Author: staff

DAILY Bites PLINAZOLIN technology is a broad-spectrum insecticide expected to be registered in 2025. The discovery of new active ingredients usually takes over a decade and costs over $300 million. Pest resistance is something that R&D departments pay close attention to. DAILY Discussion GREENSBORO, North Carolina — With PLINAZOLIN technology anticipated to become registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2025, Syngenta pulled the back the curtain on its R&D process to discuss what went into the development of this new active insecticide ingredient, which is one of its largest regulatory submissions ever. PLINAZOLIN technology is the trademark name…

Agricultural business, or agri-business, blends the worlds of agriculture and commerce, focusing on the production, management, marketing, and distribution of food and fiber products. With the growing complexity of the global food supply chain, careers in agricultural business are more essential than ever. Professionals in this field not only manage farms but also play key roles in finance, marketing, policy, and technology within the agricultural industry. Here are my choices for the top 10 careers in agricultural business that are driving innovation and growth in the global food economy: 1. Agribusiness Manager Agribusiness managers oversee the daily operations of farms…

By Ryan Hanrahan More than half of the 70 agriculture economists surveyed in Farm Journal’s Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor believe that the United States agriculture economy is in a recession, while 75% of those economists surveyed think the ag economy is on the brink of a recession.  “Farmers are seeing heightened volatility in commodity prices as harvest season progresses,” Farm Journal’s Tyne Morgan reported. “The latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor from Farm Journal showed a slight rise in optimism compared to the previous month, but economists remain worried about the current state of the agricultural economy when compared to last…

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), which oversees the state’s low-carbon fuel program, is considering a change in rules for the manure digesters on dairy farms that prevent methane emissions by capturing it for use as a transportation fuel. The digesters are eligible for up to 30 years of prevented-methane credits at present. CARB has proposed a reduction to 20 years for digesters built by 2030. “Prevented-methane emissions cover the cost of constructing a digester,” said agricultural economist Aaron Smith of the University of California in a blog. “However, after the initial 10-year crediting period, there is little economic justification…

Winter oilseeds may soon offer farmers a whole new income stream. Research and development of several species is underway, offering cash crops with sustainability-focused benefits.  Camelina, pennycress, and winter canola — all part of the Brassicaceae family — produce seeds containing 30% to 40% oil and high-protein meal, making them potential solutions for biofuels’ increasing demand and animal feed to boot.  Planted between crop rotations, and in the same time frame as traditional cover crops, winter oilseeds can provide the same benefits. For example, having plants in the ground throughout winter can prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss. Also, an…

Listen to the podcast Meet Bill Gross In this episode, I sit down with recent Daily Point of Light Award recipient Bill Gross. He grew up on a North Dakota farm and went on to found the nonprofit organization Farm Rescue, which provides planting, harvesting, haying and livestock feeding services at no cost to farm and ranch families who have been affected by a major illness, injury or natural disaster. Farm Rescue will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, and so far, the group of volunteers has helped more than 1,100 farm and ranch families in nine states. Gross remembers…

Two individuals from Massachusetts face charges after allegedly releasing around 200 minks from the Richard H. Stahl Sons Inc. fur farm in central Pennsylvania. According to reports, state police in Northumberland County say troopers were called shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday after a report that two people had been caught on camera releasing the minks at the the farm in Rockefeller Township outside of Sunbury. The minks were freed in the early hours of the morning, but security cameras installed after a similar incident last year enabled police to respond quickly. Fortunately for the farm, most of the mink were…

USDA Monthly milk production data has been the bellwether when it comes to measuring milk supplies. However, a consumer shift away from fluid milk consumption towards manufactured dairy products has brought with it an increased demand for production that relies on milk components.  Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist with CoBank, provided a breakdown of his latest study that suggests the dairy industry would benefit from a more comprehensive monthly report from the USDA that includes milk, protein and butterfat production levels. SF: When we think about milk production, we think about total pounds of fluid milk. Your study says we…

Four agricultural workers tested presumptively positive for avian influenza after working with infected poultry at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County, Washington — the first presumed human infections in the state. According to the state Department of Health, the individuals experienced mild symptoms and have been provided with antiviral medication. Testing of additional individuals on the farm is currently pending, and the number of cases under investigation may change. These are the first presumed human cases of H5 virus under investigation in Washington state. The cases took place at a farm that was the site of an avian influenza…

Today the USDA released the 30th Crop Progress report of the 2024 growing season. Corn crop progress According to the report, as of Oct. 20, 98% of the 2024 corn crop in the top 18 corn-growing states was mature. This was up from 94% the week prior and ahead of the five-year average of 95%. The USDA said across all the top growing states, 65% of the crop was harvested. This was up from 47% a week prior and ahead of the five-year average of 52%. Soybean crop progress The USDA said as of Oct. 20, 81% of the soybean…