Kentucky’s meat industry - like all others - have been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis that has heightened the anxieties of meat producers, sellers and consumers while also reminding them what they loved about meat in the first place.
Read MoreBlack vultures are a concern for livestock producers throughout Kentucky, particularly this time of the year, as they can kill newborn calves and other juvenile livestock. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment faculty and staff are working with Kentucky producers to find low-cost, legal options to control these birds and prevent livestock losses.
Read MoreNearly 3 million acres in Kentucky and 50 million acres across the United States contain a naturally-occurring soil layer called a fragipan. This cemented, silt loam soil found 20 to 24 inches below the surface stops water movement and root growth, which can reduce crop yields.
Read MoreManaged bees and native pollinators are necessary to agriculture, and Kentucky is working to protect them with the Pollinator Protection Plan.
Read MoreFungal diseases are one of the leading causes of crop loss around the world. And not only do these diseases cause loss in yield (amount of crop produced), many fungal diseases produce toxins that cause severe sickness or death to humans and livestock.
Read MoreReading, writing and... rice. The young girl in the blue cotton dress, her feet clad in dusty sandals, has come to school for all three. At the Kentucky Academy in Ghana, students have learned an important equation: education=food.
Read MoreAs a self-proclaimed foodie and a lifelong gardener, it was no surprise that University of Kentucky student Anna Townsend answered the call to share her knowledge when the Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky formed in 2014.
Read MoreA University of Kentucky entomologystudent has developed a list of bee-friendly trees and shrubs for the Ohio Valley region. The list can help homeowners, who have a desire to participate in bee conservation efforts, find the right plants for their yards.
Read MoreHarvesting one of earth's most precious natural resources
When considering what natural resources we need the most to survive, water ranks at or near the top. According to NASA Science, "So far, scientists know of no living things, even the smallest microorganisms that can live without liquid water."
Read MoreAccording to the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture, in 2012, the United States had 2.1 million farms – down 4.3 percent from the last agricultural Census in 2007, continuing a long-term trend of fewer farms.
Read MoreAgriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles gave an update of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA’s) Hunger Initiative and urged all Kentuckians to help fight hunger in a rally to raise awareness of Kentucky’s hunger problem today in the Capitol Rotunda.
“The Kentucky Hunger Initiative got off to a great start in 2016, and we are continuing our efforts to develop a strategy to reduce hunger in Kentucky,” Commissioner Quarles said at the annual Rally to Solve Hunger.
During Kentucky Farm Bureau’s recent annual meeting, one of the priority issues approved by its board related to wildlife populations. Specifically, the priority issue sought to, “Seek effective wildlife management that will reduce the wildlife population in an effort to alleviate continued crop and livestock losses, automobile accidents, human injuries, and loss of life.”
Read MoreThe Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has come forward with legislation to help businesses and individuals who wish to donate food to organizations that serve hungry Kentuckians.
Read MoreFarmers are the first environmentalists. We farm in part because we love working the land and knowing our work means something – we are feeding our friends and neighbors. But, we understand that we have a special responsibility to maintain clean air, clean water, and fertile soils to sustain life.
Read MoreA University of Kentucky entomologist is using a social media platform to help producers cut down on unnecessary insecticide applications.
Ric Bessin started the Facebook page Swdinky to help growers monitor and potentially treat for the spotted wing drosophila, a fruit fly that can destroy soft-skinned, small fruit including grapes, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.
Read MoreA new set of tools is now available for beekeepers to better manage their hives year round; and right now is the time to take action to have a high degree of success is knocking back the varroa mite; the number one threat to honey bees. State apiarist, Tammy Horn Potter, discusses a new series of short videos available free of charge to beekeepers.
Read MoreWild pigs; they’re not a widespread problem in Kentucky yet, but Ky Fish and Wildlife officials are taking actions to stop their spread. In even small groups or “sounders,” wild or feral hogs can create environmental and crop damage and can out compete deer and turkey for available, natural food sources. Fish and Wildlife’s John Hast describes the situation.
Read MoreAmid concern over antibiotic resistance and in an effort to improve efficiency while protecting human and animal health, the Food and Drug Administration is making changes in its Veterinary Feed Directive program. They are amending regulations regarding drugs added to livestock feeds; the new rules go into effect Jan. 1.
Read MoreBracken County deer hunters set out on a brisk fall morning with more than antlers on their minds. They were hunting to provide meals to the hungry in their communities.
Read MoreKentucky college students and anti-hunger advocates recently gathered at the University of Kentucky to discuss ways to end hunger across the state as part of the Inaugural Kentucky Hunger Dialogue.
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