USDA scientists are giving guidance to farmers on using a tool designed to maximize the advantages of planting cover crops. The technology, known as a "roller/crimper," can reduce and sometimes eliminate the need for herbicides. Cover crops can improve soil quality, and in organic operations, they play a major role in keeping weeds in check.

“I noticed a small van slow down beside the cab of my truck while it was passing.  I glanced over and noticed that the occupants appeared to be a young mother and a toddler, who was in a child seat. 

A USDA scientist and his colleague at Cornell University have developed a new tool for studying how roots take shape in the soil.

The three-dimensional imaging system and software package, developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist Leon V. Kochian in Ithaca, New York, and Randy T. Clark of Cornell, allows scientists to collect data on root systems faster than ever before, and to study root architecture in unprecedented detail.

Landowners experienced a terrible drought this past summer and many are wondering what to do now with the poor pasture that is left.

“There are two responses to have toward a drought: short term and long term,” said Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with the University of Missouri Extension in Barton County.

Grassland Oregon, Inc. has announced that its Albion forage perennial ryegrass is now available in commercial quanitities.

GFC has developed a new app called iBand-It that is compatible with iPads.

U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. is seeking action on a bipartisan bill that reduces the regulatory burden on modern-day agriculture. This bill would eliminate an outdated regulation that requires custom harvesters, farmers and agribusinesses to obtain a hazardous material endorsement before transporting more than 118 gallons of diesel fuel.

Treated wastewater solids called biosolids are sometimes used by farmers to boost soil nutrient levels. Now research by a USDA scientist provides new information about how long those plant nutrients remain after biosolids have been applied to the soil.