What Crops the State of Washington Produces

Washington Apple Production

Washington State has a diverse geography that creates an endless variety of growing regions – from the moist hillside on the Western part to rolling plains on Eastern Washington. Furthermore, the production facilities are located near rail lines, cold storage facilities, and major transportation corridors. Let’s look at the top Washington Crops that represent a significant portion of the state’s economy.

Potatoes

The combination of mineral-rich alluvial soil and sun gives Washington the perfect conditions to grow potatoes. It’s the third most popular crop that gives Washington a value of over $690 million. It’s estimated that over 80% of the total production is sold to processors who transform them into creamy mashed potatoes, crunch chips, and golden fries.

Unlike other Washington Crops, potatoes are planted in April and mid-august. And depending on the weather conditions, they can take about 90-120 days to harvest. Being a cool-season crop, potatoes thrive in the west of Cascade Mountains – along the Yakima Valley and the Columbia River east of Vancouver.

What makes potatoes one of the most successful Washington crops? Compared to other growing areas in the US, potatoes from this state are nutrient-dense. They have more potassium than bananas and provide more than the daily requirement of vitamin C. In addition to that, potatoes contain trace elements like:

Riboflavin
Thiamin
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Iron
Folate

After the Second World War, the Colombia basin of central Washington became the most productive area for potatoes. It’s now the second nationally state that produces different varieties for commercial purposes and export.

Another reason why potatoes are one of the major Washington crops is the huge economic impact. Currently, this agricultural crop accounts for about $772 million in annual income in the state. You’ll be surprised to learn that 99% of potato farms in the US are family-owned.

Other scholars believe potatoes are the top Washington crops due to the versatility as recipe ingredients. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Not to mention, you can take them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And that’s why they account for a bigger percentage of vegetables recommended for good health.

Wheat

Wheat accounts for about $790 million of Washington’s economy. So, why is it one of the most valuable Washington crops? It’s estimated that about 2.3 million acres are set aside for wheat every year. And because the industry employs thousands of workers, it plays a key role in the growth of the economy.

Since about 90% of wheat is for export, farmers do a lot to ensure a good harvest. For instance, they must protect the crops from pests and diseases.

The eastern side of Washington is known for soft white and club wheat production. Washington is also the home to the low protein wheat commonly used in crackers, cookies, and the making of flatbreads.

Other wheat classes are the red spring (grown on the northern tier of the country) and the hard red winter (grown in the Midwest). The wheat variety is classified as follows:

Club
Soft white
Hard red winter
Hard red spring
Western white

The soft red winter wheat is grown on the eastern part of Mississippi, while the hard white grows on the foothills of Colorado, Nebraska, Idaho, and Kansas. It’s worth mentioning that about 20% of wheat grown in Washington is the hard red spring wheat.

In 2020, Washington recorded a total production of about 165 million bushels. But the yields depend on the time of the year. During winter, the yield per acre is estimated at 76 bushels while the spring season gives about 61 bushels per acre.

Here are a few facts that make wheat one of the top Washington crops:

Once the wheat berries are milled, the other by-products like brans are used as animal feed
A combined harvester can do 1000 bushels per hour
One bushel of wheat can give 48 pounds of floor
About 20% of world calories come from products made from wheat
One acre of wheat can feed a family of four off bread for ten years

Apples

Since 1989, Washington has been producing about 42% of all the apples grown in the US – half of these are grown for fresh consumption. The state boasts of rich fertile soils, plentiful water, arid climates, and advanced growing practices.

The harvesting season begins every August. And the reason why apples are one of the best Washington crops is the unique varieties. Since the apples are handpicked, they maintain quality, not to mention, this prevents bruising. There are no harvest machines.

While there are hundreds of varieties of apples across the United States, eight of them are grown in Washington. And the flavors range from mild to sweet. In terms of texture, you can choose light to a crisp texture.

Washington produces many varieties including:

Fuji
Gala
Golden delicious
Red delicious
Cameo
Pink lady
Jonagold
Braeburn

According to recent statistics, the researchers found that about 12 billion apples are harvested each year. The reason why apples are one of the best Washington crops in the state is low diseases and the absence of pests.

Grapes

Washington grapes account for about $308 million of total GDP. Because the weather is a key factor, it’s no wonder grapes are regarded as one of the top Washington crops that give a massive boost to the economy.

For grapes to thrive in the farmlands, the sun must be adequate. Washington receives about 300 days of sun per year due to the incredibly long days. But in the Southerly wine regions, the growing season is shorter. From a scientific standpoint, the sun helps in photosynthesis and plays a key role in ripening.

Compared to other regions that receive rainy weather in spring and fall, Washington has the highest altitude. Eastern Washington has the highest altitude while the western part experiences some cloudy conditions.

But the main reason why grapes are among the best Washington crops is the fact that vineyards are fungus-free. This means that only a few anti-fungicides are required throughout the growth period. The eastern side of Washington is fungus-free due to the arid climate.

On the other hand, Washington has incredible sources of water as most farmers rely on irrigation. This helps the farmers to manage the grapes by controlling the amount of water that gets into the vineyards. Just like other top Washington crops, the farmers can rely on the Mountain Rivers. Apart from the massive Columbia River on the eastern side of Washington, you’ll find other rivers like the Blue Mountains, Rockies, and cascades.

When growing grapes on a large scale, unity is key. There is an organization that teaches farmers how to increase the quality of grapes. The soil temperature also matters as it influences things like:

The soil texture
Skin color
Flavor compounds
Tannins
Seed color and texture

To ensure balanced sugars and crisp acidity, the day to night temperature variability maters. The cool evenings preserve the acid and add freshness and balance.

Hay

Every time you mention the top Washington crops, hay farming can’t miss on the list. One of the top varieties is Timothy hay. It has high-fiber content that allows for good conditioning of livestock.

Hay thrives well in different climates due to the shallow root system. It also grows well in summer and cool springs. Once hay is harvested, it’s stored in areas with high winds to dry naturally.

Vegetables

The Pacific Northwest soils make Washington a great state for growing a variety of veggies. In higher elevations like the Columbia Basin, the growing season can extend up to 180 days. But the reason why vegetables are the top Washington crops is the varying weather conditions. Because fall and winter months are relatively quiet, veggies thrive well.

Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli are common in many Washington gardens. Most farmers also grow lettuce and salad greens on large scale. They grow well in late spring or early summer before the heat sets in. Other veggies that form part of Washington crops include:

Beets
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Garlic
Kale
Cornsalad
Chicory

Raspberries

Did you know that more than 60% of raspberries in the US come from Washington? Most of them are grown on the Northwest corner of the state with a few varieties just south of the Canadian border.

The top variety that makes raspberries part of the best Washington crops is the red raspberry – which forms about 95% of red raspberry production, which shows amazing leadership coaching.

During the first year of growth, the fruits develop into biennial canes. But after the first year of growth, the cans develop fruit buds. After harvesting, the canes are selected for the next phase of production. Because most varieties are tolerant to diseases, the raspberries come with refined color and texture. Some of the varieties that do well include:

Chilliwack
Cowichan
Willamette
Meeker

The other fact that makes raspberries one of the highly valued Washington crops is the method of harvesting. Berries of a commercial variety are harvested with a machine.

Cherries

Washington State accounts for about 75% of cherry production in the US. In 2017, it produced over 344,000 tons valued at 630 million dollars. The two main varieties are Sour and sweet cherries. On average, a mature cherry tree will produce about 800 cherries.

The sweet cherry varieties are arranged by color: dark red, red, and yellow.

Cherries thrive in fertile soils. And that’s why they are grown in the Yakima Valley and Wenatchee area (both account for more than 21,500 acres). It’s estimated that about a quarter of all the cherries produced are exported and the rest are consumed locally.

Unlike other Washington crops, growing cherries is an all-year-round task. In the spring season, the buds open into flowers that attract bees for pollination. After that, a tiny fruit begins to grow. But during the early stages, it has to be protected from diseases and pests.

After the fruits ripen, they are handpicked. But what makes cherry trees unique is that they can grow up to 50 feet tall. For an acre of land, it can take about 30 people to do the job in one day.

The cost to do the picking per acre is $2400, which accounts for more than 40% of production costs. Since more than 130 million cherries are exported every year, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has zero-tolerance to a fruit fly. During harvesting, they check for the presence of insects in the packing house.

Pears

While there are more than 3000 pear varieties worldwide, a good number is grown in Washington State. The moderately warm summers make the state ideal for pear farming. Another reason why this fruit is one of the best Washington crops is the availability of a ready market.

Also, the pure glacier waters of the Cascade Mountains guarantee the best tasting pears. Some of the best varieties are:

Golden
Granny
Fuji
Red
Honeycrisp
Jonagold
Gala
Braeburn
Cameo
Pink lady

Based on the quality traits, the growing season will depend on the time harvesting begins. For instance, the harvesting of winter pears starts from august to late September. But those Asian varieties thrive well in the summer season.

Onions

Onions are grown by many farmers in Washington on a large scale. They do well in drained fertile soils and those with a high level of organic matter. And because they are shallow-rooted, most farmers plant the vegetable close to water sources. Since onion is a biennial plant, it takes two seasons to go from seed to mature onions.

The onions are harvested before they flower or before the bulb fully develops. And because they respond differently to northern latitudes, you should choose a variety that suits you best.

A key feature that makes onions one of the top Washington crops is the availability of the different varieties – from large Spanish cultivars to small varieties. Most farmers go for green onions because they are practically disease and insect-proof. And even after harvest, you’ll have bulbs for replanting.

Another common variety is the Egyptian. It produces bulbs faster and produces a cluster at the end of the stem.

When planting onions, timing is key. The sets are planted in spring which runs from March to April.

