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Trivia Question: Which three crops were "discovered" by Columbus on his numerous voyages to the Americas? 1. Pumpkins, coconut, cauliflower 2. Peanuts, cacao beans (chocolate), tobacco 3. Turnips, soybeans, chick peas 4. Walnuts, tomatoes, peaches Answer: The correct answer is (2). On Columbus's 1492 voyage he became the first European to discover maize (corn), sweet potatoes, capsicums (peppers), plantains, pineapples, and turtle meat. Subsequent expeditions found potatoes, wild rice, squash, tomatoes, cacao (chocolate beans), peanuts, cashews, and tobacco. These plants, many of which had been developed and cultivated by the American Indians, were carried back to Europe and their cultivation spread to suitable climates throughout the world. Source: www.encyclopedia.com

USDA organic survey reveals marketing and production trends

Feb. 4 - The nation's organic farms and ranches have higher average sales and higher average production expenses than U.S. farms overall, according to results of the 2008 Organic Production Survey released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

"This was USDA's first wide-scale survey of organic producers, and it was undertaken in direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, businesses, policymakers and others," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "The information being released today will be an important building block for future program and policy development."

The survey counted 14,540 U.S. farms and ranches that were either USDA certified organic or were exempt from certification because their sales totaled less than $5,000. These operations comprised 4.1 million acres of land, of which 1.6 million acres were harvested cropland and 1.8 million acres were pasture or rangeland.

While there were organic farms or ranches in all 50 states, nearly 20 percent of the operations were in California. California also led the nation in organic sales, with $1.15 billion -- or 36 percent of all U.S. sales. Nationwide, 2008 organic sales totaled $3.16 billion, including $1.94 billion in crops sales and $1.22 billion in sales of livestock, poultry and their products.

The nation's certified and exempt organic farms had average sales and production expenses that were higher than those of U.S. farms overall. Organic operations had an average of $217,675 in sales, compared with $134,807 for all farms as reported in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Production expenditures averaged $171,978 per organic farm, compared with the nationwide average of $109,359 for all farms.

Most U.S. organic producers sold their products locally, with 44 percent of sales taking place less than 100 miles from the farm. Nearly 83 percent of organic sales were to wholesale channels, including processors, millers and packers. Just over 10 percent of sales were direct to retail operations, including supermarkets. Only 7 percent of sales were direct to consumers, via farm stands, farmers' markets, community supported agriculture and other arrangements.

Pennsylvania strawberry production down from previous year

Feb. 4 - Pennsylvania’s strawberry production, harvested from 1,100 acres for fresh market and processing was 65,000 cwt., down 11 percent from 2008.

Average value per cwt. was $208.00, compared with $211.00 per cwt. in 2008.

By comparison, U.S. strawberry production in 2009 was 28.0 million cwt., up 11 percent from 2008. Acreage harvested was 58,080; the average value per cwt. was $75.80, up from $75.00 a year ago.

‘Beyond Organic’ is theme of biological farming conference

DANVILLE—“Beyond Organic” is the theme of the 2010 Virginia Biological Farming Conference, which will be held Feb. 19 and 20 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

It has been organized by the Virginia Association for Biological Farming, a network of farmers, gardeners and consumers. Biological agriculture involves the use of natural methods and materials and focuses on building soil, recycling organic farm materials and protecting wildlife and water resources.

Speaker Ian Mitchell-Innes, who farms in South Africa, will address holistic resource management for improving the environment through sustainable agriculture. Michael Abelman, who farms in British Columbia and promotes sustainable agriculture, will speak on the concept of “islands” of land preserved for farming and forestry.

The conference agenda also includes breakout sessions on topics such as pastured poultry, beekeeping, specialty mushroom production, commercial compost production, diversification for sustainable agriculture, and the Berea College Farm in Kentucky.

Spencer Neale, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, will participate in a panel discussion of local food hubs with representatives of Charlottesville’s Local Food Hub and Fall Line Farms in Goochland County.

“Food hubs are sort of an up-and-coming concept,” Neale said. “As we try to grow local markets, there’s more of a need to look at building distribution infrastructures.” In general, he added, “this conference is a lot about innovation and innovative techniques, and it tends to attract producers who are interested in looking at new ways to access market opportunities.”

