Jan 20 The global race for groundwater speeds up to feed agriculture’s growing needs By Grant Ferguson, Jennifer C. McIntosh, The Conversation Water is becoming a scarce resource in many parts of the world. Water tables have been falling in many regions for decades, particularly in areas with intensive agriculture. Wells are going dry and there are few long-term solutions available —… Continue reading
Jan 14 Trump to farmers: Wetlands protections ‘one of the most ridiculous’ regulations By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press President Donald Trump pointed to farmers Monday as winners from the administration's proposed rollback of federal protections for wetlands and waterways across the country, describing farmers crying in gratitude when he ordered the change. Continue reading
Jan 05 Reclaiming lost calories: Tweaking photosynthesis boosts crop yields By Amanda Cavanagh, The Conversation Many of the crop plants that feed us waste 20 percent of their energy, especially in hot weather. Plant geneticists prove that capturing this energy could boost crop yields by up to 40 percent. Continue reading
Dec 20 Trump signs $867B farm bill without food stamp program cuts By Associated Press Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the regulation to tighten work requirements was a tradeoff for Trump's support for the bill. Continue reading
Dec 18 How to grow the perfect Christmas Tree (it’s harder than you think) By Vicky Stein Shapely evergreens don’t just grow straight out of the ground in top condition. Success in festive tree farming is a moving target. Continue reading
Nov 22 Watch 5:51 How Trump’s trade wars are affecting American farmers The Trump administration's tariffs against China and Mexico have sparked retaliation by both countries on American agriculture. As a result, dairy producers have experienced a painful drop in demand, but many hope a promised $12 billion bailout will improve business… Continue watching
Nov 02 Watch 7:12 This festival aims to bridge the urban-rural political divide ‘in a time of rot’ By Jeffrey Brown A food and arts festival in central Wisconsin has grand ambitions. “Fermentation Fest” celebrates art, farming and all things fermented. But in addition to serving up sauerkraut and kombucha, festival organizers from The Wormfarm Institute also hope it provides… Continue watching
Nov 02 For farmers, talking about mental health used to be taboo. Now there’s #AgTwitter By Courtney Vinopal More and more farmers are taking to #AgTwitter to discuss mental health. While the research isn’t extensive, studies have shown that most rural parts of the country lack access to mental health treatment. Continue reading
Sep 24 Watch 4:12 This Minnesota district is one that could decide control of Congress This year Minnesota is home to the only two Democratic-held House seats that are rated a toss-up. Republican Jim Hagedorn and Democrat Dan Feehan are competing in a district that's voted for both parties, and where issues of health care… Continue watching
Sep 23 As aid checks go out, farmers worry bailout won’t be enough By Juliet Linderman, Associated Press Farmers across the United States will soon begin receiving government checks as part of a billion-dollar bailout to buoy growers experiencing financial strain from President Donald Trump’s trade disputes with China. Continue reading