Wrapping it up

The productive soils and diverse climates make Washington one of the productive states in the world. Without a doubt, the above Washington crops account for a significant portion of the state’s economy. On average, agriculture has an economic impact of $49 billion and employs thousands of residents.

March 11, 2021

The Future of Indiana Farming

Future of Indiana Farming

Much of what we eat comes from the different Indiana vegetable crops, lumber products, dairy products, and meats that are produced by the state’s farmers. One of the newest crops that is being adopted in the organization’s cooperative efforts is an advantage tine barns.

Avantage tine barns are constructed using natural resources recycled from old barns in Indiana. They are with outience, energy savings and minimal to no landfill waste. The greenhouses must be heated with electricity, which will allow a natural source of heat to generate electricity instead of using up your HVAC energy getting that extra electricity back to your utility company.

The Advantage Tine Industry is an industry that is growing rapidly, packing quicker and offering lower costs for its products, compared to the older barns, which were heavier, bulkier and always required a cooled-down period and maintenance.The Advantage Tine Industry is growing quickly with high demand for automated, maneuverable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly tractors.

Indy 500 Construction Co. is the builder of choice for investing in Indiana Advantage Tine Conveyors. The company is a professional and well-equipped work force that are adept at the highly demanding task of customizing their products to fit the appropriate needs of the customer and clients. The company has followed sustainable practices for their products, they have a high energy efficiency, recycling mentality, they provide on-site maintenance, and they are considered environmentally friendly.

Indy 500 Construction Co’s office is located in Centennial, Indiana, just across the river from the Serving Brainy State Park and the Brush eagle Unleaded Zone, and next to one of the top Indianapolis architects office. It is just over six miles upon winding roads to the oldBuyert tine farm. Located on one of the most quickly growing American inherit ides areas.

Indy 500 constructed in Indiana is the toughest conductor on the market with its sole type of steel framing and complete insulating panel on the heat side. These materials can withstand wind speeds of up to 85 miles per hour. They also have a low humidity and are naturally impermeable to outside elements. Indy 500 has many such benefits and many more you are sure to come across when you are working these products.

The other area of Indy 500 Construction Co’s expertise is the versatility of the team’s materials, which allows for the construction of a wide range of tractors. Each tractor being able to be manufactured into a high maneuverable weatherproof unit that is durable.

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March 10, 2021

How Howard University in Washington DC is Making Strides in Urban Farming

Howard University and Urban Farming

What is Urban Farming?

The term urban farming or urban agriculture refers to all forms of production in agriculture which takes place in cities, or around cities. The National Agricultural Library states that urban farmers have exploited the power of technology leading to innovative products that help feed the urban residents. The library adds that urban farming policy making is viewed as a larger component of the local food system.

Contrary to what many people think, urban farming is not a new phenomenon. The American Society of Landscape Architects states that in around 3500 BC, the people of Mesopotamia would have plots in their growing towns and cities. 1500 years later, the residents of the towns of Persia would use aqueducts and mountain water in order to grow food. The narrative about urban farming has continued to be relevant down the years albeit in different forms.

Today, urban farming is growing in popularity in order to help the social, economic, and environmental needs of urban residents. As a matter of fact, urban farming has been seen as a matter of environmental advocacy as well as social justice.

Urban farming takes various forms, and these include the following:

-Urban gardens and farms on the ground

– aquaponic indoor production and hydroponic

-Farming on the rooftops

-Nursery business as well as landscaping

-Urban livestock

-Vacant lots

-Parks

Notable Statistics and Trends

Matei Georgescu, a professor of Arizona State University, together with other researchers, stated that urban farming, if well implemented, could lead to 180 million metric tons of food every year. The study encouraged urban farmers to renew their commitment to urban farming.

There are a number of countries which have done very well when it comes to urban farming. These include the following 5 which are regarded as one of the best in urban farming:

Argentina: The municipal council of Rosario, Santa Fe started an urban farming initiative which aimed at establishing community gardens. This was a watershed moment for the people of Rosario who were recovering from an economic and social crisis which took place in 2001. The initiative has seen small farms popping up including in areas with garbage. With the example set by Rosario, it is hoped, the rest of the country will follow suit and set up such farms.

Seoul, South Korea: If there is a city which is experiencing a shrinking space, and a growing population, then that city is Seoul. The city has a population of about 10 million people. Feeding such a big population in a healthy way can be a daunting task. Seoul residents grow crops in tiny spaces, in the rooftops, and in balconies. This initiative has the blessings of the Agriculture ministry which wants to convert unused spaces and unused buildings into gardens. Seoul is particularly good in vertical gardening.

Netherlands: Netherlands is a country with limited technology but exploits the power of technology in urban farming. A lot of urban farming is done indoors including the growth of strawberries and cucumbers. For instance, a company known as RotterZwam does mushroom farming in Rotterdam. Dutch Minister of Agriculture accepts that urban agriculture cannot feed the country but can help in establishing the connection between the urban residents and planet earth. In addition to that, Netherlands is known for its social action and affirmative action. For instance, the disabled and the mentally challenged people are given an opportunity to take part in farming together with the others.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced the scars of political instability and war for many years and the country is, ideally, in recovery. Therefore, getting reliable food is a matter of survival. In Sarajevo, urban farming is not spearheaded by the government. Rather, it is the initiative of NGOs, the Seeds of Peace for instance. The farming of pepper, onions, and carrots in urban areas brings people together and enhances a sense of unity. However, Sarajevo needs more help in realizing this objective and at least 2000 applicants are on the waiting list seeking urban farming opportunities.

Ghana: Accra, Ghana is at the forefront in having permaculture principles to practice. Urban farming in Accra plays a critical role in improving the socio-economic situation of the people, and at the same time, it plays an important role in improving the environment. Urban farming closes the gap between the lower class and the middle class as there is interaction between the two in selling of the food produced.

Rationale in Urban Farming

To state the obvious, food is essential in the day to day life. The problem, then, becomes how to feed a growing American population in a consistent and healthy way. Whereas some have advocated for allowing food imports in order to provide the US with food, importing has its challenges and weaknesses.

Importing food means, most likely, that one is going to use air transport. This is because most of the foods are perishable. Air transport is an expensive means of transport, and it has space limitations. Again, importing food means that the US is going to rely on other country for one thing or the other, and there is a possibility of disruption of the global supply chain.

Residents as well as policy makers have seen the need to implement policies which will lead to feeding the population in a healthy and sustainable way. It should be noted that engaging in urban farming could also be a creative way of spending free time, and engaging in group activities. Some state that urban farming can be a good way of landscaping and for the aesthetics of the environment.

However, if one is to do urban farming, one should be ready to face some challenges. For instance, the cost of land is very high in the urban areas. Again, most of the government services and technical assistance is geared towards the rural areas. This is because of the wrong assumption that farmers can only live in the rural areas. Most of the urban places live in isolation and rarely engage in communal activities. In engaging in urban farming, there is enhancement of communal activities. It should be noted that farm labor is scarce in urban areas, and it could be more expensive.

There are many economic benefits of urban farming. Unfortunately, the rate of inflation is so high that urban residents look for any way through which they can reduce the day to day expenses. Some urban farmers are so successful that they produce enough for their family, and they are able to earn a steady income from the same. Other urban farmers have gone online in order to document what they do, and they use this information in order to educate others who have the same aspirations. Others have viewed their urban farming projects as entrepreneurship incubators where they learn from experience about agri-business.

Urban farming carries the benefits of what is termed as eco-system services. These include reducing the heat-island effect. The US Environmental Protection Agency defines heat islands as urban areas, which, due to a plethora of factors, experience higher temperatures than other areas. This is because urban structures, roads and buildings for instance, emit more heat than natural landscapes.

Howard University and Urban Farming

In the US, individuals, municipalities, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations have appreciated the importance of urban farming ventures. Howard University is one of such entities which have seen how impactful urban farming can be. Their Zeta phi beta chapter led the way in Urban Farming. If you ever visit their campus be sure to see the impact they made and their chapter house where every member is carrying a Zeta phi beta purse. Indeed, an institution of higher learning is not supposed to be limited to theory, but rather, there should be a nexus between theory and practice.

Howard University Organic Farm

Howard University holds that its organic farm should be an educational opportunity on what sustainable business means, and how it can be of help to the university and the community at large. The university has stated its intention in providing the Howard community with healthy and nutritious food that is going to improve their health and life.

There are several core values that guide the Howard University urban farming initiative. To start with, Howard University aims at excellence in its farming project in order to stand out among the others. This is done through following the best practices in urban farming. Second, the university aims at providing leadership in the field of urban farming. This is through leading by example and showing the others the way.

Third, the university desires to provide excellence to the community. Fourth, Howard University presents data and information in truth and in reality in order to avoid miss-leading the stakeholders. Lastly, in the theme of sustainability, the university wants to do urban farming over time, in order to meet the needs of the generations.

Howard University has presented its mission in urban farming. The university is keen to achieve financial and agricultural autonomy. It aims at reducing the carbon print in the university and therefore contributes to the day to day environmental efforts of saving the planet. This is a concrete response to the problem of climate change in the world.

The university desires to provide courses in sciences and practice, on top of the arts courses. Again, working in the field breaks monotony in the classroom. It should be noted that the Howard University urban farming is a zero waste initiative making the project more valuable to the university as well as the greater community.

Challenges to Urban Farming

There are various challenges to urban farming. Perhaps, the most conspicuous one is that urban land is very expensive. This can be a major drawback to the ability to practice urban farming. As a matter of fact, some of the parts of the cities in the US could be categorized as saturated when it comes to any expansion.

If you are a tenant, you may find that you cannot make any decision without the consent and the approval of the landlord. In some cases, landlords have refused permission to take part in such activities fearing possible threats to their property.

