(NAPSI)-Advanced technology is enabling America’s soybean farmers to achieve higher yields to help meet growing global demand for food and energy.

This latest soybean technology–called Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield®–contains a biotechnology trait that delivers higher yield opportunity than the first-generation Roundup Ready® soybean technology, which farmers have planted since the mid-1990s.

With this yield-enhancing biotechnology, farmers are discovering more three-, four- and five- bean pods per plant in their field, which can translate into more bushels per acre. Last season, these soybeans won 73 percent of head-to-head field comparisons with Roundup Ready soybeans in independent farmer trials, and many farmers reported significant increases in yield.

These next-generation soybeans were introduced on about 1.5 million acres in the Midwest during the 2009 season. In 2010, the technology was expanded in the Midwest and also launched in the South with more than 80 different varieties available to enable farmers to select the genetics best suited for their fields. And for 2011, farmers will be able to choose from more than 230 varieties in multiple brands.

To protect this high-end yield opportunity, the soybeans are offered with Acceleron™ seed treatment products, which provide improved early plant growth and vigor. The seed treatment includes a fungicide combination to provide excellent control of important seed-borne and soil-borne diseases and an insecticide to reduce damage caused by early-season insect pests.

Farmers also say they have been impressed with the technology’s performance at mid-season based on the flowering, pod fill and overall plant health they have observed–all early indicators of the opportunity for strong harvest results.

“The increase in yield has been just super-you can’t ask for anything more out of a bean,” said Midwest farmer Clark Howey. “I’ve been so impressed by how this technology has worked on my farm.”

Visit www.genuity.com to learn more.

Always read and follow grain marketing and stewardship requirements and pesticide label directions.

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Tips for Inexpensive Outdoor Entertaining (329) (NewsUSA) – Celebrate the warmer days by hosting an outdoor summertime party or barbecue. It’s easy to add pizzazz to an outdoor party and stay on budget, with accessories and color. Here are some inexpensive ways to add character to your outdoor get-togethers: 1. Make it colorful. For a fast way to give your party a sense of style, color-coordinate your bowls, plates and cups in attention-grabbing colors. Dollar General stores (www.dollargeneral.com) sell plastic tableware in bright colors and patterns. These items are http://www.city5nc.com/community/modules/business/index.php enough to buy in multiples, so if you plan on hosting several parties, you can use one color per occasion, then invite guests to your “pink party” or “orange party.” 2. Pep up your decor with peppers. Add a memorable touch by serving condiments or finger foods in hollowed-out green, red and yellow peppers. Simply cut the stems, and fill the peppers with ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or any other condiment. Depending on the peppers’ colors, you may be able to coordinate them with the rest of your tableware. 3. Create a field of dreams. Silk flowers can create a beautiful centerpiece or be used in smaller arrangements around the table. Add a whimsical touch by purchasing a variety of silk flowers and planting them upright in the ground. Use them to mark paths through the yard or to the food tables and seating areas. Silk flowers are inexpensive at stores like Dollar General and are economical enough to buy in large quantities. They’re also more durable than real flowers and can be used again and again. 4. Find unique ways to deter bugs. Certain herbs and flowers repel insects. For instance, sprigs of parsley or tansy may help keep ants at bay, while lavender or mint could drive flies away. Set up decorative bowls of herbs in various spots near the guests’ seating. A larger bowl can be the striking centerpiece of a table. Keep your food safe from unwanted company with mesh food covers.

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NAPSI)-Men and women who do good rarely seek the spotlight. But one wood-finishing company would like to honor them with its 2010 Community Craftsman Awards.

Past winners include groups and individuals who built and donated wooden holiday toys, high-school students who built a new house for a low-income family, and a former homeless man who now mentors at-risk youths at his furniture repair and refinishing business.

Entry is open to anyone who “does good with wood” by engaging in activities that involve wood finishing. Prizes include cash grants of up to $5,000, a supply of Minwax products, and a consultation with DIY expert and author Bruce Johnson.

