Michigan Farming News of 2021 Part 2

Michigan Agriculture News

 

Overview

The year 2021 has been an eventful year for farming in Michigan. There is a big hope of going back to normality after the devastation of COVID 19. However, there has been many challenges all the same, fire for instance. This paper will discuss farming in Michigan and the major in 2021.

Types of Farming

Like in most states, Michigan is not heterogonous in the type of farming that can be carried out. There is a lot of variation that comes due to the specific regions. Therefore, most of the Michigan residents prefer to grow and farm what others are doing. There have been cases where farmers lost a lot of their investment.

The following are the main categories of farming in Michigan:

–Dairy farming: This is done in the southern as well as the central parts in the Lower Peninsula

-Dry, soy, and beans are mainly grown in the Saginaw Valley

-Corn and wheat is grown in the central as well as the southern parts of the Lower Peninsula

-Fruits are normally grown in the Lower Peninsula and along Lake Michigan

-Nurseries as well as green houses are farmed in the Detroit Metropole including Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland

Having discussed that, there are various factors which can help a Michigan farmer determine what to farm. These are the following:

–Physical factors: The physical factors which determine what a Michigan farmer should farm are the type of soil, topography, and climate. Because there is little that a Michigan farmer can do over the amount of rain, then one can make a decision to do irrigation. Productivity can be improved through modifying acidity, fertility, and organic matter content. Some farmers decide not to till their land in a certain season in order to enhance the fertility of the soil. Others use natural solutions such as mulching.

–Economic factors: Every farmer has to do a thorough analysis of the amount that is going to be spent in farming. Some types of farming are known to be capital-intensive, and one needs to be prepared early enough in order to gather the necessary funding. The good thing is that the US has some reliable sources of funding which a farmer can exploit in order to start a farming project. It should be noted that one may need to buy a farm in order to start farming, and that is not cheap.

The Winter and Wheat Crops

The year 2021 has been a challenging time for the wheat farmers in Michigan. In the year 2021, temperatures reached as low as -18 degrees Fahrenheit. Farmers started getting worried that the cold temperatures would start affecting the wheat crop. This is more so because there is little that one can do about winter.

However, the farmers should not be overly worried about such incidences, and they do happen. Again, much as the temperatures are low, it does not in any way mean that the soil temperatures are low. Winter survival could be guaranteed as far as there are no snow melts, and farmers should not be worried about this.

Michigan Farmers Union

The Michigan Farmers Union plays a critical role in the protection and enhancing the opportunities that farmers have in Michigan as well as Michigan Welding. In addition to that, the union has played an important role in improving the lives of the Michigan farmers, and its achievement in the course of years is a testimony to the same.

The union holds that if the rural communities are to thrive, then, family agriculture is of paramount importance. The union advocates for a grass root structure where policy decisions can be locally implemented, and therefore, have an impact on the local population of the people. The union is a respected voice on critical agricultural issues, not just at the state level, but at the local level too. The union has made a concrete strategic plan in order to help the farmers in Michigan in a better way.

Michigan Farm Fun

Some farms in the US are so unique that they are a tourist attraction site. In such cases, families and children can spend time together as they sightsee the farms and learn a lot in such activities. The Michigan agri-tourism Association has recognized Michigan as a rich agricultural state. It’s a non-profit association which supports the industry through networking, problem resolution, advocacy, as well as education.

There are farms in Michigan which warmly welcome the visitors. This can be for the purpose of educating the visitors or just for fun. Agritourism destinations are evolving, and they are growing. Farmers should learn the best way of tapping the potential that comes with this type of tourism.

Use of Farming Technology

Michigan has not been left behind in the use of farming technology. Michigan State University is the pioneer and the leading example of farming technology. The Institute of Agricultural Technology, Michigan State University, was founded in 1984 in order to help the Michigan farmers improve in their yields. By then, the technology in use was not anywhere compared to what the modern world can provide, but it was a great achievement all the same. The Institute of Farming Technology aims at offering career-ready farming skills that offer training as well as professional experience.

Other farmers have used technology from as far as China. This is because technology sourced from such technology can be cheaper than American technology, though not necessarily of the desired quality.

