New Raisin Grape Reduces Production Cost
A new raisin grape developed by Agricultural Research Service ( ARS ) scientists in California is proving to be very popular among producers because it costs less to harvest . Unlike other grape varieties , the new Sunpreme variety does not require cane pruning . Usually , crews must go out about two weeks before the harvest and cut the long branches on the vines that produce the grapes . Only then will the grapes begin to wilt so they can be shaken into trays later . Cane cutting costs about $ 130 per acre , which is roughly 36 per cent of total harvest costs , says Craig Ledbetter , an ARS plant geneticist . The Sunpreme raisin grape could save millions of dollars in production costs as the vines only need to be spur pruned , which generally requires less skill than cane pruning , to produce grapes of comparable in size , quality and number , Ledbetter says .
ars . usda . gov
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Hydro Feed for Cattle
Researchers at South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) are evaluating the impact of integrating hydroponic feeds , such as sprouted barley , into the diets of dairy cattle . They performed two controlled studies , one focusing on the feed ’ s impact on milk production in lactating dairy cows and one looking at the difference in growth performance on dairy heifers . While still interpreting the results , SDSU assistant dairy science professor Jill Anderson says they “ hypothesize it will have benefits for rumen health and function .” If the results are favorable , it is possible hydroponic feed could become a viable alternative food source for other growing animals , such as beef cattle and sheep . However , future research would have to figure out the optimal feeding rates for hydroponic silage , which can be very high in water , Anderson says . They would also have to find out what equipment farms would need to handle and / or grow the feed .
feednavigator . com
Balanced Plant-based Diet for Everyone
The new guidelines served up by the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics affirm that vegan and vegetarian diets are nutritionally adequate for people of all ages — including children and pregnant women — on the condition they are well-balanced . Plant-based diets have been shown to provide health benefits , the authors say , likely because vegans and vegetarians tend to “ consume more fruits and vegetables , fewer sweets and salty snacks , and smaller amounts of total and saturated fats .” They also noted that plant-based eating habits may even “ provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of some chronic diseases .” But as with anything , balance is key . The group of nutritionists stipulated that these diets carefully planned to ensure they are low in processed foods and that proper amounts of important nutrients , such as iron , zinc , and B12 , are obtained . However , plant-based diets “ typically meet or exceed protein intakes , when caloric intakes are adequate ,” the authors wrote .
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24 Maximum Yield USA | February 2017