Agriculture and the science of crop protection materials is too often misunderstood by the public and is under constant attack by extremists in the political arena. As legislation and jurisdiction begins to more commonly ignore sound science in their decision-making, farmers are rightfully concerned about the future of agriculture and what may or may not be in their power to …
BASF Launches Operation Weed Eradication to Help Growers Eradicate Weeds
BASF launched a new industry-wide initiative to eliminate on-farm weeds. Operation Weed Eradication calls on growers and partners to take action against troublesome weeds in their fields, through cultural practices, chemical control and enhanced diligence. Research by Stratus Ag shows that nearly 75 percent of growers nationwide are dealing with glyphosate-resistant weeds in their fields and today’s management practices are …
Could CA Farmers Lose CalEPA & Science-Based Pesticide Regulation?
Anti-pesticide sentiment has never been more prevalent, as California courts and anti-agricultural organizations frighten the public with non-science based claims of the harmful effects of crop protection materials such as glyphosate. What farmers need to understand though now, is that much more than glyphosate is currently at stake. The legislature is now being pressured to change the whole pesticide regulatory …
EPA Registers Long-Term Use of Sulfoxaflor While Ensuring Pollinator Protection
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a long-term approval for the insecticide sulfoxaflor— an effective tool to control challenging pests with fewer environmental impacts. After conducting an extensive risk analysis, including the review of one of the agency’s largest datasets on the effects of a pesticide on bees, EPA is approving the use of sulfoxaflor on alfalfa, …
Dairy Cattle Resistant to Tuberculosis
Infectious diseases are not conquered, but sometimes that’s our perception. The infectious microbial agents patiently await the right opportunity occurring at the intersection of multiple circumstances. Their unpredictability is their modus operandi, which often amplifies their adverse impacts. Scientists who study the incidence and spread of infectious diseases in animal populations (epidemiologists) emphasize that strategies aimed at preventing the establishment of …
Understanding Coyotes & How to Manage/Deter Them
Once confined mostly to the Great Plains of North America, coyotes have spread across much of the continent, and can be a real threat and nuisance to farming communities. Check out this brief interview with USDA Wildlife Specialist Derek Milsaps, as he offers some recommendations on how to identify and deal with these pests. Enjoy our Ag video news? Be sure …
Invasive Nutria Damages CA Waterways — Requesting Farmer Assistance!
Rodents of unusual size —California has got them! The new kid on the block is Nutria, a semiaquatic rodent, that has invaded California’s waterways, and is doing a lot of damage. USDA is asking farmers for help in locating these pests to be removed. Derek Milsaps from USDA-APHIS presented some information on this pest at the Tree & Vine Expo …
New Restrictions for Chlorpyrifos (e.g. Lorsban) Use What Does this Mean for California Alfalfa Growers?
An important change has come to California insect management for alfalfa and other crops. As of January 1, 2019, new restrictions on the use of chlorpyrifos (e.g., Lorsban and other products) for alfalfa have been imposed. This is likely to impact growerpractices and strategies to address pest resistance issues. According to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, DPR), chlorpyrifos can …
Alfalfa Field Day in Firebaugh, July 31
Field Day Covers Pesticide Rules, Alfalfa Pest & Field Management University of California extension advisors and a county official will update farmers about the latest trends in alfalfa field and pest management and pesticide regulations during a Tuesday, July 31 field day in Firebaugh. Open to all growers and pest control advisors, the free field day will be from 10 …
Spinose Ear Tick, a New CA Dairy Pest
Urgent Alert for California Dairy Producers with Freestall barns: you may have spinose ear tick on your dairy. Traditionally, ticks have not been a problem for California dairy producers; however, this particular tick species has been discovered recently on multiple dairies in the state. Watch this brief interview with UC Extension Entomologist Alec Gerry as he explains, and read more …
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