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Genetics for a Better Cow Herd
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Improving fertility in cows involves leveraging genetic selection and advanced genomic tools to enhance reproductive performance. But genetic potential is only half the battle. Environment is the other half, said University of Missouri Extension state beef genetics specialist Jamie Courter at the recent Missouri Livestock Symposium in Kirksville. “Fertility is a lowly…
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Harnessing Nature to Defend Soybean Roots
WASHINGTON — The microscopic soybean cyst nematode (SCN) may be small, but it has a massive impact. This pest latches onto soybean roots, feeding on their nutrients and leaving a trail of destruction that costs farmers billions in yield losses each year. Unfortunately, current methods to combat SCN are faltering as the pest grows resistant…
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U.S. Agriculture Dominated by Family Farms
In 2023, roughly 86 percent of all farms were small family farms. A USDA report says these farms have a gross cash income below $350,000 and operate on 41 percent of all U.S. agricultural land. The family farms produced 17 percent of the total value of U.S. agricultural production. Large-scale family farms, those with gross…
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U.S. Leads Cage Free Egg Transition
Compassion in World Farming U.S. has released its latest Egg Track Report, which highlights the evolving landscape of higher-welfare egg production in North America. While the U.S. continues to lead at about 40 percent of egg-laying hens now in cage-free systems, Canada trails behind, with over 81 percent still confined in cages. Compassion says these…
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Jack Hoffman passes away
Jack Hoffman passes away Rural Radio Network
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CAES Scientists Discover How Cyst Nematodes Attack Crops
ATHENS, Ga. — People love the taste of sugar beets’ primary byproduct: white sugar. Soilborne cyst nematodes — parasitic, microscopic worms — enjoy the root vegetable, too, but as their sole food source. It’s an obstinate, expensive problem for farmers that researchers at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) are…
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Minnesota and Illinois sue John Deere over ‘right-to-repair’ restrictions
Minnesota and Illinois sue John Deere over ‘right-to-repair’ restrictions AGDAILY
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Dive Into the World of Working Farm Dogs
RICHMOND, Va. — Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: Discover how farm dogs play an essential role on some Virginia farms. Learn how Virginia farmers and rural landowners find themselves at the forefront of a challenging balancing act. Learn about an innovative drone that could transform how farmers monitor…
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USDA publishes interim rule for crops used as biofuel feedstocks
The USDA has released an interim rule that will help farmers connect climate-smart agriculture practices with the reductions in the carbon footprint of biofuels. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the rule is directly tied to 45Z guidance issued last week by the U.S. Treasury. “We’re basically making the next step in this process for Treasury…
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Succession planning is the first step to future farm success
An ag attorney says it’s important to take the first step in succession planning. Michelle Adler is an attorney with Gordon and Associates and says planning in advance allows the farmer to pass on additional knowledge of the farm or business. “How do we pass on the relationships with the banker or the accountants,” she…
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USDA hands out $6 billion to electric cooperatives for development of clean energy projects
USDA hands out $6 billion to electric cooperatives for development of clean energy projects OK Energy Today
