Farm News | Farm Life News and Articles

December 11, 2020

Best Types of Farms to Start or Operate in Florida

Florida Farm by Numbers

The average small farmer in Florida makes $41,015 (2020). The actual amounts that Florida farmers will typically range from $35,539 to $52,894. Many factors can influence individual earnings.

Obviously, the total number of acres you own on your Florida Farm makes a big difference, but if you plan your business right, it is possible to make a good living from even 1 or 2 acres. It takes a lot of hard work, but it can be done. That said, the average farm size in Florida is 201 acres.

There are 45 million acres under cultivation and 47,000 commercial farms. 5,600 farms have sales that exceed $100,000 (2012). In the years 2002 to 2012, there was a steady decline in the average size of farms in Florida, reducing from 234.1 acres to 195 acres, but by 2020 it had increased again to 2001 acres.

What Agricultural Products are Currently Most Successful?

These are the big crops grown in Florida, with Large acreages of commercially grown plots. Many of these are associated with Florida, but you may be surprised at some of them.

Florida Orange grove

Oranges

Most people associate Florida with orange juice, and indeed, Florida does account for a massive 66% of the USA market. This results in income exceeding $1.5 billion for Florida farmers. In the years 2011 to 2012, orange production was over 146.6 million boxes. The largest orange juice producer in the USA is in Florida. The company King Ranch has over a dozen orange groves across the south of the State with a total acreage of forty thousand acres of oranges.

florida sugar cane

Sugar Cane

The Florida sugar cane crop value is $673 million, which is 49% of the USA market. 14.4 million tons of this crop was produced in 2011. Based in Belle Glade, Florida, the Sugar Cane producers Cooperative, consisting of 45 independent growers, produce more than 350,000 tons of raw sugar each year. That is 75% of Florida’s output.

florida tomatoes

Fresh Market Tomatoes

Back in 2012, Florida growers had a 31% share of the market in the USA. They produced 29,000 acres of fresh-market tomatoes, worth $268 million. Lipman is the largest tomato grower in Florida (a massive presence) who controls 12% of the industry, worth $128 billion.

Florida sweet corn

Sweet Corn

22% of the USA Sweetcorn market is produced in Florida. In 2012 that represented 442,000 acres, which was yielding 165 cwt an acre. Florida is the top producer of sweetcorn in the USA, and 15% of the agricultural acreage is sweetcorn. Consumption of Sweetcorn is going down in the USA.

Florida snap bean

Fresh-Market Snap Beans

The 2012 Snap bean or pole bean crop in Florida was 56% of total USA production and worth $167 million. Most of Florida’s snap bean crop is destined for the fresh market; only a small percentage is processed.

Florida Watermelon

Watermelon

In 2012 Florida was responsible for 27% of the USA watermelon production. That is a segment worth $138 million. This was earned from a total acreage of 25,000 acres. Levy county has the largest acreage of watermelon, followed by Gilchrist county.

What are Profitable Plants To Grow in Florida?

We have looked at what the top crops are in Florida and seen how large the state’s agricultural production really is. Many of these markets are dominated by large conglomerates, and breaking into the market may prove difficult for a beginner Florida Farm. For example in Naples, the use of appliances to store crops can be challenging since there are not a lot of appliance stores in Naples Florida. Possibly those big crops like oranges may not be the most profitable ones to farm? It may well be more profitable to look at more niche products, where there is less competition. Here is a list of eight of the most profitable crops to grow on your Florida Farm, some of which do not need large farms.

Florida Bamboo

Bamboo

There are businesses, landscapers that pay a lot of money for bamboo, well over $100 for one potted bamboo plant, and many growers find it hard to keep up with the demand. Bamboo is a crop where you can grow thousands of dollars worth of crop in relatively small acreage, selling the plants in pots. This is a great starter business.

Florida Flowers

Flowers

It is possible to produce a profit from the very first year with Flowers. It is a high-value crop that is quite specialized. There are various products and business models to choose from, and the start-up costs are quite low. You can sell quite well at local Saturday markets.

Florida ginseng

Ginseng

The nickname of Ginseng says it all. Growers often call it green gold. The crop value is contained in the slow-growing roots. It is not a new crop in Asia, but the USA market is growing. You have to wait six years to get fully mature roots, so it is quite a wait before you start to earn; however, many growers will sell partly matured roots to provide an income during that period. A half-acre plot can make as much as $100,000 over six years from selling rootlets, mature roots, and seeds. The crop will only grow in northern Florida.

Florida ground cover

Ground Covers

Ground cover plants are growing in popularity. They are low maintenance for householders and reduce householder’s maintenance costs for their gardens. Growers in Florida can produce Ground Covers with high profits. Growers should earn up to $20 per square foot—an ideal crop for those with less land. The best ground cover crops to choose from would be beach sunflower, ferns, railroad vine, English Ivy, Asiatic Jasmine.

Florida Herbs

Herbs

Florida residents can start a profitable Herb business quite easily. There is a growth in interest for medical herbs like Lavender. Many small nurseries only grow Lavender as the demand is so high for medicinal and culinary herbs. Around 24 commercial growers in Florida undertake commercial herb production. There are less than 500 acres under cultivation. Some are grown under glass, others in fields.

Florida landscaping shrubs and trees

Landscaping Trees and Shrubs

A few years back, in a 37 Florida-based Ornamental plant nurseries study, the average firm had sales of $2.71 million. The state of Florida is the second biggest producer of ornamental shrubs and trees in the USA. Sales have remained fairly consistent over recent years with no substantial growth.

Florida Mushrooms

Mushrooms

For those with little space, commercial mushroom growing can be a way of producing a great return. Oyster mushrooms, for example, can produce 25 lbs per year for each square foot. At $7 a pound, that is $17,000 worth of mushrooms from just 10ftx10ft. Larger plots can obviously prove quite profitable using these figures.

