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- 1Ukraine's farmers struggle to sell harvest amid war and droughtโUkraine's farmers struggle to sell harvest amid war, drought
Ukrainian farmers are struggling to sell this year's harvest as Russia's war and drought compound each other. Blocked or risky export routes, damaged infrastructure and poor yields have left growers with unsold grain and mounting losses, deepening pressure on an agricultural sector that is central to Ukraine's economy and global food supplies.
- 2Scientists breed deeper-rooted soybeans to fight climate extremesโScientists hope deeper-rooted soybeans can withstand climate extremes and store more carbon
Researchers are developing soybean varieties with deeper root systems, aiming to help crops endure droughts and extreme weather while locking away more carbon in the soil. The work reflects broader efforts to make staple crops more resilient as climate change disrupts growing seasons and threatens yields for farmers worldwide.
- 3Minnesota agrivoltaics project pairs farming with solar powerโMinnesota agrivoltaics project shows promise of mixing farming, solar power
An agrivoltaics project in Minnesota is showing that farmland can host solar panels while crops continue to grow, according to an Associated Press report. The setup allows farmers to generate electricity and income from the same land they cultivate, and supporters see it as a model for expanding renewable energy without taking farmland out of production.
- 4Promise seen in mixing farming, solar energy projectsโPromise seen in mixing farming, solar energy production projects
Combining agriculture with solar energy production is drawing interest as a way for land to serve both farming and power generation. Reporting from Arkansas highlights early promise in these dual-use projects, suggesting farmers could host solar panels while continuing to work the land, though questions remain about costs, land use and long-term results.
- 5Iowa Farmers Union endorses all Democrats in federal racesโPolitics: Iowa Farmers Union endorses all Democrats in federal elections
The Iowa Farmers Union has endorsed Democratic candidates across the board in federal elections, a notable move in a state where farming groups often split their support between parties. The endorsement signals the union's current alignment with Democratic positions on agricultural and rural policy, and it may shape how the organization mobilizes its members ahead of the vote.
- 6Colorado scientists study hail as warming worsens storm damageโผHail is a multibillion-dollar problem โ and could get worse: At a #Colorado cold lab, scientists race to better understand hail in a warming world โ Hannah Covington (High Country News) #ClimateChange
Scientists at a Colorado cold laboratory are working to better understand hail as the damage it causes continues to grow. Hail already causes billions of dollars in losses each year in the United States, and researchers warn that a warming climate could make severe hailstorms more frequent or more destructive. The reporting by Hannah Covington in High Country News highlights how little is still known about how hailstones form and grow inside storms, and why improved forecasting matters for insurers, farmers and homeowners across hail-prone regions.
- 7Wisconsin farmers seek farm bill certainty from CongressโผWisconsin farmers look to Congress for farm bill certainty
Wisconsin farmers are pressing Congress to pass a new farm bill, saying they need certainty on subsidies, crop insurance and support programs as delays continue in Washington. Growers in the state say prolonged uncertainty makes it difficult to plan planting, investment and finances. The push comes as the farm bill remains stalled, leaving agricultural communities across Wisconsin waiting for federal direction.
- 8Open source technology builds farmer trust in digital toolsโOpen source tech helps farmers put more trust in digital tools
Farmers are gaining more confidence in digital agriculture tools built on open source technology, according to a report carried by Cyprus Mail. Because open source software allows users to inspect how it works, farmers can verify what the tools do with their data, reducing suspicion toward proprietary agri-tech platforms. The discussion highlights how transparency in software design is becoming a key factor in the adoption of digital farming worldwide.
- 9Kubota unveils agrivoltaic system combining rice farming with solar powerโผKubota agrivoltaic system allows rice farming and combine harvesting beneath elevated solar panels
Kubota has introduced an agrivoltaic system that lets farmers grow rice and harvest it with standard combines beneath elevated solar panels. The setup raises photovoltaic arrays high enough for machinery to work underneath, letting the same land produce both food and electricity. Coverage in energy media is highlighting it as a practical answer to land-use conflicts between agriculture and renewable energy expansion.
- 10Farmers pair crops and sheep with solar panelsโWhy some farmers are pairing crops and grazing sheep with solar panels
Farmers are increasingly combining solar panels with agriculture, growing crops beneath panels and grazing sheep on solar farms. The practice, known as agrivoltaics, lets land produce food and electricity at the same time, with panels providing shade for plants and pasture while sheep keep grass under the arrays trimmed.
- 11
Alberta, which has proudly kept itself rat-free for decades through one of the world's most aggressive pest-control programs, is reporting that rats have now been found in the province. The discovery marks the end of a status Alberta has promoted since the 1950s, and people are discussing what the finding means for the province's farms, food storage and pest-control efforts.