Agroplasma

Agricultura Importada, Sin Reglamento:Lastima al Cultivador Americano

2010-09-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Cuando se trata de agricultura, muchas partes dentro los Estados Unidos vienen a la mente. partes como California, un estado en la Union que produce frutas y vegetales para mas del 80% del mundo. Que es lo que no se viene a la mente Cuando piensas en lugares como California, que pierde muchos ingresos debido a productos importados. Producto que puede ser evaluado a un precio de venta mas bajo debido a los requisitos puestos en el producto.
Producto que viene de paises como Mexico y Peru no son requeridos a tener el mismo reglamento como un cultivo que es de los Estados Unidos. Asi que ,cuando John, un cultivador local del sur de California quiere vender sus esparagos a clientes, el se topa con un problema, la competencia, que ofrece el mismo cultivo por un precio mucho mas bajo.
Cuando un cultivador no es requerido a regular las aplicaciones de su pesticida y herbicida, o encargedo a alcanzar una cierta ordenanza de seguridad, el puede crecer su cultivo de la mannera mas barata cultivadores como John que han cumpido el reglamento puesto por USDA.
Otro problema que factora en el sobre costo que sigue subiendo cada vez mas es un problema persistente, es el costo de labor. Muchos cultivos son bien intensivos en el area de labor a causa de eso, el labor es bien costoso para el cultiivador, aunque solo les tome un par de horas para cultivar. Cuando el quiere vender su cultivo, el es obligado a factorar este costo, asiendo su producto aun mas caro que los productos importados.
A medida que estas cuestiones se vuelven mas relevantes y exigentes, el cultivador estadounidense solo puede esperar que organizaciones como el paso del USDA y el lugar en el mas fuerte, Mas justa mandatos de producto importado. Mientras que una gran cantidad de nuestra cosecha se exporta fuera de ls estados unidos la aplicacion de nuestros reglamentos puede ser dificil y potencialmente peligrosa para el Mercado de exportacion.

Conservacion del Agua: El Surtido en la Costa Oeste

2010-07-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

El estado de California, es líder nacional en la agricultura de producción, también se clasifica como un usuario de agua más importantes del país. La agricultura es el usuario principal de la nación en el consumo de agua. El uso de agua en la agricultura es más de 80 mil millones de galones por día. A partir de ahora la parte sur de California continuarán sufriendo hasta que sus restricciones de uso del agua se dirigen, mientras que las granjas al norte del delta tendrá disponibilidad a sus asignaciones federales para todo uso del agua.

Con una población tan grande en los Estados Unidos que continúa creciendo, nos hacen muchas preguntas. ¿Cómo podemos ser más eficiente? ¿Cómo podemos usar menos? ¿Cómo podemos utilizar lo que ya han utilizado? Estas son todas las preguntas en la mente de muchos líderes del gobierno y responsables de la agricultura.

La agricultura es una de las principales industrias del estado, proporcionando uno de cada diez puestos de trabajo. En 2004 el sector agrícola contribuyó 32 mil millones dólares a través de ventas directas a la economia. Cuando el impacto económico global se calcula, la industria es responsable de más de $ 100 millones para la creación de puestos de trabajo y para productos adicionales como el transporte y embalaje.;Mirando por la historia, podemos ver muchas cosas que indican una mejora de la calidad del consumo de agua, sin embargo, todavía no es suficiente. Entre 1980 y 2000 el California Farm Bureau Federation informó que la producción agrícola aumentó en la friolera de 35%. La vista de estos aumentos de producción que sólo tendría sentido que la asignación del agua tendría que ser aumentado, pero esto no es así.

Con una situación grande en la mano, la Coalición del Agua para Granjas de California han creado problemas específicos que necesitamos hacer frente. California necesita un suministro de agua más confiable. Tenemos que tener en cuenta que más servicios de almacenamiento necesarios para incrementar nuestro suministro de agua. . Un mejorado sistema de conducción es necesario llevar agua a su punto de uso y proteger a los peces en peligro de extinción en el Delta. La acción legislativa que ahora se necesita para mover a California en el futuro con un suministro de agua que sea confiable para todos sus ciudadanos.

Organic Agriculture: Cleaner Produce & Cleaner Air?

