Arkansas State

North Carolina State

The conditions of North Carolina’s corn, soybeans, and select other crops, as rated by USDA in its weekly Crop Progress report, have been steadily declining over the past few weeks. Here’s a closer look at the numbers and what the state climatologist has to say about the trend.

Nearly half of the corn crop and 28% of soybeans in this state rated poor/very poor

Cordele, GA

A sweet, juicy slice of watermelon is one of the best things about summertime, but way too many times I’ve stared dubiously at the pile of melons at the store, trying to decide which one to choose. Often when I get home and slice it open, the melon is a disappointing light pink and not at all sweet.

The Only Way To Tell When a Watermelon is Ripe, According to a Farmer

Illinois State

Despite increasing drought conditions caused by a heatwave in June, corn silking is ahead of the five-year average in Illinois, according to the USDA Crop Progress report for Illinois for the week ending June 30. USDA’s 2024 corn crop stats. According to UDSA’s Prospective Plantings report published on March...

What is going on with Illinois corn?

Kansas State

Montana State

In 2022, a University of Wisconsin study claimed that U.S. farmers had converted several million acres of pristine grassland and other “semi-natural areas” to cropland. Researcher Tyler Lark said that was in response to the Renewable Fuel Standard and ethanol production. Two years later, another study by Lark shows a different result. Using satellite imagery from the 2022 study, the newest one in March showed that between 1986 and 2018, over 30 million acres of cropland were abandoned and transitioned into grassland, permanent pasture, forest, shrub land, wetlands, or urban areas. That timeframe encompasses a period of rapid growth in ethanol production.

Thirty Million Farm Acres Abandoned Since 1986

The best fertilizer for tomato plants is not what you would think. If you’ve ever gone down the aisle at a garden center, there are a lot of formulations of fertilizers specifically for tomatoes. However, there are only rare instances when the premade fertilizer mixes are the right thing to add to the soil.

The Best Fertilizer for Tomato Plants

Iowa State

Indiana State

Low levels of tar spot have been reported in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. According to Dr. Darcy Telenko, Purdue University Extension plant pathologist, this is the earliest she’s found a natural infection of tar spot on young corn. In Indiana, it was found on corn planted in April on the lower leaves. “In the past, the earliest we found it was July 3. It’s here, we know it’s active,” she says.

Be on alert for tar spot in corn

Newark, NJ

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Morristown Minute

NEWARK, N.J. – Eight individuals associated with the "793 Bloods" street gang, a subset of the national Bloods gang, have been charged for their roles in a Newark-based drug trafficking organization, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Eight '793 Bloods' Gang Members Charged in Newark Drug Network

Oklahoma State

OKLAHOMA CITY – A district judge in Delaware County ruled that the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry must give greater public notice, consider public input and pollution issues prior to authorizing the construction of large poultry farms. Judge David Crutchfield issued the order in a case against...

Oklahoma judge creates new large poultry farm requirements for Agriculture Department

New Jersey State

NEWARK, N.J. – Naiem Moore, 34, of Newark, admitted to possessing cocaine and heroin for distribution and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Moore entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court.

Man Admits Drug Trafficking & Illegal Firearm Possession

Massachusetts State

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Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Resuce Inc., a foster-based animal rescue in Massachusetts, recently introduced Miracle, a pit bull terrier who is approximately one year old, and is now looking for her forever home. According to the nonprofit rescue organization, “Miracle was dumped at a lake in Texas and rescued by a good samaritan who has been fostering her since.” This compassionate individual provided Miracle with a temporary home and the love she desperately needed. However, her foster parent recognizes that Miracle deserves even more. “While her foster hates to let her go, she knows there is a better life for Miracle in MA,” Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. noted.

Meet Miracle: The Dog Who Was Dumped At A Lake Now Looking For Love

There’s something so invigorating about getting my hands dirty in the garden. It’s become a part of my (almost) daily routine and the kids love helping too. Not only does it help reduce stress and improve the immune system, but I get tasty, healthy veggies too. Gardening doesn’t have to be relegated to summer crops though. Here’s how to extend your growing season with fall gardening!

How to Plant a Fall Garden

Chicago Food Adventures

What is more summery than an icy, sweet frozen drink? If the heat wave is getting to you, try whipping up this simple frozen strawberry lemonade. All you need is your choice of lemonade and some frozen strawberries. You can use store-bought lemonade, make your own from scratch, or a powdered version. As for strawberries, frozen ones are the easiest choice. If you'd rather use fresh, add at least two cups of ice until you reach a nice, frozen consistency.

2-Ingredient Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: Beat the Heat!

Thomasville, GA

Vanishing Georgia

This Craftsman cottage was the home of J. Festus Flipper, Jr. (1872-1943). Festus was the brother of 2nd Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper, who was the first Black graduate of West Point. Like his father, J. Festus Flipper, the junior Flipper was a shoemaker. He and his wife, Mary Frances Davies Flipper (b. 1871-death date unknown […]

Festus Flipper House, 1928, Thomasville

Powdery mildew is among the most widespread plant diseases and is easily recognized by its white growth that covers foliage like a dusting of flour. This group of fungal pathogens affects hundreds of plants, from important food crops to trees, shrubs, and flowers. Even some turf grasses are susceptible to powdery mildew. Gardeners find infected plants unsightly, and severe infections can cause foliage to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Heavily infected plants experience reduced growth, flower production, and fruiting, which is particularly problematic for food crops.

How To Prevent And Treat Powdery Mildew On Plants

Growing tomatoes in containers is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce, especially if you have limited space. However, container gardening comes with its own set of challenges. Making a few common mistakes can quickly lead to unhealthy plants and disappointing harvests. But don’t worry—by being aware of these pitfalls and knowing how to avoid them, you can ensure your container tomatoes thrive all season long.

10 Mistakes That Will Kill Your Container Tomatoes Fast

Gloucester County, NJ

Franklinville, NJ

FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. -A Gloucester County, New Jersey, man admitted today that he defrauded the government of more than $200,000 in Social Security and Medicaid benefits, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Man Guilty of $200K Social Security & Medicaid Fraud

New York City, NY

NEWARK, N.J. – Joshua Goltry, 30, of New York, admitted today to defrauding investors out of millions of dollars through a fraudulent investment scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Goltry pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court.

Fund Manager's Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme

Burlington County, NJ

Pablo Estrada, 27, laundered proceeds from a mail fraud scheme, including lottery scams. Florence, NJ – Pablo Estrada, 27, of Burlington County, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for his role in laundering over $4 million obtained from various scams. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing today.

Burlington Man's $4M Money Laundering Scheme: 33-Month Sentence

Colorado State

Cripple Creek, CO

Colorado Jill

(Colorado) Colorado has many gems - Pikes Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Maroon Bells, and two of Thomas Dambo's wooden trolls. Dambo is a Danish artist, and his trolls are worldwide. Each troll serves as a unique tribute to the place they inhabit, honoring the history and culture of the location.

"Rita the Rock Planter" should be on your Colorado summer bucket list

NewsBreak

Cotton acres surge to decade high in Arkansas

Cotton acres in Arkansas have surged to a decade high, while corn acres have plummeted, according to the June acreage report from the U.S. Department of...

Cotton acres surge to decade high in Arkansas

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