Registration is $115. A youth program is being offered at $35 for one child and $30 for each additional child. Optional pre-conference presentations on seed saving and seed production, developing a sustainable garden plan and perennial vegetable crops, as well as a tour of a large-scale composting operation in Bedford County, have been planned for Feb. 19 as well. Details are available at www.vabf.org.

Virginia farmers ask legislators to support property rights, oppose estate tax

RICHMOND—More than 100 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation leaders asked their representatives to oppose reinstating Virginia’s estate tax, to oppose any legislation that would limit property rights and to support animal care that is science-based and allows production agriculture to remain in business.

It was all part of VFBF’s annual Legislative Day Jan. 26 at the General Assembly.

"A lot of our elected officials don’t have an agricultural background," said Trey Davis, VFBF political education and legislative specialist. "That’s why it’s important for our leaders to educate them on bills that will adversely affect their farming operations."

The annual gathering is part of Farm Bureau’s grassroots efforts to get its members involved in the legislative process.

"You may wonder if you did any good," VFBF Director of Governmental Relations Martha Moore told participants during a briefing prior to afternoon meetings with legislators. "Yes, you did."

The day concluded with a legislative reception for which the VFBF Women’s Committee served as hosts. During the reception, Farm Bureau leaders were able to talk with their representatives in an informal setting.

"Legislative Day is fun, and it’s great to see folks from the district that I might not normally see," said Sen. Frank Ruff Jr., R-Clarksville. "[Legislators are] lousy mind readers, and unless we have a line of communication [with constituents] it’s awfully hard for us to know what they think.

"When we can put a name and face together, it makes it easier for us to connect with them."

Copies of the children’s book Fantastic Farm Machines by Cris Peterson, which tells how agricultural practices have changed and become more efficient, were presented to legislators to donate to their hometown elementary schools.
 

Maryland farmers asked to participate in economic survey

Annapolis - The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will conduct its Agricultural Resource Management Survey starting in February. Officials say the survey will provide farmers with an opportunity to provide accurate, real-world data that will help shape the policies, programs and issues that affect them.

“ARMS asks a small, but representative, sample of farmers about their operation in order to understand the current financial state of Maryland agriculture,” said Barbara Rater, director of the NASS Maryland Field Office. “Participation in ARMS is so important because government and agricultural leaders use the information needed to make sound decisions that impact the future of farmers, their families, their businesses and their communities.”

The survey will be conducted between February and March. In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, NASS will reach out to nearly 35,000 producers nationwide. Out of Maryland’s 12,800 farms, only 200 will be surveyed. Producers will be asked to provide data on their operating expenditures, capital improvements, labor use, assets and debt, production costs and household characteristics.

“Only 1 in 64 farms in Maryland will be surveyed. Given the current state of the national economy, it is critical that farmers participate in Agricultural Resource Management Survey,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “This survey is the best means of telling Washington how farmers are really faring down on the farm. It provides information that is not available anywhere else.

WV, VA and TX cattlemen organizations recognized by NCBA

The Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas (ICATX), the West Virginia Cattlemen's Association (WVCA) and the Virginia Cattlemen's Association (VCA) were all named 2009 Outstanding Affiliates of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association at an awards breakfast during the cattle industry's annual winter convention.

The award recognizes NCBA affiliates for exceptional efforts to boost NCBA membership at the national level.

Dave Murdock and Jarrod Angstadt, hay and forage specialists with award sponsor New Holland, were on hand to congratulate recipients and present plaques. Accepting were Rosalee Coleman, president and NCBA director and Bill Hyman, executive director, ICATX; Jim Bostic, executive director, WVCA; and Bill McKinnon, executive secretary, VCA.

Each winning affiliate receives a one-year lease (or 1,500 bales, whichever comes first) on a New Holland round baler.

Monsanto to establish research center in Kannapolis, NC

Jan. 28 - Officials with Monsanto Company have announced plans to become a part of the North Carolina Research Campus, a one-of-a-kind facility under development in Kannapolis, N.C., and a strategic alliance with the David H. Murdock Research Institute.

Envisioned and founded by David H. Murdock, owner of Castle & Cooke Inc., and majority owner of Dole Foods Company Inc., the NCRC brings together academia and industry, and fosters collaborative research in nutrition, agriculture and biotechnology to accelerate the development of foods with enhanced flavor and greater nutritive value to improve human health.

Monsanto has signed a long-term lease to establish research facilities focused on the taste and nutritional composition of vegetables, and enhanced nutrition in food-focused row crops such as soybeans.

"I commend David for his vision in pulling together such diverse institutions that are leaders in their fields," said Robb Fraley, chief technology officer for Monsanto. "The research center holds great promise and the potential to make a significant contribution to human health, nutrition and agriculture. The synergy that exists at a campus like this could lead to truly innovative research and products with long-term benefits for consumers."

Last year Monsanto announced a five-year collaboration with Dole to develop vegetable varieties with consumer-focused attributes such as flavor, texture, aroma and nutrition. Only 29 percent of adults eat the recommended three to five servings of vegetables per day, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control. Only 16 percent eat the recommended two to four servings of fruit.

Officials say they hope that by developing produce varieties with fantastic flavor and real nutritional benefits, people will enjoy eating more fruits and vegetables and be healthier in the process.
 

Fluid milk production remains steady in PA

Jan. 22 - Milk production in Pennsylvania during December 2009 totaled 872 million pounds, 0.7 percent above last December’s production of 866 million pounds, according to the Pennsylvania Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS). The number of milk cows in the state during the month averaged 538,000 head, up 1,000 from November, and 10,000 less than December 2008.

Production per cow averaged 1,620 pounds in December, up 60 pounds from Novembers’ production per cow and 40 pounds more than December 2008 of 1,580 pounds.

Milk production in the 23 states surveyed during December 2009 totaled 14.6 billion pounds, down 0.8 percent from December 2008. November revised production, at 14.0 billion pounds, was down 0.8 percent from November 2008. The November revision represented a increase of 24 million pounds or 0.2 percent from last month’s preliminary production estimate.
Production per cow in the 23 major states averaged 1,758 pounds for December, 29 pounds above December 2008.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major states was 8.31 million head, 206,000 head less than December 2008, and unchanged from November 2009.
 

WV announces recipients of Specialty Crop Grants

Jan. 15 - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has selected 12 projects to share in nearly $185,000 of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding in 2010, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.

“These grants are an important means of improving the competiveness of West Virginia’s small family farms,” said Commissioner Douglass. “This infusion of dollars will be used to fund a wide variety of research and marketing improvement projects that will pay dividends in the coming years.”

The projects receiving funding include West Virginia State University research into methods of constructing economical and eco-friendly “high tunnel” structures that West Virginia farmers can use to extend the growing season for fresh produce.

WVSU will also conduct research into the cultivation of fresh blackberries. Although blackberries can be found in the wilderness, cultivated berries are a lucrative crop unfamiliar to most West Virginia farmers.

West Virginia University will evaluate 14 varieties of wine grapes to determine their suitability for use by West Virginia wineries. Specialty crop funds also will be used to fund scholarships to WVU’s 2010 Small Farms Conference, which provides a wide variety of educational offerings for participants each year. Check the WVU Extension Service webpage for more details.

Over the past three years, WVDA has distributed approximately $270,000 in funding to 85 projects throughout the state through a competitive grant award program. The Specialty Crops Grant Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

The grant program encourages cooperative efforts to integrate technology at the farm level, improve marketing and promotion of locally grown specialty crops, and increase production efficiency through research projects. Specialty crops
 

Five named to American Poultry Industry Hall of Fame

The American Poultry Historical Society announced it will honor five individuals by inducting them into the American Poultry Industry Hall of Fame.

The 2010 inductees are:

* Donald Dalton, past president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association;
* Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim, who has served as senior chairman of the board, co-founder and majority owner of Pilgrim's Pride Corp.;
* Paul B. Siegel, a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech;
* Robert D. Sparboe, who started Sparboe Chick Co., which later led to the formation of several companies now known as Sparboe Farms Inc.; and
* J. Paul Thaxton Jr., founder of Embrex Inc., the world's first biotechnology company dedicated to poultry, and a professor of poultry science at Mississippi State University until his death in 2007.

A bronze plaque bearing the image of each inductee will be on permanent display in the National Agricultural Library in Beltsville, Md.

The American Poultry Historical Society was formed at the 1952 Boston Poultry Show. It has remained dedicated to preserving historical records and honoring distinctive personal achievement. Preserved records are maintained in the National Agricultural Library in Beltsville.

Organic growers in Virginia may be reimbursed for certification costs

Jan. 21 - The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced that funds are now available for organic growers in Virginia to apply for partial reimbursement to offset their organic certification costs. Organic growers who were certified between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 are eligible to apply for cost share funds through a program offered by VDACS.

The 2008 Federal Farm Bill allows for reimbursement of 75 percent of the cost of organic certification, up to a total of $750 per applicant. Reimbursement funds were issued in 2009 and are again available on a first come, first served basis.

To apply, growers must complete the Virginia Organic Certification Cost Share Application Form available at www.virgniagrown.com. Click on the USDA Organic Cost Share Program to get to the application. The form must accompany a current copy of the producer’s organic certificate from a USDA accredited Certifying Agency, a copy of the dated, paid invoice form the certifier showing the total cost of services rendered and a W-9 form, a copy of which is available on the VDACS organic site. The form and documents should be returned to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by November 1, 2010. VDACS encourages producers to apply early while funds are available. Producers with questions should contact Kent Lewis at 804.786.3951.
 

Pennsylvania farmers changing tillage practices

A recent survey of farmers in Pennsylvania by the USDA NASS reveals that, in 2009, conventional tillage was used on 22.2% of the major crop acreage in Pennsylvania, down significantly from the 30.1% recorded in 2008.

No-till was practiced on 56.8% of the major crop acreage, and other conservation tillage practices were used on the remaining 21%. Corn and soybeans are the two crops with the highest acreages.

Conventional till was used on 23% of the corn acreage, no-till was practiced on 57% of the acreage, and the remaining 20% of the corn acreage used other conservation tillage practices.

In soybeans, conventional till was used on 10% of the acreage, no-till was practiced on 70% of the acreage, and the remaining 20% of the acreage was cultivated using other conservation tillage practices. Barley showed the biggest change, with conventional tillage decreasing from 33.3% of the total acres planted to only 16.7% of the acres planted.
 

U.S. tractor sales off 21 percent in 2009

Jan. 11 - According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report," the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for calendar year 2009 were down 21 percent from the previous year. For the year 2009, a total of 155,541 tractors were sold, which compares to 197,740 sold through December 2008.

Tractor sales in December 2009 were down 9% compared to the same month last year.

For the month, two-wheel-drive smaller tractors (Under 40 HP) were down 6%, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 17%. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were down 1.7% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 17% for the month.

For the year 2009, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (Under 40 HP) were down 20% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 29%. Sales of two-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 13%, while four-wheel-drive tractors were up 2% for the year.

Combine sales were up 3% for the month. Sales of combines for the year 2009 totaled 9,717, an increase of 15% over the same period in 2008.

 

Farm Bureau leader vows to fight criticism of modern agriculture

Jan. 12 - American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman has issued a call to action to Farm Bureau members and a stern warning to critics that farmers and ranchers will no longer tolerate opponents' efforts to change the landscape of American agriculture. Stallman spoke at the organization's annual meeting in Seattle, WA.

Calling on Farm Bureau members to rally as one during these challenging times, Stallman said there are already too many external forces tugging at agriculture's seams without farmers and ranchers being divided amongst themselves.

"Emotionally charged labels such as monoculture, factory farmer, industrial food, and big ag threaten to fray our edges," said Stallman. "We must not allow the activists and self-appointed and self-promoting food experts to drive a wedge between us."

Stallman said that Farm Bureau continues to represent all farmers and ranchers, no matter their size of farm, commodity raised or political philosophy. Farmer's missions of feeding the nation and the world, caring for the environment and respecting neighbors' rights has not changed from when AFBF was founded in 1919. But the ways in which farmers and ranchers carry out their mission have changed, said Stallman, which is not understood or respected by critics of modern agriculture.

