Your task: Find an article that pertains to some aspect of agriculture (yes, that's vague on purpose). The article can be online or in a newspaper, magazine, etc. Provide a link (or cite the article if it's in print) with your post. I prefer the article to be recent (from 2013), but if you find an older article that is still relavent today, you can use it. Follow the "What?", "So what?", "Now what" format for your blog post.
DUE DATE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013.
Emma Lineberry
ReplyDeletehttp://www.agriculture.com/news/policy/oil-compies-win-rfs-round-one_4-ar35504
Scientists have recently discovered the effect of corn based ethanol on the environment; it is not as environmentally beneficial as one would hope. The government is requiring cut backs on the production of E10 for the upcoming year which would result in 500 million less bushels of crop demanded from the farmers in the United States. Even though the crop makes fuel cheaper, it is not very eco-friendly.
The Renewable Fuels Association is planning on creating a Renewable Fuel Standard to help the growth of the fuel industry, but the industry itself thinks that this will cause future problems for the spending on biofuels. The 2007 Energy Independence and Security revision was created to enable more energy efficient fuels into the nation, but now our government is moving towards the possibility of cutting spending for all of the eco-friendly fuels with the Renewable Fuel Standard.
It is important for the government to continue to pursue biofuels, because the American society is based upon our transportation system which is then based upon fuels. If the government stops funding the biofuel research, our society will use all of the non-renewable resources in no time flat leaving the Earth dry and polluted. This would also cause the consumer spending on gasoline to increase tremendously as the supply of the resources deplete.
The nation should keep investing in green technology to help keep our planet alive, because America is one of the leading consumers on fossils that then pollute the world. If the nation does not invest in biofuel, it should look into the increase of railroad systems as an alternative means of transportation. The need for environmentally friendly resources are inevitable and so the nation should not stop the funding and continue its research.
http://www.farms.com/news/research-showing-fungus-can-take-down-herbicide-resistant-pigweed-69837.aspx
ReplyDeleteThe palmer amaranth is an aggressive weed found most commonly in the Southern states of the United States. Because it causes farmers’ to lose profit by out-competing farmers’ important crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, they made sure to use an abundant amount of the herbicide called glyphosate on their crops to prevent palmer amaranth. However, the weed has become resistant to this and began thriving again. To prevent this, researchers tested a new fungi-based product called Myrothecium, which is thought to kill the palmer amaranth by targeting its stem and leaf tissues. In the study, they sprayed a liquid form of Myrothecium in its growing stage on 4-week old palmer amaranth plant seedlings, some with resistance to glyphosate and some without. Almost 100% of the seedlings showed symptoms of disease and stunted growth, and eventually died.
In our country and other places all around the world, corn, soybeans, and cotton are vital crops. Because there is a weed that could affect the harvest negatively, it is important to find an effective way to control it to ensure that the amount of these crops stays plentiful. Based on the research conducted, the use of the fungus Myrothecium looks promising. It is also good that it is a renewable resource and it does not negatively affect the environment for the most part. However, they would need to grow an extremely large amount of this fungus so there is enough for everyone for an extended period of time, until there is another treatment.
In the future, further research needs to be done to tweak the product. Since the previous overused herbicide glyphosate caused a resistance of the weed, they need to make sure that Myrothecium doesn’t do the same thing, or find out a way to fix that. Also, the research was done in a greenhouse and I wonder if the same effects would hold true in a real world setting. The plants were tested on their own, and they would need to make the new product not damage the farmers’ crops. If they consider all of these components and the product still proves successful, this could be a major discovery for the agricultural world.
Linnea Stewart
ReplyDeleteAgriculture Blog Post
Agro-Ecology
11/20/13
Water Pollution and the Farm Economy
What?: Not far from the mouth of the Mississippi River lies a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico which has resulted primarily from the vast amounts of fertilizer runoff due to farming in the Midwestern region. Areas such as this have drawn attention to the correlation between the environment and farming, in addition to the fact that a change must occur. A primary issue that lingers in the U.S. is that the Clean Water Act of 1972 did not require environmental restrictions or mandatory guidelines for farmers. Therefore, any practices to control and limit runoff by farmers must be done by their decision and means. Because of this, as well as increased acreage used by farmers due to falling prices, farm runoff and pollution has been on the drastic up rise.
So what?: The runoff and pollution emitted from farms has immensely affected water supplies nationwide as well as caused damage to other environmental aspects. Because there is no legislation restricting this contamination, it is happening in astronomical amounts. Though new techniques are being developed to limit this, increased need has caused increased acreage consumption, which then in turn increases the amount of pollution. Therefore, some form of legislation would be highly beneficial to our nation, despite the fury of the farming community.
