Ag News

China Asks For Packages From U.S. To Investigate Seed Mailings

IARN — Chinese officials have asked for mailed seed packages from the U.S. to investigate unsolicited mailings. In a daily briefing with media, a spokesperson with China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Tuesday stated China Post, China’s state-owned postal service, has contacted the U.S. Postal Service, asking it to send fake packages to China for investigation. The spokesperson noted China is a member of the Universal Postal Union, which prohibits plant seeds as imports, or in transit, for member countries. Read more

Prolonged Heat Welcomes Twospotted Spider Mites

IARN — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor indicates western Iowa still faces moderate drought conditions, while a section of west-central Iowa remains under the D2 level of intensity, or severe drought. Some of those areas have since received timely rains. Dryness, however, does not appear to be the only problem they face. Read more

U.S. Residents Receiving Unsolicited Seeds From China

IARN — Numerous state agriculture departments, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), are urging consumers not to plant seeds sent to them from China. Americans across the country report receiving unsolicited seeds from China in packages labeled as jewelry. These unknown seeds are a concern for American farmers, as they could be invasive species, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock. USDA considers the practice agricultural smuggling, and all states reporting the practice are asking consumers to notify their state agriculture departments. Read more

AFBFA Grants Make Ag Education More Accessible

IARN — The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is working to make things easier for parents and educators when school begins later this fall, whether that be in a traditional, virtual, or home classroom. Read more