USDA Takes Aim at Invasive Species with $48M Investment

Apr 03, 2014

The 2014 Farm Bill is being rolled out, which includes an allocation towards mitigating the introduction and spread of invasive pests.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed to pledge $48.1 million towards invasive pest control projects, funds which are approved in the farm bill.

Government scientists peg the economic cost of invasive species to be approximately $120 billion annually.

Highlights of some of the approved projects include:

• $2 million to tackle exotic fruit flies in California
• $270,907 towards honey bee research and identifying pests and disease threats
• $290,000 towards ongoing projects which involve noxious/invasive weed surveying
• $224,894 for the National Plant Board to develop a national strategy for nursery certification with respect to reducing the risk of plant diseases in nursery stock

There are approximately 383 projects in 49 states that will receive funding.

In addition to the funding announcement, the USDA declared April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.

Video: Planting Corn with Classic Allis-Chalmers Tractors | Full Field Action

Step into the field for a full day of spring fieldwork as this farm plants corn using classic Allis-Chalmers power near Arcanum, Ohio. In this video, the farm is working ground with an Allis-Chalmers 8050 pulling a Salford field cultivator and Brillion Culti-Packer to prepare the seedbed. Right behind, an Allis-Chalmers 7020 handles planting duties with a 12-row White planter, putting this year’s corn crop in the ground. You’ll see a mix of aerial drone footage and ground-level views capturing all the action, along with a voiceover that dives into the history and legacy of these two Allis-Chalmers tractors. It’s a great look at how reliable, older equipment is still getting the job done during spring planting season. If you enjoy classic farm equipment, corn planting, and real-world field action, this one is for you.