Howard University should understand that theft and vandalism can have a deep impact on urban farming. This can be a major threat more so when it comes to embarking on a major urban farming project.

Thus, it is imperative that urban farmers are able to use the available space in the maximum way possible. In addition to that, if you are an urban farmer, you should be prepared to work with the technical assistance which is available in the city, which may not be much.

Towards the Future

Washington DC has some place left for community gardens, and it is important that the community starts taking advantage of such rare opportunities. This can be done by utilizing every space available. The government should support the initiatives of the residents in achieving their endeavours.

There is a need for more research and development when it comes to urban farming and its significance to the day to day lives of Americans. Research and development will help the policy makers to gain more insight on the best way of benefiting from urban farming. It will also give the community an opportunity to learn through disseminated data and information.

Howard University itself can still magnify its urban farming program in order to accommodate more people and help in meeting the needs of the community. The university has already made great strides in urban farming, and it is just a matter of modification and improvement in order to realize optimal outcomes in both the short term and the long term.

Conclusion

There is little chance that urban agriculture will ever feed the world, and the experts accept this as much. But the natural settings of the urban areas can be drastically improved, and there is a lot of potential that comes with urban farming. It is therefore important that Americans are informed about the importance of urban farming and benefit from urban farming. Overall, urban farming plays a critical role in the management of the environment, feeding families, and earning a steady income.

March 5, 2021

Oregon Farming – The Next Big Thing

Oregon Agrigulture

Oregon has one of the highest proportion of farm family members over 55 in the United States, with about 49 percent of Oregon’s farmers being farms’ family members ages 65 and older. Oregon became one of 16 states with overall ownership transparency for agriculture after the passage of the USDA’s 2012 Farm Family Action Plan. This means the nonprofit group Farm Family Action Plan, led by the State University of New York’s Center of Urban Farming and Marketing, offers farmers and ranchers statewide a platform to share data and information about their operations.

Oregon is the state full of the California Fair Trade Law, and it supports the network of 20,000 Certified Organic farms across the state along with the several thousand statewide Sustainable Food Systems Organics providers that correspond with the organization’s mission. Oregonians who become certified products producers and/ or noncertified products producers can earn a certificate redeemable at local farmers markets and try local food without worrying about buying real food both at the shops and at the farm. In this way, Oregon farmers can compete with new, local, largely organic suppliers while helping the environment.

According to the USDA, Oregon ranks sixth of states for the ability to produce locally, trailing only Iowa, Arizona, Washington, Colorado and Nebraska. An important challenge for Oregon’s solid economic health as a state is whether or not to support legislation as proposed by Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek that would redefine “production” to include not just gathering or harvesting but also labor. It is certain Oregon farmers want their practices to be counted once again with minimums such as the while reading opposite to the activities developed by the city of Portland, Oregon (an urban setting with a much larger proportion of residents older than 65 than metropolitan areas such as Portland and Seattle, Oregon’s other major city). It is possible that a comprehensive taxonomy of wages will yield more sophisticated information about the detailed “production” of people to hopefully elevate the state’s position as one of the strongest cities for agriculture in the nation. Basic statistics like entire counties by year and the number of self-employed are a valuable tool for assessing farm economic health and covering athletic fields so the next crop of U.S. Cup rowing crew members train by the pond instead of a large asphalt cement track next to a sewage septic tank.

Golden Gate Farms in Hood River, Oregon has been a resounding success in creating jobs over the last decade as well as smaller businesses in the local area. There are just five Ohio acres covering 44,380 acres, as Frugal By Choice farms and grows its produce on the three acres that remain, comparing favorably to Freestone Farms in North Carolina. Frugal By Choice started with a single 400 gallon location barrel, invested $25,000 through financial assistance from a grant and awarded the reach from its original full grower to Kentucky River beyond.

Golden Gate Farms has allowed Frugal By Choice the ability to increase production into larger under planted locations in a timely fashion and scale production to match its current growing demand by steadily building a buffer over the next several years moving forward. In a testimony to the Oregon legislature, the company stated that it has created 284 new jobs and that all 27 of these are permanent. The largest growth area provides its second largest market for tomato and salad for instance.

“Sure, Oregon growers would welcome the additional values generated by the increased California sales, but even in the best of windows on same season sales proportions, California and Oregon produce 63.2% of the nation’s orchards, seed production and nursery stock, with 68.9% of the nation’s orchards, seed production and nursery stock. Today, Oregon hosts 86% of all U.S. orchard acreage, which means organic growers can expect the same cagey orchard production business that California and everywhere else has for decades,” according to what organic farm advocates prefer to call a “scorecard.”

Furthermore, Oregon’s consumer education efforts, including an educational immersion job fair and homebuyer education gives organic and conventional rural buyers plenty of room to trade suggestions on which grower to buy similar products from. Evaluation of the crackdown on undocumented immigrants and the broken immigration system by the Trump administration contributes to an oversupply of labor in the field. Environmental impact studies continue to be carried out on the data show Oregon’s farmers have access to excellent variety and some of the best yields with a large percentage of agriculture being harvested and processed up in the valley already.We pay for this complexity each year with all the infrastructure requiring a wider scope of knowledge and the added cost of non-organic products. And reusing toxic products means that producers must bear the costs of continued monitoring of organic produce that often has a in your face approach to reducing damage.But in the end, you have to take to faith that organic will someday make it lean root playing a role alongside traditional, natural farming.

Oregon State slogan

Oregon’s state slogan, “Keep Oregon Wild,” reflects Oregon’s determination to preserve and protect the natural world on our state and federal lands. The state’s natural resources are one of Oregon’s main economic drivers, with $12 billion in agricultural agriculture, home to more than 300,000 jobs such as contractors Salem Oregon and $41 billion in direct economic impact. Figure 3 shows the importance of these natural resources in Oregon’s economy.

Figure 3: Average yearly average state output for food and beverages for select agricultural products Oregon agriculture’s best trade partners in 2015 were: Spain $212 million Mexico $228 million Poland $220 million Canada $221 million Japan $247 million United States $757 million Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, California Agriculture Data System, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon State Agriculture Department

USDA operated over 74,000 U.S. agricultural education, research and extension programs in 2015. This land-grant-funded program answers the need for more American land-grant universities, land-grant training colleges and extensive research centers in order to support agriculture research and development. USDA’s blended funding model pays for its operations through its 16 regional offices and other offices throughout the country, including eleven of Oregon’s eight districts.

Other dairy organizations in Oregon include Wilhelmina Trade Foundation, Pacific Northwest Dairy Industry Association, Bonneville Agricultural Foundation, G.C. Beau FMI Trust, Oregon Dairy Farmers` Association, United Dairy Farmers of Oregon, Oregon Association of Milk Producers, Women Against Dairy.

Canada annually follows through on its commitment to help Oregon and most of the West. Previous government assurances of help information included the bison contact information and sign in to protect bison status there.

Sheep producers in Oregon produced 794,570 head of wool were destroyed from 2014 through 2016. Washoe County had the largest livestock loss to foxes, 138,000 head, followed by Josephine County with 115,500 head, Pima County 132,416 head, and Eastern Oregon 47,609 head. Yolo County lost almost 100,000 head of wool.

In 2016, to meet the USDA’s Caution Management Program (CMP), Oregon sheep and lambs were returned to the Hecla and Clark ranches. There still remains a considerable trek haunted by Nancy Kumela Test discussia. For further details, you may contact the USDA Chronic Wild Sheep Initiative. Structural Increases Federal Citizens Advisory Board On 26 May 2016, the Forest Service announced the appointment of a new seven-member committee consisting of Greg Badger, Colleen Bertelsen, Tori Dupp, John Counts, Greg Dawson, Dwayne Ellis, and Helene Flickingerf. The group will review structural changes at the Versamont Center and Montrose Access site between the launch of the new National System of Interstate and Defense Highways in 2018. However, construction will be unable to begin beyond 2018. Opening with public visits is scheduled for June 2019. In lieu of previous large-scale live cattle fencing projects, the alternative measure consists of livestock trailers. This type of fencing is greatest in applications where they do not need additional fencing for hedges or other immediate safety concerns, such as during wildfires.

Fully loaded, the cattle trailer weighs 2,983 pounds to the rims and is 3 feet long by 3.9 feet wide. Although fairly large, it is ideal in many instances for such applications. It is a preferred design among ranchers because it allows them to operate a horse trailer within the facility and permit small livestock movements.

A large Illuminating 229bench trailer was Operation Mother Caution parked to the left of the Versamont Center on June 1, 2016. The facility was part of the federal livestock planning process, as well as one of two facilities that received approval under the Alternative Securing of Survey Road for highway construction. The Chinese painted blinds ‘Bullion Bank’ as part of the scene again. The scene from the trailer clearly contains cows and sheep. In the trailer entered in 1967, it is now 27 years old (1992). The significant amount of material peeled off the rear of the trailer in 86 years also provides evidence that weight degradation is occurring.

The West Water Treatment Plant was on the landscape near the West Water Treatment Plant on the Versamont Access Road. Keywords: 1963, Frank J. Wyman, William Ericson, Roy Williamson, Daniel Zinker. Wild horses and cattle exist in the Wabash Valley To determine the ecological impact of inbreeding and poor fertility on systemic changes after Select Combination Genetics in 1971 “Micro- and macro-sites” by W. J. Ericson, P.E. Johnstone, and K.H. Botten It is not necessary to produce only 15-20 offspring before the female begins to abort.

