Sat.Feb 22, 2025 - Fri.Feb 28, 2025

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Connecting early-adopter farmers with agtech startups, at scale

Real Agriculture

Startup culture meets farming culture, at scale. Getting on farms to do in-field testing and due diligence is often one of the largest costs for startup companies in the agtech space. A network of farmers that started in Tennessee and has since expanded to other regions across the U.S. is working to provide an efficient, Read More Startup culture meets farming culture, at scale.

Farming 250
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State agriculture officials to support programs for increasing economic growth via access to local foods

NASDA

Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. At the 2025 Winter Policy Conference today National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members passed several policy amendments promoting increased programs for local and regional foods through federal policies and programs for states. Members adopted policy supporting the permanent establishment and funding of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Programs, or any successor programs, administered by the USDA.

Food 147
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Weekend reading: the top 60 food science blogs

Food Politics

FeedSpot, a group with which I am unfamiliar, has just named FoodPolitics.com as one of the top 60 blogs and websites in food science. I am honored to be named as #7, and especially because I am in very good company. FeedSpot says that these are the best Food Science blogs from thousands of blogs on the web and ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.

Science 130
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In Hawai‘i, Restoring Kava Helps Sustain Native Food Culture

Civil Eats

Last fall, Ava Taesali opened Kava Queen , Oahus only brick-and-mortar kava bar, after three years of building a loyal following for this traditional beverage at farmers markets in Honolulu. Located in the repurposed Waialua Sugar Mill , former home of a sugar industry giant, the establishment is surrounded by a mix of local businesses that includes a yoga studio, a surf shop, and a sewing collective.

Food 129
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Profitable Practices: Poultry innovation improves bird health and reduces costs

Real Agriculture

Scott Buchan sees the impact of technology whenever hes watching his broiler chickens or looking at his hydro bills. For Buchan, who operates Buchrest Farms along with his family in Ontarios Waterloo Region, investing in technology and innovation plays a key role in making the operation more profitable and sustainable. Buchan notes that his energy Read More Scott Buchan sees the impact of technology whenever hes watching his broiler chickens or looking at his hydro bills.

Poultry 290
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State agriculture officials vote to promote increased production of biofuels to support American economies

NASDA

Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Winter Policy Conference, NASDA members voted to amend the organizations biofuels policies to increase support for domestic and global demand for American produced biofuels. NASDA recognizes the importance biofuels play in the future of agricultural production, energy independence and our economy, NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.

Biofuel 182
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What’s up with all the food production plant closures?

Food Politics

At a glance across the country: Meatpacking plants closed at an unprecedented rate this year, accelerated by a number of factors such as rising livestock costs, workforce shortages, food safety violations and foodborne illnesses, and ongoing industry consolidation. Here are some examples: of these and others: Tyson closes 3 meat plants, lays off 1K workers The food giant plans to shutter its 328,000-square-foot facility in Emporia, Kansas,as well as two cheesesteak factories in Philadelphia.

Food 130

More Trending

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Beef Market Update: A smaller national herd, tariff talk, and carcass weight shifts

Real Agriculture

This week held no big surprises in the beef markets. While markets were lower last week, Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange surmised that would continue into this week and says that it has. The dressed market in the U.S. is down and the wholesale market is under pressure as well, however showing signs of Read More This week held no big surprises in the beef markets.

Marketing 263
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State agriculture departments seek to support new farmers with business and technical assistance services

NASDA

Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. State agriculture officials expressed the need for farm technical assistance resources to support farmers in business management and farm transitions during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference. Members passed a policy amendment that specifically supports the creation of state block grant programs that provide technical assistance to farmers.

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Industry-funded study of the week: dairy foods

Food Politics

Thanks to Peter Johnston, a dietitian in Melbourne, Australia, for sending this one. The study: Huppertz T, Blom L, van Est L, Peters S. Exploring Nutrient-Adequate Sustainable Diet Scenarios That Are Plant-Based but Animal-Optimized. Nutrients. 2025 Jan 18;17(2):343. doi: 10.3390/nu17020343. Results Reducing the amount of meat products in the diet reduced the environmental impact but increased the price.

Food 145
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Taylor Slade: 2025 Southeast High Cotton Winner

Western FarmPress

Williamston, N.C. farmer Taylor Slade is known as a good manager, a savvy businessman, and a steward of the land.

