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South Dakota Farmers Expand Growing Capabilities with USDA Support and Innovative Practices

South Dakota Farmers Expand Growing Capabilities with USDA Support and Innovative Practices

Bud Manke and Peggy Martin, owners of Cedar Creek Gardens in Midland, South Dakota, have significantly expanded their produce and farm-fresh egg operation with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Their 14-acre farm focuses on providing high-quality, nutritious produce to their local community, including wholesale supply to restaurants, chefs, caterers, food trucks, small grocers, and institutional buyers. In 2010, their operation was the first in South Dakota to install a high tunnel through NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). They have since expanded to a network of high tunnels, low tunnels, and caterpillar tunnels, which extend their growing season and protect crops from extreme weather. For instance, their 200-foot caterpillar tunnels can hold 600 pepper plants or 300 tomato plants each, with 1,300 pounds of tomatoes planted this season. They also received financial assistance through an NRCS Conservation Innovation ...
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North Carolina State University Develops 'Plant Armor' Tripling Strawberry Yields and Reducing Pesticide Use

North Carolina State University Develops 'Plant Armor' Tripling Strawberry Yields and Reducing Pesticide Use

North Carolina State University Develops 'Plant Armor' Tripling Strawberry Yields and Reducing Pesticide Use
ReutersReuters
G20 trade chiefs to denounce food trade coercion but not excess factory capacity

G20 trade chiefs to denounce food trade coercion but not excess factory capacity

By David Lawder MILWAUKEE, Oct 1 (Reuters) - G20 trade ministers agreed on Thursday to denounce the weaponization of food through coercive trade actions, but failed to reach consensus on statements denouncing forced labor in supply chains and on addressing structural excess industrial capacity, U.S.
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American Soybean Association Forges Key Partnerships to Advance Agricultural Innovation

American Soybean Association Forges Key Partnerships to Advance Agricultural Innovation

American Soybean Association Forges Key Partnerships to Advance Agricultural Innovation
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American Soybean Association Strengthens Industry Partnerships for Agricultural Innovation

American Soybean Association Strengthens Industry Partnerships for Agricultural Innovation

American Soybean Association Strengthens Industry Partnerships for Agricultural Innovation
Asheville Citizen-TimesAsheville Citizen-Times
Two accused of ginseng poaching in Great Smoky Mountains

Two accused of ginseng poaching in Great Smoky Mountains

In total, the suspects were found to possess nearly 700 pounds of poached ginseng. See the charges poachers could face and more.
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
6 New York destinations named healthiest fall getaways

6 New York destinations named healthiest fall getaways

Six New York towns and cities were named among the healthiest locations to spend time outdoors this fall, according to a new study.
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New Yam Planting Technology Aims to Revolutionize Farming and Boost Food Security

New Yam Planting Technology Aims to Revolutionize Farming and Boost Food Security

A new yam propagation technology, known as single-node vine-cutting, is poised to significantly increase planting material availability and enhance food security. Charles Webster, a plant protection officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, introduced this innovation during the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture conference. The technology allows for the multiplication of planting material up to 300-fold from a single plant by utilizing leaf nodes, which are typically discarded. This method contrasts with traditional systems that use the yam tuber and head for planting, thereby limiting the amount available for consumption. The single-node vine-cutting technique is particularly beneficial for sweet yam, which has faced challenges due to disease and a shortage of quality planting material. Researchers have successfully produced grade one tubers using this technology, although further research and field demonstrations are necessary to fully implement it across various yam varieties.
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Canadian Farm Groups Advocate for National Plant Breeding Strategy to Secure Agricultural Future

Canadian Farm Groups Advocate for National Plant Breeding Strategy to Secure Agricultural Future

Canadian agricultural organizations, including Grain Farmers of Ontario and several producer and industry groups, are urging the government to establish a national plant breeding strategy. They are seeking predictable, multi-year federal funding to maintain breeding capacity and advance crop development across Canada. The groups have released a joint vision titled 'A National Plant Breeding Strategy Must Work for Every Crop,' which has garnered support from various regional and crop-specific organizations. Plant breeding is considered fundamental to Canadian agriculture, as new crop varieties can take over a decade to develop from research to commercial production. These breeding programs are crucial for developing varieties with improved resistance to pests and diseases, greater tolerance to changing weather conditions, enhanced productivity and quality, and the ability to meet evolving market demands. The organizations emphasize the importance of public investment, particularly for crops with limited mar...
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Regenerative Agriculture Gains Traction in U.S. Amidst Challenges for Smallholder Farmers

Regenerative Agriculture Gains Traction in U.S. Amidst Challenges for Smallholder Farmers

Regenerative agriculture, a farming approach focused on restoring soil health, rebuilding biodiversity, and improving farmer well-being, is experiencing significant growth in the United States. Approximately 25 million acres in the U.S. are now certified under third-party standards for regenerative practices. This movement aims to reverse the negative impacts of the Green Revolution, which, while averting famine, led to degraded soils, diminished biodiversity, and polluted water. Regenerative farming seeks to deliver a net climate benefit and produce food sustainably. However, the movement faces challenges, particularly for smallholder farmers who constitute a large portion of global food producers. These farmers often encounter lower yields and higher costs during the transition to regenerative methods, and there is a lack of consensus on how to measure results. Financing, training, and market rewards for regenerative practices are also lagging behind farmer interest, hindering broader adoption.
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MacKinnon Watches Partners with Sony Pictures for Official 'Outlander' Tartan Watch Collection

MacKinnon Watches Partners with Sony Pictures for Official 'Outlander' Tartan Watch Collection

MacKinnon Watches Partners with Sony Pictures for Official 'Outlander' Tartan Watch Collection
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Melio Seeks Sales Development Representatives for Remote Positions Across Multiple U.S. States

Melio Seeks Sales Development Representatives for Remote Positions Across Multiple U.S. States

Melio Seeks Sales Development Representatives for Remote Positions Across Multiple U.S. States