Podcasts about agricultural sciences

More than 30 high school students have spent the past few weeks at the University of Tennessee at Martin for Tennessee Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features the article “Welcome, Dr. Zia Williamson to Mississippi State University” from Mississippi Turfgrass magazine. Mississippi State University is pleased to welcome Dr. Zia Williamson as Assistant Professor of Extension for Turf and Ornamental Entomology in the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Plant Protection. A native of Lincolnton, Georgia, Dr. Williamson grew up surrounded by the green industry through her family's landscaping business near Augusta. That early exposure to plants, insects, and managed landscapes helped shape her academic path. She earned undergraduate degrees in entomology and horticulture from the University of Georgia, where she also gained research experience in plant production, fruit pathology, nematology, museum collections, and applied entomology. She later completed both her master's degree and Ph.D. in entomology at UGA. Dr. Williamson's graduate research has focused on insect ecology and management in specialty crops, turfgrass, ornamentals, and urban landscapes. Her master's work examined trunk-boring beetle pests in Georgia specialty crops and urban landscapes. Her doctoral research explored native bee ecology in turfgrass production farms and ornamental horticulture settings, including how landscape characteristics, floral resources, and management practices influence pollinator presence and activity. At Mississippi State, Dr. Williamson will develop Extension and applied research programs addressing insect and pest management needs in turfgrass, ornamentals, and related landscape systems. Her work will support growers, golf course superintendents, landscape professionals, Extension agents, and other practitioners, as well as homeowners, through insect identification, science-based management recommendations, trainings, and responsive educational resources. As she begins her new role, Dr. Williamson is eager to connect with Mississippi stakeholders and learn more about the turf and ornamental pest challenges they face. Please drop her an email (zvw9@msstate.edu), and come see her speak at this year's September 17 Field Day. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Welcome, Dr. Zia Williamson to Mississippi State University appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features the article “Advancing Precision Weed Management in Turfgrass Systems with Machine Vision-Guided Targeted Spraying” Written by Brooke Heikkila – Graduate Research Assistant Navdeep Godara – Assistant Professor of Turfgrass & Forage Weed Science, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University and Pawel Petelewicz – Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Weed Science, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy Department Turfgrass managers are facing increasing weed challenges due to evolving regulatory framework and growing incidence of herbicide-resistant weeds. The release of the first turfgrass-specific commercial machine vision-guided sprayer (ALBA, Ecorobotix Inc.) enables automated and localized herbicide applications in turf. Although often referred to as “spot spraying” in marketing materials, “targeted spraying” is a more accurate description as it distinguishes this system from manual spot treatments and other existing precision weed management approaches. Such targeted application systems have already been successfully deployed in other crops using platforms such as the John Deere See and Spray, Agritech America WEED-IT, Verdant Robotics Sharp Shooter, Ecorobotix ARA. Using See and Spray technology, comparable weed control was observed between the broadcast and targeted spraying methods, but the targeted spraying reduced the treated acreage by up to two-thirds. In turfgrass, this technology not only offers significant herbicide savings but also opens the door for practitioners to combat herbicide-resistant weeds by incorporating alternative chemistries, including nonselective herbicides or herbicide tank mixtures combining multiple modes-of-action which are not typically feasible in broadcast applications. Overall, spot spraying is not a new concept, as many turfgrass managers already employ it to control weed escapes following broadcast herbicide applications or where selective chemistries are not an option. Manual spot spraying involves individuals walking the golf course or other turfgrass areas with a sprayer loaded with herbicide to make localized applications directly to weeds. Traditional spot spraying is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires applicators to accurately identify weeds, necessitating additional training and expertise. It ultimately increases application costs and is also prone to human error, often resulting in overapplication and missed weeds. However, targeted spraying systems such as ALBA, utilize artificial intelligence combined with machine vision to detect problematic weeds within turfgrass canopy in real-time to apply herbicides only to those small areas where individual weeds are present. ALBA is a tractor pull-behind unit that can operate at speeds up to 4.5 miles per hour and uses an enclosure to block ambient light and to create consistent lighting conditions to continuously scan the turfgrass canopy with its cameras to detect weeds. When a weed is spotted, an individual nozzle – one out of 108 – activates to directly target the weed with a 1.2 × 1.2-inch spray resolution per nozzle. As targeted application systems continue to advance and competing platforms emerge, it is critical to understand how to effectively integrate and leverage these sprayers within turfgrass weed management programs. Several preliminary field experiments using ALBA and its ARA-based predecessor research platform were conducted by the NC State Turfgrass Weed Science Program and the UF/IFAS Turfgrass Weed Science Program to understand the applications of this technology. Preliminary studies showed that machine-vision guided targeted spraying substantially reduces herbicide usage and treated acreage while maintaining weed control efficacy, offering both economic and environmental benefits while targeting wide variety of problematic weeds with high accuracy. Reduction in Herbicide Volume Used – In a study focused on controlling false-green kyllinga in bermudagrass fairways, machine vision-guided targeted spraying with ALBA reduced herbicide spray volume by 77% compared to broadcast treatments. False green kyllinga cover was 17% at the experimental sites during study initiation, triggering significant savings due to the weed-specific, localized targeted treatments compared to broadcast herbicide applications. Broadcast applications of standard kyllinga control products typically cost around $190 to $240 per acre, but targeted treatment can lower the cost by more than $145 per acre even when dealing with moderate level of weed infestation (~15% weed cover). Similarly, in another ongoing study, when annual bluegrass weed cover was 10% in bermudagrass fairways, targeted applications achieved a 66% reduction in herbicide spray volume compared to conventional broadcast treatments. Sulfonylurea herbicides for postemergence control of annual bluegrass cost around $140 to $185 per acre and targeted spraying can reduce the cost by at least $92 per acre when weed cover is 10% or less. Practitioners can expect greater savings at turfgrass sites with lower weed infestations, which are typical of intensively managed surfaces and when applying expensive herbicides such as PoaCure or organic herbicides during winter dormancy of warm-season turfgrasses. Targeted application system was also evaluated for control of broadleaf weeds, dallisgrass, smooth crabgrass, and tropical signalgrass in studies conducted independently or in collaboration between Mississippi State University, NCSU, Virginia Tech and UF IFAS, and observed a 53% to 95% reduction in spray volume. In all the aforementioned cases, weed control levels achieved with targeted spraying were no different from broadcast applications. Thus, these studies demonstrate that, across various problematic weed species, this novel application system can substantially reduce the herbicide volume required, lowering costs without compromising weed control efficacy. Lower Treated Acreage – During broadcast herbicide applications, substantial areas without weeds are often treated unnecessarily. Targeted applications can reduce the treated acreage, enabling practitioners to use herbicides such as MSMA, which are currently restricted to spot treatments on less than 25% of the total golf course acreage per year. Targeted spraying systems are particularly useful for herbicides with limited or no residual activity, as it allows localized treatments to weed instead of broadcast applications to turfgrass. Targeted spraying for false-green kyllinga control (17% weed cover) in bermudagrass fairways resulted in 85% reduction in treated acreage compared to broadcast spraying. In a similar study, an 80% reduction in treated acreage was found when only treating annual bluegrass in dormant bermudagrass at 10% weed cover. A study conducted by UF/IFAS Turfgrass Weed Science Program using circular, non-overlapping targets of varying patch sizes (4-10 cm diameter) to simulate random different weed densities and dispersions within the 1-20%, 21-40%, and 41-60% coverage, indicated total spray deposition of approximately 40%, 64%, and 74%, respectively. This corresponded to estimated herbicide savings of 60%, 36%, and 26%. Spray deposition increased with rising weed pressure, while the non-sprayed area, directly reflecting herbicide savings declined accordingly. These results confirm that variation in herbicide savings with targeted applications is driven primarily by weed density, with dispersion playing a secondary role, exerting stronger effects at low weed densities but negligible influence at higher densities. The reduction in treated acreage can potentially diminish the environmental impact of herbicides by minimizing overall pesticide load released into the environment, limiting off-target movement, reducing the risk of groundwater contamination, and lowering the risk of human exposure associated with pesticide applications. Targeted approaches permit treatment to a limited portion of turf, enabling the effective use of chemistries with area-use limitations. Effective reduction in area treated with targeted spraying will become increasingly important as new regulations come into effect, particularly in the context of upcoming Endangered Species Act-imposed changes. Therefore, research projects funded by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina will focus on investigating the agronomic and environmental benefits of targeted application systems for managing problematic weed species. Alternative Herbicide Options for Resistance Management – Targeted spraying also enables selectivity at the sprayer level rather than relying only on selectivity of the herbicide used. This