The submissions deadline is Dec. 31, 2010. Send a summary of the project to Minwax Community Craftsman Award, c/o Brushfire, Inc., 2 Wing Drive, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927. Visit www.minwax.com for more information.

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Gardening Projects Help Children Flower (358) (NewsUSA) – American parents may bond with their children by taking them to farmers’ markets or showing them how to grow potted plants, but in other areas of the world, growing plants may literally help keep families together. In Ecuador, for example, children were often left alone while their parents went into the city to work. Because children had to take care of the home while their parents were away, many stopped going to school. ChildFund International, an organization that focuses on working with children, as well as with families, local organizations and communities to create environments in which children can thrive, decided to take a unique, community-wide approach to solving this problem — by growing a garden. ChildFund Ecuador started training the community in flower and vegetable cultivation, as well as business administration. The local bank, which ChildFund helped develop, gave local fathers the loans that they needed to build greenhouses for roses, carnations and tomatoes. Today, more than 285 families now use their greenhouses as their primary source of income, so the parents don’t have to migrate into the cities to work, and children can attend school regularly. The Actively Engaged Mayan Women, or Mujeres Emprendedoras Mayas, in rural Tecpan, Guatemala, are using macro tunnels — or miniature greenhouses -; to grow tomatoes, thereby creating income and improving food security for their families. As the women become more able to create their own income, they also gain the ability to better care for their children. In ChildFund Uganda, children and their parents planted more than 10,000 eucalyptus trees and 5,000 pine trees to create two new forests. In an area where environmental degradation has reduced the quality of life, the new forests provide inexpensive firewood, protection against soil erosion and an economic boost, as the trees provide timber for housing and other projects. “Forests will be a major source of timber, which will be mainly used in house construction, and houses are very important to us,” said 14-year-old Nalubega Florence, a student at St. Andrew Primary School. To learn how you can help communities come together through the plants that they grow, visit ChildFund International at www.ChildFund.org.

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Concrete care: Easy, cost-effective fixes for your home’s concrete

(ARA) – Concrete is so durable and dependable it’s easy to take it for granted. But like any other surface around a home, concrete needs maintenance – and sometimes repair.

In fact, performing simple upkeep on concrete surfaces when problems are relatively small can spare homeowners the time drain, expense and aggravation of minor problems that have developed into major issues.

Since economic conditions have made homeowners more vigilant about taking care of their homes, preserving exterior concrete surfaces, such as driveways, patios, steps and walkways, is a worthwhile investment. Fortunately, a number of the most common repairs are easy to do and can be accomplished in a weekend.

Surface renewal

Resurfacing old, worn or spalled concrete is an economical alternative to removal and replacement. Replacement can cost $3.50 or more per square foot whereas resurfacing – using a product such as Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer – costs 25 to 30 cents per square foot. To use:

* Thoroughly clean the old concrete to ensure the resurfacer will adhere properly. This can be achieved using a 3,500 psi high-duty pressure washer to clear dirt, debris, dust and any loose materials from the concrete.

* Use weather stripping to ensure the resurfacer doesn’t flow into the control or expansion joints. These are the clean lines that were cut into the concrete when it was poured to allow for the natural temperature-driven expansion and contraction of the concrete. Without joints, concrete will crack.

* Mix the resurfacing compound and the recommended amount of water in a 5-gallon bucket using a 1/2-inch drill and paddle mixer. The consistency should be lump-free and flowable. Sparingly add water to reach the desired consistency.

* Saturate the concrete surface and remove standing water from low spots. Pour the resurfacer and spread it with a long-handled squeegee. Use the squeegee to scrub the material into the surface. Within five minutes of completely covering the surface with the resurfacer, broom the surface, making sure all broom strokes go in the same direction.