Florida Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental Grasses

Florida Homeowners are using more and more ornamental grasses because they are drought resistant and low maintenance. They can be used for ground covers and to create privacy barriers. Using pots, it is not unrealistic to grow thousands of plants in quite limited space.

A New Opportunity for Your Florida Farm in 2020

Following the 2018 Farm Bill, the Cannabis plant was divided into two varieties, which allowed States to create structures to oversee Hemp’s legal production. Florida took advantage of this and passed the Hemp Bill giving Florida farmers a golden opportunity to capitalize on this new crop.

Hemp is grown in a very similar way to many Florida fruits and vegetables using raised beds and plastic, a method that is not common elsewhere.

The Florida State advisors suggested that your Florida Farm Hemp could be a useful rotational crop that allows diversification for existing growers. It is a product that has high demand in the market.

farming in Florida

Starting with a Florida Farm

Beginning farmers have a variety of different challenges that experience farmers do not have to face. The rising cost of farmland, obtaining starting capital, and the lack of experience and learning, to name just a few.

The Department of Labor says that Small scale farming such as horticulture and organic farming at a local level is the best opportunity for Florida framing entrants to be successful as a start-up. Fewer people are interested in a farming lifestyle than before, and many farmers are approaching retirement. These two factors suggest that there could be more farms available to own or lease.

Getting the right finance for a Florida Farm can be tough. However, some specialist organizations can help. These include Farm Credit Associations of Florida and Farm Service Agency, who may be able to assist.

A recent survey suggested that the average cost of farmland in Florida ranges from $2,700 per acre of unimproved land in the North West of Florida, rising to almost $10,000 per acre for orange groves in central south Florida.

What You Need to Know

No doubt you have ideas in your head about the kind of Florida Farm that you want to own. Still, before you do anything, you should take a peek at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Cooperative Soil Survey to ensure that this is a good idea.

Other information you need to be certain about is
The water source for the farmland. How much water your farm is going to require each year
The topography of the land
What comes with the farm (Land, fences, outbuildings, and any barns).

The Farming Lifestyle

A heartbreaking sight, all too frequently seen in Florida, is that of the small farmer forced to sell-up and move back to the suburban life and a nine-to-five job because they could not make enough to survive. Typically, these are individuals who have not researched the economics of starting a farm adequately. They were in love with what they saw as the lifestyle but were not prepared for the realities. What appears to work in movies is often not profitable in reality. Investigating the right crop, understanding the business, and working longer hours than you are used to, are the reality of starting a farm.

Farm subsidies to the big corporate farms make it hard for small farmers to compete. Taxes are spent subsidizing these big producers (your competitors), who operate in a very different way to the small farmer. As a small farmer, you will be working hard, harder than you have ever worked before, and this will leave little time for business planning and marketing plans.

How to Make a Success of a Small Farm in Florida

You need to research your market, what the true expenses of running a farm will be, and most of all, check out the State and local regulations that could impact your business.

Regulations for selling raw milk
Regulations regarding the storage of farm fresh eggs
Property Codes
Do you need a license or certification?
If the public will visit the farm, what about restrooms and accessibility ramps, etc
Regulations about the distance from animal housing to neighboring residential properties

The paperwork involved in starting a business can be enormous, but do not be tempted to leave it. That can prove very expensive later. Make a business plan as you would for any other business, work out the steps required to reach your goals.

Considering one of your family continuing with their job while you start the farm. This extra income will help with the transition to full-time family farming.

Perhaps my main suggestion would be to choose the type of crop you intend to sell carefully. Understand that market. Ideally, have more than one crop so that if something goes wrong, you do not lose all your income. Look at the list of profitable crops I have supplied and investigate each one.

Final Thoughts

You CAN make a good living if you plan your Florida Farm and do things one step at a time, choosing the right crops and spending time on business plans and marketing. You have to be able to sell your crops, and that will not happen by itself. Concentrating on high-profit crops that do not attract the attention of the conglomerates, you can succeed.

Rural lifestyles are very appealing, and there is no reason you can not enjoy that life; it is better to start small, maybe part-time, with one partner working and build your business than taking a giant leap into the unknown. Get one small agricultural enterprise working, and then you can expand or diversify one step at a time.

November 30, 2020

Why Fire Protection Engineering is Important for a Farm

fire on a farm

Fire can break out at any time anywhere. It may be due to natural reasons and sometimes, due to the carelessness of humans. It is essential to have safety measures for fire everywhere.

A few measures like installing a safety alarm, having a fire extinguisher, and an escape plan are great for houses and building apartments. But how about a farm? How to protect it from the fire? And what measures should be taken to protect your farm in case a fire breaks out? We will try to explain all these questions and the technicalities of fire protection engineering and how it works in this article.

What is fire protection engineering?

Fire protection engineering also known as fire safety engineering in the US works on those principles of science and technology that protects the environment, buildings, people and their properties from the chaotic and destructive effects of fire.

The engineering pays special attention to how to make the environment disoriented during the fire break out. It includes different techniques to protect everything like using fire suppressions systems, smoke barriers etc. It is not limited to the evacuation of a fire. Fire protection engineering also focuses on fire detection systems and suppression using different techniques.

The other important aspects on which fire protection engineering focuses on are:

Fire prevention techniques in which buildings and other structures are created, with such layout and space planning that prevents fire break out.

Establishing escaping structures like lifts, exits, etc.

Wildfire management

Active and passive fire protection

Fire detection systems; like fire alarms, and brigade calling systems.

Evaluating human behaviour during fire break out and tricks to calm the situation

Risk analysis, fire modeling, and fire dynamics.

Behind every form of fire safety and prevention is an engineer, from sprinkler systems and search-and-rescue devices, to fire prevention systems and the special uniforms firefighters wear. Innovative engineering solutions drive fire protection technology. Fire protection researchers evaluate the fire fulfillment of materials of products and systems.