potentially allows turf managers to use nonselective herbicides that were previously not an option for broadcast treatment due to severe injury to actively growing turfgrasses. Broad spectrum herbicides like glyphosate, glufosinate, or flumioxazin are highly effective against a wide variety of weeds, but practitioners often wait for turfgrass to go dormant before spraying nonselective herbicides, while in some geographies, such as Florida, achieving full dormancy is not even possible. However, with this new technology, practitioners will have the option to incorporate nonselective herbicides year-round with minimal collateral damage to turfgrass. Glyphosate (Roundup Pro Concentrate) applied via broadcast application at 12 fluid ounces per acre rate reduced bermudagrass green cover significantly, but targeted spraying had similar level of green cover as nontreated plots as documented in our recent study. Likewise, glufosinate applied at 41 fluid ounces per acre (as Finale XL T&O) reduced bermudagrass cover drastically after broadcast application but had minimal effect on turfgrass after targeted spraying. Targeted spraying technology also allows use of novel admixtures that are not currently being used during regular turfgrass maintenance. Rotating or tank mixing herbicide from different modes of action are crucial for sustainable turfgrass management, as selection pressure for herbicide resistance continues to increase. For instance, practitioners can use tank mixtures of herbicides like pyridate + sulfentrazone or bentazon + halosulfuron + sulfentrazone for targeted spraying without compromising efficacy on false-green kyllinga. These novel admixtures contain multiple modes of action in a single application that could reduce selection pressure and combat herbicide-resistant kyllinga. Similar admixtures should be explored for the management of other herbicide-resistant or difficult-to-control weeds. Limitations – Like with any new technologies, there are limitations to consider when adopting a machine vision-guided sprayer. Currently, only one commercial unit (ALBA by Ecorobotix Inc.) is available, providing managers with a single option for this turfgrass-specific targeted spraying technology. Additional machine vision-guided sprayers need to be developed specifically for turfgrass systems, as interest in these technologies among turfgrass managers continues to grow and the needs across different turfgrass industry segments will vary. The cost of the equipment and the annual model subscription will be a major barrier for many turfgrass managers. Offering incentives, such as reduced subscription fees for the first few years, could help increase adoption of this technology. Alternatively, with ALBA being an example of a high-end solution maximizing performance and system sophistication, other developers may consider trade-offs to reduce equipment production and maintenance costs to improve accessibility. Although ALBA seems to demonstrate high detection accuracy on key problematic weeds, further research is needed to understand its year-round performance, considering changes in visual characteristics of weeds and turfgrass across growth stages and under varying environmental contexts. In our preliminary work, a few false positives occasionally led to herbicide applications to weed-free turfgrass. Also, we observed that in situations where weed presence (particularly grassy weeds) in the camera's path exceeded that of turfgrass, the detection system became confused, effectively reversing target and background and treating turfgrass instead of the weed. However, developers are actively addressing these shortcomings and performance of targeted applications systems by continuing to improve imagery databases, training and validation across diverse geographical regions and management contexts. There is no doubt that machine vision-guided sprayers will have a transformative impact on the turfgrass industry, however, extension efforts will be critical for adoption. Also, as this technology is still novel for turfgrass systems, ongoing research and development is critical to improve performance, reliability, and to meet industry needs. Among others, further research is needed to evaluate performance under varying travel speeds, expand applications to targeted residual treatments, and refine application thresholds to maximize herbicide savings. Authors acknowledge the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina for sponsoring ongoing research projects focused on leveraging targeted application devices for weed management in NC turfgrass systems. The authors also thank Ecorobotix Inc. for providing a commercial unit for evaluation. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. Visit www.theturfzone.com for more. The post Advancing Precision Weed Management in Turfgrass Systems with Machine Vision-Guided Targeted Spraying appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was awarded the title of honorary professor by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences on Tuesday in Beijing, in recognition of his contributions to promoting agricultural science and technology cooperation between China and Pakistan.巴基斯坦总理夏巴兹·谢里夫周二在北京被中国农业科学院授予名誉教授称号，以表彰他为推动中巴农业科技合作所作出的贡献。Speaking at the ceremony, Sharif said that agriculture remained a key topic of discussion during his meetings with Chinese leaders.夏巴兹在仪式上表示，农业是他与中国领导人会晤期间讨论的关键议题。He said that Pakistan hopes to learn from China's development experience and expand cooperation in areas such as crop breeding, animal husbandry, climate-smart agriculture, agricultural machinery and agricultural product processing, in order to improve productivity and added value.他说，巴基斯坦希望学习中国的发展经验，扩大在作物育种、畜牧业、气候智慧型农业、农业机械以及农产品加工等领域的合作，以提高生产力和附加值。Sharif announced that Pakistan will launch the second phase of its "Thousand Talents Plan", which will see 1,000 more young people from Pakistan sent to Chinese agricultural institutions to study and undertake training.夏巴兹宣布，巴基斯坦将启动“千人计划”第二阶段，再派遣千余名巴基斯坦青年到中国农业院校学习和培训。"I propose sending 1,000 students and fresh agriculture graduates from all provinces of Pakistan to Chinese universities for formal courses and modern agricultural training," he said.他说：“我提议从巴基斯坦各省选派1000名学生和应届农业毕业生，到中国大学学习正规课程和现代农业培训。”Sharif's four-day official visit to China, which concluded on Tuesday, is an important high-level exchange between the two countries as this month marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.夏巴兹对中国的四天正式访问于5月26日结束。此次访问是中巴两国间一次重要的高层交流，本月恰逢两国建交75周年。His announcement was warmly welcomed by Pakistani students at the academy, many of whom view China's agricultural modernization as a model for Pakistan's rural development.他的这一表态当即获得在该院学习的巴基斯坦学生热烈回应，他们中许多人把中国农业现代化看作巴基斯坦农村发展的样板。Nadeem Sarwar, a Pakistani scholar pursuing a PhD in agricultural water resources and environment at CAAS, said that the initiative would create valuable opportunities for more young people in Pakistan.在中国农科院攻读农业水资源与环境博士学位的巴基斯坦学者纳迪姆·萨瓦尔（音译）表示，这一举措将为更多巴基斯坦年轻人创造宝贵机会。"More Pakistani graduates will have the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and exposure at Chinese institutions. When they return to Pakistan, they can contribute to developing the agricultural sector there," he said.他说：“更多巴基斯坦毕业生将有机会在中国院校获取知识、经验和视野。当他们回到巴基斯坦后，可以为那里的农业发展做出贡献。”Sarwar's research focuses on improving the efficiency of agricultural water use, an issue he said is particularly important for Pakistan.萨瓦尔的研究重点是提高农业用水效率。他表示，这一问题对巴基斯坦尤为重要。"China has made great progress (in agriculture), especially in improving water-use efficiency," he said, adding that he hopes to use China's technologies and experience to boost Pakistan's agricultural productivity and improve its management of resources.他说：“中国（在农业方面）取得了巨大进步，尤其是在提高用水效率方面。”他还表示，希望利用中国的技术和经验来提高巴基斯坦的农业生产力和资源管理水平。Muhammad Shahzad, also a PhD scholar at CAAS, who is studying animal genetics, breeding and reproduction, described the occasion as "a really big day" for Pakistani students. "It is a matter of great pride for all Pakistanis that China truly acknowledges Pakistan and values our friendship."同样在中国农科院攻读博士学位的穆罕默德·沙赫扎德（音译），研究方向为动物遗传育种与繁殖。他将这一时刻形容为巴基斯坦学生“真正的大日子”。“中国真正认可巴基斯坦并珍视我们的友谊，这是所有巴基斯坦人的骄傲。”Shahzad noted that Pakistan's livestock industry plays a major role in the country's agricultural economy, and that scientific breeding is essential for improving productivity. "Our animals are resilient to hot weather and diseases, but we need more scientific breeding," he said.沙赫扎德指出，巴基斯坦畜牧业在该国农业经济中占有重要地位，科学育种对提高生产力至关重要。“我们的牲畜耐热、抗病，但我们需要更科学的育种方法，”他说。Huang Sanwen, president of CAAS and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that CAAS has established multiple joint platforms with Pakistani partners, including laboratories for cotton biotechnology, sustainable crop pest control and molecular breeding of wheat.中国农科院院长、中国科学院院士黄三文表示，中国农科院已与巴方伙伴建立了多个联合平台，包括棉花生物技术、可持续作物病虫害防治以及小麦分子育种等实验室。Huang said that the academy has also promoted cooperation in crop breeding, prevention of animal and plant diseases, water and soil resource management, and agricultural product processing.黄三文说，农科院还推动了作物育种、动植物疫病防控、水土资源管理以及农产品加工等领域的合作。CAAS has trained more than 300 Pakistani students over the years and established a China-Pakistan Agricultural Technology Working Group with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, to institutionalize cooperation and strengthen capacity-building efforts, he added.他补充说，中国农科院多年来已培训了300多名巴基斯坦学生，并与巴基斯坦农业研究理事会共同成立了中巴农业技术工作组，以实现合作机制化，加强能力建设。He Zhonghu, a researcher at the academy's Institute of Crop Sciences, who has worked with Pakistani researchers for more than two decades, said that China and Pakistan have already achieved remarkable results through joint agricultural research.中国农科院作物科学研究所研究员何中虎与巴基斯坦研究人员合作已有二十余年。他表示，中巴两国通过联合农业研究已经取得了显著成果。A wheat variety developed by Chinese and Pakistani researchers has recently been approved in Pakistan following years of field testing.经过多年田间试验，中巴研究人员共同培育的一个小麦品种最近在巴基斯坦获得审定。The variety yields about 10 percent more than local varieties, matures earlier than them and has strong resistance to lodging (stem bending or breakage), said He, who is also an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.身兼中国工程院院士的何中虎介绍说，该品种比当地品种增产约10%，成熟期更早，抗倒伏能力强。"We are very happy to contribute what we can to Pakistan's agricultural development and food security," he added.“我们很高兴能为巴基斯坦的农业发展和粮食安全尽一份力，”他补充道。The researcher, who has trained 10 Pakistani PhD scholars and a number of agricultural technicians at the institute, said that future training methods should focus more on applying new technologies rather than on basic research.何中虎在该院已培养了10名巴基斯坦博士研究生和多名农业技术人员。他表示，未来的培训方法应更多地聚焦于新技术应用，而非基础研究。For example, students studying genetics or wheat breeding should also be taken to experimental fields, seed companies and flour mills for hands-on experience, he said.他例如，学习遗传学或小麦育种的学生也应被带到试验田、种子公司和面粉厂，以获得实践经验。in recognition of /ɪn ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən əv/以表彰…crop breeding /krɒp ˈbriːdɪŋ/作物育种livestock industry /ˈlaɪvstɒk ˈɪndəstri/畜牧业sustainable crop pest control /səˈsteɪnəbəl krɒp pest kənˈtrəʊl/可持续作物病虫害防治molecular breeding /məˈlekjʊlə ˈbriːdɪŋ/分子育种lodging /ˈlɒdʒɪŋ/倒伏（农作物）

Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions, and connect field observations to landscape-scale patterns. Dr. Crosby is an Associate Professor in Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, where his work connects forestry, spatial modeling, forest health, invasive species, weather, and climate. He has also co-authored Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers, a textbook focused on helping foresters and land managers apply GIS to real-world data and management problems. In this conversation, we discuss why GIS matters in modern forestry and how mapping tools can move beyond "pretty pictures" into practical decision support. Dr. Crosby explains how spatial data can help answer questions about forest condition, access, disturbance, risk, invasive species, and management planning. The episode also touches on how students and working professionals can build confidence with GIS, even if they are not coming from a technical background. We also discuss the growing role of remote sensing, aerial imagery, and spatial analysis in forestry education and practice. From identifying patterns on the landscape to supporting better field decisions, these tools are increasingly important for foresters, land managers, consultants, researchers, and students preparing to work in natural resources. This episode is a useful listen for forestry students, consulting foresters, land managers, extension professionals, GIS users, and anyone interested in how spatial tools are changing the way we understand and manage forests. You can contact Dr. Michael Crosby at mcrosby@LATech.edu Additional resource: Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers Dr. Crosby co-authored this GIS textbook for foresters and natural resource managers.

Jaws of Justice Radio investigates how we can achieve justice from a system of laws deeply rooted in economic, social and political inequality.  We want to dispel misconceptions created by the news and entertainment industry, politicians and our educational system. We hope you will listen. Host Bev Livingston opens our hour speaking with Bishop Saundra McFadden-Weaver.  They are going to tell listeners about Prison Ministry, feeding homeless people and proving the support which benefit reentry and impacted persons as they transition from incarceration to a very different life. Life in prison is defined by a severe lack of personal choices.  For example, while held by law enforcement, a person has no choice of the company they share their life. A person's name and choices is stripped away. Life outside, or "reentry," challenges formerly incarcerated individuals with the heavy stigma of a criminal record which can restrict access to jobs, housing, and civic participation. Many return to distressed communities, making successful social integration difficult. Bishop Saundra McFadden-Weaver was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Lincoln High School, then moving on to higher learning she holds a B.S in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Theological Studies, and a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology.  Bishop McFadden-Weaver has been Councilwoman of Kansas City, MO 3rd District, Missouri Victims Advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), served in Prison Ministries, headed the call to regulate Bounty Hunters and saw to it that change came to the Federal Laws governing Bounty Hunters. She has stood with Ad Hoc Against Crime, championed victims' rights, sat in for civil rights, and fought for women's rights. She has served as the proud pastor of Community Fellowship of Jesus Christ for more than 20 years and is looking forward to many more. In the second part of our hour, Jaws of Justice host, Terri Wilke, and a new volunteer, Justice Johnson, will talk about the status of the Kansas City Missouri jail and the Jackson County jail.  Listeners are aware that new jails are being built, staffed and filled.  The community needs to be aware of the what is planned and consider how the job can best be accomplished. After all, we are paying for it. On Jaws of Justice, we examine how to find justice in our society.  Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.  

