5 years ago
At USDA, economics is a helping science. Two recent contributions of USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) highlight how economic research help USDA form policies. USDA recently announced changes to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which is used to calculate maximum USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The re-evaluation of the TFP was a data-driven, science-based analysis. ERS researchers ...

5 years ago
Kansas State University researchers have published recent findings that highlight their discovery of a gene in ancient wheat that gives superior strength and elasticity to bread dough. Liangliang Gao, a post-doctoral scientist in K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center, said the work is part of a larger project involving research groups worldwide and spanning more than 50 years ...

5 years ago
Autonomous pest control vehicles could become a valuable asset to farmers in the future as they create an opportunity for new intelligence and a way of managing pests in crop fields. Kansas State University precision agricultural engineer Ajay Sharda says that small, robotic vehicles could identify sites of infestation, decide if it is beyond a critical ...

5 years ago
In a few short days we will all sit down and celebrate Thanksgiving. The holiday that is meant for us to reflect and decide what it is for which we are thankful. We have a lot to be thankful for in this great nation, not the least of which is our farms and ranches. This ...

5 years ago
Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, will lead a new $513,000 research project to characterize African swine fever virus survival and transmission after introduction onto a farm. She will serve as the principal investigator on the two-year grant award from the National ...

5 years ago
For many farm families, managing taxes and decisions about what happens to the farm after they leave the business can be very difficult. Ever-changing laws and regulations make it even more complicated. Women Managing the Farm and Kansas State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics will host a nationally recognized speaker on both topics during a webinar planned for Monday, Nov. ...

5 years ago
Fort Hays State University is once again addressing the needs of students, the agricultural industry, and the regional workforce with the launch of a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in agribusiness. This innovative online and on-campus program was developed by the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (RCOBE), working in ...

5 years ago
In anticipation of calving season, the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in December and continuing through January. The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process, and tips to handle difficult calving situations. K-State ...

5 years ago
Nov. 1 is the deadline for organic farmers and ranchers to apply to be reimbursed for up to 50% of organic certification costs through the Farm Service Agency’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program. According to the USDA, the program provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their ...

5 years ago
A national cattle identification system that was first developed at Kansas State University has received a big boost of support from one of the country's largest food companies.  Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc., is backing U.S. CattleTrace, a system that uses ear tags with ultrahigh frequency technologies to establish a national animal disease traceability system.   The system was first tested in ...

5 years ago
For Kansas farmers and ranchers interested in enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the deadline to submit initial paperwork has been set for Nov. 19.  “These programs are a great opportunity for farmers looking to incorporate conservation in their operations,” said Kate Hansen, policy associate for the Center ...