Cosmetic work

Minor blemishes like small cracks can be repaired without resurfacing. Instead, try using a patching material such the Quikrete Patching Compound. Available in a ready-to-apply putty, the patching compound is ideal for minor repairs like small non-structural cracks and spalling less than 1/4 inch think.

Homeowners also can find polymer-modified compounds that bond directly to the concrete surface for a smooth repair. These compounds are self-bonding and -curing so no additives are needed.

Another option for cracks less than a half inch wide is Quikrete Concrete Crack Seal, which comes in a quart bottle that makes it easy to pour directly into the crack. Dry to the touch within 30 minutes, the sealant maintains adhesion through freeze/thaw cycles. Larger cracks may require a more flexible polyurethane sealant with increased bonding power and durability.

For more project ideas and information on concrete maintenance and repair, check out www.quikrete.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Tips for a healthier you at middle age

(ARA) – With the popularity of movies like Sex and the City and the revival of the 50-year-old fashionista, the 42.9 million baby boomer women in America are approaching aging with confidence and style. While talking about many sensitive topics is no longer off-limits to this vocal group, there still remain several embarrassing health topics that many women will not even discuss with their doctors, let alone with their girlfriends. As a result, they suffer through these manageable health issues in silence rather than finding the solutions they need.

It is important for women to be direct with their doctors when talking about all health issues, even those that may embarrass them. Anne Abernathy, a six-time Olympic luger who now serves as an advocate for women’s health, shares tips for being tenacious when it comes to your health:

Talk to your doctor: You may be embarrassed by a change in your body, but when you talk about it with a friend, family member or doctor, you can find helpful ways to deal with it. You may even be able to provide helpful advice to others experiencing the same thing. Facing your health condition head-on and learning how to manage it will help you to move on and live your best life.

Educate yourself: Learn about the kinds of changes you can expect as you age and take some preventative measures to help you avoid or lessen the symptoms of some of them. There are a lot of great sources online where you can learn from experts, as well as others who have first-hand knowledge of the issues. Information is the best tool you can have as your own health advocate.

Navigate your options and solutions: There are a lot of options available to help you manage and prevent certain conditions and ailments. For instance, vitamins to help prevent bone loss or discreet thin pads or underwear for women who have bladder control issues. Talk with your doctor to find out what supplements or products might be right for you.

Achieve a healthy life:  In the end, you just want to get on with living your life and achieving your goals. No health issue should keep you from doing that. When you follow these tips and learn how to manage your condition, you will find yourself with more options, less limitations and more confidence to do what you love most.

Many of these health problems are extremely common, like bladder-control issues, which affect more than 25 percent of women older than 40.  According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive and SCA, makers of TENA, the number one brand of bladder protection products worldwide, nearly 40 percent of women with bladder-control issues have never discussed the condition with anyone. As a result, nearly a third of all women who experience leaks do not know how to deal with the problem.

“Throughout my life, I have not been afraid to tackle the many obstacles that have stood in my way,” says Anne Abernathy. “Having  experienced embarrassing health conditions such as bladder-control issues first hand, I know that for many women, the thought of admitting to the condition can be more stressful than racing down a luge track at 90 mph. That’s why I teamed with TENA and Healthy Women to launch the ‘Be TENAcious’ program to help women start the conversation, beginning online at www.betenacious.net. Many women experience the same issues in their lifetime, but we cannot benefit from each other’s experiences if no one is talking about them.”

Registered nurse Beth Battaglino Cahill, executive director of HealthyWomen  agrees. “As a nurse, I often have to coax information out of patients about health issues they find embarrassing. When women are candid about their health, they often find the problem they have is very common and managing the issue becomes a lot easier.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Do you have the right tools for your “honey-do” list?

(ARA) – It’s summer and there’s no better time to take on home improvement projects and that ever-expanding “honey-do” list. In a few months, those tasks will seem a lot more unpleasant when they can’t be done in the beautiful sunshine.

