usda

In a lot behind a disused West Virginia gas station at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Roy Funkhouser is surrounded by about a dozen beekeepers and countless buzzing bees. "We've got results from a lot of our testing and figured out a lot of the things that are going wrong."

Evergreen shrubs are crucial for front entry beds, providing year-round structure and preventing plantings from appearing bare when flowers fade. They offer shape and interest, acting as the garden's framework. Selecting low-maintenance, compact varieties like boxwood, euonymus, inkberry holly, lavender, and osmanthus ensures a neat and purposeful appearance throughout the seasons.

Homeowners seeking vibrant, compact trees are embracing the Merlot redbud. This striking cultivar boasts stunning rosy-purple spring blooms and wine-colored foliage that shifts beautifully through the seasons. Developed for heat and drought tolerance, it's ideal for smaller gardens, offering a dramatic splash of color and supporting local wildlife without overwhelming the landscape.

A venomous ant from Asia, capable of causing severe allergic reactions including potentially fatal anaphylaxis, is rapidly spreading across the southeastern United States. These ants, though not aggressive, deliver a painful sting. Experts suggest protein-based baits are the most effective management strategy for these hard-to-detect invaders.

Cultivating your own lemon tree offers a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, pesticide-free citrus. Planting in spring, ideally in usda zones 9-11, is crucial for success. Opt for grafted nursery trees for faster fruiting and disease resistance. With proper sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent watering, your backyard can soon yield a bounty of sunshine-filled lemons.

Indian mangoes are a springtime obsession for many Americans, fetching prices of $50-$60 per box. Despite the high cost, driven by airfreight and retail markups, demand is soaring. This surge follows a decades-long import ban, lifted after a presidential agreement in 2006, making these prized fruits a luxury for many.

Tired of sparse landscapes and long waits for privacy? Fast-growing trees offer a rapid solution, creating dense natural screens that enhance your property's appeal and environmental benefits. Discover a curated list of species, from the graceful Weeping Willow to the vibrant Crape Myrtle, that promise quick growth and lasting beauty, transforming your outdoor space in no time.

Rosemary often dies because of the wrong soil. Native to rocky, well-draining Mediterranean soil, it struggles in clay-heavy earth. The solution involves amending soil with organic matter and perlite or gravel for better drainage. For potted plants, cactus and succulent mix is recommended. Proper sun and infrequent watering are also crucial. Fertiliser is unnecessary and can be detrimental.

Discover how to conquer ground ivy, the persistent lawn invader. This aggressive perennial thrives in neglected areas, spreading rapidly through roots and stems. Effective management involves consistent hand-pulling for small patches, complete removal for rampant infestations, and targeted herbicide applications, especially in fall. Building a healthy lawn and strategic shade-tolerant ground cover are key to long-term prevention.

Attract hummingbirds to your garden with the remarkable corkscrew vine, Cochliasanthus caracalla. This fast-growing climber boasts uniquely shaped, fragrant blooms that perfectly match hummingbird beaks, ensuring a reliable nectar source.

Storing eggs in the refrigerator door is a common mistake that compromises their safety and longevity. Constant temperature fluctuations in the door area can lead to condensation, allowing bacteria to penetrate the shell. For optimal freshness and safety, keep eggs in their original carton in the cooler, more stable middle or lower sections of the fridge.

Our gardens need bees! These vital pollinators are crucial for fruits, vegetables, and vibrant flowers. Declining bee populations threaten biodiversity and food security. Simple changes like planting diverse, native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and providing nesting spaces can create bee-friendly havens. Even small efforts contribute to a healthier planet and more bountiful gardens.

Authorities in Delhi have busted an illegal distribution hub dealing in banned performance-enhancing drugs and expired health supplements. The raid uncovered significant quantities of expired and potentially unsafe products, highlighting the risks associated with the booming nutrition supplements market. This action underscores the need for stringent regulation to protect consumers, especially the youth.

China has grown excess cotton compared to Australia and India, said the experts' team from the United States Consulate Department of Agriculture (usda), which visited Karnataka Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Sunday.

The Trump administration has restored over $100 million in usda funding to the University of Maine System, following a compliance review tied to transgender athletes in women’s sports. Senator Susan Collins and Governor Janet Mills praised the decision, highlighting the importance of this funding for critical programs in agriculture, research, and local industries. The reversal provides crucial support for Maine’s economy, farmers, and the University of Maine’s diverse community initiatives, as reported by the WGME.

The usda has frozen $30 million in federal funding to the University of Maine following a public clash between President Trump and Governor Janet Mills over transgender athlete participation in school sports. The freeze, which affects agricultural research and critical programs in Maine, comes after Trump threatened to cut funding during a February exchange. The University of Maine system confirmed the decision would impact its essential services as it undergoes a compliance review.

USA-GRAINS/BRAUN (COLUMN):COLUMN-Small acreage changes may have big impact at usda Outlook Forum -Braun

The usda is discontinuing two federal programmes, cutting $1 billion used by schools and food banks to procure local food. This affects $660 million for the Local Food for Schools programme in 40 states and $420 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement.