Q&A: Does the New World screwworm pose a threat to Pennsylvania?
The insect can infect animals including wildlife, livestock and domestic animals, but rarely humans Source: Penn State By Katie Bohn UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Over the past two weeks, there have been 12 reports out of Texas and New Mexico of new cases of the New World screwworm — a parasitic fly once declared eradicated in the U.S. Female screwworms lay their eggs in the wounds of mammals, which then serve as a food source for larvae. If left untreated, infections can be fatal.
From seed to shirt: Virginia cotton growers embrace all-American production
Source: VA Farm Bureau SUFFOLK, VA — While most T-shirts are made overseas, a Virginia farm family is keeping every component of garment production in the U.S. from seed to shirt—just as the nation’s agriculture leaders call for a revival of American cotton and rural manufacturing. In Suffolk, Bosselman Farms has partnered with a garment manufacturer in Ohio to create a fully domestic cotton-to-shirt supply chain through Old Myrtle Cotton Co. The effort aligns with the U.S. D
USDA: Winter wheat crop smallest since 1965; Drought forcing wheat abandonment across the Plains
The USDA is predicting nearly 36% of wheat fields won't be harvested this year. by Ryan Hanrahan, University of Illinois' FarmDoc project Urbana, IL -- Reuters' Karl Plume reported that "the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday cut its U.S. winter wheat crop outlook by 2% from a month earlier as a harsh drought in the Plains cut its hard red winter wheat production view to the lowest since 1957″ and total winter wheat production to the lowest since 1965. "The USDA pr
Pennsylvania fruit growers face catastrophic losses after historic spring freeze
Source: Penn State University By Alexandra McLaughlin UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At a century-old farm in Franklin County, more than 400 young plum trees were expected to produce their first commercial crop this year. The grower had spent four years expanding his orchard for a specialty buyer who promised to purchase every plum he could grow. Then came the April freeze. In a single night, the crop was gone, according to Daniel Weber, horticulture educator on Penn State Extension’
Could your dog help fight the spotted lanternfly? A new study makes the case
Ordinary pet dogs outperformed trained human searchers in the first real-world test of community dog-handler teams, finding more than twice as many egg masses. Source: Virginia Tech by Marya Barlow At a Maryland vineyard, Debi Persing guided her Boston terrier, Xephyr, slowly down a row of grapevines. Vineyard workers and scientists had already identified several invasive spotted lanternfly egg masses hidden among the vines. They believed they had found them all. Then Xephyr
Farms in the Southeast see limited improvement in drought conditions
by Jeff Ishee Data provided by US Drought Monitor June 5, 2026 - The latest update from the US Drought Monitor indicates farms in the Southeastern United States have seen modest improvement in drought conditions as we go into the month of June. Overall, 88% of the region is in some form of drought. One week ago, 96% of the Southeast was in drought. State-by-state, here are the current levels of drought: Alabama - 41% moderate Florida - 17% moderate; 28% severe; 43% extreme; 1
Clemson scientist aims to redefine agriculture
Clemson University scientist Patrick Wechter sees controlled environment agriculture as a new path forward for South Carolina. Source: Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences by Denise Attaway June 1, 2026 - In greenhouses filled with climbing cucumber vines and carefully balanced hydroponic systems, Clemson University scientist Patrick Wechter sees more than a new way to grow vegetables. He sees a future for South Carolina agriculture. As tradit
USDA confirms presence of New World Screwworm in the United States
Officials stress two key messages: 1) This is not a food safety crisis, and 2) the pest spreads with animals, not by flies traveling long distances on their own. Source: USDA news release WASHINGTON, D.C., June 3, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less com
Farm Credit announces launch of Rural Mental Health Campaign
Source: Farm Credit Council news release WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A comprehensive campaign from the Farm Credit Council leverages resources, stories and partnerships to support rural Americans' mental health and farm stress management -- during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond. "Rural communities face significant mental health disparities driven by various factors, including challenging economies," said Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert. "Farmers are 3.
Virginians urged to prioritize safety when operating UTVs
Source: Virginia Farm Bureau BLACKSBURG, VA — As Virginians traverse the great outdoors on utility terrain vehicles this spring and summer, they’re reminded that even remarkably rugged and versatile machines have life-threatening limits. Whether for trail riding, hunting, hauling or camping, UTVs can unlock myriad outdoor adventures with ease—all while offering the operational familiarity and enhanced protection of an automobile. But comfort can be a catalyst for carelessness
