North Carolina State

Today USDA released the 2024 Acreage report. The report says American farmers are planting more corn and fewer soybean and wheat acres this year than the agency previously projected. The report methodology says the planted acres estimates are based primarily on surveys conducted earlier this month. Altogether USDA is estimating...

USDA increases corn acre estimate more than expected

Demand. Demand. Demand. Or lack thereof. That is the other side of the marketing equation we often lose sight of, especially when there are crops drying out in one part of the corn belt and flooding in another. The crop ratings are well above last year’s, and expectations for acres...

Lack of demand? Stay defensive

The government will compensate farmers for 90% of the value of milk lost as a result of H5N1 avian flu infections in their dairy cows, announced Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday. “We want to assist our producers every way we can to help them as they combat this emerging animal health disease,” he said.

USDA offers 90% compensation for bird flu losses in dairy herds

July might seem like a late start for gardening, but it’s actually an ideal time to plant certain fast-growing vegetables and flowers that will thrive in the warm summer and cooler fall weather. Whether you’re filling in gaps in your garden or looking to extend your growing season, here...

20 Best Vegetables to Plant in July and Still Get a Huge Harvest

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

In the realm of cannabis cultivation, the journey from novice to experienced grower is marked by a deepening understanding of genetics, growing techniques, and the nuanced characteristics of different strains. For those who have mastered the basics and are looking to elevate their cultivation game, selecting the right strains becomes paramount. This article explores the top 5 strains that experienced growers should consider, offering insights into their genetic heritage, optimal growing conditions, flavor profiles, effects, and medicinal benefits.

Top 5 Strains for Experienced Growers: Exploring the Best Choices for Seasoned Cultivators

Growing tomatoes is one of the most rewarding experiences for any gardener. The taste of a fresh, homegrown tomato is incomparable to anything you can buy in the store. However, it can be frustrating when your plants are slow to grow or don’t produce as many tomatoes as you’d hoped. Luckily, there are several tips and tricks you can use to speed up their growth and increase your yields.

10 Tips To Make Your Tomatoes Grow Faster (Increase Your Yields)

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

Are your tomato vines covered in plump green fruits that refuse to turn red? While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they can be finicky at times. Several factors can slow or stop fruit from ripening, causing tomatoes to linger in the green stage. Extreme temperatures are the most common culprit, but soil nutrition and plant care can also play a role. If your tomatoes are not turning red, don’t fret. Discover the reasons behind this common challenge and easy ways to promote tomatoes to ripen in the garden and kitchen.

Why Are My Tomatoes Not Turning Red?

Dengarden

90-Year-Old Grandpa Shows Off Tomatoes He's Been Growing For Over 70 Years

California State

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Alameda Post

California regulators just stopped AT&T from pulling the plug. California’s Public Utilities Commission on June 20 rejected AT&T’s application to stop providing landlines and other services in areas where there is no other option.

Still Need Your Landline?

It seems the season has shifted abruptly from wet to dry. Over the past week, we’ve begun to hear reports typically associated with hot and dry conditions. At the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, we conduct side-by-side comparisons of different fruiting vegetables under varying irrigation treatments. This article summarizes our observations on how different fruiting vegetable crops respond to drought stress.

Fruiting Vegetable Responses to Drought Stress

You don’t need a huge garden to harvest an abundance of tomatoes. Compact bush (determinate) varieties are perfect for growing in containers, pots, or grow bags. Proper sizing, soil, drainage, and maintenance are crucial for keeping these plants small and productive. However, there are some things you should never...

10 Things You Should Never Do When Growing Tomatoes in Containers

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Gardening Soul

Companion planting is a time-tested gardening technique that involves planting different species close together to benefit each other. One of the most successful and popular combinations is planting marigolds with tomatoes. This duo offers numerous benefits, from pest control to soil health, ultimately leading to healthier and more productive tomato plants.

How Planting Marigolds with Tomatoes Solves Most of Your Tomato Problems

Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops of summer. These juicy red fruits come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, from small cherry tomatoes to round and squat beefsteak varieties. Growing tomatoes in your garden is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with delicious, fresh fruit all summer long. To ensure your tomato plants thrive, we spoke to a gardening expert who shared her tips for how to plant and care for tomatoes.

How to Grow Tomatoes for a Bountiful Harvest All Summer Long

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details. If you’re planning to grow tomatoes, you need to choose the right fertilizer for your soil or growing medium. You also need to consider the pH level and nutrient balance in the soil, as well as the formula used in the fertilizer. Once you’ve done this, you can help ensure your plants grow quickly and produce the best harvest possible. When selecting the best fertilizer for tomatoes, there are several factors to keep in mind; macronutrients, soil conditions, whether you want an organic or synthetic formula and which season you’re growing them in.

Maximize your tomato harvest with the best fertilizer

Whether you enjoy your tomatoes fresh in your favorite dish or have plans to preserve them for later consumption, a healthy plant is essential for producing top-notch produce. So what happens when you notice yellow leaves—and more importantly, what do you do to correct it? While it might take a bit of sleuthing to uncover the exact cause, our experts are here to offer guidance to save your crop.

Why Your Tomato Plant Leaves Are Turning Yellow—and How to Fix It, According to Experts

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make, often leading to root rot and other issues that can harm or even kill plants. Fortunately, many beautiful and hardy plants actually thrive in dry soil, requiring minimal watering once established. These drought-tolerant plants are perfect for gardeners looking to save water and reduce maintenance.

Stop Overwatering! 12 Plants That Prefer Dry Soil

Iowa State

ESPN Quad Cities

It feels weird talking about venomous animals in Iowa seeing as though there are not a ton of them, and they are rarely talked about, but they are real, and it's important to keep an eye out.

The Most Venomous Animals To Keep An Eye Out For This Summer In Iowa

As a gardener, few things are as disappointing as putting in time and effort only to end up with a poor harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, it’s easy to make mistakes that can negatively impact your vegetable garden. Understanding these common pitfalls and learning how to avoid or fix them can make a significant difference in the success of your gardening endeavors.

10 Common Mistakes in Vegetable Gardens That Lead to Poor Harvests

NewsBreak

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

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...

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

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