The Great Power Race via It's Getting Hot In Here
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USAIN Preservation Program via AgInfo News from IAALD
May 12th - Joy Paulson, Cornell University, gave an update on the USAIN Preservation Program at the USAIN 2010 Conference. There have been seven phases of the more than $4 million+ NEH-funded USAIN Preservation program since 1996. The projects have involved 29 states so far, most in microfilming historical agricultural literature in the U.S. However, the latest phase included Cornell, the University of Arizona (UA), and Colorado State University (CSU) in the digitization of that early literature. A preliminary portal is now available for access. Called 'Harvest: Access to Historical U.S. Agriculture Collections', this portal is a single point of access to a portion of the Core Historical Literature of Agriculture (CHLA) and the state level collections of CSU and UA. Created as a...
US eXtension releases metrics report via AgInfo News from IAALD
The just-released report from the US eXtension initiative gives a snapshot of its development between 2006 and 2009. More than 12,000 extension staff from the USA have registered for eXtension ID's; more than 40 communities of practice have been set up (from agricultural law to youth literacy); more than 40,000 frequently asked questions have been viewed 350,000 times; and 22,000 questions posed to experts have been resolved. Overall, the site registered 2.4 million visits in 2009 (600,000 from outside the US), up from 260,000 in 2007 (60,000 from outside the US).It would be interesting to see how a service like this compares with a more library-like service such as AgNIC....
Information search strategies of Ohio farmers via AgInfo News from IAALD
In the December 2009 issue of JOE - the Journal of Extension, Florian Diekmann examines farmers' informational needs and identified factors that influence farmers' information choices."The results highlight the differences in farmers' search strategies regarding type, amount, and sources of information. Findings show farmers practiced high-, moderate-, and low-search strategies to stay current on topics important to their farm business. The implications for Extension professionals are discussed."...
WiMAX accounts for more than 25% of last mile applications in US via AgInfo News from IAALD
Over 300 WiMAX applications accounted for one-fourth of the total last mile broadband stimulus applications received by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's RUS fund, according to the WiMAX Forum.“WiMAX can be deployed over wide areas to serve thousands of consumers cheaper and faster than traditional wireline services,” said Ron Resnick, president and chairman of the WiMAX Forum.WiMAX technology can bring 4G broadband services to rural areas, which are typically last priority for wireless carriers but most in need of these services. 4G service in these areas can enable vital services such as eGovernment, distance learning and remote healthcare. Rural broadband is important to bring economic gains to underdeveloped...
Technology helps deliver weather information fast via AgInfo News from IAALD
Technology is changing the way weather information - past, present and future - is captured and delivered. At South Dakota State University, climatologist Dennis Todey says today's communication tools - especially computers and the Internet - helped bring about these many changes.As the Internet has become mainstream, scientists and the public have worked together to gather and share weather information to hone in on as small as a two- or three-mile radius region. Farmers and ranchers use wind speeds, temperatures, precipitation and more data to make wise management decisions. Scientists also use that same information to determine warming and cooling trends.“Climate is becoming so much more of an interest now,” Todey said. “I think you're going to see additional weather-related...
Online help for farmers to learn finances via AgInfo News from IAALD
The Center for Farm Financial Management has developed an online series to aid farmers in a huge aspect of farming -- finances. The series, "Interpreting Financial Statements and Measures," goes through four major financial statements and 21 financial measures.While producers may know a lot about growing a crop, "most producers don't have a lot of background in finance." That is why this online program was so needed.The series is free and is available by logging on to http://ifsam.cffm.umn.edu.Read the full article...
Social networking sites to facilitate contact between young agricultural leaders in the America via AgInfo News from IAALD
A recent article explains how some 70 young people from throughout the Americas will use popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to share information on leadership in agriculture and other topics of interest to the region, which, they assured, will enable them to work together in addressing problems shared by the countries.“We want to promote new means of communication focused on creating community and, by doing so, encourage learning,” said Hernan Chiriboga, Coordinator of the Center for Leadership in Agriculture.In addition to Twitter and Facebook, the young people joined the Virtual Community of Practice of the Center for Leadership, which helps share information of importance to the agricultural sector.Read the full article....
US Mobile agriculture lab in West Virginia to embark on tour via AgInfo News from IAALD
The West Virginia Farm Bureau Agriculture Education Science Lab will be hitting the road September 14 for its first full year of criss-crossing the state to bring agricultural education to schools.A self-contained classroom for pre-kindergarten through fifth grades, the mobile lab comes with a certified teacher who helps second through fifth-grade students complete a scientific experiment and provides an age-appropriate lesson for the younger students.See full article... New AGIS Book in Geospatial technology and agriculture industries via AgInfo News from IAALD
The New AGIS Agriculture Book is one of the first texts written specifically for agriculture.AGIS Introduction to Geospatial Technology includes ten lessons designed to demonstrate key concepts, software capabilities, and future opportunities in the geospatial industry. The lessons contain overviews of career profiles including examples of industries and individuals that use this technology. Students will gain hands-on experience using industry-leading ESRI's ArcGIS software in eight lessons that explore agriculture, business, information technology, logistics, public safety, health science, tourism, and technology engineering.“We feel this title will be a valuable resource for instructors in geospatial technology and agriculture industries,” stated Eddie Hanebuth, Digital Quest...
