A new mobile device app called Crop Nutrient Deficiency Photo Library has been released by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI).

“This is our first venture into mobile apps, and we think this offering will generate a lot of interest by crop advisers, consultants, farmers, students, and anyone wanting help in identifying nutrient deficiency symptoms in common crops,” said Terry Roberts, president of IPNI.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of Juan M. Garcia as Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator, effective July 15, 2012. Garcia previously served as deputy administrator for Farm Programs where he managed all FSA programs under the Production Emergencies and Compliance Division, Conservation and Environmental Programs Division, and Price Support Division.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack designated 76 additional counties in six states as primary natural disaster areas due to damage and losses caused by drought and excessive heat. During the 2012 crop year, the USDA has designated 1,369 counties across 31 states as disaster areas – 1,234 due to drought – making all qualified farm operators in the areas eligible for low-interest emergency loans. The additional counties designated last week are in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin. The U.S. Drought Monitor currently reports that two-thirds of the continental U.S. is in a moderate to exceptional drought.