit Farming Business involves raising rabbits for various purposes, including meat, fur, and breeding. It’s a highly sustainable and profitable venture. Rabbits require minimal space and resources, making them ideal for small-scale farming. Rabbit Farming Business can cater to diverse markets, including pet enthusiasts and gourmet restaurants.

Farming 73
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Prepare for winter weather

AgriLife Today

Winter weather with sub-freezing temperatures is forecasted throughout much of the state over the next week.

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Canadian CCA numbers stay strong as U.S. membership declines

Real Agriculture

More than 220 certified crop advisors gathered this week at the annual Ontario Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) meeting in London, Ont. Thats one third of the provinces 660 CCAs, a number thats remained stable since 2019 with a few additions every year, says Ontario CCA executive director Susan Fitzgerald. In this interview with RealAgricultures Bernard Read More More than 220 certified crop advisors gathered this week at the annual Ontario Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) meeting in London, Ont.

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