Agriculture

Controlling wild pigs can work if it’s a group effort

Feral swine are found in at least 35 states in the U.S.

Teaming groups of private landowners with federal efforts yielded measurable success, at least in terms of defending cornfields.

Three corn and soy farmers challenge the industry that raised them

Atmos reports three Iowa farmers, known as the Lobe Rangers, advocate for sustainable practices in agriculture to address soil erosion and water pollution issues.

Too few vets, too many animals: Inside the farm veterinarian shortage

Sentient reports a U.S. farm veterinarian shortage, risking animal welfare and food safety as fewer graduates choose farm work due to poor pay and conditions.

Who shops at farmers markets in the US?

Only about 1 in 5 of the Americans surveyed shop at farmers markets because they care a lot about food and enjoy buying, preparing and eating fresh food.

Agriculture news from Around the Nation

What 1,000 Iowans have to say about the impact of factory farming

Sentient reports on Iowans' mixed feelings about factory farms, highlighting water quality concerns and economic benefits, revealing a pivotal moment for change.

As family farms decline and the climate heats up, farmers weigh what to do with their land

Grist reports that as family farms decline and climate change impacts agriculture, farmers like John Boyer are grappling with land preservation amid rising pressures.

What data on 11K farms reveals about the country’s factory farm hotbed

Sentient Media reports Iowa has the most factory farms, producing 170 billion pounds of manure annually, leading to severe water pollution and health risks, including cancer.

A sign warns passers-by that irrigation in the area uses treated sewage wastewater.

Cyclospora spreads through human waste – so how did it get on food?

US sewage treatment plants likely don’t get rid of all the disease-causing protozoa, and monitoring discharged wastewater for it is difficult.

Farmers hope to make New Jersey the hazelnut capital of America

A small but widening group of pioneers are working to make hazelnuts as much of a signature New Jersey crop as tomatoes and corn.

A spreader sprays sewage sludge, which is rich in phosphorus, across a farm in Oklahoma.

Why too much phosphorus in America’s farmland is polluting the country’s water

Plants need phosphorus, and other nutrients, to grow. But soil tests can’t tell if there’s too much.

American farmers face a changing future for their businesses.

American farmers, who once fed the world, face a volatile global market with diminishing federal backing

The US government used to have American farmers’ backs, but that support has been dwindling for decades. New subsidies signal big changes for farmers.

‘Ask for help’ mental health resources and stress management tips for farmers

Communication with loved ones, neighbors and mental health professionals can be a key piece of addressing the stressors and mental health issues that affect farmers at higher rates than other professions. According to the National Rural Health Association, suicide rates are “significantly higher” in rural areas than in urban areas and farmers die by suicide […]

A biologist maintains a large population of black soldier flies for protein farming.

Genomics can help insect farmers avoid pitfalls of domestication

Considering how easily bird flu swept through chicken farms, it’s clear that domestication has downsides. Lessons from the past paired with modern genomic technology can help with farming insects.

This dairy farm in California's Central Valley has installed solar panels on a portion of its land.

California farmers identify a hot new cash crop: Solar power

Solar is helping farmers in California save water and secure reliable income in the face of drought and economic pressure.

Environmental News from around the web

NJ data center emitted staggering amounts of air pollution for nearly a year before regulators intervened

Floodlight reports that a New Jersey data center emitted significant air pollution for nearly a year before regulators intervened, leading to a $1 million fine.

What the history of blue baby syndrome tells us about today’s fight for clean water

Sentient reports that blue baby syndrome, linked to nitrate pollution from agriculture, shaped water safety regulations.

Not every home needs the same backup power. Here's how to determine the best home battery backup for you.

(BPT) - Are you thinking about adding a home backup system to your house in the form of a solar generator or portable power station? If not, it's a good idea to consider sooner rather than …

What you need to know about the outage forecast before you buy power backup

(BPT) - Excited about Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days? How about finding deals that really matter, like backup power solutions for your home? More than 4 in 10 households have no generator, battery, …

Could shellfish farming fix Florida's algal bloom problem?

Reasons to be Cheerful reports that shellfish farming could help combat Florida's harmful algal blooms by filtering water and improving quality through nutrient credit trading.