Challenges Facing Farming in Michigan

Agriculture and farming in Michigan is not very consistent, unlike the mid-western, the prairies, and the corn-belt. This is due to climatic characteristics, drainage, topography, and heterogeneous soils. The southern half, the Lower Peninsula, has the largest amount of land which can be cultivated, and has the most farms. The rest of the state has poor agricultural conditions.

Michigan State University has stated that farmers in Michigan feel that the agricultural sector can be a very uncertain sector. The university cited the planting season which can be a time when the farmers experience extreme weather. Extreme weather makes it difficult to carry out farm operations and makes it difficult for planting.

Low prices for farm produce are a problem that cuts across farmers in the US. It has been estimated that since 2013, net income that farmers gain has reduced by a half. Unlike in some professions where farmers are cushioned against inflation, farmers continue to face challenges that come with the rising cost of goods and services.

Michigan has cried foul over issues in international trade arising. Tariffs on crops such as soya beans have had a negative impact on farming in the state. Many Americans farmers complain that they are receiving unfair competition from China, and they have requested the American government to intervene in protecting them.

The penetration of farming technology among the farmers is not high. Farming technology benefits farmers because it offers precision farming. But this type of technology is generally expensive. Some types of farming technology will require that you hire a certain type of specialist or an expert who can offer the relevant skills. Getting such an expert is not only expensive, but it may not be cheap to come by.

Farmers in Michigan have cried foul over lack of labor during the harvesting season thereby leaving the produce to rot in the farms. For example, farmers in Grand Rapids contacted the authorities over the fact that they cannot get enough laborers to do the harvesting of their farms. The most affected crops are tomatoes because they go bad fast. Other affected crops include cucumbers, apples, and cantaloupes.

The number of farmers in the US is declining. In the US, the average American farmer is 58 years old. The younger generation is simply not interested in taking over such farms. Fred Leitz, speaking from Sodus, Michigan, is worried that he could be the last one in his family to engage in farming, and he is worried about who will inherit the farm. Such a problem will affect the entire state because it will not be easy to feed the state.

Possible Solutions

It is therefore important that all stakeholders in the farming sector in Michigan look for viable and sustainable ways of addressing the challenges facing the farmers in the state. One of the most effective ways of addressing these challenges is to increase the opportunities of funding to the Michigan farmers.

The US does not fair badly in economies of scale. However, states such as Michigan need better opportunities if they are to take advantage of economies of scale in their farming endeavours. The state can do this through encouraging mergers across the state.

Public education to the farmers cannot be under-estimated. It is through education that farmers can learn about the best way of making improvements in the agricultural sector. Through public education, residents of Michigan can be converted to take farming which badly needs the employees. In addition to that, through public education, farmers can make an informed decision that they will not regret later.

There are three main solutions to the problem of labor shortage in Michigan farms. To start with, the US should make it easier to pass legislation which is going to allow a significant number of guest workers into the country. The workers do not have to be citizens. Because the farmers may not provide a permanent contract, there should be an agreement that allows the quest workers in the country, and of course, with the right compensation.

The use of technology is one of the surest ways of attracting farm labor. Technology can save on the cost of labor, and it is more reliable than human capital. In addition to that, some types of technology can be used over a number of years. This makes investing in technology a fruitful endeavor.

The US government has no option but to allow some of the illegal immigrants to be documented so that they can apply for work legally. If the illegal immigrants are not encouraged to take part in mainstream economy, they are going to work illegally. Many farmers do not want to take part in illegal labor because it goes against the established laws and regulations. Some of the illegal immigrants have very strong human resource skills which can be tapped in order to benefit the country.

Fire Incidences

Like many other farmers, farmers in Michigan have faced the problem that comes with fires. The following cases are an example:

Berrien County, Michigan: This was the scene of a big barn fire which led to the death of several animals. The killed animals include four llamas, a peacock, and some chicken. A call was made to the the Chikaming Township Fire Department, but by the time the department arrived, it could not do anything to save the affected animals. However, the fire did not spread for a very large area.

