Integrated Pest Management on the Farm: An Overview
The industrial standard in agriculture involves heavy use of herbicides and pesticides to meet the bottom line of production. However, over time, it is increasingly apparent that these are not the best modes of control, due to their negative effects on plant nutrition, animals, humans, and the local environment. But this doesn’t mean we should […]
3 Ways to Create Value from Agricultural Waste
When we think about agriculture, we often focus on the end product: cotton for a t-shirt, hay destined to feed animals through the winter, or hamburgers for our summer barbecues. However, after we harvest the desired product, we’re left with agricultural waste like manure and plant debris. Producers often see this waste as an unwanted […]
Silvopasture: Why We Need Trees on Grazing Land
In a world facing climate shifts and higher costs, savvy farmers are rediscovering a long-standing practice. Silvopasture – the intentional integration of trees, forage, and livestock – offers a practical solution in semi-forested areas. Unlike conventional pasture systems that rely solely on grasses and other forage plants, silvopasture creates a three-pronged system that includes trees […]
Reduce Soil Erosion and Water Waste with Contour Planting
Contour planting involves tilling, discing, and otherwise preparing the land in line with its natural slope, then planting crops on this same line. When you look at a topographic map, the rows and/or strips of crops will be parallel to the contour lines. This practice isn’t more difficult than other types of planting, but it helps […]
5 Conservation Buffers that will Transform Your Farmland
Conservation buffers are strips of land, often planted with native perennials, strategically placed among and around row crops. They have the potential to improve farm productivity, protect vital resources, and boost biodiversity. These land accents protect the environment while enhancing your farm’s ability to produce. While different communities have used conservation buffers to filter runoff, reduce […]
9 Prize-Winning Tomatoes to Plant in June
Tomatoes are the stars of summer gardens and farms. Large, juicy heirlooms bring an irreplaceable flavor to BLTs, cherry varieties pop with a tangy sweetness, and paste types bring a solid texture that holds up well when preserved. But when it comes to planting, how do you choose the best variety? The following varieties are […]
3 Trap Crops You Should Plant in June
Summer brings new crops, and that means a different array of pests. Whether you’re growing a field full of tomatoes, an orchard of peaches, or a diverse market garden, pests are likely to affect some of your plants. Rather than spraying your entire field with insecticides or covering your plants for protection, you can implement […]
9 Indispensable Tools for the Small-Scale Farmer
Small farms have a pretty big advantage. They don’t need to ascribe to industrial means of growing. That means less tilling and fewer pesticides. The ability to have a regenerative operation is much easier without agricultural pressures, and the list of required tools is shorter. While giant tractor extensions aren’t really needed on a small farm, […]
Could One of These Viral Farming Hacks Work on Your Land?
Whether you’re a gardener or small-scale farmer, you’ve probably been hit with advertisements, YouTube videos, and word-of-mouth stories about the next best thing to make growing plants easier. Your first instinct may be to dismiss or try out all these farming hacks, but before you sweep them all under the same rug, take a note […]
Get Healthy Soil by Nurturing the Rhizosphere: 5 Pro Tips
On paper, people often say that plants need just a few things to grow well: light, water, and nutrients often top the list. But when you dive into the complexities that exist in living ecosystems, you realize that growing healthy plants involves more than just following a simple equation. One key way to improve soil […]