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Transport Canada to ease some drone regulations in 2025

Real Agriculture

Regulations around flying drones in Canada, especially drones in the 25-150 kilogram weight class, can be complicated. In agriculture, drones that show great potential for producers fall under two different jurisdictions. The first is Transport Canada, which oversees aviation safety and security. The second is Health Canada, which is responsible for pesticide regulations and approvals.

Pesticide 220
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State agriculture departments call for an integrated, national response to avian influenza

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference , NASDA members amended the organizations policy to support the implementation of a robust national action plan for the detection, surveillance, response and containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins remarks made to NASDA members this morning announced that these steps are already underway, and NASDA stands ready to coll

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Cover reveal: What to Eat Now!

Food Politics

Im thrilled to announce: COVER REVEAL WHAT TO EAT NOW is a thoroughly revised classic, a field guide to food shopping in America, and a treatise on how to eat well and deliciously. Marion Nestle, Americas preeminent nutritionist and a founding figure in American food studies, takes us through the American supermarket in an aisle-by-aisle guide. Above all else, WHAT TO EAT NOW is a defense of real food and of the value of eating deliciously, mindfully, and responsibly.

Food 147
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Make more money on cropland, lease it for grazing

Western FarmPress

Here are the benefits of a grazing lease agreement from a beef cattle producer and crop farmer perspective.

Cattle 114
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USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses DOGE cuts, ushering in a “golden age” for agriculture

Real Agriculture

A new administration in the White House brings many questions about the future. Recently sworn-in U.S. secretary of agriculture Brooke Rollins joined Kansas senator Roger Marshall for a fireside chat at the Top Producer Summit last week in Kansas City, Missouri, to discuss Rollins vision for the future of agriculture in the country. Between 2017 Read More A new administration in the White House brings many questions about the future.

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NASDA members champion 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members passed an action item today at NASDAs Winter Policy Conference supporting the United Nations resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. As state agricultural leaders, we recognize the essential contributions of women in farming and agribusiness, said NASDA Vice President, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal.

Forestry 130
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Rural Businesses, Farmers Lose While USDA’s Rural Energy Program is Frozen

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Photo credit: AgriSolar Clearinghouse The recent freeze to federal grants and loans has impacted countless federal programs and simultaneously left rural businesses and farmers in a lurch. Among the most impacted programs has been the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). As a result, farmers and businesses alike may be on the hook for millions of dollars of energy efficiency and energy independence improvements they have already purchased or installed.

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High cash-rent farms: Keep them or let them go?

Western FarmPress

How should you handle high cash rents during low-margin years? Here are the questions one ag economist asks to determine the best strategy.

Farming 119
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MacAulay to make “major announcement” in his hometown on Saturday

Real Agriculture

Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is planning to make a major announcement at a community centre in his hometown in Prince Edward Island on Saturday. The longest-serving Liberal in the House of Commons, MacAulay was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1988. The question of whether MacAulay, who turns 79 in September, intends to Read More Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is planning to make a major announcement at a community centre in his hometown in Prince Edward Island on Sat

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NASDA members urge Congress to initiate labor reform for agriculture

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the 2025 Winter Policy Conference , members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture called on the Congress to develop strategies to address agricultural labor stability challenges along with border security. The new policy item states comprehensive agricultural labor reform is needed to allow access to the H-2A program for year-round agriculture industries, create a pathway to legal status for agriculture and agri-business workers who are employe

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The Consequences of Mass Firings Across the USDA

Organic Farming Research

A massive wave of federal firings has terminated employment for critical agricultural departments. Learn more about the dire impacts of these cuts, the short and long term consequences on agronomic and economic research, why it matters, and how you can take action at this critical time. The post The Consequences of Mass Firings Across the USDA appeared first on Organic Farming Research Foundation.

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Is latest House vote bad news for farm bill?

Western FarmPress

Large cuts to nutrition spending could be too much for Senate Dems to pass the House-approved bill.

Farming 111
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Wheat School: How stress can increase winter wheat yield

Real Agriculture

Never let your wheat crop have a bad day. Its a management philosophy that more growers are adopting as they look for ways to reduce crop stress and chase higher winter wheat yields. But Oklahoma State University professor Dr. Brian Arnall is asking winter wheat growers to rethink that strategy. He argues that some pain Read More Never let your wheat crop have a bad day.