2010-06-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

With the way we live today, we produce very large amounts of Carbon Dioxide among many other hazardous chemicals that get released into the air day after day. Los Angeles has a cloud over itself proving that we as a species are slowly destroying the habitat we live in. Some will argue that this is called Global Warming. Others will contest that the changes in our environment are expected and we will be okay. Either way, we [overall population] are aware that our behavior must change in order to protect the other living organisms in the world. Something we call the “green movement”.
The Rodale Institute, which is dedicated to the promotion of organic agriculture, produced the theory that by replacing our current farmed land which is approximately 3.7 billion acres with organic farming we could in fact reduce the global carbon emission by up to 40 percent. The report was called, “Regenerative Organic Farming: A Solution to Global Warming” which was released in 2008. Since then we have found truths and inadequacies in such predictions.
When we look at the methods organic farming brings to the table, carbon reduction is a large accolade. But, what we have noticed is that climate change by agricultural influences do not limit at carbon dioxide. Methane and nitrous oxide are the primary forms of gasses that affect the atmosphere and climate. Methane, which creates up to 23 times more of an affect than carbon dioxide according to the EPA along with Nitrous oxide pushing way beyond reasonability with 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Composted Manure, which is the main source of fertilizer for row crops impacts our environment most directly, releasing 2.7 percent of it’s carbon as methane before it reaches the field.
As we develop more innovative ways to increase efficiency in growing the Nation’s vegetables and fruit along with row crops for other means of use, we hope that we take into account the environment and what we are releasing out into the air that we breathe day in, and day out. While the Rodale study showed a concern for our current methods, we learn from this study, that many other variables were there that they did not include and we can only look around and wonder, what have we not figured out yet.

California on a Path to Success with Almonds?

2010-05-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

In 2008 the California Almond market saw 1.61 billion pounds of almonds. Getting close this year, with more than a 10 million pound difference from 2009, California Almond Growers will be happy to see the 1.53 billion pounds of nuts come out this year, according to federal farm officials.
While the feds say one thing, many county growers in San Joaquin disagree with such numbers, considering they produce 80% of the world’s supply of almonds. In 2008 San Joaquin County boasted $175 million.
Marginal weather including heavy spring rains is why some growers don’t seem as optimistic as the farm officials. With expecting almost .6 billion less in harvest, it is a question as to what will come out of 2010 almonds. With some saying the southern part of CA is receiving a higher, more bountiful crop, time will tell if CA is able to hold true to its high hoped predictions.

California and Water Conservation in 2010

2010-04-28T16:10:00.002-07:00

When it comes to water, the world generally doesn’t consider that we are in a problem. Unfortunately, only small areas of our country are realizing the crisis that is going on.

California, the nation’s leader in agricultural production also happens to rank as the nation’s top water user. While looking back on history, many different issues have been brought to attention over the years. One we have never really been concerned about until recently is our water. With the United States using approximately 400 billion gallons of water per day, it isn’t any wonder why we are now asking ourselves, “Where will it all come from?”

Out of that 400 billion gallons of water, about half, is allocated to create energy. With using this water for such uses, is then returned to its source be it river or reservoir.

Currently, Agriculture is the nation’s leading user in water consumption. Using more than 80 billion gallons per day, it is our main source to cut back from. How can we be more efficient? How can we use less? How can we reuse what we have already used? How can we hold rainfall that isn’t being used affectively? These are all questions on the minds of many government leaders and agricultural dependants.
While looking into history, we can see many things that indicate a quality improvement in water consumption, yet it still is not enough. Between 1980 and 2000 the California Farm Bureau Federation reported that crop production increased by a whopping 35%. Seeing these production increases it would only make sense that water allocation would need to be increased, but this is not the case. With growers moving to more economical and efficient irrigation systems, along with using different types of fertilizer products like Ferticell, they have proved that they will succeed through tough times.

That being said, it does eliminate us from the leering loss of water supply. We must still be active to conserve as much water and rainfall as possible to eliminate the risk of even higher spikes in water cost.

If you are interested on how to get more out of your water allocations by increasing your yields, give us a call at (602) 233-2223.

California Agriculture Teams Up with the MVD

2010-04-21T14:25:00.001-07:00

With all of the support surrounding the California Agricultural community, its suprising to not have seen this sooner, but it could come at not a better time. With agricultural interests in the younger generation dwindling by, some step of assistance is needed. CDFA Kawamura has induced a new specialized license plate reading, “California Agriculture”.
The license plate will be used to generate educational interests through leadership development and career awareness activities. General registration fees will be lower than the California Ag plate costing $50 to start and $40 per year to renew the plate. Farmers and citizens alike can help support their agricultural followers by putting their California Agriculture plate on autos, commercial vehicles, and trailers.
Unfortunately the demand must be present prior to having the DMV product the plate. A minimum amount of 7500 registrants must apply prior. So please, Californians, get to your DMV and support the youth of tomorrow by getting your Calfornia Agriculture License Plate.
If you are looking for more information about the plate, you can visit www.calagplate.com.

Santa Barbara County Boasts Big Growth

2010-04-20T08:17:00.004-07:00

From 2008 to 2009, many families, farms, and business saw terrible drops in wages, sales, and a raise in unemployment. One county though, pushed through recession bound California with flying colors. Santa Barbara County, which reported a 9.1% growth netted a little over $1.2 billion in agricultural production.

