Agriculture Commons^™

Optimization Of Spray Drying Process Of Dateplum Persimmon Powder By Response Surface Methodology, Qiao Xiaoquan, Ren Guangyue, Duan Xu, Zhang Ledao

Food and Machinery

In order to improve the drying effect of Dateplum persimmon powder through enzymatic hydrolysis followed by spray drying. The results showed that the total soluble solids contents of dateplum persimmon hydrolysate was 65.89%, when the hydrolysis was performed using 0.2% multi-enzyme(pectinase and cellulase) for 90 min at 45 ℃ and initial pH 4.5; after preconcentration to 16%, the hydrolysate was spray dried at an air-inlet temperature of 176 ℃, under adding the amount of gum Arabic of 53% and feed rate of 818 mL/h, resulting in a powder yield of 26.89% with water content smaller than 5%, and high suitability …

Current Situation And Development Strategies Of Freshwater Fish Processing Industry In Hunan Province, Xu Simin, Li Zhao, Wang Jianhui, Huang Shouen, Liu Yongle, Wang Faxiang, Li Xianghong, Yu Jian

Food and Machinery

This paper discussed the current status of processing about freshwater aquaculture in Hunan province. The problems existing in processing was analyzed, which aims to find out the critical problem restricting the development of the aquaculture industry in Hunan Province. Then, some constructive suggestions were put forward to improving processing qualities of fishery resources to meet the consumers’ demands for the diversification of freshwater fish products and increasing the competitiveness of fishery in Hunan Province so as to promote freshwater aquaculture healthy and sustainable development.

Study On Theindustrial Standardization Management Mode Of The Local Special Food In Tourist Areas, Zhu Fang

Food and Machinery

Focusing on the uneven qualities of current local special foods in tourist areas, propose to take the industrial development of local special food as source, combine multi-departments, and excavate local special food culture, to establish a standard system and protection/management mechanism of local special food. Create the industrialization chain of local special food, form a food management chain with local characteristics, improve the management mode of local special foods, to find new economic increasing points for local catering service industry and special foods and, and provid a new way for the development of local tourism.

Effects Of Compound Additives On Mass Transfer Kinetics And Myofibrillar Protein Of Rabbit Meat During Curing, Zhang Weiyue, Xia Yangyi, Hou Baihui, Su Yan, Li Hongjun

Food and Machinery

The effects of five different compound additives were analyzed, including salt solution(control group), salt + sodium nitrite(Y), salt + sodium nitrite+ spice(YY), salt + sodium nitrite+ spice + phosphate(YL), salt + sodium nitrite + spice + phosphate + seasoner(YW) on the mass transfer kinetics and the change of myofibrillar protein during wet-curing. Results: compound additives affected the changes of water content(△M^w_t), salt content(△M^NaCl_t), total weight(△M⁰_t), but the difference was not significant(P>0.05). The compound additives decreased difussion value of rabbit meat, and Y got the lowest value(9.63×10^-10 m²/s). …

Effect Of Controlled Atmosphere On Preservation And Freshness Storage Of Broccoli, Huang Yufei, Qiao Yongjing, Liu Chenxia, Zhu Zhongnan

Food and Machinery

This research studied the effect of O₂/CO₂ controlled atmosphere on quality indicators in the "Hanxiu" broccoli in (0.0±0.5) ℃.The results showed that the O₂/CO₂ controlled atmosphere could keep the water content , the soluble solids content, V_C content and chlorophyll content of broccoli, and effectively restrain the increase of the malondialdehyde content. Meanwhile, it also decreased the activity of PPO, maintained the activity of POD. It was concluded that O₂/CO₂ controlled atmosphere could keep the quality of broccoli during the period of storage ,and delay the aging rate. In the …

Early Growth Stages Salinity Stress Tolerance In Cm72 X Gairdner Doubled Haploid Barley Population, Tefera T. Angessa, Xiao-Qi Zhang, Gaofeng Zhou, Sue Broughton, Wenying Zhang, Chengdao Li