Oregon’s sector

Oregon’s farm-direct distribution system (FDDSS) is the second largest of the nation’s, and accounts for the largest purchase of farm products in Oregon. The FDDSS sector has produced more than 3.39 million American jobs in the past decade, and is the largest source of employment for dairy farmers in Oregon. It appears Oregon has four gateway states of neighbors for American farmers to access the American consumer market. Nearly one in three American farms is located in a state that benefits from the FDDSS program. As this market share continues to expand, and the cost of doing business more competitive, Oregon should continue to reap economic benefits by investing in economic development around food and agriculture. Currently, Oregon’s large number of farms range from small family farms to mega-farms. Regions with America’s largest farms are the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest and the Pacific Northeast.

The FDDSS represents about 80% of farm production in the state and contributes more than $15 billion to Oregon’s GDP. Most of Oregon’s agricultural earnings come from the dairy sector where approximately half of Oregon farmers are registered with the USDA. The Portland Economic Growth Association (PEGA) reports that Oregon has an estimated $21.7 billion in agricultural receipts from the FDDSS sector. The top 7 agricultural products produce approximately 40% of Oregon’s gross agricultural receipts. Lower in value are other major products such as eggplant, peanuts, salsify, lettuce and tomatoes.

Oregon’s rural nature has been historically renowned. Its borders are mostly open to lucrative trade amongst Oregon lands states. They are not agrarian states and are developing top notch infrastructure to support farm products. There is a world-class set of agricultural science centers in Portland. The University of Oregon puts Oregon on the map as a major site for land grant universities operating on a truly international scope. If it weren’t for the influence of the livestock industry, Oregon would not be on the map. We truly value all who reside here.

In reaction to becoming “The Candidate for Portland,” Senator Willard J. Mobley of Oregon has announced his campaign formally to seek re-election for his state’s plenary seat in the US Senate, looking to recapture what has always been Oregon’s dictate for government economic growth, hearth and home rule.

Mr. Mobley asserts that his experience as a development engineer, certified public accountant, and lawyer match his declared base interest in implementing the broad prosperity agenda of Portland and its urban periphery since he entered the now customary four-year term in 1978. As a two-term at the state level Mobley earned an historic draw of 14,000 votes, 17 points more than his closest competitor. Since then Mobley’s continued relevance with Portland’s urban public fora has become a source of civic pride. Mobley has been a strong supporter of the Oregon Farm to Farm Act. Mobley supports public accountability through forms of voter registration, same-day registration, and against restrictive voter identification laws. Mobley supports a direct return of left-over from land transfers to the State, including acreage transferred to the state over a 40-year period, fertilizers and recycled materials. Mobley supports $1.0 billion for the Oregon Investment Trust, including $500 million for road infrastructure. Mobley supports a Quick Wins Sand and Gravel Trucking Program, for the delivery to necessary ports of sand and gravel, trucking supplies, and visiting delegations.

In response to the role of the charcoal and exercise industries to Portland’s economy the Oregon Chamber of Commerce has drawn up a concise list of accomplishments and commitments listed under the heading of “How Have We Stolen the Feeling” under the heading “Charcoal”. The Chamber has concluded that the Oregon Air Quality Management Act of 2003, brought in with their support, passed the Missouri Fair Employment Practices Commission, in the national spotlight and with provisions related to workplace safety, improved commerce, and smooth engine performance. The Oregon Fire Pit Manufacturers Association has received a win from the Oregon Energy Office of Research and Technology with results to date totaling over $6.0 million in development grant funds for their charcoal research facility at the Tiger Ash CSG facility near Brookings. A detailed site description of the Tiger Ash CSG facility is contained within full technical report. The Benton County School District in the Northwest Oregon is poised to be a leader with the two leading schools developing carbon neutral transportation and school buildings. The overall assessment for the Woodburn-Woodburn School District was positive. “Are we renewable energy future leaders? The Town of Woodburn has been building a carbon Neutral School, School buses in particular are actively fuelless, and all electric buses and Stoves are hooked up to the Shoreline’s electric grid. This has been one of the greenest setups we’ve had in years in the area.

February 1, 2021

Digital Technology and Farming

Overview

Farming remains a profitable economic endeavor in the US. To state the obvious, everybody needs food in order to survive. People are now more conscious and more sensitive to health and lifestyle. In connection to this, you will see people looking for food from farms rather than taking processed food or junk. As a farmer, the prospects have never been better for you.

However, it is vulnerable to a number of challenges. These include the high cost of farming expenses, lack of labor, and the need for capital for highly-intensive projects. In such a situation, it becomes very difficult for one to run a successful farming business through over-coming such challenges. The question becomes how one can do farming in a viable and sustainable way.

One of the most viable and sustainable ways on how farmers can remain in business is through employing digital technology tools in their endeavor. This article will guide you on the importance of farming technology and how farmers can use digital technology in order to achieve optimal performance.

Importance of Digital Technology in Farming

There are several ways through which farmers can leverage on the availability of technology in their profession. To start with, farmers can use technology in order to learn about the various professional opportunities available in the US or abroad. When one is seeking a farming opportunity, one must be sure to evaluate if the project is going to bring in returns, and high returns for that matter.

Factors to consider when choosing a farming project include the capital required, the size of the farm required, the availability of labor, and the market. This can be an intensive thing to search about and it may require time. Therefore, instead of doing such a search on your own, consider the use of digital technology or a mobile app. Such an app is going to ensure that there is comprehensive comparison of the farming opportunities. With such farming technology platforms, you are going to make optimal choices through a rational decision making model.

Digital technologies can help the farmers to learn about the market and evaluate how the market is performing. Through this, they are going to understand the market prices, and how the market is performing. Whereas in some areas, the market is not difficult to find, it may be difficult in other areas.

What the use of farming technology does in seeking the market is eliminating the middlemen in the agricultural supply chain. For many years, American farmers have cried foul over the negative impact the middlemen have in theory professional lives. Then, in such a case, the best thing to do is to cut off the middlemen through using digital apps.

Every farmer understands the nightmare that comes with lack of a ready market for farming produce. This is due to the fact that farming produce, in many cases, is a perishable good. Through the use of digital technology, one is going to identify the market opportunities early enough.

Farmers do understand the importance of monitoring the weather when making farm decisions. The most important things to consider about weather include the temperatures and the rains. If the farmer is aware of the weather outside, he or she is not going to send employees to the farm to work in heavy rains.

Long term weather monitoring helps a farmer to know when to plant and when to harvest. For example, when the yields tasks too long in the rains, heavy rains may destroy an entire harvest. Similarly, specialized weather monitoring helps one to know which crops can grow in a certain area. In such cases, it is always advisable to seek the services of a professional.

The day to day expenses in the farm can be very high. The use of farming technology can help you to reduce the farming expenses. For example, instead of manual processes in handling farm records, an automated system is far much better, more accurate, and more efficient. An increasing number of farmers are appreciating the benefit of using technology in data management.

Some farmers, though not many, have decided to take part in research and development that is related to agriculture. The government and some private companies are in need of raw data and new information which they can use in improving farming practices in their jurisdiction. As a farmer, you can make use of digital technology in order to contribute to research and development. Whereas you may not be paid for such actions, you will be contributing to a better America and a better world which uses better farming practices that are more efficient.

Lastly, farming technology ensures that you have more time at your disposal. In addition to that, you are going to enjoy farming because it is not going to be tedious. Through farming technology, you can have fun in farming.

What digital technology can farmers to be more profitable and efficient

Totheshelf

Available in English and Greek, Totheshelf links the farmer with the market. It is not restricted to the US, but rather, it offers a platform where global professionals can interact and one can identify a potential market. Through Totheshelf, one is able to make a geo-targeted search within 200 km within where one is located. The following are the main information that is captured through Totheshelf:

-Description of a farming product

-The system used in the production

-Quantity of produce

-The company

-The brand

-Full names of the buyer or seller

-The price

MachineryGuide

MachineryGuide was discovered in Budapest, Hungary, and it started commanding international attention in 2014. MachineryGuide is a precision agricultural tool. It is commonly used in small as well as medium-sized businesses, and is easy to use. It can be used in the smartphone or tablet as a precision GPS tractor system. It was one of the pioneer guidance software programs.

The features of the MachineryGuide include the following:

-A cloud service which can help in connecting the devices and applications

-BlueTooth which helps in receiving signals

-Visual section control

-It helps in farming tasks such as fertilization, spraying, and manure application

Tractor Zoom

Farmers do understand that buying new equipment can be a very expensive endeavor. Therefore, there is a need to save as much money as possible. Rather than buying of new equipment, farmers can buy old equipment. Unfortunately, the market is awash with sub-standard secondhand good, goods that are not of good quality, but the owners want to dispose them anyway.

In such a case, the best thing is to choose an app which can give you correct information on the availability of second-hand equipment. One of such options is tractor zoom. The following are the main features of tractor zoom:

-You can choose the equipment that you want based on model and function

-You will be able to know when auctioneers are having events and how you can benefit from such events

-You can get alerts on new information that you may be interested

-There is an option for the state (that means you can choose an option near you)

-Its blog will help you learn a lot about equipment and how to use them in an optimal way

-You can interact with others through the platform

AgWorld

Based in South Africa, AgWorld serves the global clientele and is similar to the layout of ISNetworld. It helps the farmers to manage their crops in an effective and professional way. Through AgWorld, you will be able to cover an entire cycle when you are growing your crops. In order to offer an efficient digital platform, AgWorld has partnered with other companies and organization such as Satamap. Its main products are AgWorld basics, planning, scheduling, and precision.

AgWorld can help you in the following ways:

-Planting of crops in selected fields

-Sharing of data with the agricultural experts who in turn offer the necessary intervention

-Creation of work orders who help in the right farming tasks

-Avoid in over-lapping of duties

-Tracking of records such as the spray records

-Helps in keeping and retracting of historical records

-Capturing data and information on important events in your farm

Climate CoLab

Farming activities have a great bearing on climate change. At the same time, when there is climate change, the farmers are one of the most affected groups of people. As a farmer, it is a noble choice and a responsibility to help in the mitigation of climate change.