Santa Barbara’s cash cow, the strawberry, which rose $35 million since 2008 to $1.2 billion is by far the leading crop for the area. With such a calm climate, Santa Barbara produces a high amount of different crops as well, which has reached higher production. While Broccoli, which dropped $10 million, their wine grapes rose $51 million.

Along with other crops rising in production like Cauliflower, Avocados, Leaf lettuce, and cut flowers, it is nice to see somewhere in CA making a quality profit. Agroplasma says keep it up Santa Barbara!

Farmers Voices Heard Via AgChat

2010-04-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, it seems ever so important for farmers to express their voice in the world. Recognizing this need, one group has come together to help that voice become heard.

AgChat, the only foundation of its kind is out helping farmers deliver their message. Via the connection of Social Media, AgChat Foundation offers services to enable growers to learn how to access agricultural online communities through social media sectors such as YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, or where the group originated, Twitter where AgChat holds weekly discussions.

The AgChat Foundation has four program areas focused on social media. First is the Agvocacy 2.0 Training: Which is designed to educate farmers through basic, mid-level & expert training to move mindsets up the technology ladder. They also have Strategic Agvocacy Coordination: which empowers agricultural voices through coordinated industry-wide efforts. They then have Data Analysis to provide tools to assist agvocates with targeted community efforts, and to top it off they also provide Technology Scholarships in order to equip farmers with infrastructure to enable full use of social media.

Last Friday, about 300 people sent tweets (Twitter message) and over 1,500 people accessed AgChat.org and reached over 1.4 million impressions.

Thank these ground breaking accomplishments to the growers/farmers and these board of directors.

• Chris Chinn, Farmer
• Jeff Fowle, Rancher
• Mark Gale, Agribusiness Liaison
• Eliz Greene, Consumer & Healthcare
• Darin Grimm, Farmer
• Mike Haley, Farmer
• Shaun Haney, Seedsman
• Michele Payn-Knoper, #AgChat Founder
• Ray Prock, Farmer
• Dr. Chris Raines, Extension
• Dr. Katherine Swift, Veterinarian
• Tricia Braid Terry, Check-off Representative
• Chuck Zimmerman, Agribusiness Liaison

For more information on the AgChat Foundation, visit www.agchat.org.

Water Delivery Discussion: Stand Up for Agriculture

2010-03-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, March 24th, 2010, some of the top agricultural water specialists will be meeting to help sort out some of the largest issues with the California Water Delivery. After limping through the last three years, water conservation is at the top of every discussion, media board, and farmer’s mind.

With so many farm workers losing their jobs and farmers going belly-up, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has scheduled a meeting this week to discuss the federal and state water delivery allocations.

Representatives from the Westlands Water District, San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority, Australian Water Officials from the State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, and Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project all plan on attending and will provide presentations of some sort.

It’s important to note that this meeting will be open to the public and the media. Anyone concerned with this issue, which is every farmer in California, in our opinion should attend to put out the voice for California Agriculture. A large attendance of California farmers would be a large voice as to say, “We’re standing up for Ag!”

The meeting will be held March 24th, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 1220 ‘N’ Streeet., Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. [Link to Google Maps]

If you do attend, feel free to leave a comment detailing how the meeting went in your own opinion!

Arizona SRP: Election Time Is Around the Corner

2010-03-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

As many know, a large amount of Arizona citizens depend on SRP, Salt River Project, to receive electricity and water. What many don’t know, is that coming soon this spring, an election will be held to decide who will be making the decisions that will affect our everyday life. The cost of air quality, how we get our water, and the ever soaring price of electricity all falls on the back of some of the largest agricultural foundations in the great state of Arizona. With a little over 2 million using water and electricity through SRP, it will be a much more important election than what the voter results will entail.

This year’s election, will decide 9 seats on the SRP’s board. SRP, since being established in 1903, was actually here before Arizona had been inducted. Still being run by large growers, farmers, and ranchers has had an impact on AZ for more than a century.

Originally, SRP was established as a water-users association, while the votes are still weighted by how many acres a property owner holds, 682,000 property owners will be eligible to vote for the Salt River Project’s board, including president and vice president.

While many large landowners have sold to housing districts, urbanizing the state has not diminished the direct affect on Arizonians that the SRP board holds. Unfortunately, this will not be grasped as essential as it should considering the drastic changes that are possible with the increases in water cost and electricity.
With the most important decisions being brought before board this year, electricity and water-routing will be of the utmost essential this year. With the average household paying approximately $1500 annually for electricity, this year, those rates may rise.

Thankfully, for the last century we have seen that rates have stayed manageable mostly in-part to having agricultural families in direct control of how those rates are handled. Agriculture has played a large part in Arizona’s history, and while many farms are going by the way side, it’s nice to see that we can depend on such a substantial portion of our state to assist rural AZ in keeping these rates affordable.

With Arizona rates for electricity staying 5% below the state average, we can only hope that when the votes are cast this March 22nd-April 6th we see a continuous effort in keeping with Arizona’s previous grand track record on water and electricity conservation.

For more information, or to find your voting center refer to http://www.srpnet.com/elections/district.aspx.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

2010-03-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

California farmers are getting a big helping hand from the USDA due to the new Environmental Quality Incentives Program which is allowing farmers who qualify and that are interested to apply for funding.
Registration has already begun and will continue through April 9th, 2010. Farmers in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, Tulare, San Joaquin, and Stanisluas Counties will be eligible to receive portions of the ten million dollars set aside to those most directly affected by the current California drought.

For more information you may go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/PROGRAMS/EQIP/

Final EIR: Apple Moth Battle

2010-03-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

The light brown apple moth, the agricultural demon that was found in Manteca has created quite a rush for those in the area. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reported that the eradication program was “less likely” to cause human harm or environmental damage than not taking the action. Reasoning was that if the infestation had spread, more harsh chemicals and pesticides would have been required.

It was stated that if the moth were to become established, that a production loss of over $100 million could be the result of inaction.

The CDFA has considered that using pheromone twist ties on areas where the moth’s breeding occurs will best serve in disrupting the wild moth breeding activity.
The agencies final EIR is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/envimpactrpt.html. If you would like more information you can contact Yolo County Agriculture Commissioner John Young (530) 666-8148.

State Farm Jobs Holding Their Own

2010-03-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

When you think of 2009 you think of; recession, job loss, poverty, war, water shortage, or job loss. But when you look at the numbers for Agriculture, many of these issues seem to be worse than they really are.
For example, Fresno County, California’s top-producing agricultural county posted that farm jobs actually increased from 2008 to 2009, although over the state’s records only dropped by a half percent. The labor and crop statistics of 2009 didn’t exactly point towards that though. Farm employment from 2006 forward show that jobs have increased overall and only recently from 08’ and 09’ has the increase lowered minimally. Notice I said “increase has lowered”. The job market is still slowly increasing.
Growers of rice and processing tomatoes successed quite a year in 2009 and while grape production lowered slightly, it was still among one of their best years. Almond tree growers also profited well by holding more bearing acres than ever.
With inaccurate figures and the surge on the issue with politicians, the state of California greatly over shot the disaster predictions and hopefully 2010 will be only positive for the growers of CA.
To read more,please go to http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/22/local/la-me-water-jobs22-2010feb22

Westside County Growers Spirits Rise

2010-03-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

California over the last few years has been having major issues with water allocation, especially over the western San Joaquin Valley. Although, this year, with the weather patterns already experienced, California may have a better than “average” water year.

The Central Valley Project water users have been told that the water forecast is better than initially estimated. Snowpack and runoff data is tilting towards the “improved” status considering the prior years of drought conditions. With the weather maintaining its current track, west side growers may receive up to 30 percent allocation from their original quotes.

Sadly though, forecasts are still showing a fourth year of drought. This would mean that those north and south of the Delta will still receive the State Water Project’s previous estimate of five percent allocation.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA has stated that she appreciates the administration’s commitment and hopes more to come for the improvement of water supplies to help out the west side of the Valley. The Bureau of Reclamation is hoping to provide eight to ten percent more water which adds up to about 150,000 to 200,000 acre feet of water.

South of the Delta, farms are hoping to get relief from the water shortage from the Department of Agriculture. Some rumors of additional pumping capacity could be authorized by the Banks Pumping Plant by the U.S. Corps of Engineers provided at the time there are not restrictions by water rights, permit conditions, or environmental requirements.

For more information, go to http://www.turlockjournal.com/news/article/3133/

$2 Billion Spent a Year On the Medfly Now Falling On the California Farmer

2010-02-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

With all of the issues currently happening for the California farmer, news like this isn’t very welcome. The Mediterranean fruit fly (below) has infested the state of California since September 2009 and now is quite an issue on the Board of California Agriculture.

Board officials are estimating that a yearly cost to control the Medfly is ranging around the $2 billion mark. The Medfly, destroys crops and creates a large issue for California farmers. With anywhere between 60 to 70 day pesticide treatment periods, that are required by law, if a crop is found to be infected causes quite a problem. Certain crops are able to survive for this quarantined period and crop loss almost seems imminent.

The executive director of the San Diego Farm Bureau, Eric Larson has stated that the core area farms will experience sever financial losses. With the Medfly creating large farm management issues, Larson agrees that something serious must be done to stop the Medfly from inhabiting the fears of California farmers.