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

A doubled haploid (DH) population of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) generated from salinity tolerant genotype CM72 and salinity sensitive variety Gairdner was studied for salinity stress tolerance at germination, seedling emergence and first leaf full expansion growth stages. Germination study was conducted with deionized water, 150 mM and 300 mM NaCl treatments. Seedling stage salinity tolerance was conducted with three treatments: control, 150 mM NaCl added at seedling emergence and first leaf full expansion growth stages. Results from this study revealed transgressive phenotypic segregations for germination percentage and biomass at seedling stage. Twelve QTL were identified on chromosomes 2H–6H each …

Projecting Corn And Soybean Crops: How Accurate Are Crop Forecasts?, Fabio Mattos, Kattie Cumming, Xiaoli L. Etienne

Cornhusker Economics

Commodity prices are determined by the dynamics of supply and demand and they oscillate over time according to expectations of market participants, who form and update their outlooks based on new information available in the market. As new information about supply and demand of commodities becomes available, buyers and sellers review their beliefs and trade in the market accordingly. This process of price discovery is crucial for various business decisions in the agricultural sector, such as production, marketing and risk management. For instance, if new information on supply and demand suggests that corn prices will decrease, grain producers might want …

The Challenges Of Developing A Successful Cooperative Through An Integrated Resource Approach: Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, Gertrude Wall, Walter A. Hill, Tasha M. Hargrove, Barrett Vaughan, Franklin Quarcoo, Miles D. Robinson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

This paper shares the challenges that small, socially disadvantaged Alabama vegetable and fruit producers in Alabama faced and overcame to secure their USDA Produce Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) food safety certification. The commercial buyers, collaborating with the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative (SFAC) producers, required the producers to be certified. This certification was based on the regulated security standards for food safety, the Harmonized Food Safety Standards with the Global Addendum (Global Markets Primary Production Assessments). This venture entailed the integrated resource approach, which comprised experts from Tuskegee University (Extension and Research staff) working closely with SFAC producers. Additional support …

The Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative Today, Miles D. Robinson, John Brown, Alice Paris, Walter A. Hill, Tasha M. Hargrove, Barrett Vaughan, Raymon Shange, Al Hooks, Demetrius Hooks, Thomas Turner, Bobby England, Audrey Zeigler

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project was designed to provide technical support to train at least 200 farmers on best practices in marketing produce to large companies such as Walmart. Activities included specialized training, workshops, and informational group meetings, and overall awareness of market opportunities. The specialized trainings included food safety standards and food safety certification requirements, efficient production techniques, harvesting, grading, packaging, refrigeration/cold chain requirements, transportation, fiscal responsibility, financial management, record-keeping, and insurance and product liability. As part of the process, Tuskegee University assisted with the formation of the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, which is comprised of members from …

The Socioeconomic And Ecological Impact Of Cool Season Forage Production: A Case Of Black Belt Counties, Alabama, Lila B. Karki, Uma Karki

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Raising livestock during the lean season of forage production has become a great challenge for small and limited resource farmers because of a high cost involved in procuring supplementary feed. This study was conducted to assess the impact of cultivating cool-season forages on the feeding costs for meat goats and cattle. Three case studies were conducted in three Black Belt Counties of Alabama, Russell, Dallas, and Bullock. The socioeconomic and ecological impacts of developing cool-season pastures were evaluated using the before versus after assessment approach. The findings revealed that all three cooperator farmers reduced costs of procuring hay and …

Assessing The Impact Of The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project On The Household Economy Of Small And Limited Resource Farmers In Alabama, Lila B. Karki, Walter A. Hill, Raymon Shange, Tasha M. Hargrove, Miles D. Robinson, Barrett Vaughan, Ntam R. Baharanyi, Gertrude Wall, George Hunter, Konnie D. Pace

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

This study focused on the impact of the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, an agribusiness opportunity for small and limited resource farmers in rural Alabama. The Project provided a package of programs that strengthened the farmers’ entrepreneurial capacity and secured a market with Walmart for contracted produce. The study applied the triangulation approach to collect field data, and conducted a case study using quantitative and qualitative tools to measure socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The results revealed that the target group benefitted enormously, as desired variables, namely, family income; technical knowledge; agribusiness entrepreneurial skill; leadership quality; factor productivity; direct, indirect, and …

Assessing Marketing Alternatives For Small Farmers In Selected Alabama Black Belt Counties, Langston Anderson, Tasha M. Hargrove, Robert Zabawa, Andrew A. Zekeri