Today I had Karen on the R2Kast

A recent study caught our eye: salmon on cocaine. Or really, researchers giving salmon cocaine…for science. See, scientists know human drugs pollute aquatic environments – past studies have shown even anti-anxiety drugs can change how fish act. But illicit drugs are less studied. And Jack Brand, an aquatic ecologist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, wanted to know how illicit drugs like cocaine might change fish behavior, like foraging and mating. To answer that question, Jack and his team gave salmon cocaine. Interested in more science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

This is the second of our programmes investigating the Pathways project - a 5-year EU Horizon 2020-funded research project that's been running since 2021. Today we're looking at Pathways modelling, which addressed a range of important areas including the greenhouse gas emissions and nutritional value associated with livestock and individual food products, as well as farm animal welfare and biodiversity impacts in livestock systems.ffinlo Costain (8point9.com) is joined by Dr David Yáñez (Spanish National Research Council), Pierrick Girad (French Institute of Pork), Dr Jenny Ygnvesson (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) and Dr Tom Staton (University of Reading).More land use news at 8point9.com.

En la década de 1940, un agrónomo estadounidense recorrió los campos del Japón de posguerra y encontró algo que nadie esperaba: un trigo con un defecto genético que hacía crecer espigas enormes sobre tallos ridículamente cortos. Esa anomalía botánica cambió el curso de la historia alimentaria del siglo XX.La mutación en los genes Rht-B1 y Rht-D1 del trigo japonés Norin 10 eliminó el problema del acame, ese fenómeno donde la planta se dobla sobre sí misma cuando recibe fertilizante. El resultado fue una planta capaz de convertir nutrientes directamente en grano, no en biomasa inútil.Norman Borlaug tomó ese material genético, lo cruzó con variedades mexicanas en campos de Sonora y Toluca, y produjo trigos de alto rendimiento adaptables a distintas latitudes. Lo que parecía un experimento regional se convirtió en la base de la Revolución Verde.India y Pakistán multiplicaron sus rendimientos por cinco en menos de una década. La autosuficiencia alimentaria que parecía imposible en los años 60 se volvió realidad antes de 1975. Borlaug recibió el Premio Nobel de la Paz en 1970.Hoy, más del 70% del trigo cultivado en el mundo lleva ese gen japonés en sus cromosomas. Cada pan, cada tortilla de harina, cada pasta carga sin saberlo el rastro genético de una semilla que nadie quería.Escucha Agricultura Profesional:https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZuOW2DhD7PK4SM33gtFWy?si=e33021063a114550--Créditos musicales:INTROMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-graham/53License code: 62TIV9S8Q1XCM65WOUTROMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-rollLicense code: KUSUTAITXDLYUTHQ--Fuentes consultadas:Borlaug, N. E. (1972). The Green Revolution, Peace, and Humanity. Nobel Lecture, 1970. The Nobel Foundation. Disponible en: nobelprize.orgHedden, P. (2003). The genes of the Green Revolution. Trends in Genetics, 19(1), 5-9. Artículo científico sobre los genes Rht-B1 y Rht-D1 en trigo semienano.Dalrymple, D. G. (1980). Development and Spread of Semi-Dwarf Varieties of Wheat and Rice in the United States: An International Perspective. USDA Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Service.Perkins, J. H. (1997). Geopolitics and the Green Revolution: Wheat, Genes, and the Cold War. Oxford University Press.Reynolds, M. P., & Borlaug, N. E. (2006). Applying innovations and new technologies for international collaborative wheat improvement. Journal of Agricultural Science, 144(2), 95-110. Cambridge University Press.

Show Notes Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions, and connect field observations to landscape-scale patterns. Dr. Crosby is an Associate Professor in Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, where his work connects forestry, spatial modeling, forest health, invasive species, weather, and climate. He has also co-authored Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers, a textbook focused on helping foresters and land managers apply GIS to real-world data and management problems. In this conversation, we discuss why GIS matters in modern forestry and how mapping tools can move beyond "pretty pictures" into practical decision support. Dr. Crosby explains how spatial data can help answer questions about forest condition, access, disturbance, risk, invasive species, and management planning. The episode also touches on how students and working professionals can build confidence with GIS, even if they are not coming from a technical background. We also discuss the growing role of remote sensing, aerial imagery, and spatial analysis in forestry education and practice. From identifying patterns on the landscape to supporting better field decisions, these tools are increasingly important for foresters, land managers, consultants, researchers, and students preparing to work in natural resources. This episode is a useful listen for forestry students, consulting foresters, land managers, extension professionals, GIS users, and anyone interested in how spatial tools are changing the way we understand and manage forests. You can contact Dr. Michael Crosby at mcrosby@LATech.edu Additional resource: Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers Dr. Crosby co-authored this GIS textbook for foresters and natural resource managers.

Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode features the article “Penn State Researcher Turns Decades of Turfgrass Work into Startup Success” written by Katie DeFiore read from Pennsylvania Turfgrass magazine. David Huff, professor of turfgrass breeding and genetics at Penn State, recently earned the Research Innovator Award through the College of Agricultural Sciences for the research and entrepreneurial leadership that led to the founding of his startup, PennPoa. PennPoa aims to transform the turfgrass industry through the commercialization of highly cultivated Poa annua, or annual bluegrass, seed varieties for the golf course industry. To launch his turfgrass startup, Huff utilized Penn State entrepreneurial resources including the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern Pennsylvania and the Office of Technology Transfer. When Huff came to Penn State in 1994, his goal was to breed and improve varieties of Poa annua for the golf course industry. This strain has desirable traits, Huff said, such as high shoot density and dwarfism, which allows the grass to tolerate extremely low mowing heights — an important characteristic for golf course turfgrass, where mowing heights can be less than one-tenth of an inch. Huff said he quickly realized there was no commercially available seed for this top-quality grass, forcing golf courses to either use lower-quality grass species or rely on bluegrass that naturally emerges as a weed. However, when Poa annua establishes itself as a weed, it can take 50 to 100 years of golf course maintenance for it to naturally evolve into the highly sought-after strain, according to Huff. “There was no one out there helping the golf industry with this problem, and so I decided it would be a good project to work on,” Huff said. “I collected seeds from a lot of places across the U.S. and Europe, bred them, and after 13 years I had a top 10 — they were just beautiful grasses.” However, when Huff moved into the seed production process with those 10 strains, he lost the dwarfism trait that made the grasses so valuable. The plants reverted to weedy grasses, prompting another 13 years of research and the additional support of three graduate students to understand why this was happening and how to ensure the seeds retained their dwarf perennial traits. After a total of 26 years of research, Huff's new seeds were finally ready for beta testing. “I ran those beta tests on five golf courses, covering the east coast, west coast and the northern and southern United States regions, and everything looked good. So, in the meantime, that's when I started the company,” Huff said. “I had no idea I'd be doing a startup. When I first started, I thought this grass was going to behave like all grasses and that I would be able to license it to a seed company.” Huff said he was already familiar with the licensing process at Penn State, as he breeds other grass varieties that are released to seed production companies. However, because of the complex and novel seed production technology he and his team developed to maintain Poa annua's favorable traits, he realized he could not simply hand off the process to a seed company. The Penn State Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) suggested that he launch a startup. “To be honest, when OTT suggested launching a startup, I thought, ‘I can't do that, I'm faculty, I'd be using the product I'm researching, it's a conflict of interest,'” Huff said. “And they said Penn State has a support system in place to help manage that for you.” OTT connected Huff to the Office for Research Protections, where a team helped Huff navigate the research commercialization process. He later entered the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Big Idea Contest, where he won the People's Choice Award. Through that experience, Huff learned more about the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Penn State and in State College, and he began attending entrepreneurial events, meetups and competitions hosted by Ben Franklin, the Penn State SBDC and other local community organizations. At one of these events, Huff met Martin Brill, a business consultant and coordinator for the Pennsylvania SBDC Agriculture Center of Excellence, who became a long-term mentor. “Martin and everyone else that I've met has just been very encouraging, and that was very important to me,” Huff said. “Starting a new company like this was very scary — I wasn't planning on it, and I haven't been trained for it. But Martin, Ben Franklin, OTT, the individuals in the Office for Research Protections, they all encouraged me, and that's what propelled me forward. I followed their advice, and I never really hit a roadblock. I hit a lot of hurdles, but everyone helped me get over those. Before I knew it, I had a license agreement, I had a formal company and we started sales.” Huff said 2025 marked his first year of sales, and he sold out of both his 2024 and 2025 crops. He already has received orders for 2026 and 2027. He added that the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences has also been critical to his startup success. Huff received funding through the College's Research Applications for INnovation (RAIN) grants program and has been able to lease college-owned land to support seed production. “One of the other things that helped me was that, at all these various workshops and seminars provided by the SBDC, there were all sorts of other folks just like me — people with ideas who live in this area who were starting their own businesses,” Huff said. “Talking with them helped me, because they are in the same boat I'm in — they don't know what they're doing either, but they're doing it, and you learn as you go.” Most recently, Huff entered the Invent Penn State Startup Leadership Network Board of Advisors program for 2026, which provides Penn State startups with industry-specific advisory boards to guide founders as they enter the market. “I've just been impressed by the entrepreneurial ecosystem that's here at Penn State, both on and off campus,” Huff said. “It has helped give me the confidence to know that I can do this. Everybody has been so helpful and has given me their time and their interest. They really are passionate about helping people, and with that kind of help, you just go forward.” About the Penn State SBDC Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development, through support from Penn State, and by other sources of state and federal funding. Full disclosures available at: https://www.pasbdc.org/funding-sources SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the U.S. Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC services Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. Visit www.theturfzone.com for more. The post Penn State Researcher Turns Decades of Turfgrass Work into Startup Success appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Björn Embrén, Honorary Doctor of Agricultural Sciences at the Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture and Crop Production Science at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, discusses his technique, the “Stockholm tree pit” method, for establishing planting beds has completely transformed how to sustain these essential urban trees in paved-over urban spaces. Planet Philadelphia airs on 92.9 FM in NW Philadelphia & gtownradio.com, 4-5:00 PM ET the 1st & 3rd Friday/month. Support Planet Philadelphia environmental radio show and Gtown Radio at https://gtownradio.com/donate/.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson discusses his most recent visit to Washingto D.C.Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow provides federal and state updates with his latest "Seven with Kevin" conversation.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences teacher and coach Brian McDowell.  

About the Guest Dr. Dustin Oedekoven is the chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, based in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role, Dr. Oedekoven leads a team of veterinarians and swine production experts in Pork Checkoff-funded work for pork producers, including foreign animal disease (FAD) preparedness, protecting the U.S. herd from African swine fever and developing a national swine health strategy. Dr. Oedekoven has over 20 years of experience in the agriculture sector. Prior to joining the National Pork Board in 2022, he served as state veterinarian and executive secretary for the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, where he provided strategic leadership and direction for the state's animal health agency – a seven-member, governor-appointed board of livestock producers with responsibility for all animal health programs and disease control efforts in the state. Dr. Oedekoven received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University and bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from South Dakota State University. He resides in Pierre, South Dakota, with his wife and kids. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why the National Swine Health Strategy was created and how pig health directly impacts producer profitability. The two big goals guiding the strategy: reduce the impact of domestic diseases and keep foreign and emerging diseases out. Why PRRS elimination is now being set as a long term industry destination. Why PED elimination may be more achievable in the near term and how recent progress gives the industry momentum.

Korey and Joe sit down with Henrik Sjöman, Senior researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences & Scientific Curator at Gothenburg Botanical Garden. Henrik and the guys talk about the need for more communication and collaboration between arborists and landscapers in order to properly care for trees and plants. The guys and Henrik also discuss the importance of being selective in what you plant,and planting with a purpose. If you enjoyed the podcast please rate, review, subscribe and tell a fellow tree lover! Send your questions or topics you would like us to discuss to ⁠info@discoveringforestrypodcast.com⁠.Be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media platforms!Twitter/X: @DisForestryPodInstagram: @discovering_forestryFacebook: Discovering ForestryYouTube: @discoveringforestry6905LinkedIn: Discovering Forestry PodcastMusic credit:⁠ Cool Tools Music Video - "Timber"⁠   ⁠Muzaproduction “Sport Rock Logo 1”⁠Hosted by: Joe Aiken & Korey LofyProduced by: Nico ManganielloArtwork by: Cara Markiewicz & Nico Manganiello

A couple of weeks ago, much of Florida saw its coldest weather in many years, with teens in North Florida and 20s in Central Florida even before wind chills. Now many homeowners have fruit trees, hedges and tropicals with freeze damage. We speak with Sally Scalera, an extension agent with the University of Florida's Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, on how to help your garden bounce back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich discusses how veterinarians can get involved with semen selection strategies for their clients. Guests for this episode include Dr. Julie Adamchick, post-doctoral candidate at Cornell University and AABP liaison to the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), Dr. Daryl Nydam, Professor of Dairy Production and Health Management at Cornell University and incoming AABP Vice-President, and Dr. Michael Capel, Perry Veterinary Clinic and Past-President of AABP. This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and the PYRAMID(R) line of vaccines, a premier choice to protect calves from BRD. Get relentless protection at PyramidVaccines.com. Advances in youngstock management and reproduction programs has provided an opportunity for dairy producers to utilize gender-selected semen to maintain the correct number of replacement heifers while taking advantage of the increased revenue from the sale of beef-on-dairy calves. Producers should develop a strategy with their dairy clients to plan three years in advance for the number of replacement heifers the herd will require. The veterinarian can play a role in not only assisting with implementation of these programs, but also monitoring reproductive performance and semen selection strategy monitoring to ensure success. The value that is added from maximizing beef-on-dairy calves produced can be equivalent to $2-$3 per cwt of milk. Our guests also provide tips for avoiding pitfalls and what to discuss with clients during the implementation and monitoring phase of this program.  Cornell University has developed a tool to assist veterinarians in consulting with clients on use of gender-selected and beef semen in their herds. You can find Semen Solver 2.0 at this link.  If you have feedback about the tool, please contact Dr. Julie Adamchick at jms349@cornell.edu.   