With a 79 sq-mile quarantine increasing to 148 sq-miles in less than a month, Escondido is nearly covered. It has not been established as to how many farmers have been or are going to be affected but the big question is, who is going to foot the bill? With the state’s deficit larger than ever, $2 billion is a big bill to swallow and Larson fears that the farmer will end up paying for it. With over 260 fruits and veggies being restricted from moving and the Medfly being able to cover over 4.5 miles over their life expectancy, the issue is serious and could cost the nation over $280 million in crop loss.

With one farm reporting losses over $14,000 in 2009, the question still remains the same, when will the Mediterranean fruit fly haunt our dreams no more?

California Agriculture Fights Back Against the Nipomo Apple Moth

2010-02-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Residents in the Nipomo Mesa area are being contacted with some rather interesting and annoying news. Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has announced that is planning a stealthy, safe approach to eliminating a new threat to the Nipomo area.

What’s known as The Light Brown Apple Moth was found in two places earlier this month, once near the Blacklake Golf Courses, and also again around Cypress Ridge. Below, a picture of this invasive species shows how the specie feeds on different plant species, 123 plants to be exact.

Most agricultural followers may remember the discover of the apple moth arising in California in 2007. This time, the California Department of Food and Agriculture plan to place twist ties that secrete a female moth pheromone that will disorient the apple moth and not allow it to find mates, thus eliminating the breeding rate, according to one Rich Little, Deputy County Agriculture Commissioner.

These Apple Moths are originally from Australia, and while can be a problem is uncontrolled, Little believes that establishing a plan of action will greatly reduce the danger that this little moth could impose on an already suffering agriculture in California. Nipomo Mesa residents should not worry about the pheromone release as will not affect humans, except for specific individuals with certain allergy conditions says Little.

For more information you may go to www.cdfa.ca.gov//lbam.

AG VISION TASKFORCE: LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

2010-02-05T10:07:00.001-07:00

When we look into the future of the California agriculture, it gets a bit stressful. Most do not want to think about what lies ahead for the California grower. Thankfully, there is a group that is stepping up to the plate.

The Ag Vision Taskforce, which is an informal gathering of some of the best representatives of California’s agricultural issues, has received a very welcomed financial gift from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Having been around for the past two years, this group is staying focused despite the obstacles that lie ahead, such as the state’s water shortages, the threat of insect populations, and of course, the ever declining economy.

Karen Ross, former CEO of the California Association of Winegrape Growers is by far the individual who is taking charge of this movement and should be the one receiving most of the credit. Ross, who was recently appointed Senior Advisor to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has continuously provided hours upon days of suggestions and advice to help mold a prosperous future for the California Agricultural Future.

If you want to learn more about the steps being taken to create a healthier planet and increase the health and wellness of California agriculture, visit the website http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ag.

New UC Web site helps farmers with business and marketing

2009-11-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

"University of California Cooperative Extension has launched a new Web site at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/farmbusinessandmarketplace to help new and established small- to medium-scale farmers of fresh products with the business and marketing aspects of their operations.

The Web site is designed for people who are considering farming, and those who have been in the business for quite a while and wish to refresh or enhance their skills. It was designed with Central Coast farmers in mind, but is applicable in most parts of the state. The site aggregates information from the University of California and other universities and agricultural affiliates from around the nation"
More »

Source: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
http://news.ucanr.org/newsstorymain.cfm?story=1250

Looking for effective advance fertilizers, plant nutrients and soil amendments? Please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call (602)233-2223.

Spying on Corn Rootworm Predators’ Nightlife

2009-11-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

“Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist Jonathan G. Lundgren, while exploring corn fields at night, has found a very different group of predators than the ones that feed during the day. It turns out that these night-time predators have a great appetite for corn rootworms, the most costly pest of corn in the world.
Research on day-active and night-active predatory insects is important for scientists who are developing strategies that maximize the potential of the natural predators in crop pest control.
During his night studies, Lundgren focuses on the top few inches of the soil surface, where rootworm larvae do most of their damage to corn roots. Lundgren works at the ARS North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Brookings, S.D.
Lundgren found that one common carabid beetle, Poecilus chalcites, prefers day work, while another common carabid, Cyclotrachelus alternans, works a night shift, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wolf spiders search for rootworms during the night, while some other spiders hunt during the day.”

More »

Article By Don Comis (ARS)

Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov

Looking for effective advance fertilizers, plant nutrients and soil amendments? Please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call (602)233-2223.

Aerial Imagery System Helps Save Water

2009-09-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

"Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are developing a system that saves water by using aerial imagery and ground-based sensors to determine the irrigation needs of small sections of cultivated fields.

