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.
Natalie Roy from AgriSafe Network talks about women’s role in agriculture and the increasing need to address their unique health and safety needs as they form a larger part of the workforce.
April 13, 2026 02:21 PM
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In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jeffrey Gold shares how disparities in dental care impact rural Americans and why early detection is important.
April 13, 2026 02:04 PM
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While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
April 13, 2026 01:49 PM
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Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.
April 13, 2026 12:49 PM
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JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.
April 13, 2026 12:12 PM
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Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
April 13, 2026 11:57 AM
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