Provides the latest RSS feeds for Agriculture News. For more headlines on Breaking, National, Business, Finance, Sports and World News, visit our home page Zimbabwe Star.com http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/cat/0fa95d602145a5f3/ en-us Thu, 23 May 2013 17:53:30 -0400 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:53:30 -0400 30 Australia and India today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and strengthen cooperation in skills training in the agriculture sector. The MoU results from the joint commitment of the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers in October 2012 to build bilateral partnerships between skills councils in key industry areas, including telecommunications, retail, mining, ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713028/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:02 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713028/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Zoom in on the Indian Ocean for our Geo Quiz. We’re looking for an island nation. Its neighbors to the southwest are the Maldives. The island we’re in search of offers an interesting example of how plants changed the world. Back when it was under Dutch control, there were valuable cinnamon plantations across the island we want you to name. In the 19th century the economy shifted ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724277/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:37:35 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724277/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Idaho Preferred program will host a series of dinners at a variety of farms around the state to promote the quality and diversity of Idaho food and agriculture products. The Dinner on the Farm series will kick off on Saturday, June 8, 2013 with Dinner on the ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724280/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:26:49 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724280/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Dairy product prices have shown some weakness during May, particularly cheese and butter. On the CME cheddar barrels were as high as $1.7875 per pound on April 18 but started May at $1.67. Cheddar blocks started May at $1.90 per pound putting the spread between blocks and barrels at 23 cents, much wider than the more normal 3-to-4-cent ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724279/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:26:47 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724279/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Dana Coale, deputy administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Programs, today announced the appointment of Todd D. Wilson as Market Administrator for the Central Federal Milk Marketing Order effective June 2.Wilson has spent 25 years in the Federal Order system, the past 17 of which in the Southwest Order in Dallas. For the past four years, he has been assistant ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724281/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:22:24 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724281/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 April culling was slightly less than March, however, down 6,000 head, or 2%. The per day kill was down even more, since there was one more business/working day in April than in March (assuming slaughter plants operated on Good ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724282/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:22:23 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724282/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Agriculture has defied odds to emerge the leading sector after recording the highest growth in 2012 production year. The sector recorded a growth rate of 3.8 per cent in 2012, compared to a suppressed growth of 1.5 per cent in ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722734/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 16:21:01 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722734/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Coffee stakeholders are working on strategies to enhance the industry competitiveness by expanding the market share locally and ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722736/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 16:20:56 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722736/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 NEW YORK -- The price of wheat is rising by the most in two weeks after a U.S. government report showed strong demand for the grain from overseas buyers.Wheat for delivery in July rose 14.75 cents, or 2.1 percent, to $7.0325 a bushel, its biggest advance since May 9.The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday reported orders for a total of 953 tons of wheat in its weekly export sales report. ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722774/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 16:16:37 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722774/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 May 23 (Bloomberg) -- The Standard & Poor’s GSCI gauge of 24 commodities dropped 0.4% to 623.54 by 5:25 p.m. in London. The UBS Bloomberg CMCI index of 26 raw materials dropped 0.1% to 1,546.233. SOFT COMMODITIESCotton futures fell to the lowest in almost three months on concern that a slowing economy will curb demand in China, the world’s biggest importer. Sugar, coffee and ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722811/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 16:07:25 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722811/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Nasser Azam , a 49-year-old London-based artist, is used to dealing in extremes. He once took an 11-day trip to Antarctica to paint large-scale abstract canvases outdoors, intentionally leaving the work on a frigid ice field overnight so it could be roughed up by the elements. Another time, Azam boarded a specially modified aircraft in Star City, Russia, and painted two triptychs honoring Francis ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722812/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 15:58:10 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722812/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 The period of high grain farm incomes since 2006 has led to an overall strengthening of balance sheets on grain farms. Some concerns exist that much of this strengthening could erode quickly during a period of lower returns and declining farmland prices. While these concerns are legitimate, farmers have generally prepared themselves well to withstand lower returns. How much financial stress farms ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214721227/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 14:50:57 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214721227/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Jefferson County osteopath Kevin Clemmer pleaded guilty to illegally distributing oxycodone, a synthetic opiate, in U.S. District Court in Denver on Thursday. Clemmer, 59, faces not more than 20 years in federal prison on the illegal distribution charge and not more than 10 years on a second count of engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminal activity. The plea bargain he negotiated ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722247/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 14:33:36 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722247/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 The H7N9 bird flu virus has not been detected in the nation's poultry farms, with positive samples mainly coming from live poultry markets, China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Thursday.The MOA said it has "basically" finished collecting and testing 899,758 samples from across most parts of the country.Of the total tested, 53 samples were found positive for H7N9. ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719617/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 13:38:50 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719617/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 SEAN ELLIS Capital PressCALDWELL, Idaho -- A coalition of farm groups has grave concerns about a proposal to move the Canyon County Fair from Caldwell to an 80-acre site located in the middle of thousands of acres of farmland. After an initial review, the Coalition for Agriculture's Future believes the $40 million project proposed by the Canyon County Fair Board would lead to an irreversible ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719618/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 13:35:04 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719618/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 "We are deeply disappointed with this short-sighted action by the USDA," says Scott George, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president and a Cody, Wyo. dairy and cattle producer, regarding today’s announcement that USDA issued a final rule regarding the mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL)."Our largest trading partners have already said that these ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719619/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 13:33:16 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719619/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Dr Mohamed Al Hammadi, research and development director at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, examines stalks of wheat as part of a study into 100 varieties of the cereal grain, which hopes to determine which are the most suitable to be cultivated in the UAE's climate. Sammy Dallal / The ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214718040/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 12:33:00 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214718040/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 May 23 (Bloomberg) -- The trio of investigations causing headaches for President Barack Obama’s administration have also provided a honeymoon period for the marquee element of his domestic agenda: revising immigration laws.The congressional probes into various government agencies diverted attention at a critical time, allowing the Senate Judiciary Committee a respite from the spotlight as ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214718042/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 12:16:46 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214718042/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Farm Rescue volunteers helped farmer Rodney Rebel seed his wheat acres and provided lunch for the crew: (from left to right) Dale Sayler, Mary Beyer and Joy Kitzan from Dakota Community Bank of Hebron, N.D.; Rodney Rebel; Bill Weaver, Ross Rebel; and Dick ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716429/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 11:08:17 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716429/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 /enpproperty--> BEIJING - The H7N9 bird flu virus has not been detected in poultry farms, with positive samples mainly coming from live poultry markets, China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Thursday. The MOA said it has "basically" finished collecting and testing 899,758 samples from across most parts of the country. Of the total, 53 samples were found positive with ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716430/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 11:06:00 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716430/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 May 23 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. tightened country-of-origin labeling provisions to specify where animals are born, raised and slaughtered after the World Trade Organization backed complaints from Canada and Mexico that challenged the policy.The rule also bans the mingling of meat cuts of commodities from different nations. The measures will cost meatpackers including Tyson Foods Inc., as much as ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716431/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 11:03:20 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716431/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 AMES, Iowa -- Advances in soil science have necessitated an update in the Corn Suitability Rating (CSR), a system for rating the crop-growing productivity of Iowa soil, according to Iowa State University agronomist Lee Burras. "Advances in soil-mapping techniques and the adoption of the national soil classification system during the past 50 years provides improved methods for calculating ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716432/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 11:03:16 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716432/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 FCI Haryana official also informed that no interest had been shown by private traders in the bids invited for the wheat export. FCI had invited bids for the fourth time since export was allowed but had failed to get any positive response from traders. The Centre had allowed wheat export of 5 million tonne for 2011-12 crop from its godowns through private traders in a bid to ease the storage ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716433/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 10:44:46 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716433/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Tens of thousands of activists from around the world will take part in March Against Monsanto this weekend to call for action against GM crops. Currently, marches are being planned on six continents, in 36 countries, totalling events in more than 250 cities. In the UK, five events are due to take place this Saturday (25 May) - in London, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Isle of Man. A march ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214714982/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 09:55:37 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214714982/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Beirut, May 23 (BNA) - Strong explosions were heard this morning from the eastern side of the occupied Shebaa Farms in south Lebanon which appeared to be the result of training exercises by the Israeli occupation army. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) said the Israeli occupation army push at dawn a large armored force including Merkava tanks and armoured personnel carriers into the ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713615/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 08:39:25 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713615/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 The early calls for the commodities on Thursday, May 23, 2013, are mostly mixed. Corn is seen opening 1 to 2 cents lower, soybeans mixed, and wheat 3-5 cents ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713616/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 08:38:05 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713616/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Corn planted early this spring faced something of a tough go getting started because of cool, wet weather that lasted a lot longer than normal. And since then, storms have raked through parts of corn country, leaving hail or wind damage. If you've got corn either category, you may be facing a dilemma of whether or not to replant. And, this year, that's an even tougher decision to make ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713617/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 08:38:05 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713617/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Dairy Crest returned to the black last year, posting a 55m profit, after making a loss the previous year. The group recorded a revenue of 1.3bn for the year to 31 March 2013, down 9% on the year. However, net debt fell 82% to 60m as a result of restructuring the business to focus exclusively on the UK, particularly in selling French spreads business St Hubert. Analyst Shore Capital said it ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712297/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 07:33:00 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712297/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Ten