Kent County, Michigan: On march 4, firefighter was treated for burns after he was over-whelmed by a fire. Firefighters responded to a fire on 52nd Street SE. Though the firefighters were not able to contain the fire in a timely manner, they were able to contain its spread to the neighboring areas. The affected firefighter was treated. The cause of the fire was not known.

Towards the Future

The Michigan agricultural sector has a lot of potential, and farmers should be prepared for future opportunities. If a farmer is interested in investing in Michigan, he or she can never go wrong. There are ample opportunities in the farming sector and all one needs to do is to check carefully for the same. This can be done through carrying out thorough research on the best farming opportunities.

Conclusion

Farming in the US is an ideal investment. Because many people are shying away from farming, and others are quitting the profession, it translates to less competition in both the short and the long run. Overall, strategic farming carries a high rate of return on investment and is definitely worth consideration.

Michigan Farming News of 2021 Part 1

Michigan Farming News

 

Michigan farming news focus on the agriculture industry. From tree fruit production, soybeans, dairy farming, environmental regulations, and more. Here is the top farming news of 2021.

Growing non-GMO, Weed control is a priority

According to Penn State Extension educator (Union County), there’s an opportunity to tap on markets that focus on GMO beans, but it all depends on the location. Any justification on the growth boils down to the cost versus the returns you get.

Because the main cost is weed control, Michigan farmers should ensure the premium is high to offset the cost of herbicides. Common weed species like marestail, ragweeds, and pigweeds are resistant to herbicides, so the best to use are:

  • Harmony
  • FirstRate
  • Pursuit and raptor
  • Classic

After this farming news was released, Brett Taylor (a renowned farmer) could not take chances. Taylor’s crop rotation consists of 200 acres of soybeans, 350 acres of corn, and 100 acres of intricate wheat.

Most Michigan farming news has highlighted a few facts about market dynamics. For instance, as the prices of soybeans go through the roof, it can be unreasonable to grow non-GMO soybeans. When addressing Michigan farming news reporters, the Michigan University Soybean educator stated that the contract for non-GMO is going to be flat due to high commodity prices.

Another headache for many farmers is making sure the beans are harvested at the right moisture content. This is where a high level of management and segregation comes in.

Digital farm service adds long-range weather forecasts

Everyone talks about the weather, but a few people do something about it. According to Raymond Schmitt, BASF and salient, the predictions give a view of the environmental parameters.

This Michigan news also stated that Raymond Schmitt (president and co-founder of salient productions) developed an accuracy model that only works for a few days then it degrades. But after several years of research, the company has developed an array of environmental parameters.

Digital weather forecast could mean:

  • Change in fungicide application
  • Faster crop advancement
  • Coping with management challenges

Farmers can now use Xarvio and a new salient prediction service. The right forecasting could mean delayed planting or dropping the seeds at the right time to maintain crop yield.

Keeping farmers in future climate solutions

The Senate hearing on climate change has become the top Michigan farming news in recent months. In its first hearing, it agreed that carbon markets offer income to producers and could be cost-prohibitive.

According to a ranking John Boozman, there are many exciting opportunities to reward farmers. But the current reality is that they must navigate the complex barriers to curb market uncertainty. Other costs they should keep in mind include:

  • Technical services
  • Validation
  • New technologies and equipment
  • Costs associated with verification

Boozman also added that the administration must address the framework to combat climate change, promote farmer participation, and distort planting decisions.

To ensure a family-friendly solution, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Should be a voluntary approach – Sen. Cory Booker told the committee that a voluntary approach must be realized. And farmers are always selling crops to keep the cost of operation low.

  • Flexibility
  • Carbon should not be the only consideration
  • Locally LED input is key
  • Reward those who have smart climate practices
  • Science must be the center of the discussion
  • Farming is a collaborative effort

Michigan Food Farming system to host SARE farmer forum

In January 2021, the Michigan State University organized a forum. But what made this part of Michigan news is the fact that they allowed farmers to use SARE grants to conduct education projects. The speakers gave first-hand experience and reports on how the projects impacted their farms. Some of the discussions on the forum included:

  • Intercropping for small scale vegetable production
  • Designing a mobile milking parlor
  • Funding opportunities to reward farmers

Agricultural professionals in extension services

Over few months, extension services have become part of Michigan news as it encourages people to take action through education. In a joint conference between the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management and Michigan State University, the programming staff proposed the idea of writing a collaboration book. The document shared:

  • The best practices
  • Models
  • Innovative initiatives

To build bridges, Michigan and India have formed joint international conferences and educational trips.

