ARS

Scientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service are developing new tests to identify and track the COVID virus in wild and domestic animals.  Funded by the American Rescue Plan, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is implementing $300 million to conduct monitoring and surveillance of susceptible animals for the COVID virus.  Through the initiat...

Agricultural Research Service recently released its first winter pea cultivars specifically developed to be used whole or as an ingredient in human food.  Dr. Rebecca McGee says USDA MiCa, USDA Dint and USDA Klondike will be game changers for growers across the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.   “...

Ag Research was the Farm Bill title before the Senate Ag Committee this week, as USDA and other witnesses testified on the need to fund cutting-edge Ag research, the power behind modern, high-tech agriculture.  USDA research chief Chavonda Jacobs-Young told lawmakers research in need of funding has largely been ignored over the past couple of Farm Bills.   “...

What's the latest when it comes to vineyard soil health?     ARS' Devin A. Rippner talks about the latest research taking place at USDA and how it could impact growers across the Pacific Northwest.   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

Brewer's yeast used to make beer is typically discarded once it's no longer needed.  Sometimes, though, the leftover yeast is mixed into livestock feed as a source of protein and vitamins.  According to new research from ARS, there now may be even more reason to continue this practice.  Laboratory result...

Scientists at UC Davis have identified new root traits that help grapevines resist drought, which could be beneficial as the western U.S. continues to face drought year after year. Viticulture and Enology Assistant Professor Megan Bartlett said the industry already has a pretty wide range when it comes to drought tolerant to drought sensitive already in existence in the in commercial root stocks

The USDA says healthy adults who eat a diverse diet with at least 8-10 grams of soluble fiber a day have fewer antibiotic-resistant microbes in their guts. A new study from ARS scientists shows microbes that have resistance to various commonly used antibiotics are a significant source of risk for people worldwide, with the widely held expectation that the problem of antimicrobial resistance is li

A study from USDA's Agricultural Research Service finds on rangelands of the Western U.S., calving in late winter instead of spring maximizes calf growth. The study finds that late winter calving instead of spring supplies high-quality forage when it's most needed ...

The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service is teaming up with Cornell University to launch a webinar series on hemp research. The goal is to broaden the scope of training, education, and connectivity within the U.S. hemp community. “Hemp is rapidly becoming a critical multi-use and economically significant crop, so this hemp series is designed to provide hemp-specific education, training, and netw

According to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, adding cooked black beans to a high-fat diet improved sensitivity to insulin and other measures often related to diabetes. According to the new study, as little as the mouse-sized equivalent of a single serving a day of black beans—about a half cup for a human—lowered insulin resistance 87%. A USDA resear ...