years of sponsorship marks a long-standing commitment to the farming industry, says HSBC's head of agriculture, Allan Wilkinson. HSBC Agriculture is again very proud to be principal sponsor of the Cereals event. This year marks our 10th anniversary in this role, demonstrating our long-standing belief in, and commitment to, the industry. I am sure Cereals 2013 will provide an important ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712296/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 07:32:59 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712296/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Nigel Gibbens, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said the fumigation of badger setts was and still is considered to be inhumane in the way that it was previously used. "Cyanide gas is not a very nice way to die," said Mr Gibbens. "But you can't - and we shouldn't - rule out humane methodology being developed and deployed in the ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712298/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 07:32:58 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712298/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 In response to this year's delayed planting season, I recently discussed the conundrum of statewide corn yields relative to statewide planting progress ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712300/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 07:27:56 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712300/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Farm Journal Market Radio Hear the latest market analysis with Farm Director Al Pell. Updates at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each trading day. Listen to ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712299/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 07:27:54 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712299/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Ten years of sponsorship marks a long-standing commitment to the farming industry, says HSBC's head of agriculture, Allan Wilkinson. HSBC Agriculture is again very proud to be principal sponsor of the Cereals event. This year marks our 10th anniversary in this role, demonstrating our long-standing belief in, and commitment to, the industry. I am sure Cereals 2013 will provide an important ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711210/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 06:22:02 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711210/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Speaking at the Alltech Symposium in Kentucky, USA, this week, Philip Wilkinson, a director at 2 Sisters, explained that the company has been on a farm expansion programme since 2010, which includes modernising and replacing out-of-date poultry buildings. Some 20m has been spent so far, with another 76m of investment planned for the next two years to expand capacity while improving energy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711211/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 06:22:01 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711211/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Plums that have been genetically engineered to be resistant to the plum pox virus (Photo credit: Wikipedia) By Henry I. Miller and Graham Brookes In spite of two decades of stunning scientific, humanitarian and financial successes and an admirable record of health and environmental safety, the application of genetic engineering to agriculture is still beleaguered by activists. And they will be ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711198/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 06:21:55 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711198/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 UK NEW crop wheat futuresslipped below 180/tonne for the first time since October 2012, but the country's wheat remains among the dearest in Europe. And analysts said it was too soon to begin speculating about the potential for animal feed prices to come down.AHDB/HGCA senior analyst Jack Watts said: "We have a lot to learn about the likely out-turn of the 2013 domestic harvest and also ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711173/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 06:21:52 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711173/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 As automakers roll out bigger and bigger pickup trucks, many ranchers are getting frustrated with the growing price tag of the tires that support them. Enter retread tires, which manufacturers say can save money and bring quality to U.S. agricultural operations. "Retreads are used every day on airplanes, military vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks and by millions of truckers and motorists all ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711212/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 06:17:16 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711212/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Worcester Market. Store cattle commanded a tremendous trade at Saturday's (18 May) sale, with 304 head going under the hammer. "Stronger cattle are really coming to the fore, with fierce competition for short keep cattle," said auctioneer Clive Roads. "Steers in particular are well placed, with buyers prepared to go head to head for the right goods." Bulls sold to a top ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710240/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 05:14:18 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710240/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has proposed a 13p an hour increase in the basic rate of pay for farmworkers from 1 October 2013. The board has published a list of suggested wage rates which will be advertised in detail over the next few weeks. The proposed rates ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710241/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 05:14:17 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710241/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Finished pig prices are at their highest level since the BSE crisis hit the UK livestock industry in 1996, although this is before accounting for inflation. The Deadweight Adjusted Pig Price (DAPP) has risen by a further 1.24p/kg and now stands at (164.03p/kg) compared with its value of 148.39p a year ago. A further increase of 4-8p/kg will be needed to put producers back into the black; the ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710243/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 05:14:16 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710243/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Total income on Bidwells' contract farming agreements rose by 130/ha (52/acre) to 1,465/ha for the 2012 harvest, despite the difficulties of the season. Farmers and contractors on many holdings saw a year of sustained or even increased profits, said head of agribusiness Jonathan Armitage. However, many of those with only combinable crops on heavier land struggled hard as yields and grain ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710242/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 05:14:16 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710242/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 In the race to get crops planted this spring, remember to keep an eye on your planter set up and performance as you move between fields, advises Missy Bauer, Farm Journal associate field agronomist.The simple tips she provides in the following video will make your planting process go more smoothly, improve overall plant emergence and contribute to your yields at ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214709108/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 03:59:03 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214709108/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 /enpproperty--> China, the world's largest food consumer, is expected to become a major grain importer by 2015, head of a global grain trader said in a recent industry forum. Sunny Verghese, CEO of Olam International Ltd, a Singapore-based grain trader, said because of diminishing resources of land and water, China is on the way to become a major importer of corm, wheat and rice by ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214708193/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 02:51:09 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214708193/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 They've had a key role in early season oilseed rape pest control for more than a decade, but growers now face a future without neonicotinoid seed treatments. Some growers are even considering abandoning growing the crop as they consider the implications on future cropping plans. Back in April, the EU Commission pushed through a two-year EU-wide ban on three neonicotinoid actives for ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214707270/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 01:46:00 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214707270/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 New season nitrogen prices are set to kick off 10% lower than a year ago, with a list price of 270/t for full loads of UK manufactured ammonium nitrate delivered to farm in ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214707271/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 01:45:59 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214707271/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Biggsville, Ill. - Clark Kelly plans to spend a lot of time on the links this spring. The Illinois farmer is plowing the Hend-Co-Hills Golf Course near tiny Biggsville into a cornfield. He's not the only one turning over soil in unlikely places. Across the Midwest, farmers are planting crops on almost any scrap of available land to take advantage of consistently high corn and soybean prices. ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214707272/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Thu, 23 May 2013 01:23:13 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214707272/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724278/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214724278/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711209/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214711209/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214721226/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214721226/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214709107/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214709107/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712295/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214712295/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719616/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214719616/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713614/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214713614/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710239/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214710239/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716428/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214716428/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214718041/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214718041/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214708192/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214708192/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722810/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214722810/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 To the Editor: In the last week, you published two articles about serious challenges to the health of our country and its economy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214714981/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 21:19:41 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214714981/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 California is home to more than 350 different crops. As Immigration Reform looms, the state's farmers and ranchers fear labor shortages could ultimately force them to switch to less labor intensive ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214701745/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 19:52:54 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214701745/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 She is not sure where her vocation came from, but she does know that this is what she wants to do. In Cuba, which is seeking to boost agricultural yields, there is a scarcity of young people working in the sector. Blanco, a petite 20-year-old, dropped her math studies after two years to try her hand at ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214700296/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 18:50:03 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214700296/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 ORLANDO -- If you just so happen to have a frosty mug filled with your favorite beer next to you, you might dig this idea. At no charge, Orlando Brewing is offering 45 minute tours of its brewery, showing you how your next "cold one" is born. "When he runs out of beer, then the tour's over," joked Orlando Brewing President John Cheek, referring to the tour guide. The ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214700377/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 18:45:57 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214700377/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Danielle Hill, who will compete in the Miss Kansas competition this June, created Kernals for Kids, a philanthropy that promotes agriculture while benefiting Children's Miracle Network hospitals in Kansas. (Courtesy ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699006/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:40:35 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699006/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 "Education is important, and as a committee we feel it is vital that we help support students developing their career paths," said Director of Development Joey Tigges. "We really appreciate everyone who supports this scholarship program by giving to the NDFB Foundation." The Becki Palmer Scholarship for High School Seniors honors a North Dakota Farm Bureau employee who lost ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699007/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:39:18 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699007/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Syngenta officials say the new facility will enable company researchers to better focus their efforts on developing agricultural traits that optimize crop yields, use resources efficiently and resist various stresses for specific geographies.At the new Syngenta Advanced Crop Laboratory, you can experience weather conditions from around the world in a matter of only a few minutes."You can be ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699009/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:34:44 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699009/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 The results of the GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) auctions over the past several months have been a key factor reflected in the rise of dairy prices both here in the U.S. and on an international basis, most noticeably during the rally witnessed in the months of March and April when Class III prices gained over $2 per cwt. The rise of the GDT prices reflected continually disintegrating conditions in New ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699008/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:34:43 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699008/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 In this May 20, 2013 photo, a man on a motorcycle drives past the burnt-out hulks of two trucks and a passenger bus, allegedly torched by the Knights Templar drug cartel as a warning to anyone who tries to bring reinforcements, near the town of Buenavista, Mexico. A drug cartel that takes its name from an ancient monastic order has set fire to lumber yards, packing plants and passenger buses in a ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699010/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:19:05 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699010/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 As searchers in Iowa hunted Wednesday for an abducted teenage girl, a law enforcement official called the discovery of two backpacks and a purse major leads. Kathlynn Shepard, 15, and a 12-year-old girl were abducted Monday afternoon after stepping off a school bus. The younger victim escaped and survived, and the body of suspect and registered sex offender Michael Klunder, 42, was found Monday ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699894/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:12:14 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214699894/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 May 22 (Bloomberg) -- Treasuries and gold tumbled while the dollar rallied as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke told Congress the central bank may cut the pace of bond purchases at its next few meetings. U.S. equities erased early gains to trade little changed.Ten-year Treasury yields jumped eight basis points to 2.01 percent at 1:54 p.m. in New York, topping 2 percent for the first time ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214697590/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 16:24:40 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214697590/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Authorities in New Jersey said an escaped goat believed to have been bound for a slaughterhouse caused a four-vehicle crash and traffic backups. The Jersey City Police Department said the black goat, which had a U.S. Department of Agriculture tag on one of its ears, was seen wandering on the Pulaski Skyway around 7 a.m. Tuesday and caused a four-vehicle crash during its 90 minutes on the loose, ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214698573/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 16:01:21 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214698573/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 "The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided North Dakota with about $480 thousand to promote the production, processing and use of specialty crops," said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. "Individuals, organizations and institutions are invited to submit proposals, either on their own or in partnerships, for grants of up to ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214696089/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 15:17:11 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214696089/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Rome - The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will provide a US$3 million loan to the Republic of Seychelles to help revive the agriculture sector, strengthen small-scale artisanal fisheries and promote rural microenterprises on the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The financing agreement for the Competitive Local Innovations for Small-scale Agriculture Project was ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214696091/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:51:50 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214696091/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 /enpproperty--> BEIJING - Electricity prices for all businesses in agricultural production and logistics will be cut from June 1, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced on Wednesday. Pork and vegetable producers will now enjoy the same electricity prices as other agricultural production businesses, which were already benefiting from preferential costs, the commission ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694393/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:02:34 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694393/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 MATTHEW WEAVER Capital PressTwo new Oregon State University soft white winter wheat varieties are being touted for their high yield potential and stripe rust resistance.OSU wheat breeder Bob Zemetra said Bobtail and Rosalyn topped variety trials in Oregon -- and some in Washington.Bobtail averaged 10 bushels more than the average yield in higher rainfall and irrigated zones in Oregon trials. ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694394/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:01:49 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694394/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 MATTHEW WEAVER Capital PressThe retrial of a Washington man accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of wheat from a grain elevator has been rescheduled to this fall.James William Hughes, 53, of Endicott, Wash., faces 21 counts of theft from Whitgro in Whitman County Superior Court in Colfax, Wash.Hughes' first trial ended in a hung jury in 2012. A new trial had been slated for May, but ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694395/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:01:47 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694395/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 MATTHEW WEAVER Capital PressWashington barley growers will have another new variety to consider next spring.Muir is a spring, two-row feed barley developed by Washington State University barley breeder Kevin Murphy in Pullman, Wash.Muir performs well in lower rainfall regions, complementing Lyon, another new barley release slated for higher rainfall zones.Muir is "the best disease resistant ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694325/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:01:47 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694325/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Asked why she had recently left her job as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture after four years, Kathleen Merrigan noted that she was just one of many deputy secretaries who had left the administration recently. "Why?" she asked. "Because it’s a hard job."By contrast, Merrigan appeared to enjoy standing in front of a welcoming audience and giving her ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694396/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:00:03 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214694396/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 YAOUNDE | Wed May 22, 2013 1:28pm EDT YAOUNDE May 22 (Reuters) - A company owned by New York venture capital firm Herakles Capital has suspended work on a giant palm oil plantation in Cameroon after protests by environmental groups and villagers, highlighting opposition to land acquisitions in Africa. Herakles Farms, which also has operations in Ghana, said it halted development of its ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214696090/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 13:28:08 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214696090/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 The bird flu virus, which infected 130 people in mainland China since emerging in March, resulted in 36 deaths. At a meeting of the World Health Organisation, health minister Li Bin said no new cases have been detected since early May. Chinese authorities have shut down live poultry markets "temporarily or permanently as needed" to control the source of outbreaks in 10 provinces, World ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214692866/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 12:50:26 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214692866/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 The 2013 corn growing season is off to its slowest start in a long time. Due to the slow start, especially for farmers in northern Wisconsin, many are considering whether they need to switch corn hybrid maturities. In the north, we really only have one opportunity to switch maturity and still have the potential for grain yield. In southern Wisconsin, we may have two opportunities to switch hybrid ... http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214692867/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3 Wed, 22 May 2013 12:45:35 -0400 http://www.zimbabwestar.com/index.php/sid/214692867/scat/0fa95d602145a5f3