U.S. Food Safety Web site unveiled via AgInfo News from IAALD
The Obama administration unveiled a consumer Web site today to provide the latest information about food safety and food recalls from across the federal government. The Web site was launched by the Heath & Human Services and Agriculture department’s Food Safety Working Group and is part the administration’s emphasis on prevention in public health, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in announcing the service. People can go to the Web site and sign up to receive email and RSS alerts on recalled or potentially unsafe food, ask questions of scientific experts across government and listen to podcasts or view videos on food safety. Read the full article...
IBM Global Financing to Speed up Broadband Access to Rural America via AgInfo News from IAALD
The funding agreement would benefit Broadband over Power Line (BPL) technologyprovider that would deliver broadband access over electric power lines.Today, access to broadband service can make a huge difference in the lives ofmany. It can help rural communities link to tele-medicine, health, IT,education, and other capabilities that could further boost business andinnovation.Read the full article....
USDA report on farm computer usage via AgInfo News from IAALD
The USDA recently released a report on Farm Computer Usage and Ownership.he survey shows that "a total of 59 percent of U.S. farms now have Internet access, compared with 57 percent in 2007. Sixty-four percent of farms have access to a computer in 2009, the same level as 2007."The 2009 computer usage estimates are based on responses from 31,495 agricultural operations and represent all sizes and types of farms.... Study finds rural America benefit from broadband access via AgInfo News from IAALD
A new USDA economic analysis has found that rural communities with greater broadband Internet access had greater economic growth than areas with less access. The study, 'Broadband Internet's Value for Rural America' compared counties that had broadband access relatively early--by 2000--with similarly situated counties that had little or no broadband access. Employment growth was higher and non-farm private earnings greater in counties with a longer history of broadband availability."Rebuilding and revitalizing rural communities is one of my top goals and a key component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and this study reaffirms that expanding access to broadband is a catalyst for economic development," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.Rural America has shared in...
Strong demand for rural broadband funding in USA via AgInfo News from IAALD
The Commerce Department and the USDA announced that they received almost 2,200 applications requesting nearly $28 billion in funding for proposed broadband projects reaching all 50 U.S. states and territories and the District of Columbia."Applicants requested nearly seven times the amount of funding available, which demonstrates the substantial interest in expanding broadband across the Nation," said Strickling, NTIA. "We will move quickly but carefully to fund the best projects to bring broadband and jobs to more Americans.""The overwhelming response we received underscores the extensive interest in expanding broadband across the country. Rural communities clearly recognize that broadband can expand their economic opportunities and create jobs," said Adelstein, USDA.Read the full...
Mobile Ag Lab takes research from the field to the farmer via AgInfo News from IAALD
The newly equipped Mobile Precision Ag Lab in Clemson University is a mini data-center on wheels that takes Clemson agricultural research from the field to the farmer (see related video).From the back of the trailer, the Ag Lab can share real-time results of Clemson studies and demonstrate the principles of precision agriculture.Recognizing that not everyone has the time and means to visit field days at Clemson’s research and education centers, the Precision Ag Lab is taken to agricultural events and on-farm workshops around the state.After connecting a laptop computer to a high-definition television, the Ag Lab can stream data live via the Internet. Data from in-ground moisture sensors, yield monitors and other devices allow farmers and growers to view test results up close and learn...
USDA launches rural tour website via AgInfo News from IAALD
The United States Department of Agriculture is taking full advantage of social media networks and has announced the groundbreaking launch of a new website: the USDA Rural Tour.With a focus on engaging public interaction, you can stay in touch with the USDA through several features: Join the Conversation, Grab the Feed, Facebook, Flickr, Videos, Share this Page, and Twitter. Far gone are the days where one struggled to contact the USDA or waited for current information from the government organization. Also included in the new website is the Rural Tour Blog.Read full article....
Agri-media use by farmers: Radio still on top via AgInfo News from IAALD
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) in the US recently carried out a 'wave study' of agri-media use by large-scale farm producers.According to the press release "Large-scale commercial agricultural producers value radio most for daily agribusiness information." Furthermore, "the Internet has definitely become an important part of the producer's information sources; but the traditional ag media mix of print, radio, and television (ag/rural programming) is the most quantifiable and identifiable way to reach the producer on both a broad level, as well as a daily level."In an interview for Agri Marketing, NAFB Executive Director Bill O'Neill is quoted: "Information-on-demand and its ready accessibility - an inherent advantage for radio - clearly matters more and more. Among... ¿and Soybean Growers in U.S. Actively Engaged in Social Media via AgInfo News from IAALD
A recent press release that reveals that sixty-two percent of large acreage, U.S. corn and soybean growers have sent or received text messages during the past year, according to the newly released Agriculture New Media Usage Study (corn and soybean segment focus), conducted by Nicholson Kovac, Inc.The Agriculture New Media Usage study is the first-of-its-kind in the agribusiness industry. It provides comprehensive insight on the use of social media and new media among large acreage corn and soybean growers - including Internet usage, social networking and mobile phone activities − for business and social purposes....
