The brilliant red flowers of the Euphorbia pulcherrima plant, more commonly known as “poinsettias,” are synonymous with Christmas in the US. Considered the unofficial “Christmas flower,” it may surprise you to learn that the tradition of decorating our homes with poinsettias during the holidays is a relatively recent one. In fact, it was the vision …
How a California Farm Family Made Poinsettia’s a Holiday Tradition Read More »
Charles W. Howard was a farmer that couldn’t contain his displeasure with seeing Santas in frayed suits, cheap beards, and who also had inadequate knowledge of reindeer. So in 1937, he determined to improve the problems by starting a “Santa School”. History reports the first class consisted of just three men. Eventually, however, Howard would …
Real Christmas trees have been easier to find this year but prices are nonetheless about +10% to +15% higher in most parts of the country. The American Christmas Tree Association predicted earlier this year that consumers could expect to pay an average of $80-$100 for a real Christmas tree this year. Of course, depending on …
What’s Driving Christmas Tree Inflation…and Fun Facts About Our Favorite Evergreen! Read More »
Animal-free protein made by precision fermentation continues to be a big trend in food tech, even as the rapid growth projections for the technology have come back down to earth. The latest offering from the space is a liquid egg called “EVERY Egg” from “The EVERY Company,” which they tout as indistinguishable from hen eggs. …
The humble potato is a tuber that grows on the roots of its plant, similar to a host of other vegetables like carrots, onions, and turnips. The versatile spud also happens to be America’s favorite vegetable, with an average of 120 pounds of potatoes per person consumed every year. That’s double the amount of the …
Is Potato a Vegetable or Grain? New Dietary Guidelines for 2025 to Decide Read More »
Daniel Webster “80 John” Wallace was born into slavery in 1860, one year before the US Civil War broke out. Twenty-five years later, Wallace was buying land to start his own ranch in West Texas, ultimately building an estate that was estimated at more than $1 million by the time of his death in 1939. …
There is a curious observation among gardeners and farmers that plants seem to grow best after a thunderstorm. The moisture of course is beneficial but scientists also believe lightning sets off a chemical process in the air and the plants themselves that helps them flourish. Australian agtech startup “Rainstick” uses electricity to mimic this effect …
Australian Startup “Rainstick” Uses Electricity to Supercharge Plant Growth Read More »
Rabobank’s annual “Global Animal Protein Outlook” is forecasting slowing animal protein production growth in 2024, following four straight years of growth. According to the report, higher production costs and tighter supplies will also push animal protein prices up and constrain global consumption in 2024. “Slower production growth, given tight margins on elevated input costs, disease …
Rabobank Forecasts Slower Animal Protein Production Growth in 2024 Read More »
Tyson Foods in late November held the grand opening of one of its most automated poultry plants. The $300 million facility in Danville, Virginia, is expected to produce up to 4 million pounds of cooked products weekly. While the plant will employ around 400 people, it also features automated case packing lines, high-speed robotic case …
Tyson’s New Chicken Plant Provides a Preview of Food’s Automated Future Read More »
Northern US states are on alert as an out-of-control population of so-called “super pigs” begin to swell past the Canadian border. Recent aerial surveys have spotted them on the US side of the Canada-North Dakota border. At least one sighting has also been recorded within 18 miles of the Minnesota border. While many southern US …
Canadian “Super Pigs” Have Been Spotted in the US Read More »
