He saw that raising crops naturally demanded even more time, skill and attention than conventional farming. But he went to work in nurseries and learned about chemical fertilizers to promote growth, insecticides to combat pests, herbicides to kill weeds. But Pond was not born into farming, and no one passed on to him knowledge or equipment or land. When he was little, he dug up weedy lamb's quarters and transplanted them in his parents' Silverton garden. He wanted to be Almanzo, till his...

Year after year, the federal government sends farm subsidy checks to homes nestled in some of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, far from any corn or soybean field. Farm bill beneficiaries include urban dwellers FARM102907 Home. Congress wraps up debate on the $280 billion package with the usual goal of reform, but observers expect to see little change. The flow of federal largesse comes thanks to rules that allow landowners -- including some 2,000 in the metro area -- to...

Just this week, Southern's efforts to build an agricultural education building in Washington on land donated to the university was again postponed by the bond commission. With a budget of $100 million and 800 employees, the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry is vital in a state where these industries contribute $10 billion annually to the economy. With Odom's departure, perhaps the political wrangling will go with him and all areas with get equal treatment - no matter who they...

The company said its plant nutrient group was performing above expectations, and that a large grain harvests this fall will boost its grain and ethanol group. Stocks shook off an early morning drag from Bank of America's (BAC) disappointing third-quarter results, helping the major indexes pare most of their losses. At the bottom of the industry groups performance list were healthcare services operators, pulled down by IMS Health's (RX) 24% drop on weak results and poor outlook. Economists...

Georgia (default) Verdana Times New Roman Arial (10-18) 04:00 PDT Washington - -- Senate Democrats announced a breakthrough in a long-stalled farm bill Wednesday that would provide billions of dollars for California fruit and vegetable marketing, farm conservation and food stamps - but would maintain costly, traditional crop subsidies for corn, wheat, cotton, rice and soybeans. Georgia (default) Verdana Times New Roman Arial (10-18) 04:00 PDT Washington - -- Senate Democrats announced a...

After scientific studies about 10 years ago touted the health benefits of soy, the national market saw a dramatic increase in consumption of tofu, soy milk and soy protein as a meat replacement. With it you can make soap, candles, cleaners and crayons as well as fuel up a diesel engine. From condiment to household name, the soybean continues to grow in importance and versatility. Soy has long been a staple in Asian countries for both the salty sauce and the protein-rich bean. the soybean...