Now what?: As of right now there are numerous environmental groups and reform committees fighting to limit farm runoff and fine though who violate the restrictions. Several states, Iowa being the most well-known, are suffering lawsuits and pressure from activist groups to make severe changes to their farming standards. So, today all one can do it vote or petition for reforms concerning this issue: however, this debate is on the rise so legislation proposals across the nation are likely to peak in the near future.
Article Link: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/11/water-pollution-and-the-farm-economy/?_r=1
ReplyDeleteWhat?: John Deere and other tractor manufacturing companies have begun research and production of a hybrid engine tractor. This tractor is being sold to contractors who are very happy with the performance and fuel savings with this engine. These tractors are made affordable by creating the parts and selling the tractors as fast and economical as possible.
ReplyDeleteSo What?: Tractors traditionally have diesel engines. When working in the fields and around the farm all day, they can use quite a lot of fuel. This high fuel consumption is not only very expensive, but also poses problems in the environment by pollution. These engines are now being made more affordable, so more farmers are willing to buy the hybrid tractors
Now What?: Since the hybrid engines in these tractors are now more affordable, more farmers are buying them. This allows hybrid-owning farmers to cut down on diesel consumption which is better for the farmer's wallet and the environment. This gives a green-outlook on the future of farming. One day tractors may be entirely electric. This would allow farmers to grow and harvest their crops with little to no emissions and we have already taken a solid first step towards that possibly not so far off goal.
Wehrspann, J. (2013, May 09). Hybrid tractor engines close to market. Retrieved from http://farmindustrynews.com/utility-tractors/hybrid-tractor-engines-close-market
Jonathan Koontz
Irene Hamilton
ReplyDeletehttp://www.meatinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/16375/Report_calls_for_solutions_to_antibiotic_resistance.html
Anitbiotic resistance is rapidly increasing in animals, according to the Soil Association. For the first time, the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture is being linked with overuse in humans. This resistance epidemic is considered an immediate threat to human and animal populations. They call for the use and potency of antibiotics to be preserved for future generations. At this rate, animals and humans will be at great risk in just a few years.
Because of the inreases resistance in farm animals, some diseases will eventually become untreatable. A decrease in animal welfare will be bad for human populations becuase it will affect our meat supply. It will also severly deter modern medicine practices like surgeries, organ trasplants, and chemotherapy for cancer patients. “Eventually, the spread of resistance [in farm animals] could lead to a local food security problem with negative effects on public health.”
The Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics (ASOA) has presented three solutions to the problem. They pointed out that the use of antibiotics by corporations is not for the health of sick animals, but to sell cheaper millk and meat. They urge the government to restrict the use of these antibiotics in agriculture. They suggest that the government resistrict the use of antibiotics when they are not completely and totally neccesary in humans as well. ASOA urged farmers and governtment to colaborate to decrease the unhygenic and intensely crowded conditions animals are kept in.
A Jolt to Complacency on Food Supply
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/science/earth/warning-on-global-food-supply.html
What?:
Climate change is leading to an increase in heat stress in many major agricultural areas, causing a significant decrease in production in these places. Signs of climate change's effects on food production can be seen in the European heat wave of 2003, the American corn belt heat wave of 2012, and the global food scare in 2007 and 2008, and researches can look to these events as a model of what may come in the future because of Earth's rising temperature. Although early studies suggested that the increase in carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere (one of the causes of climate change) would aid to increase food production, recent studies have shown that this small production increase is not enough to counteract the negative impacts that crops are experiencing. The United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that concerns over climate change have grown - one of the reasons being the possible future instability of the world's food system.
So What?:
Climate change is very significant and important to study for a number of reasons, and the negative effects it is having on agriculture is no exception. Looking towards the future, researchers suggest that climate change has the potential to destabilize the worlds food systems - which could lead to food shortages and mass starvation. Even in the next few years, we will most likely experience some of these effects. A decrease in crop yields will raise the prices of products and most likely put more farmers out of business.
Now What?:
More studies and tests still need to take place in order to fully understand the wide range of effects that can possibly be enacted in upcoming years. In addition to this, new technologies and techniques should be experimented with in order to help agriculture to adapt to climate change. For example, crops can be planted earlier or new, more climate resilient, varieties can be developed. There is a wide range of actions that we can take to both control climate change and the way we farm in the midst of it, however we need to actually become active. Unfortunately, many people in decision-making position hold a false sense of security when it comes to agriculture and food supply.