Kansas looks to increase rura Internet accessibility via AgInfo News from IAALD
The Kansas Department of Commerce announced the creation of Connect Kansas, a new initiative designed to increase broadband Internet service in rural Kansas, USA.The program will consists of two phases: mapping the states current broadband capacity and providing federal grants and loans to qualified organizations involved in expanding broadband service to rural areas.Read the full article...
Broadband Internet Critical for Rural America via AgInfo News from IAALD
People who live and work in rural America are often unable to access the same educational, medical, business and government services as Americans living in more populated areas, and access to modern broadband Internet service has the potential to correct this inequity, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.“In the 21st century, broadband Internet access is a necessity, not a luxury,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “To be economically viable, rural communities must have high speed Internet connections for people to access everything from medical records to weather reports to online videos. It is vital for rural residents who want to telecommute to a job in the city and for rural students to complete their class assignments.”Read full... Farmers joining the conversations on food in many ways via AgInfo News from IAALD
Farm Bureau farmer and rancher members hand out the stickers to people as they talk with them about food and agriculture at fairs, festivals, farm tours and community events.The popularity of these simple stickers points to a hunger among consumers (who are on average, three generations removed from farming) for information about the food they eat, where it comes from and who produces it. And, America's farm and ranch families are more interested than ever in reaching out to consumers to talk about the food they grow and the art, science and business of farming. Individual producers do this in person, online or both.Online, recent posts to the AFBF's FBlog by farmers and ranchers explore a variety of food-related topics including, "The Real Story of Ag," "Food, Inc.," "Helping Hands and... US-Indiana: Biofuels Mobile Learning Center on Display via AgInfo News from IAALD
In Indiana the Soybean Alliance and Corn organization are bringing an interactive Biofuels Mobile Learning Center to the Farmers' Market.It is an interactive traveling exhibit designed to explain and promote the use of ethanol and biodiesel. Featuring educational displays, fun interactive touchscreens, videos and more, the exhibit is designed to appeal to all ages. The BMLC is offered for use at no cost courtesy of Indiana corn and soybean farmers.Farmers have always been good stewards of going green and this mobile unit demonstrates the positive impact ethanol and biodiesel can make - helping to preserve our planet and generate new opportunities for employment and economic development in the agriculture sector.Visit BMLC site...
Kiva provides microloans in USA via Defeating Global Poverty
Kiva, a pioneer in making microlending participation possible for almost anyone in the USA at $25 at a time, has focused to date on lending to microbusinesses in developing/low-resource countries. Many of these loans were a few $100's with the largest around $1,000 per individual business.Recently has begun facilitating loans to low-income self-employed entrepreneurs in the USA. Note that these loans are really not "microloans" with the current loan sizes of $1,000 to $10,000 with median around $5,000-$6,000. These appear to be instead unsecured loans to businesses which have no access to credit.Here are a couple of examples:Anibal is raising $4,500 for his decorative painting businessSee details on his loan requestCarl is raising $4,000 for his window washing businessSee details on... Rural Riddle: Do Jobs Follow Broadband Access? via AgInfo News from IAALD
(Washington Post. 23/4/2009) President Obama has touted broadband as a means toward transforming rural and low-income areas, setting aside $7.2 billion in the stimulus plan to help create jobs and close the "digital divide." He has been joined in his support by a chorus of countries, including Australia, which recently said it would spend $31 billion laying fiber and other networks to get ahead in an emerging high-tech global economy.Despite the support for publicly funded broadband networks -- and the push by private companies to jump into the fray -- some have questioned whether bringing high-speed Internet has a direct effect on jobs and the economy.Many high-tech companies have heralded a January report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a research organization,...
Study: Cool Spells Normal in Warming World via Governance Focus
A valuable short paper that has been accepted for publication in Geophysical Research Letters (subscription required) makes a strong case against presenting any argument about human-driven global warming that’s based on short-term trends (a decade or so). I’ve noted here before that climate campaigners who seek to use real-time events to engage the public can only retain credibility if they account for natural variability in framing their case and explain that the odds of such events are shifting. (Realclimate explored natural variability and warming last year, too.)The same requirement applies to the community of climate skeptics/contrarians/deniers/realists (depending on who’s doing the labeling) who have made a mantra out of the “global cooling” since the 1998 peak in global...