Agriculture - Page 2
245 news
A Farmer Buried Two Identical Underpants—Only One Disappeared
British farmer Tim Scott buried two pairs of cotton long johns in different fields to test how soil treatment affects decomposition. After two months, the unploughed soil had almost completely digested one pair, while the other remained nearly intact. The result offers a striking look at the invisible life beneath our feet.
Why Some Chickens Have Yellow Skin and Others White
The color of a chicken’s skin is shaped by its diet, not by quality or freshness. Both yellow and white-skinned chickens can be equally nutritious, so the real differences come down to feed, genetics, and how the bird was raised. Here’s what matters when choosing chicken at the market.
Severe Hailstorm Hits Interior Valencia, Damaging Crops and Property
A powerful hailstorm struck the interior of Valencia, with hailstones as large as mandarins. The storm caused significant disruption in rural areas, affecting crops and local infrastructure. Emergency teams remain on alert.
Bison Herds Create Natural Firebreak Amid Madrid Wildfire
A wildfire devastated much of a Madrid reserve, but areas grazed by bison and cattle remained untouched. The animals’ presence helped preserve green ground cover and protected livestock, highlighting the role of managed grazing in wildfire prevention.
Why Ana Hernández Chose Cattle Over a Civil Servant’s Desk
Ana Hernández left city life behind to take over her family’s cattle farm in Valderrodrigo, Salamanca. Her decision highlights the generational crisis in Spanish agriculture and the personal cost of choosing passion over stability.
Pistachio Boom in Castilla-La Mancha: From 4,000 to 70,000 Hectares
Castilla-La Mancha has rapidly expanded its pistachio plantations, now covering nearly 70,000 hectares. Only a quarter of these fields are producing, yet the 2025 harvest exceeded expectations. One farmer’s story highlights the scale and promise of this agricultural shift.
Valencian Government Allocates €67 Million for La Vall d’Uixó Fire Victims
The Generalitat Valenciana has approved €67 million in aid for those impacted by the La Vall d’Uixó wildfire. The package includes direct payments, municipal support, and interest-free loans. Applications open from August 10.
Aragon Farms Turn Manure Lagoons Into Floating Solar Power Plants
A livestock farm in Tauste, Zaragoza, has installed floating solar panels on its manure lagoon, targeting a 53% reduction in electricity use and lower gas emissions. The project uses existing space to generate renewable energy without taking up extra land.
Japanese Scientists Paint Cows Like Zebras to Cut Fly Attacks in Half
In a bold field test, Japanese researchers painted six black cows with zebra-like stripes and saw fly landings drop by nearly 50%. The study suggests a simple visual trick could offer farmers a new way to shield cattle from biting insects without chemicals.
Man Quits Fiat Factory Job to Build Mud House for Family in Rural Córdoba
Fifteen days after resigning from his job at a Fiat factory, Mauricio, 37, is building a mud house on a remote plot in La Paz, Córdoba. With no water or electricity, he prepares a new life for his wife and three children, determined to escape the pace of city living.
Wildfires Devastate Vineyards from Valle del Tiétar to El Escorial
Wildfires have destroyed historic vineyards across Ávila and Madrid. Growers face major losses, with concerns rising over smoke taint in upcoming wine harvests. The full scale of the damage is still emerging.
Wildfire Forces Dramatic Rescue of Livestock in Vall d’Uixó
A sudden wildfire in Vall d’Uixó put lives and livelihoods at risk. A local cattleman faced a desperate race to save his animals as flames closed in. Emergency crews and residents battled for survival.
Pennsylvania Farmer Turns Down €13 Million to Save His Family Land
An 86-year-old farmer in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, refused a multimillion-euro offer from developers seeking to build a data center on his land. Instead, he secured a legal agreement to protect his family's farm from future urbanization, prioritizing heritage over profit.
Casavieja Survives Historic Wildfire but Faces Devastating Losses
Casavieja narrowly escaped destruction as Spain’s largest wildfire burned over 77,000 hectares across Ávila, Toledo, and Madrid. The village’s urban center remains, but its surrounding forests and livelihoods have been devastated.
Andalusian Government Faces Tensions Over Solar Projects on Farmland
Farmers in Lopera demand a halt to solar plant licenses on agricultural land. Vox supports the protest but avoids direct conflict with the Junta. The issue tests the PP-Vox coalition and local governance.
How 70,000 Sheep Are Protecting a Jaén Village from Wildfires
In Santiago-Pontones, more than 170 shepherds—many of them young—have revived large-scale grazing to keep public lands clear and prevent devastating wildfires. Their approach has not only protected the landscape but also brought new life to the local economy.
Young Cattle Breeder from Geldo Dies Suddenly in Gátova
Luis López, a young cattle breeder from Geldo, died unexpectedly while searching for missing livestock in Gátova. The incident has deeply affected the local agricultural community. Authorities and associations have expressed their condolences.
Young Cattle Breeder Dies While Recovering Escaped Livestock in Gátova
Luis López, a young cattle breeder from Castellón, died suddenly in Gátova while searching for escaped livestock. The incident has drawn condolences from local institutions and the regional bullfighting community.
