Bumblebees: A new role as pollinators?
With the hammering that honeybee populations have taken over the last few years, farmers have been reminded how vital pollinators are for good yields. And as honeybee hives continue to be hit with odd maladies, the question is: Can native pollinators fill the gap?
Alabama/Georgia laws: An impact on Florida labor?
Backers of recently enacted legislation in Alabama and Georgia that targets illegal aliens claim their hand was forced due to the federal government’s refusal to properly enforce laws already in place.
Researchers seek clues for honeybee decline
In recent years, as honeybee populations have dived alarmingly, research funding has been lined up and scientists have rushed to find the cause of the insects’ strange behavior, massive die-offs and colony abandonment.
USDA to close 259 offices nationwide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must be built to meet the evolving needs of a 21st century agricultural economy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday.
Did MF Global executives know about lost funds?
With legislators attempting to get to the bottom of the collapse and bankruptcy of MF Global Terrance Duffy, CME Group’s executive chairman, testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday.
Historic moment: Cotton futures exceed $2
Back in September when December 2010 cotton futures inched over a dollar a pound, a collective gasp of surprise and excitement swept across the Cotton Belt. As it turned out, we hadn’t seen anything yet.
Growers wary of 2011 fertilizer price situation
Until recent years, fertilizer prices had held relatively steady for U.S. farmers. Then, in 2008, fertilizer prices made a rapid, alarming ascent before hitting record levels in the fall.
Tax package pleases farm groups
The $900 billion tax package negotiated by the White House and Republican leaders has passed a lame-duck Congress. The bill’s passage came with a generous dose of rancor.