"A line must be drawn between our polite and respectful engagement with consumers and how we must aggressively respond to extremists who want to drag agriculture back to the day of 40 acres and a mule," said Stallman. "The time has come to face our opponents with a new attitude. The days of their elitist power grabs are over."

Stallman said curtailing such "power grabs" has never been as critical as it is now because of the poor economy, a growing population and legislative and regulatory efforts that threaten agriculture's ability to feed the world.

"At the very time we need to increase our food production, climate change legislation threatens to slash our ability to do so," said Stallman. "The world will continue to depend on food from the United States. To throttle back our ability to produce food-at a time when the United Nations projects billions of more mouths to feed-is a moral failure."

Climate legislation currently in Congress would shift as much as 59 million acres of food production into forestry, which is equivalent to setting aside every acre of land used for crop and food production in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

 

Survey: Horticulture important to Maryland economy

ANNAPOLIS - The results of the most comprehensive survey of the Maryland horticulture industry to date reveal an industry with nearly $2 billion in gross receipts occupying 20,900 acres, including 19 million square feet of greenhouse space, and employing more than 18,500 people with wages totaling $451 million.

Supporting the movement toward “buying locally,” the survey also indicated a shift toward the purchase of plants from Maryland nurseries rather than importation of plant material from other states and countries. The statistical profile and economic survey, which queried 1,140 licensed nursery operations for 2007 business information with a 72 percent response rate, was officially released on January 6 at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show in Baltimore.

“The results of this survey show that horticulture is a strong, dynamic and growing agricultural industry with a long history in Maryland that continues to be very important to our State’s economy, employment and land base,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Those making policy, lending, land use and other business choices can use this information to make informed decisions that ensure a smart, green and growing future for Maryland.”

"I believe these results underscore the importance of Maryland's collective allied horticulture businesses and what they mean to the State," said Vanessa Finney, Executive Director of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association.

While Central Maryland led the State in the value of horticulture sales and services ($740.5 million), the horticulture industry is important to all geographic regions. Regionally, Southern Maryland ($196.7 million), the Upper Eastern Shore ($120.2 million), Lower Eastern Shore ($42.9 million) and Western Maryland ($8.9 million) followed in value of sales and services.

 

 
Maryland launches online Regulatory Information Center for farmers and others

Annapolis - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has launched an online regulatory action center, which will provide transparency for the department’s enforcement actions.

“We hope that by publicizing our activities it will give the public a better understanding of how MDA protects consumers, businesses and the environment on a daily basis,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “We also hope this will be a deterrent of future violations of the law by the regulated agricultural community to keep Maryland smart, green and growing.”

MDA's Regulatory Information Center is designed to provide information to the public about enforcement actions the department takes and the process MDA follows in response to violations of state laws or regulations. This information includes administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions.

MDA will continue to announce departmental enforcement actions on an ongoing basis through press releases and updates on the new webpage dedicated to regulatory activity: www.mda.state.md.us/news_room/reg_center.php

Maryland dairy farms to receive nearly $2.5 million in financial relief

Annapolis - Maryland’s struggling dairy farmers stand to receive as much as $2.475 million in emergency aid provided in the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill through the new Dairy Emergency Loss Assistance Payment program (DELAP). Governor Martin O’Malley, along with Governors from Northeast dairy states, actively supported the inclusion of the emergency funds in the appropriations bill to assist dairy farmers trying to stay afloat during the longest stretch of extremely low prices on record.

“We thank our Congressional delegation as well as U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for seeing that these emergency funds are made available to Maryland dairy producers who, like those across the country, have suffered extraordinary economic hardship over many months,” said Governor O’Malley. “We are hopeful that this funding will provide some relief for them as prices and their businesses recover. Because our dairy farms provide more than 250,000 acres of productive farmland, a local source of dairy products, and an economic infrastructure for our rural communities, they are vital to our smart, green and growing future.”

According to the USDA, milk prices declined substantially through early-to-mid-2009, with the national price for milk averaging $16.80 per hundredweight (cwt.) in the fourth quarter of 2008 and averaging $12.23 per cwt. in the first quarter of 2009, a 27-percent decline. On average, the price U.S. dairy producers received for milk marketed in the summer of 2009 was about half of what it cost them to produce milk.

