…including conservation grants, organic crop insurance, certification cost-share, organic market news and simplified microloans. To learn more about USDA support for organic agriculture, visit our updated organic portal at www.usda.gov/organic….
Overseas HPAI Outbreaks Prompt Import Restrictions
A series of separate highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have sparked import bans of poultry products in at least two countries. The U.S. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy…
Growing Quality Tomatoes with Half the Nitrogen and a Third Less Water
…and a third less water than before. They also report fewer weeds and better tomato quality. The soil organic matter (SOM)—the living portion of the soil that turns crop residue…
Avocado Consumption
…tangible explanation is that the rise of avocados in the United States in the past decade include loosened import restrictions – and the increased awareness of the healthful benefits. Numerous…
September Meat Exports Strong
…strong finish in 2016 following the recent easing of import restrictions in an effort to address the tight beef supply situation. Strong momentum continues for pork exports to Mexico After…
Alberta Beef Producers Want TB Support
…current status, with all provinces considered to be Bovine TB-free. During a bovine TB investigation, quarantines and movement restrictions are placed on any implicated farms. Testing, humane destruction, and disposal…
Vertical Gardening
…From choosing a nutrient-rich potting mix preferably made from organic compost. And seeds purchased from local farmer’s markets or local seed banks. For grow pots, you can use things such…
Beet Curly Top Virus Update
…Russian thistle and some Bassia. BLH counts were 1-4 adults per sweep. This area was also being monitored as a possible location to conduct organic trials, however, the counts were…
USDA Seeks Nominations for Advisory Committee on Ag Statistics
…state agricultural organizations, organic agriculture, local and regional food systems, and agriculture-related business and marketing experts. Members serve a staggered two-year term and can serve up to three terms for…
Farmers Fleeing HSUS Ag Advisory Councils
…ranchers who give proper care to their animals. Further, HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle removed high-profile rancher Kevin Fulton from the national council. Fulton, who runs an organic grazing operation, was…
UC Releases New Cost Study for Growing Almonds
…and two studies on almonds grown in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The northern San Joaquin Valley studies use conventional and organic production methods. Free copies of this study and…
Estate Tax Proposed Changes Would Lose Court Battles
…of interest when there are restrictions attached, such as on liquidation and voting rights. The American Farm Bureau Federation and its state organizations, including Kansas, plan to request the IRS…
Improve Energy Efficiency, Adopt Renewable Energy Systems
…them is GrandyOats, an organic foods company located in a former elementary school in Hiram, Maine. In 2015, it received a $20,000 REAP grant to install a renewable energy system….
Los Angeles Schools Reconsider Flavored Milk
The Los Angeles Unified School District last week voted to loosen restrictions on flavored milks in school. The 6-1 vote allows chocolate and strawberry milk back into the city’s public…