They didn't have to redeem the loan on the previous year's crop until August or September at which time they pretty much knew what the next year's crop was going to be. It also extends counter-cyclical payments and the requirement that peanut producers agree to designated conservation, wetland protection and other protection programs in order to receive the direct and counter-cyclical payments. The new farm bill also extends the 2002 farm bill provision which permits farmers to plant any...

One of the causes of cancer and other ailments are the chemical pesticides used on commercial produce. Thus, the chances of getting sick from pesticide-contaminated produce are greatly reduced. Well, for a short moment you may think that your garden is worthless and has no value, but if you think beyond eating healthy fruits and vegetables, you may just surprise yourself. An urban garden, however, is grown by consumers who practice pesticide-free farming. He has all the statistical figures...

Five manufacturers of the herbicide 2,4-D have denied claims made in a suit by a group of 82 cotton growers in northeast Arkansas who say the companies' products harmed last year's crop. It was the first successful "selective herbicide," able to control weeds without damaging the crop on which it was used. The farmers, all located east of Crowley's Ridge, claim in the suit that the 2,4-D they bought was defective in design and inadequately labeled. All five defendants filed responses to...

The fungus overwinters as fungal fruiting structures called cleistothecia lodged primarily in bark crevices on the grapevine. Failure to provide adequate control of powdery mildew early in the growing season can result in increased levels of other fruit rots such as Botrytis bunch rot and sour rot. After infection, the fungus develops and forms conidia (another type of spore) over the infected area after six to eight days. A primary infection caused by one ascospore will result in the...

The company said its strong growth in specialty mulch products and its international segment were offset by unseasonable weather in April, which impacted lawn fertilizer and seed sales. During the 2007 third quarter, the company had 6 percent fewer shares outstanding after repurchasing 4.5 million shares. The company also spent more on advertising and marketing initiatives during the quarter. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Revenue increased 5...