Young Cattle Breeder Dies During Search for Escaped Bulls in Valencia
Luis López, a young breeder from Castellón, died suddenly while searching for his escaped fighting cattle in Gátova, Valencia. The incident left the local livestock community in shock. Not all animals were recovered at the time of his death.
Farmers Demand Total Ban on Sky Lanterns Amid Fire Fears
A Bedfordshire farmer is urging a full ban on sky lanterns after finding one near his property. The National Farmers Union supports the call, citing fire risks to crops and animals. Fire services warn of extreme wildfire danger.
Dragonbot: The Spanish Robot That Harvests Only Ripe Pitayas
Dragonbot, an autonomous robot developed in Valencia, can identify and harvest only pitayas at peak ripeness, leaving unripe fruit untouched. Its precision promises to reduce waste and improve fruit quality for growers, marking a new step in smart farming.
Evacuated Residents Begin Return After Devastating Orés Wildfire
Over 1,000 people from six villages were forced out by a wildfire in Zaragoza. Authorities now allow phased returns as basic services are restored. The fire destroyed more than 14,000 hectares and left lasting damage.
Why Paula Nuévalos Chooses Freedom Over a Fixed Salary in Spanish Agriculture
Paula Nuévalos, a 27-year-old mechanical engineer, left a traditional career to manage her own organic vineyard and almond farm in Utiel-Requena. She values the autonomy and flexibility of self-employment, even as agricultural incomes remain unpredictable and the sector struggles to attract young talent.
Young Spanish Farmer Struggles to Find Youth for €70-a-Day Field Work
Mario Selo, 23, left his industrial mechatronics studies to run his family's farm in Madridejos. Despite offering €70 per day during harvest, he faces a shortage of young Spanish workers willing to join his team, highlighting a growing generational gap in agriculture.
Andalusian Farmer Revives Prickly Pears After Years of Decline
Once a common sight along rural paths, prickly pears nearly vanished from Andalusia. Now, a 63-year-old farmer in Chiclana is rebuilding one of the region’s largest plantations, supplying local markets and facing down a persistent pest threatening the crop’s survival.
Farmers Demand Greater Role in Forest Fire Prevention in Andalusia
Andalusian farmers and ranchers call for urgent reforms to allow preventive work in forests. They warn that abandoned land management is fueling wildfire risk. Tensions rise as political parties debate responsibility.
Police Dismantle Document Forgery Network for Migrant Farm Workers in Orihuela
A major police operation in Orihuela has led to 60 arrests for document forgery. Migrant workers used fake papers to secure agricultural jobs. Authorities suspect company managers and locutorio staff were involved.
Retired Farmer Ordered to Repay €46,800 for Working While on Pension
A retired farmer in La Rioja must return nearly €47,000 after authorities found he continued managing his agricultural business while receiving a full pension. The court's decision highlights the strict incompatibility rules between retirement benefits and ongoing self-employment in Spain's farming sector.
Shepherd Risks Life to Save 720 Goats from Bédar Wildfire
A wildfire near Bédar put Waheed Mumtaz and his 720 goats in danger. Without insurance, he faced total loss. His decision to stay until forced out by police highlights the risks rural workers face.
How a Colombian Scientist Built Argentina’s Leading Gourmet Mushroom Business
Santiago Jaramillo Mejía arrived in Argentina for a university exchange and ended up founding Micelio Bio, a company that transforms agricultural waste into high-quality oyster mushrooms. Now producing a ton per month, he aims to expand across Latin America.
From Migrant Child to Onion Pioneer: Javier Novoa’s 100-Hectare Success
Javier Novoa arrived in Argentina as a child with nothing but hope. Decades later, he leads a major onion operation, exporting to Brazil and embracing new technology. His journey reflects the determination and innovation driving the region’s agricultural growth.
At 81, Cristian Bianchi Still Transforms Cattle Farming Before Dawn
Cristian Bianchi, now 81, has spent nearly six decades as a veterinarian and 37 years guiding La Gofredina. His relentless drive and expertise in Braford genetics have set new standards for beef production on challenging land, inspiring a new generation of farmers.
From Madrid Stress to Rural Galicia: How One Woman Lives on €50 a Month
Lucía, 27, left Madrid behind to restore a century-old house in rural Galicia. Her monthly food bill rarely exceeds €50, thanks to her own garden and livestock. Her story highlights a growing trend among young Spaniards seeking affordable, sustainable lives outside the city.
At 20, He Built a Thriving Free-Range Egg Farm from Just 50 Hens
Javier José Vázquez Zayas started with 50 hens in a family shed. Less than a year later, his JN Farm in Corozal houses 1,400 free-range chickens and produces 1,200 eggs daily, focusing on animal welfare and quality over mass production.
Wildfire in Castillonroy Burns 400 Hectares in 12 Hours
A new wildfire in Castillonroy, Huesca, has destroyed 400 hectares overnight. Authorities issued a confinement alert and closed key roads. The region faces its fourth major fire this summer.
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