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Market access is an important factor for the success of small farmers. In Alabama rural counties, farmers are in search of alternative market outlets to broaden their sales and make a profit. The purpose of this research was to assess marketing alternatives for small farmers in selected Alabama Black Belt Counties because local markets are essential to the economy and the overall well-being of local communities. Ethnographic field research was used to collect data by interviewing participants in selected rural counties, as well as from the Alabama Farmers Market Authority and USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The findings indicate …

Revaluating Whole Measures Of Community Food Security In Unity State, South Sudan, Bijiek G. Jieknyal, Lorien E. Macauley

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Conflict in the newly formed South Sudan has had devastating effects on the nation’s food security. Many food security metrics overlook factors of agriculture, such as seasonality, access to agricultural inputs; or the effects of displacement of small farm holders due to conflict. In light of these complexities, constructs were adapted from Whole Measures for Community Food Systems (WMCFS), and evaluated for their appropriateness in articulating the food situation in Unity State, South Sudan. This study used a pilot study approach, triangulating publicly available, qualitative and quantitative datasets from the Famine Early Warning System Network, United Nations, Government of …

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Overview Of The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project Articles, Walter A. Hill, Gertrude Wall, Lila B. Karki, Barrett Vaughan, Miles D. Robinson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

The Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project: Observations Of The Steps Within Commercial Supply, Barrett Vaughan, Miles D. Robinson, Audrey Zeigler, George X. Hunter, Gertrude Wall, John Brown

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Observations of the various efforts necessary in an initiative, the Small Farmer-Tuskegee University-Walmart Project, to assist small farmers to comply with produce industry standards and supply produce to a major retailer over a six-year period were documented through an illustrative case study. The observations were taken from meetings with commercial buyers and farmers, site visits to processing centers and corporate farms, conference calls, and, mainly, from the authors’ “hands-on” participation with the functioning and preservation of this initiative. Consequently, these observations were organized into a framework of criteria that must be successively satisfied to be able to supply produce …

Evaluating The Impact Of Nitrogen Fertilization Treatments And Irrigation On Soil Health Indicators In A Long-Term Crop Rotation Research Plot, Andria Howard, Raymon Shange, Anthony S. Kumi, Leonard Githinji, Yucheng Feng, Ramble Ankumah

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Many agriculturalists have been focusing on the most efficient farming method that would produce the maximum yield while still sustaining the soil ecosystem. Soil samples were collected from the “Old Rotation” area (Auburn University, Auburn, AL), and were assessed for soil biochemical, chemical and biological characteristics related to soil quality. Treatments of the experimental site were a control with no legumes or N fertilizer; cotton every year with winter legumes; a 3-yr cotton-corn-soybean rotation with wheat and winter legumes; and cotton every year with N fertilizer. Impacts of irrigation were also tested between the sites. Assays were performed measuring …

Small Farmer Cooperative-Larger Farmer-Commercial Retailer Partnership, Walter A. Hill, Thomas Turner, Miles D. Robinson, Barrett Vaughan, Tasha M. Hargrove, John Brown, Gertrude Wall, Raymon Shange

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Healthy Food Promotion: The Role Of Information Framing, Cognitive Processes, And Social Influence, Christopher Gustafson

Cornhusker Economics

Rates of overweight and obesity in the U.S. have increased steadily over the past 50 years, with serious consequences for people’s health, livelihoods, and quality of life. Estimates of U.S. adult and childhood overweight and obesity that were based on measurements of height and weight, rather than self-reported data, were collected in a nationwide study conducted in 2011-2012. These data suggest that over one-third of adults were obese and another third were overweight, while 17 percent of children were obese and 15 percent overweight.

Using Critical Physical Geography To Map The Unintended Consequences Of Conservation Management Programs, Melanie Malone

Dissertations and Theses

A variety of conservation trends have gained and lost favor throughout the years in agriculture, with U.S. Farm Bills often influencing what conservation practices are implemented by farming communities throughout the U.S. This dissertation focuses on the unintended consequences of conservation management practices in the Fifteenmile Watershed of Wasco County, Oregon. Specifically, I seek to address how farmer enrollment in various conservation techniques, loosely defined as no-till agriculture, has affected soil and water quality through the increased use of herbicide, and subsequently rendered ecological and human health vulnerable. Using a critical physical geography framework, I address both the biophysical factors …