The key to tackling everything from the largest construction project to the smallest touch-up is to have the right equipment. Don’t talk yourself into trying to getting by with makeshift tools – you’ll only end up frustrated, and your project might not get done at all.

If you can’t find everything you need in your tool shed (or even in your tool box), you may be worried about the cost of buying a lot of expensive equipment – particularly if you plan to do more than one project. For most people, renting equipment allows them to get jobs done without the extra cost of buying pricey items that they won’t actually use much.

To make sure that you’ve got everything you need, start by assessing what tools and gadgets you have. Here are some ideas for what you’ll need for some of the most common summer home improvement projects:

* For cleaning your home’s exterior, whether it’s the siding, deck or driveway, a rented power washer gets the job done in a fraction of the time with double the power.

* For touching up the paint on your home, you’ll need sturdy ladders, an array of painting tools and, of course, paint. To give yourself an easy place to set all of your gear, a wheeled scaffolding unit with a platform is a great idea.

* For putting in a new fence, you’ll need panels and posts, and, to make the job go faster, a power auger from your local rental store for digging post holes. Just make sure you contact local utilities to find out where it’s safe to dig before you get started.

* For clearing unwanted brush, bushes and trees, you’ll need a chainsaw and, potentially, a stump grinder or wood chipper. You can rent all of the necessary equipment.

* For adding a deck, choose the decking material you want, and depending on your selection, you might need to pick out sealants and decorative accents. You’ll also need an air compressor for the building process.

Instead of having to shop around for the best price, you can save time and get started right away on your project by going to your local rental store and picking up the tools you need. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest and most comprehensive rental store locator.

You might even be able to talk your friends into helping out with your projects – combine an afternoon of deck building with a barbeque and you might just find more willing helpers than you’d expected. Armed with a little know-how, a little help from friends and the right tools, your “honey-do” list will be a thing of the past. For more information on tool rental, go to www.RentalHQ.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Apex and Greensboro, N.C. — The Triangle’s leader in convenient home delivery of pet food nutrition, The Pet Pantry, has expanded its service area, now providing dog and cat owners in Greensboro, High Point, Thomasville, Lexington and Winston-Salem with direct access to customized home delivery of all-natural, holistic dog and cat foods at dot-com prices.

Pet Pantry delivery vans will be covering 2,773 square miles of the Triad beginning June 1st, adding to the 3,700 square miles the company services in the Triangle through its staff of trained customer service associates.

“Growing demand for the convenience of home delivery is driving this expansion,” Thor Wendland, president of The Pet Pantry, said, adding that his company already delivers to hundreds of Triad customers via UPS.

“Our Triad customers have been asking for home delivery directly from The Pet Pantry, but I did not want to go forward with expansion until I was sure that we could offer the same level of customer service that the Triangle area customers receive,” he said.

“UPS is great, but our drivers go the extra mile of delivering any amount of food, big or small, wherever customers want it – on the front steps, on back decks, or in standalone kennels for the many breeders who use our blends,” Wendland added.

According to Wendland, the explosion of online retailing has helped pet owners realize they no longer needed to leave their homes for arduous, back-breaking trips to get quality holistic dog and cat food. The growing popularity of The Pet Pantry’s website, FeedYourPets.com, has enabled customers to set-up individual profiles, view nutritional information and individual ingredients, and order large or small quantities of The Pet Pantry’s own holistic blends which are less expensive than comparable boutique pet foods available in crowded big box retail stores. Additionally, customers can order any of the well-respected national lines of dog, cat, and small animal food available on the website, including Oxbow Animal Health, Dave’s Pet Food and Pet Naturals of Vermont.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. (CWS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, held a special event May 6th to celebrate their newly established gardening program. The program will provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to learn gardening and plant care job skills.

