North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) announced the recipients of $1.29 million in grants through its Professional Development Program. These competitive grants emphasize training agricultural educators in extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, nonprofit organizations, and other public and private sector organizations. The 11 projects selected for funding this year include one […]

A study led by the University of Nevada, Reno, and published in the journal Rangelands found that cattle grazing on cheatgrass do not spread the invasive grass species through their manure. Researchers found that after being digested in the rumen and abomasum, cheatgrass seeds had nearly complete inhibition of germination. This study helps reinforce the […]

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a custom form of biochar designed to capture phosphorus from farm runoff to prevent waterway pollution. They created “designer” biochar with significantly higher phosphorus-binding capacity than regular biochar by slowly burning pellets made from waste sawdust and lime sludge, a byproduct of drinking water treatment. The pellets […]

Minnesota farmers are part of a 15-state trial piloting an Australian method of weed-seed control, reports University of Minnesota Extension. The strategy utilizes a rotating mill that is attached to the combine during harvest to separate weed seeds and pulverize them. Proponents of the new method are hopeful that it will provide farmers with a […]

New legislation in Delaware, “The Consumer Choice Milk Act,” will allow dairy producers with permits to sell unprocessed and unpasteurized milk directly to consumers, says University of Delaware Assistant Professor Kofi Britwum. Proponents hope the measure will aid struggling dairy farmers in the state by opening new markets to them and improving profit margins through […]