Link: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/10/emerging-contaminants-potential-health-risks-from-agricultural-runoff/#.UpKgltKkpgI
ReplyDeleteWhat?: Agricultural runoff has only begun to show the detrimental effects it may have on both human and environmental health, with "new," "emerging contaminants" beginning to surface. Emerging contaminants, or EC, are contaminants that had not been readily observed in the past or are beginning to be understood to affect human or environmental health. These materials, being small enough to remain undetected, flow over land in runoff and into water or food systems. The occurrence of these materials finding their way into a water source is somewhat in question, but the two major ECs, hormones and antimicrobials, have been notably detected - especially if a waterway is near livestock.
So What?: Emerging contaminants, as a whole, in agricultural runoff, has shown to be detrimental to both soil and waterway health; the damages it may cause, such as contaminating soil or causing an excess of microbial growth in lakes or rivers, are detrimental to both the environment and the organisms that live within. One of the main ECs, antimicrobials, have been known to cause newer, more resistant strains of bacteria to appear, and the other, hormones, have been known to disrupt the homeostasis of marine organisms. As the emerging contaminants are, well, emerging, not much is currently known about most of them and so the effects of many of them are not apparent.
Now What?: More studies on the subject are beginning, with most being on how the ECs are being moved and where rather than the actual effects of the ECs. In accordance to limiting the chemicals (and therefore ECS), the Toxic Substances Control Act is looking to be amended and updated, which should hopefully account for the ECs that are now beginning to be understood. On the whole, more and more regulations are being put forth to help regulate manure and fertilizer runoff, a cause of ECs, to help reduce the amount of contaminants that go into the waterways, the environment, and thus into humans.
- Ian Priest
A Jolt to Complacency on Food Supply
ReplyDeleteWhat? : Last year a huge heat wave and drought caused the predicted high crop yield to plummet by 27%. Previous studies have shown similar results. It is believed that this climate change, due to global warming, is affecting the crop yield. Before these new studies came out, many scientists believed that the CO₂ emissions would help the plants because it is a food source but they are now finding that because these are causing global warming, it is instead hurting the production of plants. David Lobell and Wolfram Schlenker used statistical techniques to get a picture of what heat does to crop yields.
So What? : This work suggests that rising heat stress in some major growing areas is already putting a drag on production, and raises the possibility of much more serious effects as global warming continues. It brings the fear of an outcome that results in big food shortages
Now What? : Scientist writing an intergovernmental report are taking this seriously and plan to notify world leaders about the risks. Also the funding for the research needed is an issue that they are trying to improve. A good thing is that agriculture can adapt fairly well to changes and we can help by planting earlier.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/science/earth/warning-on-global-food-supply.html?_r=0
Rachel McCoy
As Argentina's Pesticide Use Increases, Many Worry About Growing Link To Health Problems
ReplyDeleteWhat?
Pesticide use on soy plants in Argentina has been increasing over the years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency even eased the strict regulations on pesticide use in Argentina for several large companies. Also, as pests become more resistant to pesticides, farmers are spraying even more chemicals on plants, some of which aren't even upheld by pesticide laws. There have also been problems with the spraying of pesticides within feet from populated areas, resulting in the spraying of chemicals on people, homes and lawns.
So What?
Health problems among the Argentinian population has sky-rocketed. Farmers whose job it is to spray chemicals appear as "walking skeletons". Several children have been born with defects and have even been stillborn. In Santa Fe, cancer rates are two times higher than the national population. Other problems include the deterioration of trees/plants that aren't pesticide-resistant and general health problems due to chemical poisoning.
Now What?
Argentinians are striking back. One woman has sued a soy company because her child was stillborn and held traces of chemicals. Many farmers are on strike, and everybody is pushing for pesticide laws to be reviewed. People are demanding that profit won't be a priority as much as the people's health.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/20/argentina-pesticides-health-problems_n_4131825.html
Maria Leckey!
"South Dakota ranchers reel after 'catastrophic' storm leaves up to 100,000 cattle dead"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/13/south-dakota-ranchers-reel-after-catastrophic-storm-leaves-up-to-100000-cattle/
What?
This past October, a huge freak blizzard hit South Dakota. This blizzard left South dakota ranchers in awe of its aftermath. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 cows froze to death due to the storm. The dead cows were found floating downstream, stuck in fences, and even just laying on the sides of the roads.
So What?
