Describes the rise in women-owned farms since 1978, the types of farms that women operate, characteristics of the women operators, and government payments to them.  From the  Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

The April 2013 explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in Texas has led to questions about the regulation of agricultural fertilizer.  This report discusses policy issues relating to fertilizer regulation that Congress might deal with, including the inadequacies of industry self-reporting, long intervals between inspections, and public access to critical information.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Unanimous Supreme Court decision that farmer Bowman violated Monsanto patents by trying to reuse Roundup Ready soybean seeds for late season planting.  The farmer had argued that the seeds he bought from a grain elevator were not covered by the patent.  The decision stopped short of covering other self-replicating technologies.  From the Legal Information Institute of Cornell University

Describes the prevalence and trend of abuse of prescription drugs and the types of drugs being abused by characteristics of the counties, whether rural, urban, or urbanized but non-metropolitan.  From the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Recommendations for how to increase employment opportunities in rural areas of the state.  From the Governor’s Office

Provides information and data about federal programs that provide food and nutrition assistance including trends in participation, purpose of programs, and totals spent.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Describes controversies over whether environmental regulations affecting agriculture, especially those dealing with air, water, energy, and chemicals, will impair economic growth and productivity or are needed to protect against adverse impacts on the environment.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Discusses the importance of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and their sustainable use.  From the United Nations Environment Programme

Examines demographic characteristics and spending habits of urban and rural households in the U.S. in 2011 and highlights important differences.  From the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Looks at the prospects for grain exports from Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan over the next 10 years.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Finds that proposed changes to treatment of investment and business income will have the greatest potential effect on farm households.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

The projections cover agricultural commodities, trade, and indicators of the sector such as farm income and food prices.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Basic information, current funding, and participation information for over 20 programs dealing with conservation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Describes the varieties of hemp and their uses, current global production levels, and the legal status of hemp in the U.S., including the process of getting permission from state and federal authorities to grow hemp.  It also covers recent legislative attempts to distinguish between marijuana and industrial hemp.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Promotes the benefits of combining forests and cropland for sustainable development and other benefits.   From the Food and Agriculture Organization

Press release on two newly proposed food safety rules related to preventing foodborne illnesses in produce and other food products. From the Food and Drug Administration

How science and technology applied to agriculture can assist war-torn states in restoring peace.  From the United States Institute of Peace

Recent indicators of economic and social conditions in rural areas.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Covers highlights of 2012 farm income forecasts, farm asset values and debt levels, and average farm household income.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

How to avoid food shortages in conflict-ridden countries by developing decentralized, extension-based support for farmers at the local level.  From the  United States Institute of Peace

Summarizes the main results of the September 2012 APEC meetings in lowering tariffs, promoting policies for sustainable agriculture and food safety, and endorsing a model for transparency in negotiating trade agreements.                  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

Discusses federal programs of assistance to farmers and how specialty crop producers are ineligible for federal commodity price and income support programs.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by National Agricultural Law Center

Updated information on the “most severe and extensive drought in at least 25 years” and its impact on crop and livestock sectors, and ultimately on retail prices.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Examines the relationship between U.S. economic conditions and participation levels in the 5 largest nutrition assistance programs of the Agriculture Department.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Explores two approaches to managing land for balancing nature conservation with sustainable food production.   From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

Examines challenges to agricultural water use and conservation, especially for Western states, due to population growth, climate change, and competing water claims.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Reports that nearly 15% of American households were short of food at least some time during the year.  Also provides statistics on food expenditures by selected household characteristics.   From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Finds that minority residents of rural areas have the poorest access to preventive health care services.   From the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Describes trends in economic and environmental indicators in the agriculture sector, especially on conservation, land use, and productivity.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Current information on the potential impact of the drought on key commodities and food prices.  From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture