IBM’s InfoSphere system is using QR codes to identify each stage of for food production to identify specifically where the food came from down to the specific animal. Read more in this Forbes January 18, 2012 article, “Mobile Devices Help Ensure Food Safety” The system uses QR Codes which are scanned by smartphones to…
Students turn food scraps into compost
The students at St. Paul Catholic School in Cleveland, Ohio are taking composting to a new level. I really like this article, “Students at S. Paul turn food scraps into soil” by Colette M. Jenkins and I wanted to highlight some of the key points. The Rev. Ralph Thomas stated, “…It is our job to…
Warm winter and trees budding
The warmer-than-normal winter has some people wondering if trees might bud prematurely and then be damaged by colder temperatures. According to the article, “Warm weather can put trees in a bind” all dediduous trees require a “chilling period” before they “break bud” This chilling period will keep trees in dormancy until temperatures consistently reach warmer…
Are you drinking wastewater
I came across this article, “Report: Wastewater preferable to wasting water” Many communities reuse wastewater for irrigation and industrial purposes. Some — notably Cloudcroft, N.M., and California’s Orange County — have treatment facilities to reuse it as drinking water. The article points to water reuse as a viable option to working with water scarcity. Many…
Growers dealing with unusual winter
Up until this week, most of the country was experiencing little snow and cooler temperatures but not necessarily very cold temperatures. Here is a quick look at how one farmer is dealing with the unusual temperatures. I am sure by the time we reach March, we will experience some colder temperatures and more precipitation, especially…
Fungicide found in Orange Juice
The fungicide at issue is carbendazim – a fugicide which controls plant disease. It is often referred to as one of the “filthy four” pesticides. Source pan-uk.org It is illegal to use this fungicide in the United States. 35 parts per billion carbendazim had been found in samples of orange juice products in the United…
A Great Biodiesel Story
Check out this video from the people at New Leaf Biofuel. | This company is all about producing a quality product. I really like this video. The video is one of the best biodiesel documentaries I have seen. You get to see the company and its role in the community making a “new” difference. Very…
Winter Soil Sampling & Soil Testing
This winter has been quite an unusual one with above average temperatures and an extreme lack of snow. Because of these unusual conditions, we are seeing an increase in orders for soil sampling supplies and soil analysis. Typically, soil sample volumes are at their lowest during the colder months, with samples only being received from…
What happens to expired supermarket food?
Have you ever thought about this question. With over 15,000 different product in an average supermarket, (according to Food Marketing Institute) stores must do something with expired items. I came across this article in Forbes “What Happens To Old and Expired Supermarket Foods” by Nadia Arumugam – January 6, 2012 – Please read this article,…
Shelf Life Study Testing
Shelf Life Study Testing Midwest laboratories offers a variety of testing including real time, accelerated, and refrigerated.