Conventional irrigation practices, even when based on modern management and water application techniques, can be wasteful because they assume crop water needs are the same throughout an entire field, according to Douglas Hunsaker, an agricultural engineer at the ARS Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, Ariz. It also is extremely difficult to go into a large field and visually observe and quantify different water needs for specific areas.

Farmers are beginning to use remote sensing technology to monitor crop growth, fertilizer needs and field conditions. Hunsaker's goal is to combine one remote sensing aerial image of a field with a system of wireless sensors tied to computer software that will accurately determine the irrigation needs of small areas on a daily basis throughout the season.

Ideally, farmers could identify areas with high or low water needs with data transmitted to their computers and, using either a drip or a sprinkler system, adjust irrigation levels based on the data. The technology could be particularly useful in the parched Southwestern United States, where conserving water is a major priority."

By Dennis O'Brien (ARS)

Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov

Looking for effective fertilizers or plant nutrients?, please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call (602)233-2223.

Food "Tattoos" an Alternative to Labels for Identifying Fruit

2009-09-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

"Those small and sometimes inconvenient sticky labels on produce may eventually be replaced by laser “tattoo” technology now being tested by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Florida (UFL) scientists.

Called laser etching, the new technology puts a tattoo on grapefruit and other produce so it can be identified at the supermarket checkout lines. The technology was invented by former UFL scientist Greg Drouillard, now with Sunkist Growers. Grapefruit has always been labeled with sticky paper labels that mar the fruit and stick to one another in storage. The labels are also easily removed, making it more difficult to track a piece of produce back to the source if the need arises.

Microbiologist Jan Narciso at the ARS Citrus and Subtropical Products Laboratory in Winter Haven, Fla., and UFL researcher Ed Etxeberria investigated laser technology as an alternative to sticky paper labels.

A carbon dioxide laser beam was used to etch information into the first few outer cells of the fruit peel. The mark can’t be peeled off, washed off or changed, offering a way to trace the fruit back to its original source. This permanent etching into the fruit peel does not increase water loss or the entrance of food pathogens or postharvest pathogens if the laser label is covered with wax"

By Sharon Durham, (ARS)

Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov

Looking for effective fertilizers or plant nutrients, please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call (602)233-2223.

Strawberry Gender Decided by Two Genes, Not One

2009-08-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

"New research by an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist and her cooperators found gender in strawberries is determined by two genes, not one as previously believed.

Strawberry plants possess one of three reproductive functions. Male plants bear flowers that produce pollen but cannot set fruit. Female plants produce fruit if their flowers are pollinated, but cannot produce their own pollen. Hermaphrodites contain both male and female functions that enable them to flower, self-pollinate and bear fruit. Neuters, which look like male strawberry plants, can also exist but do not posses reproductive functions." Stephanie Yao (ARS)

Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov

Looking for effective fertilizers or plant nutrients, please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call (602)233-2223

ARS Releases New Leaf Lettuce Breeding Lines with Corky Root Resistance

2009-08-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

"Three new leaf lettuce breeding lines with resistance to corky root, a serious disease of lettuce, have been released by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

Corky root is caused by a bacterium called Sphingomonas suberifaciens. It lives in the soil and attacks the plant's roots, causing them to enlarge and develop yellow to brown lesions and longitudinal cracks, taking on a cork-like appearance.

Once infected, the roots are unable to effectively absorb water and nutrients, resulting in smaller lettuce heads and yield loss. Cultural practices and fumigation techniques used to treat the disease are costly and labor-intensive. Therefore, developing lines with genetic resistance is still the most common and preferred method to combat the disease."Stephanie Yao, Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov

Looking for effective fertilizers or plant nutrients, please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call (602)233-2223

Researchers Identify Inhibitor that Controls Fungal Pathogen

2009-06-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

"A key bacterial compound that inhibits the growth of the plant pathogen Fusarium verticillioides has been identified by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. The compound could help protect plants, livestock and poultry from fusarium infection.

The compound is produced by Bacillus mojavensis strain RRC101. Finding better controls for F. verticillioides is important because fumonisin mycotoxins—especially fumonisin B1—are toxic to livestock and poultry." Sharon Durham

Source: Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov

Researchers Testing “One-Two Punch” Against Disease-Spreading Thrips

2009-06-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

"Spraying tomatoes with kaolin, a type of powdered clay, and one of three plant essential oils cut in half the incidence of tomato spotted wilt disease, which is spread by thrips.

According to Stuart Reitz, an entomologist with the ARS Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research Unit’s Tallahassee, Fla., site, kaolin forms a white coat that may interfere with thrips’ ability to zero in on color cues during flight. Thrips that do still land on treated plants may find the kaolin coat difficult to penetrate with their juice-sucking mouthparts. This, in turn, may diminish their transmission of the TSW virus, which is present in the insects’ saliva. " Jan Suszkiw

Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov/

It Pays to Furrow Dike

2009-06-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

"Furrow diking not only saves water, but reduces irrigation costs to a point where it makes economic sense, according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists.

