US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

It's No-Till November! ARS scientists highlight the benefits of no-till farming, which helps improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance water retention. By leaving the soil undisturbed, we not only protect vital ecosystems but also promote biodiversity and carbon sequestration. So, to till or not to till? The answer is clear--embrace no-till practices for a more sustainable future! Let's support our farmers in making choices that benefit both their crops and the planet. https://loom.ly/AxsRImE #NoTillNovember | #NoTill | #Farmers

Happy #NationalPepperMonth! It's Pepper Poll Time!

Mark your calendar for Dec. 2 at 1 PM ET! Join ARS Soil Scientist Dr. Mark Liebig as he presents “Soil Carbon Responses to Grazing Land Management in the Northern Plains.” For more information, visit https://loom.ly/EyXWBcM

Mark Patterson, a loan grant specialist with Business & Cooperative Programs for USDA Texas Rural Development, says his Tuscarora heritage means: "Nano, Papa, The Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash), Turtle Island, and John Wesley Patterson." Patterson was a Native-American lacrosse player, coach, referee, and producer of lacrosse sticks. https://loom.ly/ACYQfPw #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

It’s been an exciting week at the 2024 Forum on AI Applications to USDA Science at Texas A&M University Texas A&M AgriLife. Yesterday, leaders from USDA research agencies highlighted the importance of utilizing AI tools to enhance the relevance and impact of our research while speeding up the innovation process to tackle challenges faced by producers, land managers, and consumers. A panel of AI thought leaders from federal research agencies and university partners encouraged participants to think outside their areas of expertise, inspiring AI applications across various sectors including human health, one health, precision ag, natural resources, pest and disease movement, geospatial analyses, foodborne illness, wildlife conservation, and more! Over two days, the forum highlighted dozens of use cases and innovative applications, all while networking, training, and creating new collaborations. ARS Administrator Dr. Simon Liu noted that two recent Nobel Laureates are experts in applying AI for the good of humanity. Who knows? A future Nobel-winner may be in the forum, working on one of the significant challenges facing agriculture, forestry, and food systems! cc: Texas A&M University Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering

The Standard Reference Legacy contains data on over 7,000 food items and up to 150 food components, collected by the USDA. The data within continues to provide the foundation for most food composition data in the public and private sectors today. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/KA1oEsk

While Americans frequently hear advice on how to eat healthy, a ore pressing question arises: how can we make healthy eating affordable for everyone? This month, Dr. Adam Drewnowski, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington, examines the significance of this question and explores potential solutions. Join us in learning about this vital topic and how it impacts public health. Discover more about Dr. Drewnowski's insights! https://loom.ly/OR1t99o

#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

Happy Podcast Tuesday! Wouldn't it be fantastic if the oils you cook with were not only tasty but also healthy? Researchers at ARS's Functional Foods Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois, are working their magic by blending common cooking oils with natural waxes. The result? A healthier cooking oil that enhances your food's flavor—think of it as the "secret sauce" for your kitchen! Tune in to learn more https://loom.ly/P4jy16U #PodcastTuesday

ARS Scientific Discoveries | While often viewed as pests, earwigs, play a crucial role for apple growers in Washington! ARS researchers have designed innovative traps using rolled cardboard tied to trees to capture these insects. Once caught, the earwigs are strategically relocated to apple orchards, where they can help control the aphid population—an ongoing challenge for growers. This method exemplifies a beneficial form of biological control, aiding in the transition away from chemical pesticides toward more sustainable practices. https://loom.ly/i3pGXqs