Researchers conduct tests for a wide range of purposes including material flammability investigation support, product research and development as well as to measure the performance of sprinklers. Automatic sprinkler systems are an important tool in combating fires.

The technology behind sprinkler systems has evolved significantly, and fire protection engineering has kept pace. FM Global, a leader in insurance and fire protection helps ensure that the sprinkler system components undergo rigorous testing for conformance with a variety of installation and approval standards.

Why is it important to protect farms from a fire?

A farm is a place with many organic materials, these organic materials generate gases that can be a cause of fire break out on your farm. It is important to keep a special check on what is going on on your farm. Several activities like smoking and uncovered electricity equipment increase the chance of fire break out in your farm.

Once a fire breaks out in your farm, you can suffer from a great loss. You might lose livestock in case of poultry farm, your property, crops in case of crop farm. This loss will result in your downtime, which God knows how elongated this period could be.

In order to prevent yourself from such devastating situations, it is important to have fire preventive measures on your farm. This is where fire protection engineering set foot in. Using modern scientific and technological techniques, you can prevent your farm from great defacement.

barn caught fire

Fire preventive measures for your farm

Besides proper engineering techniques to prevent your farm from fire, you should also pay heed to some significant safety measures. Some of them are:

Ventilation:

In case of a packed livestock farm, make sure the building is properly ventilated. There should be enough windows and a passage for airflow. The formation of byproducts like hazardous vapors can be the cause of fire breakout. It is, therefore, necessary to have a proper ventilation system so that these byproducts will pass out with the airflow.

Place fuel outside:

Make sure to keep the fuel and other combustible materials outside the farm. Another important thing to consider is to refuel the engines and motors outside the farm. Fueling and other flammable materials should be placed way too far from the farm.

Keep fire extinguishers:

It is important to keep a fire extinguisher on the farm. They are important in combating small fires. Not only in the farm, keep one in the car, in the building, in the storage areas especially near electrical equipment. The employees on your farm should be well aware of how to use them.

Never permit smoking

Make sure your farm is entirely smoke-free. There should be no one smoking inside or outside the farm. Never allow smoking close to flammable materials and even storage areas. The potting soil is quick in catching fire when dry.

Field burning

In the case of field burning, make sure you are far from places with electrical equipment and combustible materials. Be sure to have proper safety precautions and permission from the fire department. Also, you should make sure not to burn anything on windy days. The chance of fire spread is higher on such windy days. Be sure to keep fire fighting equipment and water nearby in case of an emergency.

Inspection of electrical equipment

Keep a proper check on electrical wires. Make sure they are properly enclosed in PVC pipes. Keep a check on such electrical equipment often to prevent your farm from any sort of destruction.

How Fire protection engineering protects farms from a fire?

Since fire protection engineering focuses on developing buildings and structures that have space planning and layout such that it prevents the spread of fire, therefore, it is helpful to consult fire protection engineers before making a building on your farm. They will help you in installing fire alarm systems in the right places.

Also, they will help you build escaping areas like exit lifts and emergency exits at adequate places. Installation of fire extinguishers at proper places is their thing to consider.

farm caught on fire

In case of fire break out at a farm

The first and foremost thing is to keep calm. The situation is usually not devastating, but human behaviour worsens the situation. While the fire breaks out, you need to act quickly. Whatever you are going to do, be quick about it.

Although the presence of a fire alarm alerts everyone. In case there is no fire alarm, start shouting and alert everyone. Make sure everyone on the farm knows about it. This way, more people will be there to collaborate for combat with the fire.

It is better if there is already a plan for such situations. It is a great practice to have fire combating rehearsals beforehand. Usually, fire combating rehearsals are practiced twice a year to prepare the staff for such situations.

Never look for your belongings while escaping in such situations. Not even your pets. While escaping, crawling is the best option as the smoke is clearer near the floor. Make sure to open the doors which need to be opened. Opening any extra door will result in the spread of fire.

Also, do not open the door if it is hot. Hot door indicates that the fire is on the other side of the door. If possible, try to close the open windows and doors. This way spread of fire can be restricted to some extent.

In the case of a person catching fire, let the person lay down on the ground immediately. Fire burns in an upward direction. Laying on the floor will reduce the chance of fire reaching the person’s face and head. In such a situation, try to cover the person with thick and heavy materials like a blanket or a coat. Heavy materials block the supply of oxygen thus, reducing the fire.

There is nothing wrong if we say that farm owners and employees sometimes need to stay on the farm the whole night. If the fire breaks out at night while everyone is asleep, a fire alarm will alert you in this case. But for some precautions, you can put the towels along with the door so that smoke doesn’t enter the room.

A lot of smoke can cause suffocation and ultimately death of people. If you are stuck in a room, try to remain close to the window and open it. As soon as the fire protection team will arrive, they will see you and taking you out of the place will be their priority.

Right after observing your situation and knowing you are in a safe place, call 911. This is an emergency call number which is free. They will ask for your address. Speak out clearly and accurately. Let them know if there is something very serious, like a person trapped in a room, they should consider.

Don’t go back to the building at any cost. Neither to pick your belongings nor to save any person. Let the firefighters know about it. They will handle the situation in their own way.

firefighters at a farm

The arrival of firefighters

After you have called a firefighter team, they will reach you in no time. Now, you must not panic the situation, stay calm, and let the professionals do their task.

Firefighters are trained for their work. They know where to start their work and where to end. Let them know clearly about where a person is stuck, the exact location. They will make way.

The next step they will take is, checking the heat on the door. This can be done by spraying some water on the door. If the surface hisses, it indicates that the surface is extremely hot.

Various methods are adopted for combating the fire. The goal is to cool down the fire. One common practice is using water. The water lowers the supply of oxygen, thus helps fight with the fire. Removing the fuel or using a foam, as in fire extinguishers, is another method of combating with the fire.

fire prevention for a farm

How fire protection engineers work

Fire protection engineers have the skills to cope with a particular fire situation by recommending fire-resistant materials. They work closely with architects and engineers to install fire prevention and detection systems so that fire can be prevented.

