Despite stricter rules, thousands of complaints of dicamba damage, says EPA
A week before the 2020 presidential election, the EPA issued new instructions on the use of dicamba that it said would tame the notoriously volatile weedkiller. But complaints of damage to crops in nearby fields and to plants in parks, wildlife refuges, and residences continued to roll in, said the EPA on Thursday during a review of the herbicide.
As Colorado River dwindles, water expert says ag must reform
On Tuesday, the Interior Department’s new water restrictions for the Colorado River offered a warning: If stakeholders fail to make further cuts in usage, one of the nation’s most vital watersheds could face, according to assistant secretary Tanya Trujillo, “catastrophic collapse.” Robert Glennon, one of the country’s leading experts in water policy and law, discusses what it means and what comes next.
Gala and Red Delicious reign, but watch out for Honeycrisp
Apple growers are shifting toward varieties such as Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, although Gala and Red Delicious are still the industry’s powerhouses, accounting for nearly three of every 10 apples grown in America, said the U.S. Apple Association on Thursday.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
U.S.-Taiwan trade talks: U.S. goals during upcoming trade talks with Taiwan will include increasing agricultural trade between the nations. Taiwan was expected to buy $3.6 billion worth of U.S. farm exports this fiscal year. (U.S. Trade Representative)
Lenders for heirs’ property: The USDA named the first three lenders that would receive federal funding so they can make loans to agricultural producers and landowners looking to resolve heirs’ property ownership and succession issues. (Farm Service Agency)
Steep drop in corn crop: Driven by a 40 million-tonne decline in global corn production from 2021/22, world grain production was forecast to contract 2 percent this season, though it would still be the second largest total on record. (International Grains Council)
Lanternfly infestation spreads: Just a year after the spotted lanternfly was found in the southeastern corner of Indiana, the invasive insect, a threat to wine grapes, honeybees, and walnut trees, was found in northern Indiana. (Purdue University)
Dissolving ‘forever’ chemicals: Although scientists have discovered a relatively low-cost way to destroy PFAS chemicals — combining them with two inexpensive compounds at a low boil — the technique needs further development to work outside a laboratory. (New York Times)