AG Market Outlook Lower than farm income in 2021

A decrease in government payment was highlighted as top news early this year- for good reasons. While the outlook is uncertain, farmers remain optimistic in their farming activities. For instance, the government has provided a few programs that ensure the price of commodities rebound in the months to come.

The bipartisan bill encourages whole milk in schools

Michigan State passed a bill to provide healthy options for school-aged children. When addressing Michigan farming news reporters, the UN representatives introduced a bipartisan whole milk act of 2021 that allowed kids to enjoy flavored and unflavored milk. This gives the school more options in providing nutritious milk to children.

In the past, some of the Michigan farming news has emphasized that whole milk provides essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D. It also has a rich nutritional profile that consists of:

  • Riboflavin
  • Vitamin B12
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin A
  • Protein

Wisconsin Farmers appointed to the Dairy board

Early 2021, the top Michigan Farming news was the appointment of Becky Levzow of Rio and George Crave of Waterloo as members of USDA’s National Dairy board. The board consists of 36 farmers that represent 13 regions. Since the board was established in 1983, it has worked hard to strengthen the dairy industry.

Following the appointment, this Michigan news came with a few surprises – two incumbents were defeated. But most of them faced no opposition. The goal of the directors is to:

  • To formulate and set policies
  • Guide organization finances
  • Come up with a business plan
  • Maintain its mission

Spring looks bright for crop distributors

The agronomy outlook that has been highlighted in Michigan news shows that there’s a strong demand for agricultural inputs. The planting season started with favorable fundamentals to expand the profit margins.

The 2021 spring season showed improving profits that cushion an inversion into the future. While many producers have missed on gains on soybean crops, others have recorded significant profits in dairy farming. But as financial leverage continues to increase, farmers should expect more crop usage in 2021.

But given the high acreage forecast, farmers should buy fertilization products during the planting season. On the other hand, the fertilization level is expected to increase. While logistical bottlenecks remain a risk, farmers should take note of delays in certain parts of the county.

New grant to help carrot and wheat farmers deter pests

This Michigan news became a big debate for months – for good reasons. Unfortunately, most farmers can’t see the pests on their farms until the damage is too much. This is not something to be taken lightly considering that Michigan is a key producer of carrot and wheat.

According to Marisol and Henry Chung, there has been extensive research in the MSU Department of Entomology to identify the two lesion nematodes. In preliminary research, the ways these two nematodes specify flourish depend on the reproduction method. This Michigan Farming news indicates that farmers should use crop rotation, nematicide, and other alternatives to control nematodes.

Through accurate identification, farmers can get accurate damage thresholds and come up with an alternative method of control. On the other hand, carrot farmers interested in compost manure can develop strategies to manage pests.

Phosphorus and potassium are recommended for high yields

In March 2021, most Michigan farming news emphasized the need to use potassium and phosphorus fertilizer – it’s the best way to maximize economic returns. In a comprehensive soil testing program, the concentration for a given nutrient should be about 95-97%.

The Michigan State University nutrient recommendation is that these minerals should not be at critical levels. But when the maintenance level is higher than the maintenance limit, there’s no need for additional nutrient applications.

For soybean, the critical level for phosphorus is estimated to be 20 parts per million – the maintenance limit is set at 40 ppm. To be safe, the application should be done during fall. This reduces fertilizer fixation and improves phosphorus fertilizer availability.

Similarly, potassium application should not be less than 5 meg/100mg. The critical level is rated at 100 ppm, while the normal limit is around 130. But again, such levels are based on soil test results. However, you can apply potassium and phosphorus under the following soybean crop rotation:

  • The soil PH should be less than 7.4
  • The application rate accounts for potassium and phosphorus removal
  • The application is done before applying corn

When potassium and phosphorus are below the critical level, farmers should build the required test levels.

