Farm Industry News

05/17/2013 - Small Farmers Gain Organic Industry Voice
The nation’s leading organics-industry trade association formed a Farmers Advisory Council to allow organic producers direct communication on industry matters.

05/14/2013 - U.S. Food-borne Illness Rate Remains Steady
Extension specialist analyzes new reports surrounding food-borne illness in the U.S. and points to proper preparation as key to illness prevention.

05/10/2013 - New Environmentally Friendly Ditch Design
A new two-stage ditch design wins awards for innovation and is already being implemented without fail across the Midwest.

05/07/2013 - Report Sheds Light on Bee Losses
The USDA and EPA release findings that show a number of factors contribute to Honey bee colony decline.

05/03/2013 - Cat Threats Lead to Increased Bird Kills
The appearance of a cat induces a behavior response in parent birds that leads to the doubling of predator attacks on bird nests, a study shows.

04/30/2013 - Artichokes Take Spotlight in Texas
Generally thought of as a California crop, the artichoke is finding a home on Texas’ small-scale and production farms.

04/26/2013 - Hospital Technology Moves to the Vineyard
Scientists use CT scans to learn more about how plants respond to drought and disease.

04/23/2013 - Create Bird-friendly Habitats
Attract native bird species to your farm or backyard by strategically planting the landscape.

04/19/2013 - Researchers Pinpoint Cause of Michigan Celery Disease
A mysterious disease that caused two years of deformed celery crops throughout Michigan is now attributed to a fungus, and growing precautions should be taken.

04/16/2013 - Antibody Accurately IDs Johne’s Disease
USDA scientists find a way to identify a disease that affects ruminant farm animals without disrupting tests for other diseases.

04/12/2013 - New Tomato Combats Pests and Disease
A Cornell breeder who developed a tomato resistant to thrips and tomato spotted wilt virus continues her research to make the new variety available to small-scale farmers.

04/09/2013 - Meteorologists Expect Continued Drought for Summer 2013
Forecasts of high temperatures and minimal rainfall across much of the U.S. mean farmers can expect another rough growing season.

04/05/2013 - 10 Hobby Farmer Stories of Luck
Hobby Farms readers share their stories of luck on the farm.

04/02/2013 - Booklet Helps Women Manage Farm Wildlife
The Midwest's Women, Food and Agriculture Network developed a booklet with female landowners on how to regulate hunting and wildlife on their farms.

04/01/2013 - Editors Turned Designers Put Goats on Things
Jump on board the latest spring design trend featuring a beloved farm animal: the goat.

03/29/2013 - Cooler Soil Temperatures Could Shorten Growing Season
After 2012's record highs and lengthy drought, 2013 is getting off to a noticeably cooler start.