Furrow diking is a tillage system where soils are plowed into ridge-like barriers running alongside row crops. The ridges hold irrigation and rain water, allowing it to soak into the soil instead of washing away." Dennis O'Brien

Source: USDA (ARS) http://www.ars.usda.gov/

Watermelons Tapped for Ethanol

2009-05-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

"Agricultural Research Service (ARS) studies in Lane, Okla., have shown that simple sugars in watermelon juice can be made into ethanol. In 2007, growers harvested four billion pounds of watermelon for fresh and cut-fruit markets. Around 800 million pounds--or 20 percent of the total--were left in fields because of external blemishes or deformities.

Now, instead of being plowed under, such melons could get an economic "new lease on life" as ethanol. Normally, this biofuel is produced from cane crops like corn, sorghum or sugarcane as a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline. The watermelon work reflects a national push by ARS to diversify America's "portfolio" of biofuel crops that can diminish the reliance on petroleum, especially from foreign suppliers." Jan Suszkiw (ARS)

Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Study Finds Sugar Beet Varieties React Equally to Nitrogen Applications

2009-05-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

"A study conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their cooperators has dispelled a belief among some sugar beet growers that different sugar beet varieties require different nitrogen fertilization applications.

In integrated farming systems, sugar beet growers harvest the root for cash income and use the tops and root-processing byproducts for livestock feed. This dual benefit works well, but the amount of nitrogen fertilizer required to produce more tops decreases the amount of sugar in the root."

Source:USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Agriculture deputy secretary Merrigan announces funding for new organics initiative

2009-05-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

"WASHINGTON, May 5, 2009— Speaking today to the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced $50 Million for a new initiative to meet the Obama Administration's promise to encourage more organic agriculture production. Funding for the initiative is being made available as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)"
More »

Source: www.usda.gov
Release No. 0146.09

A Biocontrol for a Wide-Ranging Thrips

2009-04-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

"A pest with a voracious appetite may have met its match in a predatory mite being evaluated as a biocontrol agent by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Fort Pierce, Fla. in collaboration with University of Florida researchers.

The chilli thrips is an invasive pest that feeds on leaves, turns them brown, kills new growth and attacks up to 150 crops, including peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, peanuts, cotton and a variety of ornamentals."

More »

Source: USDA Agricultural research service

Why Invasive Plants Take Over

2009-04-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

"New research shows that two key causes of plant invasion--escape from natural enemies, and increases in plant resources--act in concert. This result helps to explain the dramatic invasions by exotic plants occurring worldwide. It also indicates that global change is likely to exacerbate invasion by exotic plants."
More »

Source: USDA Agricultural research service

Canopy Cover: The Secret to Gauging Plants’ Thirst

2009-04-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service’s Water Management Research Unit in Parlier, California, have confirmed that canopy-cover measurements are invaluable for growers, farm advisors, or irrigation consultants who want to determine precisely how much water a plant has used and currently needs.

“A bell pepper with a canopy cover of 40 percent may use, in a week, an inch of water—the amount you might want to replace the next time you irrigate,” says ARS research leader and agricultural engineer Tom Trout. Canopy-cover estimates, used in a standard equation for irrigation scheduling, provide a fast, accurate, dependable, and affordable way for growers to avoid overwatering their crops.

Source:

USDA Agricultural Research Service

Useful Organic Production Information Sources

2009-03-26T14:21:00.001-07:00

If you are new to the organic production industry or you want to become more proficient, this week we have some very useful links, courtesy of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.

Organic Regulation, Certification, Transition & History

Organic Farm Certification & the National Organic Program [Summary] [HTML] [PDF / 190K]

Organic Crop Production Overview [Summary] [HTML] [PDF / 954K]

National Organic Program Compliance Checklist for Producers [Summary] [PDF / 409K]

National Organic Program Compliance Checklist for Handlers [Summary] [PDF / 482K]

Organic Materials Compliance [Summary] [PDF / 555K]

Organic Standards for All Organic Operations: Highlights of the USDA's National Organic Program Regulations [Summary] [HTML] [PDF / 397K]

The Organic Chronicles No. 1: Mysteries of Organic Farming Revealed [Summary] [PDF / 2.9M] [PDF / 1.3M]

Organic Certification Process [Summary] [HTML] [PDF / 455K]

Preparing for an Organic Inspection: Steps and Checklists [Summary] [HTML] [PDF / 622K]

Forms, Documents, and Sample Letters for Organic Producers [Summary] [HTML] [PDF / 463K]

Organic Field Crops Documentation Forms [Summary] [HTML] [PDF / 241K]

If you would like to know more about Organic Production please go to http://attra.ncat.org/organic.html

To learn more about the Ferticell organic product line, please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call (602)233-2223

Ag News: Mexican tariffs could hurt California farmers

2009-03-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

"California farmers may feel the impact of Mexico's retaliatory tariffs more than growers in other states. Those tariffs will make California strawberries, cherries, pears, onions and wine more expensive. Mexican consumers have created strong demand for the smaller sizes of California-grown pears. Growers usually don't start shipping strawberries until mid-May. California cherries have been in demand in more affluent Mexican cities. Both governments have expressed a desire to resolve the trade issue quickly."