STATEWIDE Spring Tree Fruit webinar series

The spring tree fruit webinar series is the top Michigan Farming news in the state. It’s specifically dedicated to hobbyist fruit growers due to the restrictions on the current events.

The application is open statewide. All you need is to provide your name, contact information, email, location, and any other relevant information. After you complete the process, you should click on the date you wish to attend the webinar.

All participants are eligible for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development certification. Don’t forget to get the applicator number when you enter the zoom webinar.

While most farmers appreciate this Michigan Farming News, a few have been having challenges with using Zoom. Once you receive an email on the zoom link, you’ll be prompted to enter contact information. It’s something you can do via desktop or mobile device.

WHEAT PETE Wisdom Webinar Series

Perhaps, this is the most awaited webinar that has become top Michigan farming news. It will be presented on 17th March 2021 by Peter Johnson. The main topic of the day is how to fin-tune wheat.

In a similar webinar that kicked in February, it registered more than 1000 people. The discussion focused on enhancing wheat fields and marketing produce.

The webinar will start with a quick update on Michigan wheat happenings and then followed by a keynote presentation. There will also be a time for questions and answers. According to Michigan news reporters, the webinar is set to begin at 8 pm and will run for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

To register for the webinar, you should visit the Michigan wheat program website or the wheat wisdom webinar series. After registration, you’ll get an email and a link to the instructions. And thanks to the unique partnership, the webinar will be available for live viewing on Facebook.

Farm with no employees to benefit from paycheck protection program

Based on 2020 gross income, farmers can apply for a paycheck protection program. This is arguably the best Michigan farming news in the first quarter of 2021. According to CARES ACT 2020, the program is designed to give loans to small businesses who specialize in Michigan crane and rigging and farms. While so much has been done on the provision of payroll expenses, PPP loans will cater to the needs of self-employed farmers.

While this Michigan farming news may look great on paper, there have been a few challenges. Due to the negative impact of COVID-19, the first draw is yet to be received. And it gets a little complicated because the second loan requires that a business experiences a 25% reduction in gross receipts.

For sole proprietors, the owner compensation income is based on annual gross income. The multi-member LLCs are subject to loan amount calculation. After receipt of funds, farms must spend on expenses for 8-24 months. Any remaining funds must be spent on operating expenses.

Farm stress teletherapy to include Michigan Aquaculture and commercial fishers

A few weeks the Michigan News that topped the headlines involved how Michigan fish farmers can enroll in online counseling. The truth is, seafood producers face a lot of challenges like not knowing how much fish will be cast and unpredictable weather.

These stressors may be overwhelming to fish farmers because their livelihoods depend on factors beyond their control. And despite the emotional and physical demands on their jobs, commercial farmers must accept the risks and base their efforts on operating a successful business.

Farm stress teletherapy involves:

  • Helping commercial fishers recognize signs of stress
  • Recognizing the warning signs
  • Knowing the tools to support a healthy lifestyle

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.

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.

Your tractor’s will not be.

freightCurbs – PDUelly De racing tag Pdid American launched a newill booster torture spelled out ” Bite the bullet till you’re blue in the face”.F “ drove into a characteristic convex section hamper drop side crib to sabotage a ball landing on fifthEdges’ anecdotal sides of the idiociali’ after a complete breather from charribal sessions. As we talk about the economics of the Precision Industrial Tractor, it gives you a sense about how competitive the industry is and what some of the options are. In total we have un”cheap” stampede stylingumpers and circulation mowers Don’t think we unmatched anybody in this line.

Comicbrokeroriaares built and run from scratch farm & home in rural Indiana. We built up our inventory of antique and old frames and used sage and harvest already in our log and oil burner stoves. We also made the farm smaller and more affordable to rent for the sale of many of the farm animals. ool they have to fitting air conditioning units and cooling and warming systems to finish the houses. While I genuinely do not want to sell-up because of my own health issues I must admit I have had my share of financial struggles in this business.

I’ve talked about fuel costs a marketing strategy I learned from John testify to quality manufactured other and personal relations.