They conduct various tests and see performance to conclude whether fire protection is fully functional or not.

They make sure to conduct fire drills and rehearsals which are practiced in case of a fire breakout.

They pay a visit to different buildings and structures to see if the fire prevention systems have been installed correctly or not. Also to see whether the system is functional or not.

They have to visit the places where fires have been broken out. They will assess the situation and are responsible for concluding, how the fire broke out, what preventive measures were taken and what process was used to fight the situation.

They are responsible for providing locations for emergency exits and other preventive mechanical systems during construction.

Checking the material in a factory or a farm, and then advising the type of fire preventive system they should use is their duty.

They ensure that life-saving equipment is available at places where hazardous chemicals, hazardous materials and radioactive materials are present.

Fire protection engineering works in different departments like aerospace, environmental, and medical departments. Basically, their task is to ensure the protection against fire. They look if the health and safety equipment is functional or not. They are also responsible for training the staff for any emergencies.

A fire protection engineer requires a bachelor’s degree to be able to perform all the aforementioned tasks.

In conclusion

Whether you have a packed farm or an open farm, it is necessary to have all the preventive measures against any type of disaster. Fire prevention measures should be your priority among them all. Due to the presence of various hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials at some farms, the chance of fire breakout is higher than any other disaster.

It is necessary to hire a fire protection engineer while building storage areas or any other structure near a farm. They will help you construct the building with all the safety measures and emergency exits at the right places. Not only at farms, but we cannot also deny the importance of fire protection engineers at any other department.

November 23, 2020

Why should a California Farm Hire a Personal Business Consulting Company?

Overview

The search for a business opportunity is one of the most life-changing commitments in one’s life. A business opportunity can be a one time engagement, but another will warrant a commitment for a number of years. As a matter of fact, some businesses have lasted generations. Having stated that, you need to be careful when making the decision to start a farm. Make sure that you measure the farm variables and assess the possible return on investment and the probability of success. In short, you cannot afford making a mistake in this.

This article presents farming in California as an ideal business opportunity and examines the important role of a personal business consulting company in such an endeavor.

The Scope of Farm Business in California

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), states that California receives 13 % of the total value of the American nation. Therefore, if you have not yet started farming, think about California as an ideal place of farming activities. At the same time, if you are already farming in California, think about diversifying and the benefits that come with it in both the short-run and the long-run.

The farming activities that you can carry out in California include the following: dairy products, almonds, grapes, strawberries, calves, lettuces, tomatoes, and walnuts. The most important export in California is almonds. The majority of almonds are exported to other countries including China, India, and the European Union.

90 % of the avocados that are consumed in the US are grown in California. The state grows a variety that is known as hass.

With more research and development, there will be more agricultural opportunities in California. You need to be on the lookout, and be on the lookout for more results. Moreover, you need to keep in touch with the peers in the farming business in order to learn about the latest trends and the latest opportunities.

Rather than taking many products to deal with, it is best if you considered taking one product, and specialize. Specializing will help you to benefit from the economies of scale. Moreover, dealing with one product is going to help you in acquiring the right skills and experience that will play a critical role in showcasing your expertise. In addition to that, you are going to negotiate from a significant share of the market. You never know, you could be a supplier of a certain product of a major supermarket chain in California.

farming in california

Why You Should Farm in California

You can choose farming in any part of the US except in the parts which are very harsh for agriculture. In addition to that, you could leave the country to start farming. Asia and Africa tend to be ideal destinations for this due to the vast land and affordable labor. However, California offers a number of benefits when it comes to farming and you should definitely consider it.

It is true that farming requires vast land. Land in California is expensive, whether upfront buying or leasing. However, the trends in innovation have made it easier to farm with less land. For example, dairy farming on less land has become more possible as farmers exploit the benefits of technology and innovation. In addition to that, habits such as recycling help farmers with less land to compensate for their deficiency.

California has a high population, and has a high purchasing power. There state hosts different people from all over the US and globally. Some of the industries have performed excellently in the state, the entertainment industry for instance. The government of California has a good relationship with foreign business people who make bulk orders from the state due to the incentives that they get.

By choosing to work in farming in California, you will have to employ other people. Therefore, you will feel better as a citizen or as a resident that you are helping the country manage the problem of unemployment. It is a good feeling when you find that you are helping others to earn an income, and a legitimate income for that matter. When one helps other people to achieve their objectives, it is a fulfilling thing.

Farmers are the soldiers on the ground who are fighting to mitigate the effects of climate change and its far reaching implications to global societies. By choosing sound agricultural practices, you are going to be at the forefront of combating the impact of climate change. You will also be the voice of the voiceless when it comes to the impact of climate change and how it affected societies in the US and beyond.

california farming

Why should a California Farm hire a Personal Business Consulting Company?

The most pronounced benefit of hiring a personal business consultant is the need to get expertise from the professionals. Such professionals are going to guide you on the best farming methodology. The advice that you are going to be given by the professionals includes and not limited to the following:

-The best products to farm in your farm

-The soil types and how they will affect your crops

-The crops that that you should not try

-Environmental factors that could affect you

As a farming business, you might require seeking funding in California or nationally. Starting a farming business in California requires significant capital. This is because of a number of systemic factors on the ground. For example, the difficulty in getting farm laborers will warrant mechanization. At the same time, limited land will mean that you use the available land in an optimal way.

All those factors will require the use of capital, and by extension, seeking funding. There are various funding opportunities that are available in the country in general and the state in particular. However, navigating around the process of seeking funding is not easy, and one will need to be very aggressive. A business consultant can make that process easier. Topics of discussion include where to get funding and the best way of spreading out the repayment plan.

