Researchers at Penn State University published a study in Basic and Applied Ecology that found ladybug scent could deter aphids from feeding and reproducing. A team led by Sara Hermann in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences developed a novel pest management tool based on the chemical ecology of predator-prey interactions between ladybugs and […]

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture highlighted the work of several 1890 Land-grant Institutions in tackling challenges to small-scale agriculture and strengthening agricultural profitability and sustainability of small-scale farms. For example, at Lincoln University, the Innovative Small Farm Outreach Program (ISFOP) was established to help Missouri’s small farmers and ranchers, especially those who are […]

Purdue University’s Midwestern Regional Climate Center launched a new interactive chilling hours tool to help growers more closely monitor accumulated chilling hours. The tool utilizes hourly data from hundreds of weather stations in all 50 U.S. states and lets users customize start dates and temperature ranges for accumulated chilling hours. The tool can help growers […]

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory conducted a five-year study at two solar sites in southern Minnesota to understand the ecological value of PV solar energy sites planted with native grasses and wildflowers. By the end of the field surveys, the team observed increases for […]

A survey of agricultural loan officers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois revealed that 51% say conservation is important to them personally, and 59% believe it is very or extremely environmentally beneficial. The survey was conducted by Environmental Defense Fund, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, University of Minnesota Water Resources Center and Compeer Financial. […]