North TX county declares disaster due to PFAS contamination / Public News Service

A north Texas commissioners’ court has declared a county disaster because of PFAS contamination. Johnson County Commissioners are asking Gov. Greg Abbott to join the declaration. PFAS – also known as forever chemicals – have been found in soil, groundwater, and surface water across the county. Commissioner Larry Woolley said the problem has been going on

Read & Share   sourced from: Public News Service

Utah bill wants more labeling transparency for cultivated meat products

A Utah legislator has introduced a bill to increase transparency for consumers in the Beehive State when purchasing cultivated meat products. Cultivated meats are genuine animal meat, but are produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment. But since the beginning of the year, two U.S. states have proposed cultivated meat bans as policymakers

Read & Share   sourced from: Public News Service

First Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic H5N9 Reported in U.S. Ducks

A new strain of bird flu, called highly pathogenic H5N9, has been identified at a duck farm in California. This marks the first U.S. detection of this particular H5N9 variant, distinguishing it from the more common H5N1 strain that has been associated with several human infections. While scientists are closely monitoring the situation, current assessments

Read & Share   sourced from: Live Science

State-of-the-art drone technology flies into KMOT Ag Expo

In the evolving world of agriculture, drones are becoming essential tools for farmers, streamlining tasks and enhancing efficiency. At the KMOT Ag Show, a new 3-foot drone from Tenacity Ag, based in Minnesota, showcases just how far this technology has come. Capable of covering 60 acres in an hour, these drones not only spray crops

Read & Share   sourced from: KMOT

134M poultry and counting: Interactive charts show hardest-hit counties in bird flu crisis

The latest data from the CDC and USDA show the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States – with Iowa, the nation’s leading egg producer, suffering substantial losses. Since November 2023, more than 12.1 million poultry birds have been affected in Sioux County, Iowa. On Jan. 17, health officials in Georgia,

Read & Share   sourced from: Investigate Midwest

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NDSU Extension to hold Best of the Best in Wheat Research meeting Jan. 29 in Minot

The annual Best of the Best in Wheat Research meeting is set for January 29 in Minot, North Dakota, gathering wheat growers and agronomists for a day of learning at the Grand Oasis Hotel. Kicking off at 8:30 a.m., the event will cover vital topics like variety performance and disease management, featuring insights from experts

Read & Share   sourced from: NDSU Extension Service

NDSU Extension projects commodity prices for 2025

Planning for the future can be a very frustrating process particularly in times of market volatility. Planning typically pays high dividends. For most farm and ranch managers, developing realistic commodity price expectations is one of the most difficult and complex tasks of the planning process. To make the planning process easier, North Dakota State University

Read & Share   sourced from: NDSU Extension Service

‘Right to repair’ case seen as tip of iceberg for ND farmer fairness

Farmers in North Dakota and the rest of the country are monitoring an evolving legal case against a giant equipment manufacturer and they said repair restrictions are not the only service headaches farmers encounter. The Federal Trade Commission last week sued John Deere, accusing the company of an unfairly dominant market share. It said farmers have

Read & Share   sourced from: Public News Service

ND to debate how close large livestock sites can sit near communities

In North Dakota, 2025 could be another year when the state puts out the welcome mat for the livestock industry. Following [task force recommendations](https://ndlegis.gov/sites/default/files/resource/68-2023/legislative-management-final-reports/2025finalreport.pdf), the Legislature will consider updating how much local governments can restrict feedlot operations. The panel was specifically looking at distances allowed between larger livestock sites and homes, businesses and schools. Doug Goehring,

Read & Share   sourced from: Public News Service

Farmers are abandoning their land

Across the globe, in places that are not North Dakota, farmers are making a surprising choice: they’re abandoning millions of acres once lush with crops and livestock. It’s part of a pattern of migration away from the rural, and it’s leaving a mark on the landscape that has ecologists talking: is it a loss of

Read & Share   sourced from: NPR

Ukraine Agricultural Exports Near Pre-Invasion Levels in 2024

Ukraine’s agricultural sector has triumphed against the odds, contributing a remarkable $24.5 billion to its economy in 2024. After years of disruption due to Russia’s invasion, these exports are back on track, approaching the peak levels seen in 2021. Sunflower oil and corn spearhead this resurgence, driving significant growth alongside key exports like wheat and

Read & Share   sourced from: The Kyiv Independent

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U.S. barley acreage hit lowest level since 1876 as demand from brewers sinks

Barley, once a staple in U.S. agricultural fields, is now struggling for attention. In 2024, its harvested acreage reached a low not seen since 1876. Factors like reduced livestock demand and changing beer industry needs have contributed to its decline. While farmers pivot to crops like corn and soybeans, barley’s status teeters between being a

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

Indoor walleye startup searches for a home in Minnesota as the state revamps its aquaculture plan

In the world of innovative food production, Blue Water Farms in Minnesota is wrestling with the challenges of launching the nation’s first commercial indoor walleye farm. While initial plans in Red Wing didn’t pan out due to unforeseen issues, the startup is forging ahead with new partnerships and locations. They’ve linked arms with experts in

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

Innovative farm in Sawyer grows local crops during North Dakota winters

Winter in North Dakota might conjure images of snow drifts and frigid air, but for Quinn Renfandt near Minot, it’s a season of growth. Through clever innovation like geothermal greenhouses, local food isn’t hibernating—it’s thriving. This isn’t just about fresh produce; it’s a pledge to community and local economy. Get the full story from KMOT

Read & Share   sourced from: KMOT

Mega-Farms Are Driving the Threat of Bird Flu

On the fringes of California’s dairy country, where copper-hued mountains frame sprawling farms, a silent threat looms: bird flu. Already devastating the state’s poultry and dairy industries, this highly pathogenic virus has jumped from wild birds to cows, with alarming implications for livestock and human health. Farmworkers fear its spread, as cases rise and conditions

Read & Share   sourced from: Inside Climate News