What does “sustainable agriculture” actually mean, and why do scientists disagree about it? This episode explores how two influential scientific discourses - Agroecology and Sustainable Intensification - start from different values, ask different questions, and often talk past each other. Drawing on an interdisciplinary study at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, ecologist Riccardo Bommarco and ethicist Helena Rocklinsberg examine how those different approaches shape research, priorities, and solutions. The conversation turns to what might change when scientists begin to listen to each other across divides.For more info, transcript and resources, visit: https://tabledebates.org/podcast/episode94Want to share your reflections on the episode? Send us an email or voice memo to podcast@tabledebates.orgEpisode edited and hosted by Matthew Kessler. Music by Blue dot sessions.

Could your favorite wine survive a wildfire? Well, Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino, professor at Oregon State University's College of Agricultural Sciences, is working on a solution to save Kennedy's beloved pinot noir.  Dr. Tomasino explains the science behind why smoke makes grapes taste "ashy" and what researchers are doing to save future vintages. Kennedy Now Available on YouTube: ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KennedySavestheWorld⁠⁠⁠ Follow on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@kennedy_foxnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join Kennedy for Happy Hour on Fridays! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWlNiiSXX4BNUbXM5X8KkYbDepFgUIVZj⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet Dr. Ken Mix, the Director of the Small Producers Initiative and professor of Soil and Crop Science at Texas State University. Dr. Mix discusses his experience educating the next generation of farmers and the recent rollout of regenerative agriculture degree pathways at the university level. We discuss the challenges associated with off-ramping from conventional agriculture. We delve into farmers' mental health and initiatives to create supportive community networks. The conversation also touches on the newly established soil lab at Texas State University, which offers advanced soil testing services to support and enhance regenerative practices. This episode explores the intersection of education, policy, and on-the-ground agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for collaboration and community to cultivate successful farming pathways that will save family farms and ranches.  MEET OUR GUEST: DR. KEN MIX is the Director of the Small Producers Initiative (SPI) whose mission is to support small producers by providing opportunities and assistance that help build sustainable, thriving businesses while promoting environmental stewardship and long-term resilience. SPI helps program the Southern Family Farmers and Foods Systems Conference and statewide workshops on soil health and regenerative agriculture. Dr. Mix is also Professor of Soil and Crop Science at TXState University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students while actively advancing research and education in sustainable agriculture. And he leads the Soil, Plant, and Animal Health Research Continuum Lab (SPAHRC), housed in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State University.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast00:29 Introducing Dr. Ken Mix02:13 Challenges in Regenerative Agriculture10:09 Educational Pathways in Regenerative Agriculture12:50 Economic Realities of Farming20:30 Health and Safety in Farming34:28 Historical Farming Practices36:45 Challenges of Non-GMO Cotton37:52 Regenerative Agriculture Practices38:41 Technological Impact on Farming46:33 Mental Health in Farming47:28 Community and Cooperation Among Farmers01:03:07 Introduction to the TX State University Soil Lab01:08:39 The Role of Water in Agriculture01:10:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this insightful episode recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Dr. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President of UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) at the University of Florida. Dr. Angle shares a powerful message: Florida agriculture is facing a critical labor shortage that threatens its future, and the solution lies in treating farming like a business and embracing advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Dr. Angle outlines UF/IFAS's multi-pronged strategy to modernize agriculture in Florida through cutting-edge research, workforce development partnerships with state colleges, and efforts to recruit ag-tech companies to the state. He also highlights the vital role of the Cooperative Extension Service in connecting university research with real-world applications in Florida's rural communities. This episode delivers a compelling vision of Florida as a future ag-tech hub and a reminder that innovation is not optional; it's essential for survival. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: University of Florida IFAS

On the first episode of our new podcast, Growing Minds, aimed at secondary school students, Sarah McIntosh speaks to two college students about the different pathways into agriculture, student life and the future of farming. The Irish Farmers Journal has launched a brand-new podcast series, ‘Growing Minds', aimed at secondary school students and those studying agricultural science in school.On this week's episode, careers and education journalist Sarah McIntosh explores the different educational pathways into agricultural science through the CAO system and beyond.Joining her live in the studio are two third-level students, Ciaran McLoughlin, the Ag Soc auditor in University College Dublin and Ellen Feerey, a final year student from South East Technological University, Waterford. Hailing from a sheep farm in Trim, Co Meath Ciaran outlines why he decided to study a course in UCD and what growing up on a farm taught him from a young age. Ellen from Tyrellspass, Co Westmeath took a different pathway into college, spending two years in Gurteen Agriculture College before transferring into a Level 8 agriculture science degree at SETU. She outlines the benefit this had on her studies and why she would encourage other students to look into alternative pathways. Both students offer their advice on studying agricultural science, what to look out for when choosing your college course and what the future of farming looks like from a young perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wine down with Chancellor May as he meets up with some of the students, staff and faculty from the Department of Viticulture and Enology — recognized as one of the best programs in the world. Chancellor May tours the winery and vineyard, learns about the winery's cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices, and even helps crush grapes before sampling the final product with his "partner in wine." Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 41062]

People in the central part of South Dakota can earn an Associate Degree in Agricultural Science thanks to a collaboration between South Dakota State University in Brookings and the Capital City Campus in Pierre. In this episode of Ag In-depth, Capital City Campus Executive Director Laurie Gill sat down with DRG Media Group News and Farm Director Jody Heemstra to talk more about the 60-credit-hour program approved by the state Board of Regents in May 2024.

Wine down with Chancellor May as he meets up with some of the students, staff and faculty from the Department of Viticulture and Enology — recognized as one of the best programs in the world. Chancellor May tours the winery and vineyard, learns about the winery's cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices, and even helps crush grapes before sampling the final product with his "partner in wine." Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 41062]

Wine down with Chancellor May as he meets up with some of the students, staff and faculty from the Department of Viticulture and Enology — recognized as one of the best programs in the world. Chancellor May tours the winery and vineyard, learns about the winery's cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices, and even helps crush grapes before sampling the final product with his "partner in wine." Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 41062]

Dr. Erika Machtinger, an Associate Professor of Entomology at PennState College of Agricultural Sciences, talks to us about ticks. She also gives some advice on an emerging parasite issue—New World Screwworms. Dr. Machtinger has a Masters and a PhD in entomology.My Senior Horse - Episode 32 Guests and Links:Guest: Dr. Erika Machtinger, Associate Professor of Entomology at PennState College of Agricultural SciencesConnect with Host: Kimberly S. Brown of Editorial Director of My Senior Horse | Email Kim (kbrown@equinenetwork.com) | Follow Kim on LinkedIn (@kimberlylsbrown)

