Articles tagged with Farming
A new study found that farming overall is protective against breast cancer in women, but pesticide exposure boosts their risk slightly. Women who farmed more than 23 years had a 40% lower risk of breast cancer.
A new study in Science predicts that genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops may severely reduce bird populations on a small percentage of farms, particularly those with high seed densities. The consequences depend on which farmers adopt the new crop types, with intensive farms experiencing more significant declines.
A survey conducted by the University of Illinois found that farmers are twice as likely to continue working beyond age 65 compared to people in similar professions. The average age of farmers 65 or older was 73, with a third being 75 years old and having farmed for 46 years.
Farmers perceive scientists as 'insensitive outsiders,' but researchers found that understanding their social and environmental practices can help improve watershed management. Farmers see beauty in modified, geometric landscapes that also harm biodiversity.
A Cornell University study reveals that younger farmers' lack of access to modern technology hinders their productivity, while older farmers continue to use technology efficiently despite declining output. The research has implications for business management decisions and federal agricultural policies.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that 41% of tobacco farm workers experience green tobacco sickness, characterized by headache, nausea, and dizziness. The illness is linked to acute nicotine poisoning caused by contact with wet tobacco leaves, which is rapidly absorbed through the skin.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a nonchemical weedkiller using the naturally occurring pathogen Fusarium to combat Striga in Africa. Crop yields doubled and farmers gained economic power as they could produce the fungus locally, providing a new source of income.
A recent study by Ohio State University suggests that evergreen trees can collect two to four times more pesticide spray droplets than broadleaf plants. The researchers recommend planting a line of evergreen trees around crops to reduce the movement of pesticide sprays outside their fields.
A study by Virginia Tech found that a $0.45 per-pack price increase for cigarettes leads to a 9% reduction in overall domestic consumption, with a notable impact on young smokers. The study suggests that the price hike will discourage youth from starting smoking and reduce existing habits.
The sensor uses sound waves to analyze the sugar content of the melon, with promising results showing a correlation between signal frequency and actual sugar content. The device is fast, user-friendly, durable, and reasonably priced, making it a viable solution for growers worldwide.
Purdue University's Agricultural Validation and Verification Site provides a nationwide source of image-decoding data for farmers to interpret satellite images. The site, launched by remote-sensing researcher Chris Johannsen, will help farmers identify nutrient deficiencies, pests, and other issues in real-time.
A study by Gregory Encina Billikopf found that farmworkers generally have positive attitudes towards their employment, with many rating their jobs as excellent and valuing respect and fair treatment from supervisors. Workers also appreciate being treated like 'working people' and receiving acknowledgement for their successes.
A study by Ohio State University found that younger farmers are at a higher risk of injury, with 32% of injuries linked to farm equipment. Neurological symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and chemical exposure also correlated with increased injury risk.
Researchers found that native gray ants are the most important predator of peach twig borer larvae in peaches and nectarines. Native gray ant populations were not affected by orchard floor management practices, but cultural practices like cover cropping or disking may benefit them by reducing southern fire ant numbers.
Eucalyptus trees grown in soil amended with gypsum can thrive in the sticky black soils of the Tulare Lake basin, demonstrating a potential sustainable farming method for the San Joaquin Valley's west side. The sequential reuse system reduces evaporation pond land use by 70% and increases tree plus pond area by 1.9 times.
Residents of the Otter Lake watershed formed a cooperative effort to reduce atrazine levels in their water supply, leading to a successful plan that reduced costs and improved environmental outcomes. The study highlights the importance of community culture and solidarity in responding to environmental crises.
The USDA has developed two innovative devices to help farmers control insects that devastate their crops. The Aerodynamic Transport Body (ATB) is a clay pigeon-like catapult that launches parasitic wasps at high speeds, while the Mite Meter is an insulated dispenser that keeps tiny mites immobile until they hit the ground. These device...
Researchers have developed computer crop models to predict crop yields and prices, helping farmers make informed decisions before an El Niño event. The models combine weather and soil information with virtual farming decisions, allowing for tailored growing strategies that reduce risks and uncertainties.
The new welfare and immigration reform acts are likely to produce unintended consequences, including reduced legal immigration and increased incentives for illegal immigrants. Farm employment in rural California is also linked to poverty and a vicious cycle of rural poverty, with immigrants becoming trapped in low-paid labor.
A Cornell University study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics found that dairy advertising efforts significantly increased fluid milk sales, retail cheese prices, and wholesale cheese prices. The study also revealed that dairy farmers receive a substantial return on investment for their marketing efforts.
The Stanford team perfected a system to control tractors at all speeds with centimeter-level precision, exceeding the best human drivers' accuracy. This technology has potential applications in autonomous tractors and smart roads, improving farm productivity while reducing environmental impact.
The University of Illinois is using satellites and sensors to monitor crop yields, soil moisture, and pest infestations. This technology aims to improve agricultural efficiency while reducing chemical runoff and soil erosion, benefiting the environment.
Agricultural workers in Georgia are now being educated about skin cancer risks through a new program, thanks to $1.15 million in funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The program includes sun block, hats with built-in neck protection, and educational materials targeted at farmers' families.