Biotechnology’s fatal flaw, says Mark Lynas, was that the first well-know trait associated with the technology was herbicide resistance. First impressions matter, and on that account, genetic modification and the resulting GMOs failed miserably. Lynas, a UK-based environmentalist and former anti-biotech activist, says that GMOs’ bad publicity needs to move past this tough start and... Read More

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) is known by some as "careless weed," as negligent management quickens its already hasty invasiveness. It can also be incredibly difficult to control --- a characteristic that has only worsened in the last few years, as its resistance to multiple-herbicide groups continues to evolve. According to The International Survey of Herbicide... Read More

John Deere unveiled the ExactEmerge high-speed planting unit at the National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) in Louisville, Kentucky. Though it's hard to imagine a unit that allows traditional seeding speeds to double, John Deere claims that under the right field conditions, it's entirely possible to seed at 10mph with this new planter. Check out more... Read More

Is planting accurately while running 10 mph possible? John Deere says yes, if you’re using its new seed delivery system ExactEmerge row unit. Unveiled at the 2014 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, the ExactEmerge promises precise seed placement and spacing— 10% better at traditional speeds — but boasts the ability to travel at... Read More

The role of genomics continues to expand in the beef industry, with the technology becoming increasingly cost effective. Besides determining parentage, genomics have the potential to assess feed efficiency, fertility and susceptibility to disease. To many producers, this may eventually mean genetic testing most animals, most years. To others, it may simply mean genome sequencing... Read More

To many farmers, seed treatment is not an input worth questioning (check out Shane Thomas' Three Reasons You Must Treat Your Seed), and as farms grow, it's likely that the size and capacity of seed treaters will increase as well. Related: Serfas Farms Steps Up Seed Treating with the USC LP2000 In this video, Kaitlyn... Read More

U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Bipartisan Agriculture Act of 2013 — The Farm Bill — today at Michigan State University. In the States, the signing of this bill has been largely controversial, though it's touted as a win for many sectors. "It supports local food by investing in things like farmers markets and organic... Read More

Quick negotiations and a tentative agreement earlier this week between CN Rail and the union representing some of its employees was good news earlier for Canada's supply chain, as it meant avoiding a threatened strike. Upon hearing of the potential for 3,000 workers to strike, Saskatchewan's Premier Brad Wall wrote Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt,... Read More