Courtesy: UCCE Hairy alfalfa comparison There has been one unique success for combating leafhoppers killing alfalfa crops in southern California. Alfalfa Breed Showing Promise Managing huge populations of leafhoppers in…
Bioeconomy Brings Big Opportunity to Rural America
…cleaning products to packing peanuts originates in rural America, and the potential to create even more new products derived from the crops grown in rural America is nearly limitless. Yesterday,…
Alfalfa Pests Killing Southern CA Crops
Three species of leafhoppers are causing significant losses to alfalfa crops in southern California. Alfalfa Pest Killing Southern CA Crops The insects feed on the plant and inject saliva. The…
California Agriculture Leads the Nation in Funding for Specialty Crops
…nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The 60 projects funded under the 2014 SCBGP reflect the diversity of California’s specialty crops across the state. This year’s projects…
USDA Invests Nearly $118 Million to Support America’s Specialty Crop Producers
…local specialty crops. The project also educates the public about consumption of specialty crops to improve nutrition and publicizes the availability of specialty crops at local markets. “These Specialty Crop…
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Announces New Support for America’s Specialty Crop Producers
…crops include fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and nursery products. The funding is being provided through the 2014 Farm Bill’s marquee specialty crop programs, which substantially increased specialty…
Raising the Bar; How Protecting You From Pesticides Has Changed
…grow crops, there are more safeguards in place that require a commissioner’s attention. A lot of commissioners insist that new growers and pesticide applicators take a class before they even…
USDA Helps Deliver the Latest in Innovative Agricultural Methods to Small, Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers
…225 immigrant, socially disadvantaged and refugee farmers to ultimately result in access to new and innovative marketing opportunities for their crops. Cooperative Development Institute Inc. – $100,743 grant; To provide…
Nation’s Ag Co-ops Set Record for Annual Sales and Income
…climbed by almost 7,000 in 2013, to 136,000, up 5 percent from 2012. Counting seasonal employees, ag co-ops employ 191,000 people. In addition to marketing and processing their members’ crops…
California Crop Weather
…remained active. Nut Crops Walnut, almond, and pistachio harvests continued. Pecan harvest is expected to begin in a few weeks. Vegetable Crops Tomato harvest wound down throughout the state. In…
USDA to Collect Data on Chemicals Applied to Vegetables
…and safety of agriculture producers, workers and consumers alike.” NASS representatives from the California Field Office will collect data for 24 target crops, including asparagus, tomatoes, onions, broccoli, melons, strawberries…
NRCS Selects California Projects for National Conservation Innovation Grants
…support a farmer-initiated effort for monitoring and evaluating pollinator habitat, and educating and engaging agricultural producers in pollinator conservation. As 30 percent of U.S. food crops depend on honey bee…
Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Announced
…organic farm owned by Andrew Brait, Paul Muller, Judith Redmond and Dru Rivers. It produces a large diversity of crops that are sold year-round directly to consumers. The owners strive…
Secretary Vilsack Highlights Innovative Conservation Efforts
…involved with conservation activities in Illinois, are receiving grant awards to demonstrate the use of best management practices such as conservation tillage, cover crops and advanced nutrient management to address…