Entries by Tracy Mumma

Regenerative Agriculture Loan Pilot Program Launches

FBN® announced the launch of its Regenerative Agriculture Financing (RAF) Land Loan pilot program. The pilot program will provide approximately 20 farmers with discounted interest rates — ranging from 0.25% to 0.5% — on newly financed land for seven years. The rate discounts will be accessible for farmers who implement sustainable soil and water health […]

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology and the Supporters of Agricultural Research Combine Forces

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) and the Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR) Foundation announced that they will combine their operations to advance agricultural science and innovation. The effort will combine SoAR’s impactful policy and research initiatives with CAST’s extensive network of experts and communication capabilities. Through their agreement, CAST will acquire SoAR’s […]

Wisconsin Announces Award of Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants

Wisconsin’s Governor and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced the award of $1 million to 49 farmer-led groups through the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant (PLWPG) Program. Funding will support producer-led conservation solutions by encouraging innovation and farmer participation in efforts to improve Wisconsin’s soil health and water quality. Governor Tony Evers also […]

Agroforestry Maps Identify Areas of Greatest Benefit

Scientists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Notre Dame collaborated to develop a decision support tool for agroforestry in the Midwest that combines environmental, social, and economic considerations. The team developed a map that identifies areas where agroforestry could deliver the biggest impacts in terms of soil erosion, water quality, climate, […]

InsectNet App Offers Insect ID for Farmers

A new InsectNet app developed by Iowa State University provides identification and predictions for more than 2,500 insect species worldwide at more than 96% accuracy. A farmer can snap a picture and use a smartphone or computer to feed the photo into the app for predicted taxonomic identification and real-time information on whether the insect […]

California Farm Champions Honored

Community Alliance with Family Farmers announced the 2025 California Farm Champions: individuals, farms, and businesses who are making a positive difference in California. These inspirational change-makers are blazing trails for regenerative agriculture, strengthening local food systems, and working tirelessly to grow a healthier and more just future. The honorees include New Farmer of the Year […]

Farmers Needed for Financial and Mental Well-Being Interviews

Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) research project teams are leading an innovative research project to better understand farmers’ mental health. Researchers are seeking direct input from farmers in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin on how they solve challenges related to financial and mental well-being. This input will provide critical insights needed to […]

Kentucky Launches ‘Farm to School Stars’ Recognition Program

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has launched Kentucky Farm to School Stars Recognition Program to recognize three school districts annually that have demonstrated a commitment to increase purchases directly from Kentucky farmers. The program will recognize districts purchasing the highest percentage of locally grown products. Impacts will be measured by monitoring the districts’ purchases of […]

Texas A&M Offering Online Wine Science and Viticulture Certificate Program

Texas A&M University is offering a new, online Viticulture and Wine Science Certificate Program for individuals interested in mastering the science behind grapevine cultivation and winemaking. The 24-month online program provides both professionals and enthusiasts with the chance to develop specialized knowledge and hands-on experience. The program offers individual tracks in viticulture and wine science, […]

Forestry App Helps Landowners Understand Tree Value

Scientists at Purdue University have developed iForester, a new app that helps landowners learn more about the value of their own trees and conduct preliminary assessments of their forests. The app uses the lenses of an iPhone to measure a tree’s diameter at a standard height. New features that the developers are adding to the […]