IFPRI-AMIS Seminar Series | IFPRI Policy Seminar Navigating the Food Security Nexus: Commodity Prices, Inflation, and Exchange Rates Co-organized by IFPRI and Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) October 21, 2025 Join us for a seminar exploring the complex interplay between global food commodity prices and domestic food price inflation, and the implications for food security. Drawing on recent analytical work and market monitoring, the session will examine how international price movements transmit through domestic markets, often exacerbated by exchange rate fluctuations and macroeconomic volatility. Fluctuations in exchange rates pose an additional and compounding challenge in how global food commodity prices affect domestic markets. Even when international commodity prices level off, a depreciating currency can still lead to higher local food prices, especially in countries that rely heavily on imports. We will examine why food inflation has disproportionately affected low-income countries—where currency depreciation has amplified the impact of rising global prices, pushing nutritious diets further out of reach for vulnerable populations. The discussion will also highlight how broader macroeconomic conditions, including labor costs and profit margins, have intensified price pressures beyond what commodity shocks alone can explain. Insights from recent studies will shed light on the speed and asymmetry of price transmission, the role of trade integration, and the implications for food security and nutrition. We will also discuss policy responses and market transparency mechanisms—such as AMIS—that can help mitigate volatility and improve resilience. Moderator Opening Remarks Monika Tothova, Senior Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) Secretary Presentation: Addressing high food price inflation for food security and nutrition David Laborde, Director, Agrifood Economics and Policy Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Panel Discussion Moderated by Monika Tothova, Senior Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) Secretary and Joseph Glauber, Research Fellow Emeritus, IFPRI Helia Costa, Economist, Structural Policy and Research Division of the Economics Department, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Fabio Santeramo, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Resource Economics and Engineering, University of Foggia Michael Adjemian, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia Karl Pauw, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Closing Remarks Joseph Glauber, Research Fellow Emeritus, IFPRI More about this Event: https://www.ifpri.org/event/navigating-the-food-security-nexus-commodity-prices-inflation-and-exchange-rates/ Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

Aubrey Masango speaks to Prof Lerothodi Leeuw, the Head of the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences to explore the science behind comets and Prof Lerothodi will also help us understand the risks and realities of comets and how we can stay informed. Tags: 702, Aubrey Masango show, Aubrey Masango, Professor Lerothodi Leeuw, Comets, Planet earth, 3I/ATLAS, NASA, Mars, Sun direction, Earth orbit, Solar system Aubrey Masango speaks to Prof Lerothodi Leeuw, the Head of the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences to explore the science behind comets and Prof Lerothodi will also help us understand the risks and realities of comets and how we can stay informed. Tags: 702, Aubrey Masango show, Aubrey Masango, Professor Lerothodi Leeuw, Comets, Planet earth, 3I/ATLAS, NASA, Mars, Sun direction, Earth orbit, Solar systemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About W. David Prescott and Michael Ashley:W. David Prescott is a veteran geologist and environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience in groundwater protection, remediation, and regulatory compliance. Licensed in Texas and Wyoming, he holds advanced degrees in Environmental Science and Business and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science. A champion of market-driven sustainability, he serves on community and state boards shaping policies that balance environmental health with economic growth.Michael Ashley is a former Disney story consultant, Chapman University screenwriting professor, and author of 20+ books, including four bestsellers. He coauthored Own the A.I. Revolution, which was launched at the UN's AI for Good Summit and recognized as a top business book of 2019. A columnist for Forbes and Entrepreneur, his work has been widely featured, and he is a sought-after keynote speaker on AI, storytelling, and innovation. In this episode, Dean, W. David, and Michael discuss:The evolution of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) from shareholder to stakeholder capitalismPenalties and financial consequences for companies not meeting ESG standardsGlobal competition in energy and AI between the U.S., China, and IndiaRisks of programmable money and digital currencies on personal and business freedomThe framing of today's global tensions as a “spiritual war” between control and freedom Key Takeaways:ESG shifted from a voluntary “carrot” to a mandatory “stick,” with companies losing access to capital or suffering stock devaluation if they fail to comply.U.S. energy companies saw Wall Street investment in energy drop from 16–18% to just 3% by 2000 due to ESG pressures, while China and India rapidly expanded hydrocarbon and nuclear production.The U.S. is falling behind in AI and energy infrastructure, as China currently has 28 nuclear plants under construction while the U.S. has none.Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) could one day enforce ESG compliance by shutting off funds for companies or individuals exceeding government-imposed environmental thresholds. "Imagine us playing chess against China, and China having an IQ of 10,000 while we're sitting there with an IQ of 100.” — W. David Prescott "America is not an evil country. In fact, America is the best country the world has ever seen, and we want to export these ideas of freedom that are different from China.” — Michael Ashley Connect with W. David and Michael:  Website: https://creativedestruction.gr-site.com/Book: Creative Destruction: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Destruction-Mandates-Destroying-Capitalism/dp/B0D64WSNP9W. David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-david-prescott-p-g-b1600714/Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelashleywriter/   See Dean's TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

At the UC Davis Student Farm, students bring sustainable food systems to life. In Episode 2 of 'Sustainably UC Davis', we explore student-led efforts in sustainable agriculture. Environmental and social sustainability remain central to the Student Farm's mission, from organic practices to food justice. Hear about these topics and more from Colin Dixon, Director of the Student Farm, as well as staff and student leads from the Market Garden, Fresh Focus, and Green Fellowship programs. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41057]

At the UC Davis Student Farm, students bring sustainable food systems to life. In Episode 2 of 'Sustainably UC Davis', we explore student-led efforts in sustainable agriculture. Environmental and social sustainability remain central to the Student Farm's mission, from organic practices to food justice. Hear about these topics and more from Colin Dixon, Director of the Student Farm, as well as staff and student leads from the Market Garden, Fresh Focus, and Green Fellowship programs. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41057]

At the UC Davis Student Farm, students bring sustainable food systems to life. In Episode 2 of 'Sustainably UC Davis', we explore student-led efforts in sustainable agriculture. Environmental and social sustainability remain central to the Student Farm's mission, from organic practices to food justice. Hear about these topics and more from Colin Dixon, Director of the Student Farm, as well as staff and student leads from the Market Garden, Fresh Focus, and Green Fellowship programs. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41057]

At the UC Davis Student Farm, students bring sustainable food systems to life. In Episode 2 of 'Sustainably UC Davis', we explore student-led efforts in sustainable agriculture. Environmental and social sustainability remain central to the Student Farm's mission, from organic practices to food justice. Hear about these topics and more from Colin Dixon, Director of the Student Farm, as well as staff and student leads from the Market Garden, Fresh Focus, and Green Fellowship programs. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41057]

Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]

Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]

Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]

Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]

Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]

Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]

Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]

Dr. Melissa Miller–a wearer of multiple University of Florida hats: research scientist, wildlife ecologist with the school's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, lead investigator on a project that employs Artificial Intelligence technology seeking to halt the growing population of yet another invasive species, the Argentine Black and White Tegu—describes some of the tasks associated […] The post Dr. Melissa Miller, lead investigator on University of Florida project using AI trap to halt the Argentine Black and White Tegu first appeared on Talking Animals.