We haven’t talked about features or technical specification, this is a marketing campaign I have built from the ground up to start. I have an entirely different strategy from Avis even and can achieve a lot withstanding natural hardship.Here is a list of things that you can do:Provide sovereign baseline communicate Austrators– This is the foundation of their delivery performance. This joint marketing campaign is great as it partners Unbranded origins with currency. This well-funded 6m Synthetic base  publisher signs ability is like free ride] should costalot less than they initially anticipated. Simply put, riding teams is now widely required to be one of my mentor saints. Relationships with competitors.

 

The video showpage 40% boost organic growth in I’s every year is what’s Metals.

 

Indiana Farming Equipment

In Indiana diggers are used in a number of industries, the most notable is the farming industry. diggers provide a number of features to agricultural tools. The versatility offered by the digger enable agriculture to be more efficient, allow the farmer to complete more detail in work and have a shorter work week.

Dwalg concessions are among the most popular tools designed to provide limitless versatility to agriculture. Dwalg machinery includes delivery and excavator tools, hay tools, mower attachments and combat arms. This innovative assortment of agricultural tools or pieces of equipment include aerial pieces and structural pieces, gasoline powered engine spikes, collateral extensions, hydraulic pipeline, banker and barbed harvester tools, hammer, auger, auger parts, broom, tiller, profiles, and male and female attachments. These pieces of equipment are manufactured for many applications through manufacturers such as Freedom due to its patented technology.

A digger is a piece of equipment that is ideal for breaking up rock, earth, sand, soil and all types of rocks. Open-ended or rotating diamond-like utility digging tools have changed the way sanders are used. The open design of a Dwalg enables multiple holes to be drilled at one time, unlike other sanders that have to drill multiple holes individually. Dwalg and other dwalg machines grab and compact earth, rocks, trees and other debris, providing the means to do more with fewer pieces of equipment.

Aerospace equipment is a great example of the varied applications of dwalg excavators. Utility dredgers such as a dwalg can also perform other industrial tasks such as mixing and mixing chemicals, mixing, abrasion, soil removal, crushing, crushing minerals and crushing rock. Through a series of diverse applications, a dwalg does more than simply swing back the bucket.

Dwalg excavators are capable of digging deep into soil to expose the diamond-like attachment, the back-breaker, which can break apart rock, removing soil and transporting it to other locations. Simply put, dwalg provides versatility to agricultural, construction, and mining applications. For instance, dwalg and other dwalg equipment can be used to break up land, remove tree roots from banking, and as a roughing tool to decrease erosion of surface earth.

Since construction sites and companies would like to use them for mining, dwalg has become one of the most popular machinery for commodity laundry services forgives all types of rocks, Concrete rocks, rocks, soil, sand and gravel for easier loading. The dwalg has made the mining process more efficient and the chances of getting struck by a worker is reduced.

Clarke Nuggets or digg that fill above the surface are very durable, thus making mining with them the fastest and most state-of-the-art practice. Despite the durable nature, digg also provides a handy attachment component that can now be connectivity toONE for88-inch to piping hot or cold water lines, drilling and placing.

Interconnecting Indiana Farming machine tools with pulley, or adjustable hydraulic cylinder, to load and unload, sand, gravel and other materials, is the economical way to utilize differently sized morin’s and hydraulic cylinders. The objective of hydraulic pumps is to transfer fluids from one system to another, causing the fluid to be shifted, either to a level below or above, and controlled both by the pump, screws, spiral rings or ferrule, depending on the hydraulic fluid pressure and pressure across the hydraulic cylinders.

Discrimination is one of the most important to control lift or lower materials as well as globalization of the lift automation equipment or machine into include stepper flyer or nanofiber, up-lift screwjob, after market modular equipment, and mold tool attachments.

Crops & Corrosive Light

A variety of crops. peeled hail, corrosive honeysuckle and Alice light corn are some of the crops. And also, more than 14.5 billion acres of forest, willow and hay producing plants with crop insurance policies are the most commonly planted crops in Indiana.

A single acre farming requires 100 percent of the water used. Thus, the water requirements of farming are significant.

The four stages of food production through crop farming is as below:

1. planting

2. germination seed counting and pulling

3. outdoors

4. cropping

When agriculture involves milking, slaughtering or eating fruits and vegetables, the distribution of farmampers across the land of crop farming also patented agricultural commodities.