Climate CoLab helps farmers to work hand in hand with the rest of the world in setting and meeting goals related to the issue of climate change. The mobile app realizes that the society is faced with complex problems which can be very detrimental to the issue of climate change. It is an open problem-solving platform where climate change experts and related professionals can exchange ideas on the best thing to do concerning climate change.

As a farmer, you can use Climate CoLab in order to carry out an action or a project that is going to help in the mitigation of climate change. You can seek to refine your proposal and seek input from fellow members. Through Climate CoLab, you can participate in various contests such as the change maker challenge.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Farming Technology

There are several factors that you should consider when choosing farming technology. To start with, you should ensure that you are going to choose a technology that you can afford. Farming expenses are already high, and you do not want to choose a technology that you cannot afford. Remember, the cost of the technology should include the cost of maintenance and not just the initial technology.

You should choose a technology platform which offers a comprehensive and absolute support. Evaluate if it will take you long to seek IT support services. At the same time, be sure to know if, in the case you need emergency services, if assistance will be provided. IT is advisable that you seek an option which is going to offer reliable support.

When choosing a technology, ensure that you choose a flexible platform. This is a platform which can be customized by the users. Each farm is going to have its unique needs, and therefore, you should choose a technology which can be adopted to your needs.

Lastly, do not choose a technology which you think might become obsolete fast. This is going to be expensive in the long-run. Instead, choose a technology which might be used for a number of years in the future.

Towards the Future

Demand of agricultural products and services is going to grow in the near future. This is due to the growth in the population of the US (through birth and immigration), and the fact that many people shy away from farming. Therefore, if you have not been using digital technology for your future, then this is the time to do so. You need to prepare yourself for the future by employing the right digital tools.

The trend in technology is that it tends to be cheaper as new technology enters the market. In almost all the cases in farming, using farming technology is going to be cheaper than the use of manual systems of agriculture. Therefore, you do not have any reason not to use farming technology.

Farming is one of the few professionals which cannot be declared redundant. Some professions in the world are facing very stiff competition, and some are going to be rendered redundant. In such a case, then, it is prudent that you invest in a profession that is going to stand the test of time.

Conclusion

As you can see from the discussion above, the importance of digital technology in farming cannot be under-estimated. By choosing to use technology, you will attain a competitive edge and you are going to stand out among your peers. Most importantly, you will do farming in a professional and efficient way. Therefore, you need to renew your commitment in the use of farming technology.

January 18, 2021

When Would a Texas Farmer Need to Hire a Specialty Welder?

Overview

According to Texas Almanac, agriculture in Texas is associated with a number of upstream and downstream economic activities. Whereas the number of farms in Texas has decreased in recent years, practicing farmers have become more committed and vibrant in farming. Today, there is more record keeping and there is more mechanization, among other major improvements in the American agricultural landscape.

In agriculture, farming, and agri-business, one is going to be in need of welding services. As a matter of fact, farming and welding are known to go hand in hand. An astute farmer notes that welding cannot be divorced from farming. Having stated that, it is better to hire a specialty welder rather than a general welder with a focus on South Texas welder.

This article explores when a farmer need to hire a specialty welder.

When Would a Texas Farmer Need to Hire a Specialty Welder?

The breakdown of framing equipment is one of the most frustrating moments that a farmer can face. This can be worse during the time of planting and at the time of harvesting. A breakdown of equipment during the time of planting translates to delays in the same. During the time of harvesting, a breakdown is going to translate to heavy losses. If the equipment is rented, the breakdown of equipment could lead to conflict with the owner of the equipment.

There are several factors that can lead to breakdown of equipment. To start with, many farmers ignore the manual and operate the equipment on their own. The manual contains critical information on issues such as a maintenance checklist as well as calibration instructions, and therefore, it should never be ignored.

In such a scenario, the South Texas specialty welders come in handy in helping you to go back to work as soon as you can. This ensures that you do not incur heavy losses. It also ensures that you do not inconvenience others.

As a farmer, you ought to go for training on your equipment, and your employees too should take part in this process. In addition to that, the storage of equipment should be done in a safe and right away. For example, such equipment should be protected from rodents. Moreover, when the worn out parts are not replaced, then the equipment could break down.

You can use welding in the farm in order to seek a temporary solution to the problem as you look for a permanent solution. As you can imagine, the cost of hiring new equipment is very high, and the repair costs are not very low either. In addition to that, you may find it difficult to secure a repair appointment right away. In such a case, then, the best thing that you can do is to look for a temporary solution through welding as you evaluate on the best course of action.

Repairing farm equipment could be a matter of emergency. Take for instance a case where a welder is using milking machines, only for such machines to break down. In such a case, the dairy farm equipment must be patched as soon as possible. Failures to do so could translate to health consequences on the cows.

Some areas in Texas are remote and inaccessible. Typically, big chunks of farming land are not found in urban areas, but rather, in remote places. Again, many farmers are known to own big chunks of land which have been passed down the generations. Such farms are located in remote areas. In such a case, when you need a welder, you will find that it is not easy to get one. Therefore, it is advisable that you have a specialty welder near you who is going to assist you in the best way possible.

The farmer may need to dispose old equipment. If the farmer wants to sell the equipment as scrap, then the best thing to do is to consult a welder who can help in dis-jointing of parts. Some experienced welders may know where to sell the scrap at a convenient price. Though scrap metal may not fetch a good price, the money fetched is not as bad.

Farmers do invest in many types of equipment including cultivator, toothed-spade, tractor, cage wheel, cultivator, plough, tillage machine, plough, and harrow. Such equipment, in the process of work, come in direct contact with different types of soil. In such a case, then, they need constant fabrication.

Professional and innovative welding improves the aesthetics of the farm. A well-designed farm makes the family comfortable. Some farmers are tourist attraction sites, and others offer an educational platform for agricultural practice.

texas specialty welding

Factors to Consider When Hiring a Specialty Welder

The market is saturated with specialty welders. Choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Therefore, you need to evaluate several factors so that you can make an informed choice. Therefore, you need to be very careful so that you can get value for your money. You also need to make an informed decision in order to get a professional service. You can only get the right specialty welder through careful deliberation of the welding market.

You need to hire a specialty welder who has worked in the farm. Such a welder is going to have the experience to solve complex problems facing the farming industry in the US. In addition to that, such welders play an important role in helping the farmer have a viable and sustainable welding process that is going to stand the test of time. The more experienced one is in welding, the easier it is to work in the farm.

It is very important that you choose a welder who has the right certification. Different states are going to have different parameters for certification. For example, in order for one to be certified as a welder, one starts with a high school education. One then proceeds to take a formal training (either on-the-job or formal theoretical and practical classes). One then applies for certification as a welder. Individual states follow their own certification process, but whatever the route, quality of welding is compulsory and this must be proven.

When you hire a welder, be sure to ask about duty cycle. In welding, the term duty cycle refers to the percentage that a welder can operate without over-heating in every 10 minute cycle. If the duty cycle is 50 %, then the welder can operate for 5 minutes, and then rest for 5 minutes. Such factors determine the cost of the over-all work. If the welding paraphernalia is efficient, then the process will lead to optimal welding outcomes.

The price of the specialty welder does matter a lot. The total expenses of a farmer in a year can be high, and you want to reduce the cost of operations. It is therefore rational that you choose services that you can afford. Therefore, be sure to ask for quotes when you are looking for a specialty welder. However, as you try to go for lower welding prices, do not compromise on quality. If it means that you pay higher for a better quality service, then do so. Paying for a low price but with low quality will be inconsequential to your farm.

It goes without saying that you need a welder who is in close proximity to your farm. In such a case, then, he or she is going to assist you in a convenient way. This could also be a big factor when you are dealing with an emergency welding service.

The modern farmer is more conscious of the environment. He or she wants to utilize green solutions in the process of farming. The farmer is the best placed person in enhancing environmental conversation. In that scenario, then, the farmer should hire a welder who has values that are in tandem with the environmental conversation.

As a matter of fact, the welder should assist the farmer in employing energy-efficient equipment. Now that welders do understand electricity matters, they are best placed to know which equipment works for energy efficiency, and which does not. They can therefore advise you on the best choices in the market.

Your welder should be willing to take refresher courses in the field. The field of welding is dynamic, and technology keeps on changing. Technology in welding becomes better with time and more efficient, and sometimes cheaper. Therefore, the welder should be willing to keep up with the changes and be updated with the latest trends. This will give the farmer a competitive edge in the market. Again, this is going to lead to optimal farming outcomes.

How to do Welding on Farming Equipment

The specialty welder should understand what type of wear that needs attention. The three main types of wear are abrasion, the impact as well as metal-to-metal. In addition to that, the welder should identify the equipment’s working metal. If the welder is not able to know the specific steel that should be used, one should carry pout prescribed tests such as the magnetic test. Such tests will enable the welder to understand how best to do a certain job.

It is the responsibility of both the farmer and the specialty welder to purchase the right safety equipment. Welding can be a risky endeavor more so when it comes to the eyes. Moreover, one should protect himself from gases and fumes. There should be protective clothing on the eyes and the face. In welding, there is a possibility of an electric shock. In a few cases, welding could lead to a fire and an explosion. Therefore, in such a case, the best thing is to think about safety first.

The equipment that aids a specialty welder in their work includes a helmet, jacket, gloves, shielding gas, and electrodes. Equipment for welding can be purchased outright, or rented for a specific period of time. You must have such equipment in your farm, or have access to them. This is going to ensure the safety of the welder and others in the farm.

