Agriculture

February 4, 2014 9:07 AM

How American food companies go GMO-Free in a GMO world

Many American food companies, responding to consumer demands, are looking for grain that's not genetically modified. It turns out that non-GMO corn and soybeans aren't hard to find. Years ago, grain traders set up a supply chain to deliver non-GMO grain from U.S. farmers to customers in Japan.

by Dan Charles

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January 22, 2014 7:12 PM

Agriculture on the cusp of a drone boom

Many farmers are technologically savvy, using remote sensors and satellite images to monitor their fields. As soon as the FAA passes new rules, drones are expected to be another tool adopted by agriculture.

by Dan Gunderson

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January 21, 2014 8:41 PM

Whole Foods bans produce grown with sludge. But who wins?

Whole Foods recently decided it would not buy produce from farmers who use treated sewage sludge, also known as biosolids, on their fields. But scientists say this is a mistake; the material is safe and benefits the environment in lots of different ways.

by Eliza Barclay

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January 13, 2014 7:49 PM

Researchers, lawmakers see growing interest in protecting bees

In recent years, bees have become victims of a perfect storm and two Minnesota state agencies are working on ways to make the environment healthier for bees. The issue is likely to be a hot topic during the upcoming Legislative session.

by Dan Gunderson

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January 8, 2014 6:23 PM

This GMO apple won't brown. Will that sour the fruit's image?

The non-browning trait was created by inserting extra copies of genes that the apple already possessed. These genes normally create an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which is responsible for the chemical reaction that causes browning.

by Dan Charles

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January 4, 2014 4:00 AM

Government might deregulate corn, soybean seeds

Farmers have been eager for a new generation of herbicide-resistant seeds because of the prevalence of weeds that have become immune to Monsanto's Roundup. But skeptics are concerned that use of the new seeds and 2,4-D will only lead to similar problems as weeds acquire resistance to that chemical too.

by The Associated Press

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December 12, 2013 6:26 AM

Drug companies accept FDA plan to phase out some animal antibiotic uses

The two biggest veterinary drug companies, Elanco and Zoetis, say they will follow the FDA's advice and make it illegal for farmers to use their drugs for growth promotion. The Animal Health Institute, which represents most of the industry, likewise expressed enthusiastic support for the FDA's move.

by Dan Charles

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December 9, 2013 1:43 PM

Book: We got the meat industry we asked for

Historian Maureen Ogle's new book examines the rise of our modern industrial meat system by examining its roots.

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November 30, 2013 2:37 PM

Economist challenges idea of aging farmer crisis

Agriculture economists have long warned that farmers are getting old and staying on their land longer, delaying the turnover to a younger generation. But an Ohio State University professor argues that those fears are overstated.