For centuries, farmers have used sheep to graze down unwanted vegetation but, unfortunately, the animals would also snack on crops. Following the recommendations of noted animal behaviorist Fred Provenza of Utah State University, the researchers let sheep eat their fill of grape leaves, and then administered a small, harmless dose of a medicine that made them nauseous. During a rainy year, when muddy vineyards prevent tractors from mowing or applying herbicides, the sheep can still graze...

In the years to come, Parts will tell sports reporters that being raised not knowing his mother or father had a devastating effect on his social development. They will accuse Parts of intentionally downplaying the nurturing influence of farmer Jim Hutchinson and his wife, Clara, who were reportedly mighty generous with the millet. The world of cockfighting lost one of its leading lights last week, when tragic circumstances claimed the life of a rooster whose name is practically synonymous...

Then it was lead paint on toy trains. Department of Agriculture told consumers the nation s food supply was safe and there was a minimal risk, and then within a short time the would announce that byproducts from pet food manufactured with contaminated wheat gluten imported from China had been used in chicken feed, or cattle feed, or fish feed. Food and Drug Administration is withholding information about the safety of the nation s food supply, both for human consumption as well as for...

By BERNARD CARPINTER - The Dominion Post . Tuesday, 3 July 2007 Email a Friend . Printable View . Have Your Say Related Links Subscribe to Archivestuff Have your say The first green signs of hope for drought-hit farmers in Central Hawke's Bay are starting to appear in the ground. By BERNARD CARPINTER - The Dominion Post . Tuesday, 3 July 2007 Email a Friend . Printable View . Have Your Say Related Links Subscribe to Archivestuff Have your say The first green signs of hope for drought-hit...

As more of America's corn goes to ethanol production, a smaller percentage is available to feed cattle and other livestock. The price of field corn -- driven by increased production of ethanol and growing demands for food in foreign markets such as China -- doubled last fall, climbing from about $2. Department of Agriculture says fuel costs and bad weather -- a few winter cold snaps, a dry spring -- are driving up food prices. Farmers last year used 15 percent of their available corn crop...