It is a requirement that every business operating within the US meets a certain set of business permits and licenses. Most of the licensing and documentation is done in order to protect the consumer. Again, you will realize that a certain business requires that one has a license or a permit. Failure to meet the legal requirements could doom your business.

A personal business consulting company is well-versed on the licenses and permits required in California. He or she understands the little things that matter in the process of such documentation, and how important they are in the business process. For example, if you want to start a winery, you need to visit the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. As you can see, you will need to be conversant with some terminology. Do not struggle with this alone, just seek the help of a personal business consulting company.

Feasibility studies are an important component of farming. While you may assume that the type of soil in your land is ideal for a certain product, you are not sure. It is best if you hired a personal business consulting company in order to help you answer such critical questions. The decision to do a feasibility study is going to help you avoid making costly mistakes. At the stage of feasibility, you can identify a difficult problem, and ensure that it is solved.

California faces a set of challenges that will warrant the need of a consultant who should give the relevant information beforehand. It is a very warm state, unlike most of the parts of the US. This can come with some challenges such as heat and drought. This reduces the harvest over time, and can be very detrimental to the harvest.

Similarly, fires are a common phenomenon in California. For example, Napa Valley could as well be termed as a fire region. In early 2020, farmers in California accepted the harsh reality that they could be dealing with many cases of fire. One of the lightning fires destroyed 360, 000 acres of farm produce. The wine industry is the most affected among all other crops.

There have been many instances of agricultural theft in California. Most of the cases of theft involve the theft of almonds, pecans, and cashews. These cases started from the year 2013 and have continued since then.

So, where does a business consultant come in? Hiring a California business consulting will help you to identify the possible avenues for the destruction of crops. A business consultant will guide you on the most effective ways of preparing for a predicament that would affect the crops. Such a predicament includes fire and theft. In addition to that, a consultant can guide you on the need for insurance, and what the insurance can cover in such a case. Moreover, in the case you face destruction of crops, the consultant will guide you on the most viable and sustainable ways of recovery.

California Business Advisor

How to Choose a Personal Business Consulting Farming Company

The first thing that you should have a look at is the qualification of a case manager (if you are assigned one). If you are dealing with a big firm, ask that you deal with just a few people. Thereby, you are going to be able to monitor the academic qualification of the professionals that you are going to deal with.

It is critical that you leverage the vast experience that comes with a business consulting company. Therefore, you need a company that has accumulated vast experience, not just in farming, but in the area that you are dealing with. Remember, farming too requires that you come up with a niche. This will help you appreciate specialization.

It is vital that you connect with your business consultant. Evaluate his or her social skills, and be sure that he is going to be of help to you. Remember that you might need to relate with him for a number of years, and the more you connect with him, the better it is for both of you.

Your consultant should be tech-savvy. Your farm could be located in a rural area which is not easily accessible. In such a situation, you may need to ask a quick question. Therefore, think about the possibility that the consultant can make a video call instead of requiring you to travel to his office.

Check for the rating of the personal business consulting company. You can get this through perusing the internet and coming up with an informed assessment of what others think about your company. Other customers will comment on the experience they had with dealing with a certain business consultant. When you read such comments, you are going to make an informed decision on whether to engage with the company or not.

A business consultant is going to facilitate the change that matters and play a critical role in making transformational impact on farming. Such a professional is going to help you in the optimization of yields and help you avoid negative disruptions that come to affect the farming process.

A personal business consulting company brings in multi-disciplinary expertise and innovative thinking. What is most important is the ability to enhance efficiency in a competitive way. The farming business is faced by uncertainty and possible future problems. If you hire a business consulting farm, he or she is going to predict such uncertainty and help you cope up with it with competence.

Conclusion

You need to think about a business opportunity which will bring you a steady income, one which will be viable and sustainable. In addition to that, you need to think about preparing for the future market, which will be more competitive.

Choosing a farming business in California will have far reaching benefits in your business world. The most important thing is to identify the right California personal business consulting company. With the right guidance, you are going to realize a high return on investment.

November 2, 2020

What are we Doing in the World to Restore Farmlands to Nature?

Overview

Unfortunately, the US is experiencing a time of constant degradation of land. The problem is that, in most cases, the degradation is deliberate resulting from the action of human beings. Soil erosion is caused by human factors such as cultivation, grazing, and burning. Whereas the current generation is facing many challenges due to the impact of climate change, it is the future generation which has a lot to lose from the same.

Farmers, average Americans, local authorities, and the federal government are in consensus that something must be done in order to address the issue of climate change. At the center of this is the need utilize viable and sustainable practices which are going to restore the farmlands to nature.

This article illuminates the sensitive issue of the degradation of the farmlands and what Americans and the world are doing in order to restore the farmlands to nature.

Sustainable Agriculture

The intensification and expansion of agricultural land has been blamed for the significant environmental change that has been observed in recent years. Farmers and agri-business professionals realize that in order to realize optimal profits, they do not have an option but to embark on large-scale farming. This means that they have to poach for more land, including forested land and any other natural eco-system. The change in land cover (for instance, from a forest to agricultural land), alters the natural habitation of land, interferes with the water supply, and affects the conditions of the soil.

Agriculture has played an important role in sustaining livelihoods. In the US, a lot of young people would rather go to the city, rather than staying in the rural areas in order to farm. It is estimated that the US has 2.6 million farmers. Whereas this is a very small population, there are a lot of jobs which arise from the farming industry and the related industries. Therefore, the US cannot afford to compromise such jobs. There have to be a way of keeping the jobs, and at the same time, restoring the jobs to nature. Africa and Asia has a significant population of farmers. Such farmers are heavily affected by climate change.

Having stated that, the farmlands can, as a matter of fact, be restored to their former status. It is about an ecological restoration to the pre-disturbed state. The ecosystem can be restored in terms of composition, structure, and function. The modern agricultural practices can meet the needs of the current generations without compromising the needs of the future generation. There is a strong possibility of continued production without compromising the quality of the environment.

