Chinese farmers need to grow more corn, but are wary of
mechanization because it would eliminate farm jobs. 

     Chinese farmers can't grow enough corn to fill the country's growing demand for meat, milk and eggs. Hanver Li, a research specialist who studies Chinese agriculture, told the U.S. Grain Council's annual meeting in Boston that the country's domestic production is being overwhelmed by the demand for more corn. He predicted that imports would climb from 1.7 million tons this year to 15 million tons by 2015. Not only are the Chinese short on the land and water they need to grow corn, there  is a resistance to mechanized equipment because it would take away jobs. Alexa Olesen and Michael J. Crumb, writers for the Associated Press, attended the grain council meeting. You can  read their story here: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/business/20100806_ap_usfarmershopetosoonsellmorecorntochina.html

Penn State's research farm is a riot of floral color.

    
A festival of color is yours for the asking at Penn State's research farm in Manheim. This year, the farm's flower trials included 1,225 cultivars grown from rooted cuttings that were sent to the site from plant breeders around the world. Come late July, the research staff hold a Flower Trial Research Dy for commercial growers, gardeners and anyone else with an interest in the nursery business. This year, some 280 people attended, but the public is welcome to wander around the gardens. You can wander by yourself until late fall, and self-guided tours are available on request. More information is available at http://trialgardenspsu.com. Among the attendees at this year's field trial show case was Anne Harnish, Lancaster Farming food and family features editor. You can read her report here: http://www.lancasterfarming.com/node/3100 
    



Here's a fish I would rather release than catch. http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/giant-death-ray/pagafae