I think virtual agronomy is a great idea and term for using the internet for a virtual field day. That’s what the BCG (Birchip Cropping Group and Wimmera Farming Systems) is doing in Australia. Virtual Agronomy allows the BCG to provide a more detailed, current and interactive service to its members without replacing any existing extension tools. It is user-friendly …
Back to the Ag
After five months abroad, to the day, I am back in the USA! I arrived in Kansas City late last night and what a trip it’s been! I’ve had all kinds of adventures: from learning about the latest innovations with John Deere at Agritechnica in Germany, to strange Vietnamese cuisine, to jumping off cliffs and swinging off of bamboo swings …
Novus Is Gold Sponsor of U.S. – Africa Agribusiness Forum
This June you’ve got an opportunity to learn more about Africa and investing in agribusiness opportunities there at the Corporate Council on Africa’s 2008 U.S.-Africa Agribusiness Forum. I’ll be there courtesy of our good friends at Novus International which is a gold sponsor company of the Forum. The Forum takes place in Chicago, IL June 25 – 27. The Forum …
USAID reports Sweet Onion Success for Bolivian Farmers
Farming isn’t just a national need, it’s an international need. That’s why the U.S. Agency for International Development is helping Bolivians meet their farming needs, while helping American consumers meet their need for sweet onions, chili peppers, peanuts and more. More than 150 tons of sweet onions are giving some Bolivian farmers a $340,000 harvest. The recent bountiful shipment to …
Are Ag Journalists in Danger?
The latest issue of the IFAJ newsletter contains an interesting survey. It’s really just one question, “What dangers do you face in your work as an agricultural journalist or editor?” The choices are: You may choose more than one answer. Failing to try new ideas Budget cuts Media convergence Losing journalistic integrity Freedom of expression Emergence of new media – …
CNH Tractor Building in Iraq
It sounds like things continue to progress in Iraq. This isn’t the kind of news you’ll see on the evening news. CNH International announced today the completed purchase of equipment that has restarted tractor assembly operations at the State Company for Mechanical Industries (SCMI), an agricultural machinery manufacturing facility in Iskandiriyah, Iraq. The U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Task Force …
Agri-Culture: Curry Red
Have you ever wondered where red curry get it’s color. It comes from the chalky red seeds of what my guide called the “curry plant”. My research shows that his “curry plant” is not the same plant known as the curry plant in English. Nor is it the same as the curry tree. I couldn’t quite identify what we call …
Agri-Culture: Going Bananas
Bananas are a staple of Southeast Asia. In Thailand, small crepes stuffed with bananas, chocolate and condensed milk are popular treats and are often the staple for the average backpacker. Banana shakes are also a favorite. (Personally, I go for banana-coconut shakes.) The same goes for Cambodia as well as Vietnam. Although, neither of those countries offer “banana pancakes” that …
Agri-Culture: Viet Tea
Tea is just as common of a drink in Vietnam as coffee. Well, green tea that is. Vietnamese black tea is used for exports. But the green tea is a local favorite. At most restaurants, you get Vietnamese tea free with every meal. Some restaurants serve better local tea than others. Sometimes, it can be quite bland. Other times, the …
Hey Pumpkin, Visit Austria/Slovenia
Yes, pumpkin. They’re big in the part of the world that this year’s IFAJ Congress is taking place. Two countries for the price of one. Listen to this week’s program to find out more. Cindy and I are hoping to attend this year and sample what Dr. Franz Fischler says are some of their exceptional wines. This morning I talked …