American Agriculture
Rena Larranaga
Latest Articles
Native Grass May Be an Option for Gluten-Sensitive
People with gluten intolerance may be able to enjoy tasty bread again -- made from Indian rice grass.
Female-Operated Farms up 14 Percent from 1992
The 1997 Census of Agriculture shows an increase of women-owned farming operations.
Federal Judge Rules that Ranchers' Finances are Private
Unfortunately for the Forest Guardians, ranchers' financial info about grazing permits used for loan collateral is private, according to a recent federal judgement.
Water-Holding Gel and Plastic Mulch Conserve Soil Moisture
To help conserve precious water, farmers can use water-holding gels and plastic mulches on their crops. These materials improve yields, reduce weeds, and prevent evaporation.
Asparagus Can Play Role in Crop Diversification
Farmers looking to diversify may want to consider planting asparagus. This high-value crop can help distribute farm labor throughout the growing season.
Majestic Eagles Play a Part in Zuni Agriculture
Eagle feathers are used in many Native American religious and cultural ceremonies. To avoid the waiting list of several years for feathers, the Zunis have created a home for non-releasable eagles.
Protect Yourself from Alien Invaders -- Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds are taking over the West at a rate of more than 200 acres per hour, 5,000 acres per day. Check out the "Invaders" database to learn more about the most invasive species.
Pork Producers Urged to Certify Their Operations
A new on-farm certification program for pork producers may help ease consumers' fears of pathogens in pork.
Cinnamon Extract Boosts Insulin Sensitivity
Nearly 6 percent of the U.S. population -- 15.7 million people -- have diabetes. And one-third of
them don't even know it. Cinnamon extracts could be a natural remedy.
Mississippi Leads Nation in Aquaculture Sales
Results of the 1998 Census of Aquaculture,
conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, revealed that Mississippi captured nearly 30 percent of the
$978 million dollars of domestic aquaculture produced in 1998.