Pollination is everything when trying to grow crops, and it is why tree nut growers are getting picky about the bees touching their crops.
They are using Blue Orchard Bees, which are like honeybees but do not use a queen or worker bees. Orchard farmers tend to prefer them because man-made nests can be placed throughout the rows.
One grower says that while they are beneficial, they are not for everyone.
“It takes the right grower. It takes, you know, a progressive grower. The challenge for the grower as we see it right now is that it’s hard for them to attribute the bump in yield to the bee, you know, if you’re talking about a 10% bump in yiled, what you have to do is either believe the research or you don’t, is really what it comes down to,” said Jim Watts.
Higher biofuel mandates boost long-term crop demand, but a tighter D4 market may pressure biofuel feedstocks and pose new soybean oil demand risks.
April 30, 2026 07:00 AM
·
The Purdue student team joins us to discuss how they developed Soy-Seal, their innovative soybean-based adhesive tape, and its potential ag impact.
April 29, 2026 03:33 PM
·
John Mays with Central Life Sciences joins us to discuss the importance of pest management ahead of wheat storage and how protecting grain quality can support stronger marketing opportunities.
April 29, 2026 03:18 PM
·
University of Arkansas researchers are working to help farmers reduce grain waste and get more value out of their crops.
April 29, 2026 03:03 PM
·
According to a tweet from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the full House vote on the Farm Bill will be held until lawmakers return from recess.
April 29, 2026 02:50 PM
·
Roger McEowen joins us to explain the USDA appeals process and how farmers should navigate adverse decisions and crop insurance disputes.
April 29, 2026 02:20 PM
·