Cockroach farming a runaway success in China Thursday, January 2, 2014 There's an emerging market that is earning some Chinese farmers a tidy profit. The Los Angeles Times reports that there are approximately 100 cockroach farms in China raising well over 10 million of the crawly critters. Dried cockroaches can be sold for as much as $20 a pound to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies, who use the cellulose-like substance found on their wings. Overhead is low since cockroaches require no housing to speak of and they eat garbage. Roach farmer Wang Fuming tells the Times, "I thought about raising pigs, but with traditional farming, the profit margins are very low. With cockroaches, you can invest 20 yuan and get back 150 yuan." But there are risks. "The Great Escape" made headlines in August after a cockroach farm was unexpectedly demolished. You can guess the rest. BF Hands-on ag tech training that works Ag department employees not happy campers?
Fendt unveils new tractors and planter at Farm Progress Show Friday, September 4, 2026 Fendt introduced three major equipment additions during the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, including the global launches of the 1100 Vario MT Gen2 Track Tractor and Momentum 80-Foot Planter, along with the North American debut of the 300 Vario Gen5 tractor series. The tradeshow... Read this article online
Quinoa - How an Ancient Grain Became a Prairie Crop Opportunity Thursday, September 3, 2026 What began as an experimental crop on Canadian farms has become a small but increasingly recognized part of the country's specialty crop sector. Quinoa, often celebrated for its high protein content, gluten-free status, and versatility in food products, has been grown commercially in... Read this article online
Massey Ferguson launches N-Series planters at Farm Progress Show Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Massey Ferguson North America has unveiled its new N-Series Split/Narrow Row Planters during the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, introducing a lineup designed to offer growers greater flexibility, integrated planting technology and lower long-term ownership costs. The new series... Read this article online
Applications Open for AALP Class 22 Wednesday, September 2, 2026 The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has opened applications for Class 22, giving aspiring leaders an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their understanding of the agriculture and food sector. The program,establishedin 1984, has playedan important... Read this article online
AI Powered Super Bean Could Grow in Ontario Farmers Fields Soon Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Researchers at the University of Guelph developedBeanGPT, an artificial intelligence is helping transform crop development, and a new dry bean variety may soon bring major benefits to farmers. Researchers have created an AI-supported breeding platform calledBeanGPTthat helpsidentifythe best... Read this article online