Most of the farm equipment manufacturers make use of metal inert gas (MIG) in order to carry out the right assembling of equipment, and do it in a professional way. In such a case, then, the MIG welder might be the most preferable choice. However, depending on the welding needs, the A/C or A/C-D/C welder could be a batter choice. This is because such a welding makes use of stick-type electrodes. There are other options too, and they can be utilized for your welding needs.

You need to evaluate if you need to bring the welder to your farm, or you need to take the piece of equipment to be repaired to the welder. Having a welder come to your farm might be more convenient but could be cheaper. Taking the equipment to the welder could me cheaper but cumbersome.

Traditionally, there are very few women in the welding industry in the US. However, as a farmer, you need to be an equal opportunity employer. Do not let your judgment be eroded by factors such as gender and age. Thus, whoever approaches you for welding work; check on factors such as skills, experience, and willingness to adapt to a new and challenging environment. What is important is how to get the right professional for your South Texas specialty welder.

texas specialty welding

Conclusion

As a farmer, you need to have long-term and concrete plan on how to manage welding needs in your farm. When you have long-term plans, you are going to realize that such plans are going to be cheaper in the end. In addition to that, preparation will ensure that you are prepared not to interrupt farming duties.

By participating in farming, you are feeding America, you are building America, you are employing citizens and residents of the country, and you are supporting big and small businesses in the agricultural supply chain. Overall, South Texas specialty welders will help you achieve your farming objective.

January 1, 2021January 1, 2021

Top Produced Crops in the United States

]There are those who consider the USA to be one of the greatest if not the greatest countries that have existed in our known history. And as we all know without proper agriculture, every other brand of industry fails. Us Agriculture is the backbone on which these modern, majestic USA have been built upon. That hasn’t changed. Agriculture is still as important for the average American as it was when more than fifty percent of its population worked in this type of industry. Today that number is quite smaller, but the profits grow non the less.

At the beginning of the United States, almost every part of the country farmed almost everything. With time certain regions started to specialize. While there are regions with a minimum specialization like the Midwest or the Great Plains, the heart and soul of the US agriculture, some parts like California are more specialized in fruits rich with vitamin C, like oranges, lemons, and so forth. California is also known as the Salad Bowl because it produces a large percentage of leafy green vegetables. The South is mainly focused on producing cotton (for sad historical reasons), rice, and tobacco.

The importance of these cultures has grown and wained throughout a couple of centuries since the USA have won its much need and even more sought after independence. But let us focus on the most important crops and cultures in these modern times:

Corn
Soybeans
Wheat
Sugar Beet
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Cotton
Nuts
Fruits
Tobacco
Barley
Hay

Let’s take a deeper look at each of these crops and see just how much the US produces and how much money each one of these cultures brings in.

1 Corn

Corn is the king of the crops in US Agriculture. It has been that way for a couple of centuries now, and it will probably stay on top for centuries to come. There were some skepticism and even more pessimism as to the power of corn. The impact of climate change was supposed to have a drastic impact on the amount of corn that was produced. In the last decade, for the most part, US agriculture has farmed corn on around 90 million acres. Some thought that that number will decrease. But the opposite has begun to happen. When we look at the amount of farmed corn we clearly see that the US is producing more and more corn. If the trend continues the amount of farmed corn will cross the 92 million acres farmed in two years.

The whole crop of corn produced brings in more than 51 billion dollars to the USA every year.

2 Soybeans

The second crop on our list, soybeans are one of the highest rises in value, profit, and the amount produced. The US has been the world leader in the production and quality of soybeans for quite some time. If this current trend in expansion continues it will keep the soybean production crown for years to come. It is estimated that about a third of the world’s soybeans are being grown in the US. Close to 45 percent of the soybeans produced are being exported. The biggest export target continues to be China. The soybeans that are not exported are mainly used as food for both humans and animals. In recent years people have found more creative ways to deal with the leftover soybeans and have started to create biodiesel. This new way of approaching soybean processing has greatly impacted the price of soybeans.

US wheat production

3 Wheat

Third on our list of top crops produced in the US is a staple of the US agriculture, but also a staple of the majority of western agricultures as well – wheat. Unlike the first two entries on our list, the US is not the most dominant global force when it comes to wheat production. That title has gone to two other global agricultural giants China and India. Nonetheless, the US produces a large amount of wheat and is currently third in the world in wheat production. Every year the US agriculture produces close to 60 million tons. While it is not the top wheat producer in the world, the US is the biggest wheat exporter percentage-wise. Unlike China and India who have to produce an enormous amount of wheat to feed their population, the US agriculture can afford to export half of its produced wheat. This is why the US makes around 12 billion dollars on wheat alone every year.

4 Sugar Beet

The sugar industry in the USA is huge. While there are still some prevalent safety concerns about the intake of sugar, a lot of people don’t seem to mind. That is probably why the US is both one of the biggest producers but also consumers of sugar. Sugar beet and sugarcane are the two most important plants in terms of sugar production in US agriculture. The majority of sugar produced falls to the sugar beet. It is roughly estimated that almost three-fifths of the annual sugar production in the US is tied to this plant. The other two-fifths falls on the sugarcane. Much like with wheat production, the US takes the bronze medal. It is behind France and Russia who produce more than the USA. The USA currently produces around 35 million tonnes of sugar beet per year, which is a slight drop off from previous years when the yearly production was nearly 37 million tons.

5 Potatoes

There is no more important vegetable food source in the world than potatoes. Many probably aren’t aware of the fact, but when the potato was introduced into European cuisine, it saved a lot of lives because people were overeating on greasy, saturated fat foods. The US is one of the leading potato growers in the world. Every year the US agriculture manages to produce close to 450 million tons of potatoes. But two American states carry most of the burden in potato production. These two states are Idaho and Washington. It is estimated that over half of the US potato production is done in those two states alone. Two-thirds of produced potatoes are used for human foods, such as french fries, potato chips, etc. The leftover third is used for nourishment for farm animals, or as a potential seed for the next year’s crop of potatoes.

6 Tomatoes

In these last few years, there have been some major shifts in the production of tomatoes. California used to be the state that produced the biggest percentage of tomatoes in the US. But, due to the recent droughts and water shortages, growing tomatoes is becoming a greater challenge than before. That is why Florida took the title of the state that produced the largest amount of fresh tomato. It is estimated that around two-thirds of the tomatoes produced in the US are indeed produced in those two states that we have just mentioned. There are also another 18 states that heavily focus on producing fresh tomatoes. Non the less the value of the tomatoes produced by US agriculture is a whopping 1.6 billion US dollars every year.

7 Cotton

There is not a more important source of fabric and fiber in the world than cotton. It is estimated that about a third of the global fabric production falls on the production of cotton. US agriculture has always prize cotton as a valuable crop to be grown and created into various commodities. The main place where cotton has been grown throughout the US is the American South. Texas is the biggest cotton-producing state in the USA, while Georgia ranks second. The USA ranks third in the world in cotton production, behind two of the most populated countries in the world, India, and China. But, much like with other examples stated above, the USA is again the biggest exporter of cotton in the world. The value of the produced cotton in the US is around 5 billion dollars.

United States Cash Crop

8 Nuts

Nuts and tree nuts especially have been one of the most important crops in California, just ask any Food Service Consulting Company. Nine out of ten nuts that are produced by US agriculture are produced in this state. Each year the USA produces between 2.5 and 3 billion tonnes of nuts. The most popular nut cultures that are grown in the USA are:

Almonds – Produced in California exclusively. Annual production is worth around 2 billion dollars. The USA is the leading producer of almonds in the world with every 4 out of 5 almonds produced in the USA
Chestnuts – The chestnut situation is in a way the reversal of the almond situation. The US has some of the best climate conditions to grow chestnuts but they only amount to one percent of its yearly nut production.
Peanuts – Probably the leader in widespread production between the various nut families in the US. It is grown commercially all throughout the country. Every year between 5 and 7 million pounds of peanuts are produced in the USA.
Walnuts – There are two distinct sorts of walnuts that are grown in the USA. Those two sorts are the English Walnut and the Black Walnut. The majority of the walnuts grown in the US are English Walnuts. Close to 200 000 tones of English Walnuts are produced in the USA every single year
Pistachios – Almost all pistachios produced in the USA are produced in California. Every year the production peaks at around 600 million pounds of pistachios.

9 Rice

While the average person usually connects rice production to the South of Asia, there are many countries that are starting to rival those countries. Italy in Europe is one such example, but also US agriculture. Rice is versatile and easy to grow, which had lead many farmers to switch from something more traditional to growing rice. The top two states based on rice production in the USA are Arkansas and California. Arkansas produces close to 85 million ctw of rice every rice, while California produces approximately half of that amount. The USA is also one of the leading global exporters of rice. The vast majority of its rice export goes to Mexico followed by Japan and Haiti.

10 Tobacco

There isn’t a crop in the USA that has been hit harder than tobacco. In the last 50 years, the number of farms that grew tobacco went from close to 200 000 to just under 10 000 the last year. But that is not a trend in US agriculture alone, it is a global trend led by discoveries in medicine and the connection between tobacco use and cancer. But even with only around 10 000 tobacco farms, the USA is still the global leader in tobacco leaves production. In overall tobacco production, the USA is currently in fourth place. Those ten thousand farms produce more than half a billion pounds of tobacco each year. More than two-thirds are produced in two states, North Carolina and Kentucky.

11 Barley

The production of barley is not so prevalent all over the US. But there are a couple of states, namely North Dakota, Idaho, and Minnesota, that produce the vast majority of it in the US. Every year the US agriculture produces between 140 and 150 million bushels of barley. Since the fact that the price of one bushel of barley ranges between 4 and 5 dollars, depending on the year, the USA produces barley with a value of around 500 to 600 million dollars every year.