Planting Trees

Cutting down of tress has an adverse effect on the climate change of a country. When the population cuts down trees, higher levels of carbon are released into the atmosphere. The International Union of the Conservation of Nature has cried foul over the cutting down of trees at the global level. Simply put, forested land is now lost. As far as the food production continues, forested cover is not going to be re-gained easily.

Planting trees has long been used as an effective tool of reclaiming the farmlands. When farmers accept to plant trees in their farms, they will benefit from better climatic conditions. In addition to that, they are going to have a reliable source of timber, fuel, and food. A few types of trees are rare in nature, and provide a medical value to the population. Benefits of planting trees include the following: increased water use, habitat restoration, erosion control, carbon sequestration, bio-energy production, and wood production.

Planting of trees is good for the environment, but it has to be accompanied by discouraging cutting down of trees. If trees are planted, and at the same time, are cut down in massive scale, then it is an act of futility. Even with modern agricultural practices, trees take many years to go. Therefore, planting of trees has to be accompanied by a sustained campaign to discourage cutting down of trees.

Even urban areas are trying to do their part. A Connecticut restaurant company is incorporating modern restaurant design with trees being planted within the restaurant making the restaurant a green initiative.

Combination of Agriculture and Bio-diversity

Most of the Americans hold that it is not possible between agricultural production,. The fact is that it is possible to make a balanced combination between agriculture and biodiversity. The cropping system can be simplified in order to accommodate the needs of the environment. Farmers do not have to see nature as a threat to their economic activities. The two can go hand in hand. It just requires some compromise.

organic farm

Less Use of Chemicals

In many cases, farmers have to use chemicals in order to realize optimal yields. Whereas this is good for agricultural production, it may have a detrimental effect on the climatic conditions. Pesticides and fertilizers, upon finding their way to the sources of water, encourage geometrical growth of algae. This leads to fish kills, and low oxygen up the streams.

The issue of the use of chemicals in the American farms has a historical perspective. Decades ago, the concern of the farmer was how best to increase the yield of the farm without any concern on the watershed. Today, the farmers are more informed about the complex relationship between the environment and agriculture, and want to be pro-active in the restoration of the environment.

Some farmers place a large quantity of fertilizer in fall, stating that it would be ready for agriculture by the time spring comes. Farmers are avoiding such practices now. Today, farmers are sensitive to the possibility of leaching. Today, fertilizer is placed in a way that it would not leach, thereby protecting the environment and at the same time, reaping the best from agriculture.

Farmers are seeking alternative methods rather than the use of fertilizer year after year. The use of bone meal is an ideal alternative to the use of fertilizers. Bone meal is a byproduct of meat processing factories. It is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, and it is not difficult to get. Cottonseed meals can also be used as a fertilizer. However, farmers with very large farms may not find such alternatives viable and sustainable, but they are worth a trial all the same. The farmer can also explore the possibility of natural methods such as the use of manure.

Market Mechanisms

The modern consumer is more informed, and is looking for accountability when making the decision to support business. A consumer is going to ask questions a number of questions concerning the supply value chain. Consumers want to engage with businesses that support sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to that, the consumers are going to shy away from businesses which contribute to the degradation of the environment. When the consumers demand accountability, then the environment is going to be improved.

Businesses should support the initiatives on managing the farmlands, and the restoration thereon. This can be done through various methods, corporate social responsibility for instance. This can be done as a one-time donation, or a long-term program.

modern agricultural practices

Seeking Help and Giving Help

Individual farmers can invite the experts on the decision to be more sensitive to their agricultural practices. The good news is that the help is now more available. As a farmer, all you need to write down the resources that you need in order to create a sustainable ecosystem, and make some phone calls to people who can assist you. Another alternative is to create a formal proposal and apply for funding.

However, as you make your plans and little efforts for restoring farmlands, note that some states are going to have some forms of restrictions on what you can do, much as it is your farm. Therefore, it is critical that you operate within the law in order to avoid problems in the future. Also, bear in mind that some of your projects you might undertake might impact others, in both the positive or negative way. Therefore, consult widely before taking any action. For example, a watershed coordinator can help you assess how your farming practices are going to affect others.

You need to consider in participating in community activities which help in managing the environment. Remember, if you take care of land, then the land is going to take care of you and the future generation. Organizations such as the Green Belt Movement do roll out tree planting opportunities, and play a critical role in mobilizing the community.

Many people think that philanthropy is for the highly successful people, and that, philanthropy is all about money. You can give a lot of money if you are willing and you are able. But otherwise, think about changing the world in small ways. Participate in advocacy and give your time. If you are an expert in land restoration, write a letter to your governor stating what you think about the direction that the environmental policy is taking.

The Importance of Policy

Farmers are not going to manage to restore the farmlands alone; they must be supported by the right policy. For example, activities in agro-forestry are tossed around between different state organs, making it difficult to have a streamlined course of action. Important decisions are going to be made in a streamlined environment where roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.

It should be noted that measures that help in managing climate change require a lot of funding. In such a case then, private citizens and local authorities may not afford such funding requirements due to the restriction in capital.

During the formulation of policy, stakeholders must be sure to seek the opinion of the people on the ground. These are the best to contribute to policy because of the first-hand knowledge that they have. If a team is preparing policy on a certain issue, it can, for example, consult the following:

-A local farmer

-A consumer who is located in the neighborhood

-A lecturer in agriculture

-A teacher in agriculture

-A student of agriculture

-People living near a water-catchment area

-People who have been affected by flooding

-Wildlife staff

American policy makers should learn a lesson from India which is done a commendable job in addressing the various challenges involving land degradation, and consequently, climate change. In September, 2019, Prime Minister Narendera Modi stated that the country would raise the quantity of land which is going to be rehabilitated, from 21 million hectares to an impressive 26 million hectares. This ambitious initiative would be carried out between 2019 and 2030.

