From 2019 to 2020, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 4% according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Agriculture only represents 10% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the whole nation, this number is very low compared to other sectors in the economy. AFBF President, Zippy Duvall, said, "The most recent numbers show America’s farmers and ranchers are dedicated to feeding America’s families while remaining...
Agricultural cooperatives have been warned by the FBI about ransomware attacks are more likely to happen during planting and harvest seasons. “Cyber actors may perceive cooperatives as lucrative targets with a willingness to pay due to the time-sensitive role they play in agricultural production,” FBI states. Some ways to mitigate these attacks include regularly backing up data and installing updates, software, and firmware as soon as they...
For years there have been rumors of extremely high levels of pesticides on fresh produce that make it unhealthy to eat, this is actually a myth. Looking at the highest amount of residue found in the "dirty dozen" it was found that the levels are so low, that a child could eat thousands of servings of fruits and veggies and not have any health effects. Actually, most non-organic produce has such low levels of pesticides, that it could actually be...
Stormwater detention ponds were created to remove 80% of phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended solids from bodies of water, but research shows that they only remove 50% or less. Most often people use the words "detention" and "retention" interchangeably, but these words mean two different types of ponds. Detention ponds hold water all year round, while retention ponds are empty until it rains and they fill up with water. These ponds are normally...
In the past few weeks, there have been reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Midwest and northern parts of the country. According to Alabama Poultry and Egg Association's CEO, Johnny Adams, the disease is not being spread from farm to farm due to good bio-security. The disease is being spread by wild birds in parts of the U.S. and in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Canada. Bird owners should be reviewing their biosecurity...
Specialty crops like almonds and other nuts, berries, fruits and vegetables have honey bees to thank for more than 15-billion in added crop value. Funding from the Plant Protection Act has helped the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Plant Protection and Quarantine Program, PPQ, launch a survey that will gather data on bees to better understand the threatening factors of bees and how to take action to protect them and the many...
Farmers in western Palm Beach County have exceeded water quality standards by cutting harmful nutrients in field runoff by 59%. This is more than double what is required by law. To learn more about the Florida Everglades Forever Act and how the farmers have been able to consistently exceed requirements visit The Palm Beach Post website and read the article, "Palm Beach County farmers exceed water quality requirements by more than double,"...
Precision and automation in agriculture can minimize the overall amount of spray used in groves and orchards. Tim Hammerich explains how this technology helps Florida citrus growers in his Farm of the Future Report. Visit the Ag Information Network website to download, read, or listen to the reports. Bringing Precision and Automation to Agriculture - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
The USDA New Farmers website offers resources for youth to discover exciting science and technology job opportunities in agriculture. There are many different innovative ways to grow food and fiber, and modern farming is full of opportunities for agriculture and science to meet. Innovations at Work in Agriculture is a resource that shares research information, the history of science in agriculture, and how technology is used on farms today....
Cover crops enrich the soil, manage erosion, and feed livestock. To learn more about the Best Management Practices (BMPs) a Florida cattle and hay operation implements, read the Florida Farm & Family article, How Winter Pastures in North Central Florida Improve the Agricultural Ecosystem.