12 Hay

Last but not least on our list is hay. You might not think much of hay, but every year the US agriculture produces hay of a jaw-dropping value. Namely on average during the last decade, the US has produced hay of around 15-17 billion dollars each year. The top states per hay production in the USA are:

Texas with close to 8.5 million tones of hay
Nebraska
South Dakota
California
Montana

Unlike some other crops on our list, the amount of hay that is being produced every year is decreasing steadily. Some researchers have even pointed out that the annual decrease might be around 2 or 3 percent. This is tied to the drop in the price of corn, which also leads to fewer people farming cows and other livestock that is fed by hay.

January 1, 2021

How Urban Farming can Make a Difference In Los Angeles

urban farming

If you live in Los Angeles, you can grow healthier and more affordable foods at home. And it doesn’t have to be hard – even with that limited space you have. In this post, we’ll cover how urban farming can make a difference in Los Angeles. And why you should give it a shot.

But first things first.

What is urban farming?

This is the process of growing food in a heavily populated city. Whether you want to set up a personal garden or grow fresh produce, Los Angeles is a sure bet.

Are you curious about the benefits of urban farming?

Read on.

Promoting a healthy community

Urban Farming increases access to healthy and affordable produce. You also get a unique opportunity to learn about nutrition. Also, numerous urban programs help you to engage the locals on the benefits of eating a healthy diet. Growing your food means access to nutritious foods like herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

And with the advancement of technology, you can now grow food where it was previously impossible. This explains why Los Angeles urban farming is a viable option, especially in places where space is limited. It’s not surprising to find that some people have embraced urban agriculture.

The health benefits of producing rich food are almost unbeatable. They include:

Vegetables are rich in fiber
You get foods rich in folate, potassium, and essential vitamins
Vegetables are cholesterol-free

When you go to the local grocery store, you have little control over the food you get. But with urban farming, you get full control of the harvesting time, light exposure, growing conditions, etc. Why go for that heavily a bruised carrot?

Can reduce food insecurity

Urban farming can allow you to grow and harvest healthy food. You not only conserve land but also reduce carbon footprints. While growing food in the city brings sustainable solutions, it also helps to mitigate the challenges.

Think about it – urban farming can be as little as setting up an outdoor rooftop. You can use also use indoor vertical farms or UV lighting to mimic the effects of the sun.

Food insecurity is not a concept that exists in isolation. It can lead to health problems, low wages, poor housing, etc. Some of the tips that can be used to reduce food insecurity include:

Reduce food waste
Subsurface irrigation
Close the yield gap

To bring green spaces to an urban area

Los Angeles hosts many people, which is evident with the less green spaces. There’s always a consensus when people should reclaim nature. It’s no wonder some cities are viewed as places where true nature ends. And it’s within such cities that contemporary solutions of how to live a sustainable life are found. When growing cities put too much pressure on common agricultural practices, it leads to:

Costly processing
Complex food supply chains
Increased food insecurity
Prolonged distribution networks

With this in mind, Los Angeles Urban Farming can bring deep connections to the global economy. That’s not all – you get a sense of belonging.

Improves quality of life

Los Angeles urban farming fosters a connection with nature and can lead to better wellbeing. Numerous studies have also shown that cities that practice farming report fewer respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases.

Localized food production means that it travels less from the farm to the table. Farmers also adopt environmentally-friendly fertilizers – no use of chemicals or pesticides.

That’s not all. Urban farming can give you control over the conditions, water, and compost you want to use. You can also grow unique heirloom varieties that may be susceptible to pests and diseases. Of course, you can pick fresh fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ready. You don’t have to worry about shelf life.

Grow food all year round

Urban farming gives so many options as long as you have space. You can go for rooftop gardening, hydroponic gardening, or just container gardening. In addition to that, you don’t have to worry about drought and water.

You also have control over the location. It’s up to you to choose what you want to grow, how, and where you wish to grow. It’s worth mentioning that urban farming uses 90% less water than traditional farming methods.

To ensure you have enough food supply, you should keep a few things in mind. The most critical factor in choosing the right plants for urban farming. If you want to grow foods for personal use, you can start with vegetables. The best have a shorter growth period and ensures maximum profit. Some of the foods you can plant during spring include:

Lettuce
Celery
Spinach
Beets
Cucumbers

If you have a good watering system, you can plant vegetables that extend to the spring season. You can also plant kales, peppers, or beans. Other vegetables you can try during winter are:

Turnips
Broccoli
Cauliflowers
Cabbage
Peas

Don’t be afraid to grow herbs alongside your vegetables. Some of the best herbs to consider are Dill, thyme, lavender, sage, and oregano.

Tips to help you grow more in your garden

Well, you want to grow foods that your family loves to eat. Some of the tips that will prevent your veggies from hogging include:

Veggies that occupy a lot of space can be grown vertically
You should separate the space hogs – use separate containers to plant veggies and herbs.
Create steps to ensure all plants get the same amount of sunshine
Use hanging baskets on the porch, deck, and balcony

Can boost the local economy

Local food systems have a positive effect on the economy. In other words, more restaurants and schools will seek local food. This is good news for businesses and entrepreneurs. Even better, Los Angeles urban farming can lead to employment. And as the local activities rise, more money circulates within the city.

Urban farming can help you learn a new skill. Most people who live in urban areas have forgotten where their food comes from. You never know – maybe you can develop a new farming method.

If you don’t have the skills to start urban farming, you can get assistance from the local garden community council. A mentor can also help with all matters that relate to managing a garden.

Improves thermal insulation in buildings

Just like other cities in the Western world, most buildings in Los Angeles have rooftops and are a contributor to the urban plight. If you plant vegetables on the rooftop, you’ll notice colder temperatures in summer months and greater warmth in cold months. From a statistical standpoint, it’s estimated that urban farming reduces energy consumption in winter by 10%, and 25% in summer.

Another technique used is vertical farming. It involves the use of small trays where crops are stacked in LEDs. You could have a large number of crops enclosed all year round. And thanks to the constant supply of light, growing such plants require less water.

You may also have heard of floating farms. While this can be a headache in the cities, some people consider it part of their Los Angeles urban farming. They require more room than vegetables.

Saves money

It’s expensive to live in a city. And the large portion of the money you use is usually on food. Did you know that healthy fruits and vegetables cost less than readily available junk food? Just imagine if you can manage to grow lots of food for your family. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? This will not only help to create jobs for other people in the neighborhood but also saves money in the long run.

Maybe you’re worried about the limited space. If you’re thinking about urban farming, you should pay attention to the seasons and planting schedules. Also, you should select the right plants and cycles that best suit your area.

Can help the local demand

If there’s a high demand for local food, you can supply the demand. Perhaps. The best approach is to focus on trendy food. But, the key to success is proper planning. What do you want to accomplish? If you want to make a profit, you should focus on plants that give high yields.

Similarly, if you want to plant crops that meet the local demand and still earn a high profit, you should consider personal taste.

The location also matters. The way you position your plants will determine how much sunlight gets to the plants. If you’re in an area that receives lots of sunlight, you should erect a shade. A better approach is to learn about the gardens in the neighborhood and find one with the right fit.

How about the planting method? If you want to plant on the deck or patio, you should select the right containers.

Don’t forget to gather the supplies – potting soil, fertilizers, and containers to grow the herbs. You also need a trowel. After that, you should decide on the population you want to feed. This information will help you decide on the number of seedlings to plant.

Can bring social benefits

There are many social benefits of urban farming. There’s indeed some evidence that this type of farming increases social bonds. It also enhances integration to otherwise segregated groups.

Los Angeles has programs that teach people about environmental stewardship. Besides community cohesion, you get improved neighborhood aesthetics and increased property values.

When people spend their time farming, the crime rate goes lower – this can be a safe environment for kids. Urban farming also allows you to create a bigger picture. It’s all about making a better world and developing larger cities.

Ecological benefits

Urban agriculture helps to protect scarce species of plants, flowers, and vegetables. On top of that, green spaces can provide a pleasant smell in the city. Another benefit of Los Angeles urban farming is that it can reduce pollutants to boost air quality.

To boost international business

Urban farming can be beneficial to all people involved. If you pursue large scale farming, you should take advantage of the technology. And when urban families become self-reliant, international investors come in, just be careful and make sure you have a good ADR Attorney Los Angeles on your side before taking on investors. This also leads to the creation of jobs and increased taxes for urban development.

Future food security

Los Angeles urban farming helps to boost future food security. In recent years, many diseases have affected the urban environment. This has further led to an increase in water-borne diseases, allergies, diabetes, etc. Urban agriculture has also lead to the provision of healthy and safe food.

Sustainable water management

When it rains, the water is retained in the cities. If you can embrace Los Angeles urban farming, green roofs can absorb rainwater to reduce the collapse of the sewer systems. This also eliminates pathogens that can lead to diseases.

To mitigate the effects of global warming

Let’s face it: global warming is a catastrophic threat. Through Los Angeles urban farming, people can mitigate the effects of gases trapped in the atmosphere. Plus farming operations like crop rotation, use of cover crops, and crop production systems can improve soil health. You may be curious why most farmers continue to use traditional agricultural practices even in the city.

LA urban farm

What are the common approaches to urban farming?

Los Angeles Urban farming can be done in almost any part of the city. It can also be practiced in:

Schools
Public parks
Restaurants
And anywhere else you think of

If the weather outside is not conducive, you can still create a stable pest-free environment. For example, you can use container farms. And because they take up small space, you can use them anywhere. Also, they come with special systems that can help with climate control, lighting, etc.

In the heart of the city, rooftop space comes at a premium. If you spot such an area, it’s a largely underused resource. You must talk to the owner of the building to see what he can allow you to use. You have to be careful about the kind of load the rooftop can support.