This catastrophic storm caused some major problems for these South Dakota ranchers. Some of the ranchers lost up to 75% of their herds. At $1,000 per cow, this definitely put a financial as well as emotional burden on the ranchers. The ranchers depend on their livestock to make their livings and the cows that they produce feed many parts of America.
Now What?
many of the farmers are tryiong to make sure that all of the cow carcasses are collected to prevent disease outbreak or contamination. The ranchers must count their losses and try to rebuild their herds. The state legislature of South Dakota
is pushing for the passage of a farm bill to provide financial relief for the ranchers. The passing of this bill will help the farmers to rebuild and keep a source of the nation's beef alive and running.
-Morgan Gray
Cartier, Curtis. "Rumor: Imported Chinese tilapia are often raised on feces." MSN News. N.p., 15 7 2013. Web. 25 Nov 2013. .
ReplyDelete“Rumor: Imported Chinese tilapia are often raised on feces”
New studies have come out showing that Chinese farm raised tilapia have been fed and exposed to animal feces. Many cases showed, fish farmed in Asia, especially China, and imported to the US have been raised on diets of chicken and pig feces. Tilapia is the fourth most consumed fish in the US beside salmon, tuna, and shrimp. The USDA research states that 82% of United States tilapia is imported from China, they also claim that there are plentiful cases revealing tilapia being raised on diets consisting of animal manure.
The strict feces diet for the fish is not only detrimental to the individual tilapia, but can also be extremely harmful to humans who consume the ill fish. Farm-raised tilapia can carry major bacterial infections such as E.coli and Salmonella, which can be almost impossible to completely eliminate. Infected fish can be treated with antibiotics, but eventually the bacteria will grow immune and resistant to medication.
For the first time ever in recorded history, farmed fish has overtaken farmed beef. This huge aquaculture movement is made possible by places such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand because their main goal is to maximize profit by any way possible, not concerned about the consequences of short cuts. These countries produce a plethora of seafood cheaply but not so safely or cleanly. Seafood is raised in a minimal area with minimal resources and fed pig or chicken feces because it is significantly cheaper than actual fish food. The FDA is currently working to ensure that both domestic and foreign seafood sold/consumed in the US is safe. FDA spokesperson, Theresa Eisenman, denied all rumors to the practice of feeding feces to farmed fish occur, though many other researches contradicts her claim. The real question now is not why China chooses to raise their seafood in such filthy manner, but why and how infected fish meet FDA criteria and are allowed into the US?
What?
ReplyDeleteA dairy farm in New York has recently installed around 1000 solar panels in an attempt to save money and lower prices for their customers. The company received a $368,000 grant from The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to institute this $900,000 project. The company originally planned to put up a wind turbine but locals believed it would not be aesthetically pleasing.
So What?
The PV cells will have the ability to produce 80% of the company's current energy usage which will dramatically reduce the price of the milk produced once the installation costs have been covered. The company has taken a major step in the direction the whole world should start looking towards, it may serve as a model for later companies who wish to lower costs and increase profits through using greener methods of energy.
Now What?
Many versions of alternative energy will start a full on assault on future businesses of all kinds when they realize the potential benefits that are there to be reaped. Anything from passive solar to harnessing the wind can be the answer to many people's energy problems. The installation of these alternative forms of energy may seem daunting to many pioneers but the long term payoff is much greater than the short term benefits of using general electric methods such as burning coal or oil.
http://www.agweb.com/article/new_york_farm_installs_1k_solar_panels_with_state_help__NAA_Associated_Press/
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/valley/article_0105e1d6-5a34-11e3-b202-001a4bcf6878.html
ReplyDeleteWhat:
Rod Santa Ana III explains the importance studying and researching agriculture science. The United States did not implement agriculture research until the mid 1800's during Lincoln's presidency. George Washington suggested that our country research agriculture, but the government did not want to give too much power to the president, so Washington's idea was forgotten. The government assigned the research task to many universities, one being Texas A&M (Their agriculture research center is known as Weslaco Center.).
So What:
If the United States never began researching agriculture, crop failure would have continued, and we would have had to import more and more agricultural products because of our inability to produce a wide variety of crops (which would negatively impact the country's economy). In order to boost the agriculture industry, research must be done, and if the industry is doing well, more jobs are produced, positively impacting the economy. If agriculture is researched thoroughly, food availability, quality, and quantity will potentially increase.
In order to effectively research agriculture, universities were given a portion of land in each state for the purpose of experimentation and study.
Now What:
Scientists should continue to research agriculture because many people all around the world are starving, unhealthy, or obese. All these problems can potentially be resolved by agricultural means. The more we understand about the food we eat, the healthier we will be.