The Bonn Challenge is a global initiative where global leaders committed themselves to the restoration of 150 million hectares by 2020, and 350 million hectares by the year 2030. Even though such a challenge is not easy to achieve, it gives the countries the necessary impetus. In addition to that, such campaigns are very important in ensuring that there is sensitivity and awareness on the issue of farmlands and the need for their restoration.

destruction of farmland

The Importance of Measurement

The government has to invest more in measuring the impact of the destruction of farmlands, and how such a phenomenon contributes to better climatic conditions. In particular, there should be measurement of land degradation in a well informed and systematic way. Stakeholders have to invest more in understanding carbon levels and soil health.

Again, such data and information should be portrayed to the average American in a way that he or she can understand. The right strategy in the dissemination of information plays a critical role in ensuring that the population is pro-active and takes part in bring the much needed change. Optimal measurement practices contribute to the making of sound policy.

Conclusion

Americans should make a renewed commitment to the issue of restoring farmlands. This is good for both the present and the future generation. The restoration of farmlands should be a concerted effort between the farmers, the citizens, the local authorities, and the federal government. This is not going to take a short time, and it will require that the Americans are patient in order to observe results. Overall, restoration of the farmlands plays a critical role in managing climate change.

September 10, 2020

Signs a Rockville, Maryland Farmer Needs to Call a Plumber

plumber in Rockville Maryland

Farming is a very difficult job. Not only is there a lot of things to do, but there is also so much that is not under your control. One such thing is the weather. Depending on the culture you are growing you will need a very specific amount of water. Where rain falls, plumbing is there to help you. But what if the plumbing starts playing tricks on you. One of the most common issues that could screw with a farmer in Rockville MD are issues with water pressure. If you start experiencing issues with water pressure, do not try to fix them yourself and please contact a plumber rockville md.

Here are the biggest signs that your farm in Rockville MD might need to hire a plumber

1 Issues with Water Pressure

2 Water That has Colour

3 Lack of Hot Water

1 Issues with Water Pressure

One of those common issues that everyone thinks that they can fix for themselves. But it’s a fool’s errand. Trying to fix something that could have such wide and complex issues for your plumbing is quite irresponsible. That is why you need a plumber rockville md. They will look at the issue with scrutiny. There are so many reasons why your water pressure might be too weak or too strong. Only a trained, experienced professional can truly fix that issue for you and keep similar things from happening in the future.

Rockville MD Plumber

2 Water That has Colour

Your want to start off your day with a walk and water some of your crops. But, once you let the water run, you notice that the water itself not only has some smell but that it has a sort of brown color. This is one sign that you need a plumber. Not only that, but a plumber is also the only person who can really help you in this situation. If you are experiencing this issue there is something seriously wrong with your pipes. In most cases, the amount of rust inside your pipes is large. The plumber will advise you what pipes to remove and which new pipes need to be installed. In addition to that, he or she will advise you how to maintain your pipes so that does not happen in the future.

Maryland Plumber

3 Lack of Hot Water

Nothing beats a hot shower after a grueling, hard days work. And working as a farmer is one such job. Your work from dusk till dawn, until the last bit of energy has left your body. You sweat out every bit of liquid that was in your aching body. You just want to go back home and revive yourself with a hot shower. But once you get to your Maryland home, you discover something shocking, there is no hot water. You could try and figure it out all by yourself, but that would be a fool’s attempt. Just contact a plumber rockville md. They will help you get to the bottom of things and figure out the real cause of the issue. They will check everything, your fuses, thermostats, pipes, every element of the heater.

July 29, 2020

Why Every Farmer or Farm Owner needs an Accountant

accountant for farmers

Farming isn’t simply concerned with milking cows and planting crops. Farms are businesses and they need accountants. Some farmers deny this claim. They believe that they can survive without financial experts but they are wrong.

Like any business that is designed to earn revenue, farms must maintain accurate records. And those records must be analyzed, interpreted, and then used to make decisions that will affect the future of the farm. That cannot happen without an accountant.

These financial consultants play a variety of roles, and there are several reasons why you should hire one for your farm, including:

1). Legal Requirement

In some regions, farms are required by government agencies, insurance firms, and the like to maintain pristine records of their activities. In other words, if you investigate the matter, you might be shocked to learn that the law expects you to hire an accountant. This is the only way to produce and maintain detailed records of your farm’s financial activities.

accounting for a farm

2). Value

Accountants won’t stop at maintaining your records. They will also determine the value of your farm. They will do this by calculating the financial worth of your assets, not to mention your present and future earnings. This will benefit farmers that might want to sell their farm in the future. It will also help farmers that want to settle matters of inheritance.

3). Performance

An accountant will allow a farmer to measure the performance of their farm. By looking at the farm’s earnings, expenses, and liabilities, they will determine whether a farmer is succeeding or failing. They will also identify weaknesses that the farm can plug to enhance its earnings in the future.

4). Planning

Accountants are useful planning tools. They will forecast your farm’s future using past and present successes and failures. These predictions will show you what you can do to improve your farm’s fortunes in the short and long term.

5). Knowledge

Some farmers are convinced that record keeping is a waste of time. However, others are bound to appreciate an accountant’s ability to track their income and expenditure. An accountant can tell you what you are making and spending within a particular period. For example, a North Palm Beach Accountant would know that an orange grove gets special tax deductions. This allows you to take pride in your successes. It also provides data that you can use to budget for the future.

6). Tax

Every business is expected to pay taxes. Farms are no different. Even if you are confident in your ability to file your tax returns, you are better off leaving this task in the hands of an accountant. First of all, they know tax laws and they will ensure that you adhere to every regulation, protecting you from the penalties that businesses suffer whenever they break the law.

More importantly, accountants will show you how you can benefit from tax deductions. They know every loophole that you can use to reduce your taxes. They will show you how to save money. This, in turn, will increase your profits.