Source: cfbf.com

Nervous about agriculture recession?

2009-03-17T16:40:00.001-07:00

There are mixed opinions about the recession in the Agriculture sector. Some people think the future is not very bright and others think that right now we have one of the most solid industries.

If you feel you must start cutting some of your everyday cost, Jeff Caldwell, editor of Agriculture Online has some very good suggestions that might help you.

Full Article»

Increase Your Morning Productivity with the 10 O'Clock Rule

2009-03-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

Tip of the week

For this week we have a productivity tip from Adam Pash at lifehacker.com

“Whether you wake up every morning in an anxiety-driven frenzy or a sleep-deprived stupor, weblog LifeClever suggests de-stressing your mornings and getting more done by setting your watch to beep every night at 10 o'clock (or whatever time works... “
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How Ferticell Improves Fertilizer Efficiency

2009-02-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

In 2008 the fertilizer world took an unprecedented ride in to the unknown. With the limited availability of fertilizers in the industry and high fuel cost fertilizers prices soared.

The reality is old prices are not coming back. the best alternative would be to stop wasting your high priced fertilizers and start becoming more efficient.

Ferticell utilizes a unique proprietary technology. Unicellular algae promotes more efficient fertilizer uptake and assimilation. During Agroplasma's 20 years in business, Ferticell scientists have tested over 1000 algae cells. The twelve algae cells we use in our proprietary blend provide the most effective use of your fertilizers and more importantly your money.

Ferticell products are a concentrated solution of cells and cell extracts including unicellular freshwater algae and bacteria. These cells provide instantaneous delivery of nutrients while improving nutrient uptake from the soil.

The unique characteristics of the different types of all cells used in Ferticell is their ability to store very large amounts of nutrients such as amino acids, microelements, and vitamins within their cell walls and then transfer these nutrients to the plant.

Not only is Ferticell a nutrient source, it helps the plant utilize existing nutrients in the leaf tissue and soil more effectively by utilizing the dual function of the algae cells.

When applied foliar the algae improve the ability of the plant to absorb a luxury amount of nutrients. When algae are applied to the soil, the cells which are not taken up by the roots will become an excellent food source for beneficial soil bacterial. When the beneficial soil bacteria are feeding, it starts a mineralization process, making the nutrients in the soil more easily absorb by the root system.

This process provides for a better root structure, more top growth and increased yields with more homogeneous fruit and increased shelf life with Ferticell.

This revolutionary new approach to growing stronger healthier crops is based on the knowledge that most plants have their own complex growth and defense systems that are only activated when certain events occur in nature or activated by Ferticell.

To learn more, please visit our website at www.ferticell.com or call us at (602)233-2223.

10 Ways to stay energized

2009-02-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Tip of the week

Hello everyone, we are going to start this week with a new section call “Tip of the Week”. We are going give you some helpful tips to improve your personal and professional life.
This is the first one courtesy of Kevin Purdy from lifehacker.net

“Even if you're a hyper-organized, task-oriented worker with an expansive mind and endless ambition, you won't get a lot done if your mind and body are demanding you curl up and doze off. Luckily, you can overcome a late night of net surfing, a rough morning, or just the post-lunch stupor without becoming an over-wired mess. We've put together 10 of the best ways to jumpstart your brain and get back into a productive groove, and all of them are tricks you can put to work this Monday.”
More »

The 2009 World Ag Expo

2009-02-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

It’s all about The 2009 World Ag Expo this week and we are very excited to be out there meeting a lot of growers and sharing your personal experiences in the world of agriculture.

Be sure to stop by Pavilion C, Booth 3421, located on the Westside wall. Register to win a portable GPS navigation system by dropping your card in the bowl.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

2009-01-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the very first posting of Ferticell's new blog! This is intended to be a forum on all things ag-related. We plan to discuss the latest research, news, and products of interest to the ag community. There's an old adage, "knowledge is power". That's never been more true than Today. Our new blog is intended to sort through the "tower of babble" out there and bring you truly relevant information. This forum is for you, and about you! We welcome comments and discussion topics.