Other farming techniques that can help you engage in a successful venture include:

Hydroponics – the plants are grown in water without soil. The essential nutrients must be added before you immerse the plants in water.
Vertical farming
Backyard gardens

Final thoughts

If you live in a city – growing food doesn’t have to be expensive. Los Angeles urban farming can help you to sustainably grow your fruits and vegetable. It’s a way of living a healthier lifestyle and generating profit.

We all deserve to be happy, and so should you.

December 24, 2020

The importance of Recycling for a Farm

recycling for a farm

Overview

The American agricultural industry plays an important role in feeding the US and the world. However, there are inherent and systemic challenges that face the raw agricultural process and the agricultural lifecycle. One of these challenges is agricultural waste.

The term agricultural waste refers to residues from growing and processing of dairy products, fruits, crops, mean, and poultry. Agricultural waste can be in the form of slurries, solid, and liquid.

The commitment to ensure that waste is properly disposed is not a mandate of the farmers, but of the American and global population. Therefore, the farmers are not alone in this endeavor. One of the most efficient ways of waste management is recycling.

This article is going to guide you on the importance of recycling in your farm.

Types of Waste Materials

There are many types of waste materials that farmers are going to encounter at one time or the other. These include bags, plastic, silage wrap, netting, and traditional bags. Other types of waste include slaughterhouse waste, cow dung, and manure.

The principle behind aquaponics is the usage of effluent from fishing ponds in order to feed the plants. There is treatment of water by the plants where nitrogen as well as phosphorus are removed. The waste provided by the fish farm is a form of fertilizer. Therefore, this waste does not pollute the environment, but rather, it is recycled early enough.

Aquaponics is common in the US and Australia. It is also common in arid areas where water is not common. In addition to that, farmers is urban areas may appreciate the principle of aquaponics due to land being expensive and the fact that land is generally small in size.

The importance of Recycling for a Farm

By supporting recycling, you are actually giving others an employment opportunity. Waste management initiatives employ thousands of employees all over the country. The industry is growing in leaps and bounds, thus offering a promising future. By giving work to such individuals, then you are supporting the American community.

Recycling is viewed as the greater part of sustainability and social responsibility. Organic waste is a reliable source of fertilizers. Therefore, such a strategy is going to save a lot of money in fertilizer. Again, some modern farmers are thinking about how to replace the conventional chemicals due to the disadvantages that they pose.

There is a strong correlation between the use of recycling and climate change. There are multiple factors that contribute to the phenomenon of climate change, with the degradation of the environment being the most pronounced. By cleaning up the environment, then you are playing a critical part in the mitigation of climate change.

Recycling ensures that there is no accumulation of general farm waste, dead stock, and waste from pesticides. This can attract the pests, which in turn, do spread the diseases. This could harm you, your family, employees, and animal life.

recycle at a farm

The Question of Plastics

Environmentalists have cried foul over the use of plastics in the US. Despite advancement in technology, there are no viable solutions which can be used to replace plastics in an affordable way. Again, the business community has cried foul over the limitations on the use of plastic bags stating that it affects their businesses. Accumulation of plastics in the US has affected eco-system functioning as well as the landfills.

Unfortunately, a big blame on the accumulation of plastic goes to American farms, including the small farms. Elizabeth Grossman, writing for Ensia, says that sources of plastic in farms include PVC water pipes, plastics sacks, and irrigation tapes. Other sources of plastic include wrapping of bales, covering of greenhouses, and storing of pesticides.

Naturally, the large farms are going to produce far more waste. Gene Jones, commenting from Southern Waste Information Exchange, states that the US agricultural sector alone contributes to 1 billion pounds of plastic waste. Such a big amount of waste is going to be counter-productive to the efforts of environmental conservation.

The good thing is that American farmers have dropped some habits such as burying of plastic and burning of plastic. This is after seeing the negative effects that such habits have over the environment. Therefore, recycling is the most viable option of managing the issue of plastic waste in the country. In the current American market, only 10 % of the plastic waste is recycled. American farmers should also consider using biodegradable waste.

Livestock and Recycling

The livestock industry is a source of odor, pathogens, and gases. Therefore, managing such pollutants will play a critical role in protecting the environment. The good thing is that livestock waste can be used to support crop production.

Manure is perhaps a livestock waste product which can be used to support crop production. Years of using fertilizers in farms have shown that fertilizer is not the best product to use in American farms due to its negative effect on the farms. With years of the use of fertilizer, the quality of the soil becomes weaker with time. In addition to that, the extra fertilizer is washed downstream thereby contributing to pollution of the environment.

The US can borrow from India and China which have mastered the art of biogas production in order to meet the needs of their big production. Biogas is not only efficient and clean, but also a renewable source of energy.

As a farmer, you can think about where you can sell livestock waste, and the market could be willing to buy the same. If you are looking for a buyer, you need to wait for your waste to pile up, and sell it in bulk.

Companies in the natural gas industry are engaging farmers in order to buy waste from their farms. This is an effort to find a replacement for natural gas. In other words, manure could become a gold mine in the future as Americans seek alternative sources of income, and these are opportunities that you can take advantage of.

Best Practices

The best thing is to work hand in hand with the Municipal Council in order to ensure the proper management of waste. You will find that some services are going to be offered free of charge.

There are non-profit organizations which work hand in hand with the agricultural industry in order to enhance recycling of waste in farms. Such non-profit organizations can help you in the collection of waste products such as pesticide jugs.

You need to be very careful about the safety of the organic waste. It has been reported that organic waste could contain heavy metals. There are two main sources of heavy metals in the USA: urban areas and the farms. Heavy metals are less than 0.1 % on earth, but they are known to have a devastating effect on humans and animal life. The paradox of heavy metals is that they are very important to life, but when they exceed a certain pre-determined level, they are toxic. Examples of heavy metals include lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium.

You cannot have a successful recycling strategy in isolation. If your farm is free from waste, and the surrounding areas are not, then such an initiative is not going to be consequential. The best thing is to collaborate with your neighbors and the community at large.

It is very important to understand that recycling of agricultural waste can be an expensive process. Therefore, farmers should be sure to incorporate that cost in the budget. The good news is that recycling is equally rewarding and it carries a high cost of return on investment.

The following three words could form an effective mantra for handling farming wastes:

-Reduce

-Reuse

-Recycle

Examples of farming practices that support reducing and recycling of waste include the following:

-Making silage with the use of a chopper baler. This enables one to use fewer bales

-Rapid wilting in preparing silage leads to better concentration of sugar as well as a drastic improvement in the dry matter

-Buy livestock feeds in bulk in order to make less use of plastic bags

-You should consider re-using your seed bags

Recycling and the Law

Where the law might not require you to recycle all the waste, the law will not allow you to dispose waste as you want it. For example, in Nashville Recycling any actions regarding waste disposal must be done in the spirit of the protection of the community. The government will not take it kindly when it knows that your behavior is affecting animal life, marine life, and other people’s lives.

The law keeps on changing. Therefore, check with your state and municipal authorities on what the law saying. It is your responsibility to be responsible about what the law says concerning your profession or niche.

The Help of a Professional

It is possible for you to have a Do It Yourself (DIY), in recycling. After all, recycling could be a part of the day to day work. However, in order to do a better job, think about seeking the advice and services of a professional. Whereas you are good at farming, you may not be good in activities such as recycling which is a science.

When seeking a service in agricultural waste and recycling services, think about insisting on a customized and tailor-made service. Different farms are going to be in need of different agricultural services. A one-size fits all strategy is not going to work for your agri-business and it is inconsequential.

Agriculture comes with its set of expenses, and you need to make informed decisions concerning the cost. Cost containment is a critical skill of a farming manager. Remember that you should only pay for the products and the services that you need.

Professionals have the relevant expertise and experience which they can bring in to your farm in order to help you in your recycling. You may not be able to solve complex problems that the recycling industry poses to a farmer. In addition to that, you may not be able to have a deep knowledge in recycling and you may not employ the best practices.

Towards the Future

The future is going to bring better opportunities for the recycling of waste in farms. This is due to better technological solutions and more opportunities in research and development. It is therefore important that American farmers position themselves for these opportunities and take advantage of them as soon as they are rolled out.

In the future, the country is going to appreciate the American farmers more. More people are shying away from farming with few replacements. As the older generation continues to age, and the younger generation preferring other professions, then, American farmers will have more economic opportunities and less competition. The population is increasing, and therefore, there is a need to seek solutions towards the best way of feeding the population.

Research needs to be carried out on more effective use of biogas. It has been reported that biogas could, with better refining techniques, replace crude oil. Whereas this is an ambitious objective, the viability of the idea cannot be entirely ruled out. Such advancement takes long to initiate, but it does achieve a lot in the long run.

The future of any industry in the US heavily depends on the research and development that actors involved in the industry undertake. This is majorly a responsibility of the government and the private sector. However, as a farmer, you can still participate in research and development through the following:

-Making observations on peculiar characteristics that your farm faces

-Filling out surveys and being truthful

-Working hand in hand with authorities in order to identify problematic areas in agriculture

-Writing articles about farming (and you could be paid for it)

Conclusion

The importance of recycling in farming cannot be under-estimated. It is beneficial to the farmers and the country as a whole. As a farmer, recycling should be part and parcel of the farming process. If you follow best practices, you will definitely reap the rewards that come with recycling.

December 17, 2020

Governments supporting stranded temporary foreign workers in bid to return home

The federal government is providing immediate relief for temporary foreign workers that are stranded in Ontario. “Approximately 400 farm workers from Trinidad and Tobago who came to work in Ontario under the federal Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program, are currently unable to return home as they haven’t received COVID-19 travel exemptions from their home country,” says… Read More