“Dairy is Maryland’s third largest agricultural industry, with farm receipts of $194 million in 2008 and about 250,000 acres of farmland,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Since 2007, we’ve lost more than 100 dairy farms, leaving us with just over 500 operations. This loss is in large part due to rising costs and declining prices. The causes of this decline are many, including a national over supply and global market issues. Milk prices are dictated by national commodity markets, so farmers cannot raise their prices to cover increasing costs, which puts a huge strain on them.”
 

John Deere seeks multi-generational farms for 2011 calendar

WATERLOO, Iowa - If your farm has been in the family for generations, it could be featured on the Official 2011 John Deere Calendar.

The theme for the 2011 calendar is "Generations to Come." It will feature John Deere customers who have kept their farms—and John Deere equipment—in their families for multiple generations. For more information, visit www.GenerationsCalendar.com or call 866-736-6556.

 

Marylanders want local farm products

ANNAPOLIS - The 2010 Policy Choices Survey by the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy found that 78 percent of Marylanders are more likely to buy produce that is identified as having been grown by a Maryland farmer. Further supporting agriculture, a full 94 percent of those surveyed said that it is at least “somewhat important” that the state preserve land for farming. The results were consistent with last year’s survey, showing steady support for Maryland agriculture. Additionally the survey revealed increased understanding of the impact of stormwater runoff from urban areas, runoff from residential areas and lawns, and growth and development as major threats to the Bay.

“Consumer response to this survey is good news for Maryland farmers,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “The results show that Marylanders understand that preserving farmland and buying locally are essential to keeping Maryland smart, green and growing. This knowledge helps our efforts to protect and strengthen our growing middle class, our family owned farms and businesses, while restoring the health of the environment, especially the Chesapeake Bay, for all to enjoy.”

“There is nothing more important to a farmer than healthy, productive land and water,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Farmers can’t make a living or provide the healthy food, scenic farms and strong quality of life that consumers want if they don’t protect our natural resources. This survey indicates public support for farming and the funding needed for farmers to continue taking the strongest environmental protection measures. It also reveals that consumers understand that there are multiple sources of Chesapeake Bay degradation.”

For Maryland and the other Bay watershed states, all sources will need to reduce pollutant load levels to meet water quality standards mandated through President Obama’s Executive Order on Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration. One of the greatest challenges to Bay restoration is continued population growth and development and its associated stormwater runoff, which is now the fastest-growing source of pollution to the Bay.

The telephone survey of 815 adult Marylanders also found that residents are concerned about the environment, but did not delve into their understanding of the environmental pressures. Industrial discharge (86%) and sewage treatment plants (76%) were perceived to pose the most serious threats to the health of the Bay. Sixty-six percent of those surveyed identified farm runoff as having a major impact on the Bay while 61 percent said stormwater runoff from urban areas was a major impact. Fifty-seven percent saw growth and development as a major threat (up from 50% last year) while 44% thought runoff from residential lawns and backyards was a major threat to the Bay (up from 31% last year). Additionally, 38 % of respondents saw automobile emissions as a major threat (down from 46% last year).

Ozone levels may be impacting soybean yields

Washington, DC - Current atmospheric ozone levels are already suppressing soybean yields, according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and university cooperators studying the effect of global climate change on crops.

ARS plant physiologists Don Ort and Carl Bernacchi, molecular biologist Lisa Ainsworth and geneticist Randall Nelson have been working with University of Illinois scientists on a project called "SoyFACE" -- short for Soybean Free Air Concentration Enrichment -- to measure how the projected increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone will affect soybean production. This research supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture priority of responding to climate change.

In their studies, the scientists found that soybean yields increase by about 12 percent at the elevated CO2 levels predicted for the year 2050 (550 parts per million) -- only half of what previous studies estimated. They also found that increased ozone is quite harmful to soybean yields, reducing them by about 20 percent.

In addition, current levels of ozone are already suppressing soybean yields by up to 15 percent, according to Ort, who is also research leader of the ARS Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, IL.