Farmers ignore these experts because they do not view farms as businesses. But this mindset is wrong. Farms are no different from traditional corporations. They have business premises and employees, and they earn revenue. And because they are no different from traditional businesses, farms must take advantage of the same financial professionals found in the average company.

July 15, 2020

Why Waterproofing your Farm House is so Important

Although many farmers find it hard to believe, water is a very aggressive agent with building materials. Both the presence of water and humidity can cause degradation of all the elements that make up the farm house’s structure.

In general, the buildings are not exempt from water leaks from the ceiling to the interior of the farm house. These leaks become leaks, cracks, mold, bad smells, bacteria, and even deterioration of our household goods. If not attended to in time, they could represent considerable damage and extra money spent on repairs.

Moisture results in accelerated wear of construction materials and loss of stability in load-bearing walls and foundations, which can be a danger to the farm home’s structural resistance.

The ideal solution is to waterproofing the home to avoid these problems, but what does waterproof consist of?

What does it mean to waterproof a farm house?

Waterproofing is a method of protection for farm houses, against water and other natural phenomena. Keeps ceiling and walls dry, significantly prevents materials from being damaged by moisture. You must consider that with this investment, you guarantee the useful condition of your home and your comfort. Likewise, with waterproofing, you can also protect the entire structure and foundations of the building.

It is essential to carry out this process from the construction stage of our property, since if not, it must be carried out as soon as possible to protect the construction in the future.

According to the damage shown in the house, waterproofing systems can be applied inside or outside it. The most recommended when waterproofing is to hire a specialist; however, some products can be used by ourselves.

exterior waterproofing Bourbonnais, IL

Benefits of investing in waterproofing your home

Waterproofing your home has many benefits, among which the following stand out:

Waterproofing increases the value of the property, as it protects from leaks, structural and electrical damage. Moisture also affects the materials from which our furniture is made. The wood rots and the metals rust, translating into a reduction in its lifetime.

Avoid damage to the home’s internal materials—door lintels, tile disunion, rotting wood, bulging plasterboard, etc. In short, the furniture in our home suffers severe damage. All of them are accumulated consequences over time that can be seen in homes without waterproofing.

A well-made and efficient waterproof work will ensure that moisture leaks never affect buildings’ foundations or basic structures. Thus, it is possible to avoid the consequent deterioration and the dangers it entails.

Protecting the family should never be an option, but a priority. Moisture and mold, in the medium and long term, can cause significant health problems—for example, respiratory infections, asthma problems, allergies, worsening of rheumatism symptoms or bone diseases.

It is much more profitable to provide the house with a correct waterproofing than to have to face the expenses for repairs later. It is cheaper to invest in housing for prevention purposes than to keep it standing by putting patch after patch. Rain and other meteorological phenomena end up affecting houses. If the problems are not tackled in time, the final solution will become more expensive.

Also, waterproof home can protect the home from water and cold or heat from outside. In winter the house will be warmer and in summer colder. This will cause the energy bill to be reduced considerably. With the significant economic savings that this entails

When should you consider waterproofing your home?

Ideally, perform waterproofing work during construction. If you need to hire someone you should do a Google search. For example if you lived in Bourbonnais, Illinois you should do a search for, “Waterproofing Bourbonnais IL.” The architects must take into account the most critical risk factors, protecting with particular zeal the interior. This will ensure that no leakage problems occur.

If it is not waterproofed during construction, it is advisable to carry out the work when the first symptoms of damage are observed. These usually come in the form of permanent stains on the wall or ceiling.

If there is no waterproofing in the home, the tenants’ health and the property itself are at stake. Therefore, it is essential to know the most important advantages of waterproofing the house or the communal building and resort to professionals who can guarantee your home’s best conditions.

To identify problems with the ceiling or walls, you should inspect it in detail. They often do low-quality work covering and improving the facade of the place, but they do not eliminate the main problem. So check the following signs to see if your home requires waterproofing or renovation:

Cracks in the walls.
Humidity stains.
Leaks and leaks.

You must consult with specialists in the area because there are many cases where they do not give them the appropriate solution, so you will end up making repairs repeatedly.

residential waterproofing Bourbonnais, IL

So why is to waterproof your home so important?

Waterproofing is achieved through the combination of materials with which water filtration is avoided. Leaks can appear due to internal causes of buildings such as piping systems or external causes such as heavy rainfall during torrential rains. When leaks occur for any of these reasons, it is when humidity appears.

It is essential to know that the humidity does not appear automatically due to a leak, but can appear on the following days on walls, ceilings or floors.

Many homes do not have waterproofing systems, while others, which do have them, do not fully meet the needs. The poor waterproofing of the properties causes the appearance of damp that pose a habitability problem since they can affect the properties’ structure.

When moisture appears, the most important thing is to be quick and take preventive techniques with which to prevent the passage or leakage of water. The faster you act, the fewer procedures and materials will be needed, and the higher the total savings.

Not waterproofing your home has serious consequences, such as:

Decomposition of wood structures and finishes.
Corrosion of metals reinforcement in concrete, steel beams, lintels, metal door frames, etc.
Swelling of the gypsum boards and disunion of the ceramic tiles.
Electrical hazards that may be caused by a possible short circuit in lighting and plugs.
Paint blisters.
Deterioration of the building’s facade.
Health problems due to humidity, which can lead to respiratory problems.
Decomposition of carpets

Waterproofing is what you need to solve and prevent these problems from happening. Accidents cannot be prevented, but a proper waterproofing must be done before damage occurs, or act immediately once it occurs.

In conclusion, any building needs waterproofing if we want it to maintain its good condition and protect us from moisture. This work guarantees the life of your spaces. However, even if a successful installation is made, its durability depends on the material you choose. It will reach a point where it requires maintenance or a complete renovation to perform its function correctly.

It is always advisable to consult with experts in the construction area to avoid discomfort in the future.