Kansas State University is partnering with the Australian Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre to “study emerging plant diseases and insect pests that threaten American and Australian agricultural systems and develop new strategies and technologies to defend against them.” Grain storage solutions will also be a focus for the collaboration’s research. http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=2390&category=news&referredBy=todayRSSFeed
Growing Opportunities: Research Collaboration with Australian Plant Biosecurity Center Set to Secure Food Supplies, Increase Academic Exchanges
Record Wheat Stocks Offset South American Drought
Despite the severe drought in South America, world wheat stocks have grown to record amounts this year, corn stocks are larger than expected, and India will also have a record rice crop. Brazil and Argentina both have lowered soybean harvest forecasts, both 2 million tonnes lower than the January estimate, thus bolstering US sales. http://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/news/record-wheat-stocks-offset-south-american-drought/1000894325/
Managing Deoxynivalenol (DON) Contamination in Fusarium Head Blight Affected Wheat
This article provides on overview of the different results of two papers dealing with wheat contamination, as well as their suggested solutions and practices. Two papers addressing deoxynivalenol contamination in Fusarium head blight affected wheat were covered, the report from Ohio having been recently published and the other from Japan (PDF) published in 2010. blog.plantwise.org/2011/12/05/managing-deoxynivalenol-don-contamination-in-fusarium-head-blight-affected-wheat/ […]
Farmers Still Struggling With Low Harvests Post-Hurricane Irene
The effects of Hurricane Irene continue to add to the postharvest loss of crops in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo responded by creating the Agriculture and Community Recovery Fund, which consists of $15 million. Current losses are estimated to be at about $45 million. http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/11/farmers_still_s.php
US Embargo Caused Over US$104 Billion Direct Economic Damages to Cuba
The UN General Assembly Resolution 65/6 finds that the U.S. blockade on Cuban products has severely limited the development of agriculture on the island, as well as prevented the improvement of logistics activities such as collection, postharvest treatment, and distribution. This blockade has caused Cuba to heavily rely on imports from the US., which it […]
Pioneer Talks Crops
Specific recommendations for farmers drying and storing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, as well as postharvest fertilizer application and soil analysis are given by agriculture experts in Wisconsin in light of recent weather conditions. http://www.agriview.com/news/crop/pioneer-talks-crops/article_66b3cc60-0652-11e1-9183-001cc4c03286.html
Heavy Rains Keeping Palm Beach County Farmers from Harvesting Crops
As flooding continues to ravage countries around the world, the US joins the community of farms with excessive moisture. Farmers have been unable to harvest or plant crops, costing about $400,000 a day for some corporations. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/business/heavy-rains-keeping-palm-beach-county-farmers-from/nLzJT/
Food Processing Short Course 2012
Michigan State University is offering a short course on food processing, packaging, and value-addition with registration open for 2012 now. http://worldtap.msu.edu/event/food-processing-short-course-2012/
U.S. Farm Report Weekly Recap
US regional weather has affected crop yields significantly this year. Arkansas rice yields are down 25%, wheat drilling in Kansas hasn’t started yet due to lack of subsoil moisture, and North Dakotan wheat has lost some test weight and is retaining low moisture levels leading to an expected 40-50 bushels per acre. Food prices are […]
Farmers in Eastern Rwanda Received Postharvest Courses
Two hundred and seventy-six farmers in Eastern Rwanda received postharvest handling and storage skills training through a US-funded, three-week course. The training helped connect farmers to World Food Programme offices, develop strong connections and facilitate further education within the region.