The world of coffee shops is fueled by the world of coffee farmers. For as long as coffee has been grown, the people who pursue the cultivation of the product we cultivate community around in the cafe have struggled and survive based on their ability to band together, invest in the land, one another, and innovate methods to secure their future.  Today we get he distinct honor of talk with someone whose efforts have produced many different opportunities to advance the thriving of farmers and provides a model that can be spread to other farms as well.  I am please to welcome, Felipe Sardi!  Felipe is the Founder and CEO of El Green Hub, a business ecosystem dedicated to environmental regeneration, sustainability, and innovation within the specialty coffee value chain. With operations in multiple countries, El Green Hub brings together companies that span coffee production, international trade, retail, and financial services. By empowering small-scale producers across Latin America through sustainable practices and financial inclusion, they drive meaningful economic and social change in rural communities. Their journey began with La Palma y el Tucán, a small farm in Cundinamarca that transformed from degraded land into a thriving ecosystem where specialty coffee flourishes alongside restored biodiversity. This living laboratory proved that regenerative agriculture works—inspiring business models that have since grown into significant enterprises across the coffee and agricultural sectors Born and raised in Colombia within an entrepreneurial family, Felipe developed a deep appreciation for hard work, innovation, and purpose-driven business. He graduated from Los Nogales High School in Bogotá (1996) and went on to earn a Bachelor's in Finance from Tulane University in New Orleans (2001). His commitment to sustainable agriculture led me to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Melbourne and a Permaculture Design Certificate from the Permaculture Research Institute in Australia. In this episode we will talk about:  The genesis of Felipe's coffee journey De-commoditizing coffee The role of terroir, genetics, and processing in coffee innovation The bio-innovative process and its impact on coffee profiles Responsible innovation and collaboration with farmers The lactic acid process and its reception in the coffee world The significance of terroir in maintaining coffee's unique identity Felipe's vision for co-creating the next wave of coffee with roasters and consumers     Related episodes! 477: Inspiring the next generation of Coffee Farmer w/ Yolima Taborda Rojas of Paisa Coffee, Colombia 451: Business Growth, Integrity, and Coffee Farmer Equity w/ Martin Mayorga of Mayorga Coffee 335: A Better Business Model for Coffee Farmers w/ Thaleon Tremain of Pachamama Coffee Sustainability Series #1 : The Farm 251 : Fermentation and the Future of Farming w/ Lucia Solis   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS!  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for fall 2025 Cohort: Click below to learn more: APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min      SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com    

From August 19, 2017. Your audio editor, Richard Drumm, interviewed Astronomy Cast's co host Fraser Cain. The idea was to interview him before and after the total solar eclipse that was upcoming, and get his before and after impression of the event. Unfortunately the clouds at Carbondale, Illinois, had other plans. Fraser & Pamela were at SIUC's Stadium and Richard was 2 miles away at the SIUC School of Agricultural Sciences. Richard had a clear sky and Fraser & Pamela did not. This unfortunate turn of events blew the interview's main purpose to bits, so to speak. Even so, the interview is informative and worth a listen!   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Arthur Neto from the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil explores the principles and benefits of crop-livestock integration systems. He explains how combining trees, forage, and livestock in rotational systems can improve soil health, enhance sustainability, and support carbon neutrality in livestock operations. Listen now on all major platforms!"Integration helps both the environment and the farmer, improving soil fertility and animal welfare through shade and comfort."Meet the guest: Dr. Arthur Neto is a professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil, with a Ph.D. in Tropical Agriculture and training in forage conservation at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on integrated systems that combine crop, livestock, and forestry components to improve sustainability.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:19) Introduction(03:03) Crop-livestock integration(04:54) Carbon and soil benefits(05:43) Certification and emissions(07:29) Grass species selection(09:16) Balancing economics(10:19) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk- Zinpro- Virtus Nutrition

The International Union for Conservation of Nature keeps what it calls a Red List of species that are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss or exploitation such as overfishing. But a new study led by researchers at Oregon State University suggests another reason some wildlife might be at risk: climate change.  The scientists analyzed nearly 71,000 wild animal species – from corals to reptiles, insects to mammals – assessed by the IUCN Red List and categorized them according to climate-related threats they face such as drought or temperature extremes. The researchers found that more than 3,500 animal species are threatened by climate change - especially invertebrates like spiders, corals and jellyfish. The study also warns that mass mortality events linked to climate change, such as the marine heat wave in the Pacific Ocean that killed off 4 million common murres a decade ago, will “greatly accelerate” with rising global temperatures.  Joining us to discuss the study’s findings is co-author Jillian Gregg, a senior instructor at OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the founder and CEO of Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Associates. 

A fish walks into a pharmacy ... well, not exactly. Fish aren't being prescribed anti-anxiety drugs. But they are experiencing the effects. Researchers have found more than 900 different pharmaceutical ingredients in rivers and streams around the world, though they're not yet sure how this could change the behavior of fish and other aquatic animals in the wild."We can't, you know, dump a bunch of pharmaceuticals into the river," says Jack Brand, biologist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Instead, Jack's team did the next best thing – with some surprising results.This episode was reported by NPR science correspondent Jon Lambert. Check out more of his reporting.Want to hear more stories about animal behavior? Email us and let us know at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A tree has evolved to attract lightning strikes — to eliminate the competitionScientists working in Panama noticed that a particular tropical tree species was frequently struck by lightning, but was infrequently killed by the strikes. Forest ecologist Evan Gora found that Dipteryx oleifera trees were often the last ones standing after a lightning strike, which can kill over 100 trees with a single bolt. His team discovered the giant trees were more electrically conductive than other species, which allows them to not only survive strikes, but also channel lightning into parasitic vines and competing trees around them. The research was published in the journal New Phytologist.Anti-anxiety drugs we pee out could be affecting wild salmonOur bodies only process some of the pharmaceuticals we take, which means when we pee, we're releasing traces of drugs into the ecosystem. A study of the impact of trace amounts of anti-anxiety drugs on juvenile salmon suggests they might become too brave for their own survival.  Jack Brand is a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and led the research published in the journal Science.Fossil discovery gives new insight into the mysterious DenisovansA jawbone pulled up by fishers off the coast of Taiwan in 2008 has proven to be a unique discovery. Analysis of preserved protein in the fossil has proved it is from a male Denisovan — a mysterious species of ancient human known from only fragmentary bones and ancient DNA. This gives new insight into how widespread this mysterious branch of humanity was. The research was led by a team including Takumi Tsutaya and Enrico Cappellini at the University of Copenhagen, and published in the journal Science.Earth's inner core is a lot more dynamic and smushy than we previously thoughtScientists used to think the inner core of our planet was a solid sphere of metal, but a new study in Nature Geoscience suggests its softer outer layers shift and deform over time. The researchers used pairs of earthquakes from the same location as X-rays to peer inside Earth to gauge what the inner core is doing; much like a stop-motion film. John Vidale, from the University of Southern California, said this insight can shed light on how a planet like ours evolves. Human noise has an impact on wildlife — here are two unique examplesTraffic, aircraft, industry, construction. Our world is saturated with artificial noise. We know noise impacts us and other animals, but new research is shedding light on how past experiences factor into the ways wildlife adapt to our noise pollution. Researchers in one study in Animal Behaviour found that yellow warblers in the Galapagos Islands that live closer to traffic become aggressive when defending their territory in noisy conditions compared to birds in quieter areas. Çağlar Akçay, from Anglia Ruskin University, said the birds exposed to more traffic have learned their warning calls aren't as effective when things get too noisy; and they resort to physical violence. Another study in Current Biology shows how spiders that are exposed to loud noises construct their webs differently in ways that could affect their ability to sense vibrations from prey or a potential mate. Brandi Pessman, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, found that spiders tune their webs in noisy environments like a volume dial: city spiders turn their web volume down whereas country spiders turn it up.