Launched in March, the program teaches participants how to plant, water, weed and harvest plants, fruits and vegetables. As well as developing practical vocational skills, the program also develops knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating habits. Harvested food will be given to the program participants and other community members in need.
“It’s amazing to see what happens when people put their hearts and souls into a program that relies strictly on donations,” said Julie Griffin, Green Team Coordinator and Community Employment Manager. “The energy and effort from the community, the staff, and the participants will ensure the value and validity of this gardening program.”

CWS’ gardening program is supported solely by donation. Current donors include Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Larry’s Beans, Dynamite Plant Food, Kroger, Black Gold Compost, Pacific Mulch, Grow and Share, Whole Foods, The Cotton Company, Barker’s Hauling, Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment and Ellen Ransom of Ransomshire Building. To make a contribution towards building a raised vegetable bed and herb garden, contact Julie Griffin at jgriffin@communityworkforcesolutions.com

Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

<b>Green power makes lawn and garden care more eco-friendly<br />
</b><img src=’http://www.aracontent.com/images/10195_B2_rgb5.jpg’ align=’right’><br>(ARA) – When the sun shines on a beautiful summer day, it’s easy to gauge how important our yards are. Take a walk around your neighborhood and you’ll likely see a majority of your neighbors out mowing lawns, pulling weeds, cutting flowers and more. And once the work of maintaining the yard is done, it becomes the scene of garden parties, backyard barbeques and games like bocce and croquet.<br />
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The amount of time that we spend in our yards also tells us something about how we value nature and the environment. If you’re taking the time to meticulously care for your lawn and garden, it makes sense to do so in an eco-friendly way.<br />
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When you use green power to care for your lawn and garden, not only will you be watching out for yourself, your family and your pets, you’ll be doing good for the environment by using methods and products that are gentle on the Earth. Plus, you’ll be popular with your neighbors – your yard will be in perfect shape without the annoyances of noisy equipment and harsh fumes.<br />
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Here are some eco-conscious tips to keep in mind as you care for your lawn and garden throughout the summer.<br />
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* Mow with low emissions. The costs of mowing a big lawn with a conventional <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>lawnmower</a> are high, both on your pocketbook and the environment, but it’s a job that needs to be tackled with the help of a mower.<br />
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In the past, using a more environmentally friendly mower would have meant dealing with the cord tangles and tugging that go along with keeping an electric version plugged in or the tedium of pushing a reel mower by hand. Luckily, the Recharge Mower combines the best of both worlds: a full-size, <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>cordless mower</a> with no emissions and which requires no gas or oil because it is electric and fully rechargeable. Because it has hand operated controls rather than confusing gear shifters, it makes lawn care easy. For more information, go to www.rechargemower.com.<br />
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* Use green power instead of gas power. Tackling the other trimming jobs in the garden, other than just mowing, often leads to people pulling out gas-guzzling, oil-burning tools that are so noisy you need to wear protective headphones while using them. They add to the clutter in your garage with environmentally unsound canisters of oil and gas, and turn those fluids to noxious fumes when used.<br />
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Instead of revving up a noisy, harmful engine when it’s time to trim hedges, consider using a rechargeable lithium-ion battery powered tool. They’re cordless, which makes maneuvering between plants easier, plus they recharge quickly and can be stored for long periods of time without losing their charge.<br />
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* Plant organic, grow organic. If, like so many other people, you’re choosing to grow vegetables and fruits in your yard, look for seeds or starters that have been organically produced and grown. By doing that, you’ll be starting out with plants that have a minimum of pesticides and chemicals in them – then it’s up to you to keep the theme going. Choose plant foods and treatments, along with pest repellents, that are organic – look for certification from independent agencies like OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute.<br />
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With the world’s environmental consciousness expanding more and more, it’s easier than ever to find natural, organic and eco-friendly garden and yard solutions. And when you choose to trim your lawn and plants with an <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>environmentally friendly mower</a> or power tools, and use organic plant care, you’ll be giving back to the environment that you value so much.<br />
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Courtesy of ARAcontent<br />
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