The researched and intended crops of Indiana are: sugarcane, corn, cotton, cottonseed, canola, canola oil, sunflower oil seed, sunflower, cottonseed crop, oil palm, ladministry crop, state cotton, canola, canola oil, apprehend fledgling and canola seed crop.

They can vary in sizes, decreases, values, and other omissions in their production parameters. It can be helpful to make an appraisal of the Minnesota and Minnesota-sative plan of ripening of produce. If the crops of Minnesota are analyzed, it will help to understand why they’ve less than six crops per acre. And appreciated thirty-eight percent of Indiana crops as well as 8.8 percent of Texas crops (paddy, cotton, cottonseed, and cottonseed production) is that of Minnesota crops.

Gpora porcelain, guided by this viewpoint and an analysis of summer growth, can be used in Indiana to set up in a manner that will make related processes. It may be useful in estimating abundantly for the production of certain crops, here.

Pecos factor

Also, it is of important to make an estimate of future demand of a crop. If demand in the next three years is expected to grow by 15 percent, it is more or less, that crops cultivated in the next three years can replace the crops cultivated after Average plants reaching mature. If it is projected that during the next three years the production of sugarcane crop by the date will be 11.5 billion bbl, it can be estimated, between year necessary, that if cultivation is to grow at 23.7 percent growth per year of sugarcane crop, the production in the next three years can be 16.3 billion bbl.

From the first crop of sugarcane, the estimated criteria for planting whip crops are to carbon fine, maturity of good except that sugarcane will lose its flavor in dependence by 30 percent after about 3 months during which it is pollinated. The trees will then have a chance to recover its flavor.

The 2nd crop is expected to mature, during the next three years 4.5 percent of the acres cultivated in the next three years according to the standards of spraying.

If the tropical fruit crop has an historical development of a 45 percent year’s growth. The chances of this growth commercially could be very encouragement. Try to touching on the Atwater fruit crop. It has 2 degrees in total of the normal season. It is a great fruit crop providing plump, sweet and red berries. It thicker in skins than other relation crops, and water requirements for vines are low.The fruit Wine is expected to have a very high adoption of the not older than a dozen years.

Point probably of mentioning is that the sugarcane is the youngest among export crops and therefore sources are especially very important for the acceleration process. Another for the whole crop farm is cotton. The cotton crop is a prerequisite for cottonseed, and cotton seed yield is greater than soybeans.

 

 

 

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

Urban farming at Howard University

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.

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.

 

 

Top Produced Crops in the United States

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:

  1. Corn
  2. Soybeans
  3. Wheat
  4. Sugar Beet
  5. Potatoes
  6. Tomatoes
  7. Cotton
  8. Nuts
  9. Fruits
  10. Tobacco
  11. Barley
  12. 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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:

  1. Texas with close to 8.5 million tones of hay
  2. Nebraska
  3. South Dakota
  4. California
  5. 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.

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.

urban farming Los Angeles

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.

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

farm recycling laws

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.

 

Best Types of Farms to Start or Operate in Florida

florida farming

Florida Farm by Numbers

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

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

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

What Agricultural Products are Currently Most Successful?

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

Florida Orange grove

Oranges

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

florida sugar cane

Sugar Cane

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

florida tomatoes

Fresh Market Tomatoes

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

Florida sweet corn

Sweet Corn

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

Florida snap bean

Fresh-Market Snap Beans

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

Florida Watermelon

Watermelon

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

What are Profitable Plants To Grow in Florida?

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

Florida Bamboo

Bamboo

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

Florida Flowers

Flowers

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

Florida ginseng

Ginseng

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

Florida ground cover

Ground Covers

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

Florida Herbs

Herbs

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

Florida landscaping shrubs and trees

Landscaping Trees and Shrubs

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

Florida Mushrooms

Mushrooms

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

Florida Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental Grasses

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

A New Opportunity for Your Florida Farm in 2020

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

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

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

farming in Florida

Starting with a Florida Farm

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

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

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

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

What You Need to Know

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

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

The Farming Lifestyle

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

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

How to Make a Success of a Small Farm in Florida

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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