Yield 214
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NASDA members advocate for expansion of “food as medicine” programs

NASDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at the National Association of State Department of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference , NASDA members voted to support federal programs and policies that expand “food as medicine” initiatives and strengthen their connection to local and regional food systems. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney highlighted the significance of the policy update stating, Food as medicine programs create new opportunities for small and medium-sized farmers to engage with regional and p

Food 130
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Rantizo Connects AcreConnect with Climate FieldView

Global Agtech Initiative

The connection allows growers to get a more comprehensive view of their operations by including spray drone application records and maps. The post Rantizo Connects AcreConnect with Climate FieldView appeared first on Global Ag Tech Initiative.

Marketing 105
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Ditch the plastic, and choose natural products

Western FarmPress

As consumers, we can opt for natural products like paper or cotton rather than rely on plastics that are made from petroleum and other nonrenewable fossil fuels.

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Wheat Pete’s Word, Feb 26: Manure and microbes, soybeans and water quality, and protecting N from loss

Real Agriculture

When managing fertilizer, the when of application can matter almost as much as the rate, especially when it comes to nitrogen and minimizing losses, says Peter Wheat Pete Johnson. In this episode of Wheat Petes Word, Johnson shares insights into preventing nitrogen fertilizer losses, assessing manures nutrient release potential and impact on microbial activity and Read More When managing fertilizer, the when of application can matter almost as much as the rate, especially when it comes to nitrog

Manure 217
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NASDA Foundation Welcomes 2025 NASDA’s Next Generation Cohort

NASDA

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation is excited to host the 2025 NASDA Next Generation program at the 2025 NASDA winter policy conference in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24-26. This program offers college students a unique opportunity to explore agricultural policy and industry, build professional connections and engage in interactive state and federal policy discussions.

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The Need for Agricultural Policy

Agric4profits

In the previous article, the types and importance of agricultural policy were discussed. In this article, the focus is on the need for agricultural policy objectives, which is a crucial aspect of agricultural policy and development. There is a need for the explicit statement of the food policy objectives of any nation.

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Meet the High Cotton Award winners

Western FarmPress

FP Next, Ep. 4: Brent Murphee announces the four cotton growers honored this year and talks about cotton production in different regions of the south.

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Ruminating with RealAg, Ep 18: Managing for wildlife attractants on the ranch

Real Agriculture

Access to high quality feed and water make for a good ranching location. They allow producers to raise productive livestock, setting up the ranch to turn a profit. Those same things are attractive to wildlife as well, and whether it is an ungulate, such as a deer or moose, or the predators that follow them, Read More Access to high quality feed and water make for a good ranching location.

Ranching 239
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to address state agriculture officials

NASDA

Media Advisory WHO : U.S Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will discuss the U.S. Department of Agricultures priorities with state department of agriculture leaders during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference. WHERE: Conrad Washington, D.C. 950 New York Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20001 WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 HOW : Members of the press must RSVP with Sarah Grace Fowler ( sarah.fowler@nasda.org ) by Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 12 p.m. and r

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Patil steps up to lead international horticultural division

AgriLife Today

Food for health scientist seeks to expand global collaboration in horticultural research The post Patil steps up to lead international horticultural division appeared first on AgriLife Today.

Food 98
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Are consumers open to smoke-affected wines?

Western FarmPress

Oregon State University scientists suggests some may be, and theyre looking for market opportunities for winemakers whose vineyards were impacted by nearby wildfires.

Marketing 110
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New vice-presidents from Manitoba and Quebec join CFA executive

Real Agriculture

Delegates at the Canadian Federation of Agricultures annual general meeting in Ottawa this week elected a pair of new vice-presidents to the national farm organizations executive. Keith Currie of Ontario was re-elected by acclamation as president, while Jill Verwey of Manitoba and Stphanie Levasseur of Quebec are joining CFAs executive as first vice-president and second Read More Delegates at the Canadian Federation of Agricultures annual general meeting in Ottawa this week elected a pair of new

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Chelsea Gazillo Supports California Policy for Agriculture and Food

American Farmland

Chelsea Gazillo is the new Senior California Policy Manager for American Farmland Trust. She will conduct research, provide education to stakeholders, develop policy, advocate to California State Legislature and manage outreach.