The freezing temperatures April 6 through April 9 damaged fruit and vegetable crops in 47 counties from the mountains to the coastal plain. Officials announced the designation one day after Congress approved grants to help farmers. Crops hit by the freeze included nursery plants, apples, peaches, berries, corn and other grain, and Irish potatoes. The disaster declaration announced Friday means farmers qualify for low-interest loans. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten...

Farmers feel there was lack of government initiatives in supporting oilseed output and thus a shift in area under coverage from oilseeds to grain crops was seen in the recent Rabi sowing season, USDA said. Mustard crop production is forecast to increase to seven million tonnes in 2007-08 due to higher mustard prices in the current season coupled with expected lower carrying stocks. Soyabean, mustard and groundnut account for more than 80 per cent of total oilseeds production in India, USDA...

To put it simply (and perhaps to oversimplify), there's not a lot of overlap between populations that eat healthy, organic, local food, and those most afflicted by obesity and its consequences, because it's hard to be in the former category when you live on dollars a day. To put it simply (and perhaps to oversimplify), there's not a lot of overlap between populations that eat healthy, organic, local food, and those most afflicted by obesity and its consequences, because it's hard to be in...

The June acreage report should be a major market mover as the USDA will update seeded acreage for this year. While they left planted acres unchanged, the USDA lowered their production forecast to 12. Of course, good growing conditions during this summer and the USDA will begin to add yield potential back into the balance sheets and ending stocks will grow and prices will fall. Minneapolis wheat will be a follower of the Chicago and Kansas City wheat prices until harvest is over and spring...

Web Posted: 05/16/2007 10:54 PM CDT William Pack Express-News Business Writer In the face of unending bloodshed and unnerving political instability in Iraq, the United States has invested millions in that country's once-robust agricultural sector with hopes that it will help a sense of normalcy take root. Web Posted: 05/16/2007 10:54 PM CDT William Pack Express-News Business Writer In the face of unending bloodshed and unnerving political instability in Iraq, the United States has invested...