Farm Industry News

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.

03/22/2013 - Whole Foods Requires GMO Labeling by 2018
Leading natural foods grocer responds to customer requests for more transparency in packaged-food ingredients by requiring the labeling of genetically engineered foods.

03/19/2013 - American Humane Certifies First University Research Facility, Major Producer
California's Fresno State and Foster Farms receive American Humane Certification, acknowledging their commitment to safe and humane poultry care.

03/15/2013 - USDA Proposes Healthy School Snacks Rule
The public is encouraged to comment on a proposed USDA rule that follows up to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

03/12/2013 - Farm Income-tax Changes Ahead
A Michigan State University Extension agent outlines income-tax changes that could affect farmers in 2013.

03/08/2013 - 6 Reasons to Celebrate National Craft Month
Get motivated during March to start a new craft that relaxes, repurposes or creates lasting memories.

03/05/2013 - 2012 Ag Census Deadline Extended
The USDA extends the 2012 Census of Agriculture deadline to March 31, 2013, for farmers who have not yet returned their surveys.

03/01/2013 - Insecticides Killing Grassland Birds
A study shows that pesticide use in grasslands is the No. 1 contributor to the decline of grassland birds in the United States.

02/26/2013 - Certifier of Sustainable Farms Closes
Lack of funding brings Food Alliance’s certification program to a halt, while a volunteer board keeps the nonprofit’s sustainable-agriculture standards intact.

02/22/2013 - Farm Rental Rates Set to Rise
Based on land value and crop commodity prices, farmland rental rates are projected to climb in 2013.

02/19/2013 - Farming Like a President
America's founding fathers provide an example of how to raise livestock as part of a sustainable farming operation.

02/15/2013 - Buckwheat Shows Promise as Cover Crop
Two grants are being used to help farmers discover how to use buckwheat as a weed-suppressing, pest-controlling cover crop.

02/12/2013 - Virus Used to Target Brassica Disease
USDA scientists use a virus to distinguish the bacterium responsible for crucifer blight from its doppelganger.

02/08/2013 - Health Departments' Involvement with Factory Farms Limited
A study finds that health departments are hindered in addressing public health concerns from animal-production sites.

02/05/2013 - Hobby Farms Under New Ownership
Newly formed I-5 Publishing, LLC, acquires Hobby Farms and Hobby Farm Home magazines.

02/01/2013 - App Connects Excess Produce to Hungry
Georgia farmers test a new smartphone app and web portal to make it easier to donate their excess produce to food banks.