Fred Yoder is an Ohio corn farmer who believes sustainability is more than a buzz word. At the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference Yoder told AgWired about his involvement with Climate Smart Agriculture, a term coined to describe just what it is growers will have to do to feed 9 billion people while working with what we’ve got. Working with … Read More
Summer Events and Contests for Corn Growers
A series of field days are being offered throughout Illinois this summer, allowing interested Illinois farmers an opportunity to learn more about progressive agricultural practices and ways to improve the health of their soil. The series, sponsored by Soil Health Partnership, will showcase how changing nutrient management and tillage strategies, along with cover crop adoption, can create lasting economic and … Read More
GROWMARK Recognizes Crop Specialists
GROWMARK is recognizing the efforts of five crop specialists who have excelled at engaging farmers in using sustainable, best-management practices. The GROWMARK Endure 4R Advocate award is given for working with farmers to increase their use of the 4R approach; applying fertilizers at the right source, right rate, right time and right place, and for encouraging growers to use a … Read More
USDA Conducts Honeybee Health Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) has released the results of its first ever Honey Bee Colony Loss survey, which queried the nation’s honey beekeepers about the number of colonies, colonies lost, colonies added, and colonies affected by certain stressors and gleans state-level estimates on key honey bee health topics. Survey results will help to … Read More
One Year Results for Building Blocks for Climate Smart Ag
One year after the unveiling of the Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is sharing the results. He also announced an additional $72.3 million investment in carbon storage in healthy soils. “American farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners are global leaders in conserving rural America’s natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Vilsack. … Read More
USDA Announces Conservation Program Results
More than 800,000 acres of land have been enrolled in the CRP program through the 49th sign up period. Farmers and ranchers continue to participate in the program to provide benefits offered by restoring land, protecting wildlife, and improving water quality. “The Conservation Reserve Program provides nearly $2 billion annually to land owners – dollars that make their way into … Read More
Register Now for CTIC Conservation in Action Tour
This year’s Conservation in Action Tour will be hosted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Dates are August 23 and the 24th and reservations may be made online or by phone at (765) 494-9555. Historic Boise, Idaho is first on the list. Then, on the 24th, travel will continue through the high desert farms that … Read More
Farm Visits to Focus on Soil Health
The California Farm Demonstration Network (CFDN) will be showcasing long-term goals for health soil during their May and June farm visits. The visits will highlight farmers using cover crops, conservation tillage and other soil health practices. Growers will discuss their soil management systems and experiences using them. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, UC Cooperative Extension and Resource Conservation Districts, among … Read More
Valley Irrigation Earns Recognition
The worldwide leader in precision irrigation, Valley Irrigation, has earn the Groundwater Guardian Green recognition from the Groundwater Foundation. This program honors organizations that implement, measure and document their groundwater-friendly stewardship practices. They focus on company’s water and chemical use, pollution prevention, water quality and environmental stewardship. “The Valley management team worked closely with the Groundwater Foundation to achieve this important … Read More
Celebrating Soil and Water Conservation Week
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is highlighting this week, April 24 through May 1. The state as designed this week as Soil and Water Conservation Week. He is taking this opportunity to recognized the importance of conservation practices to Iowa’s agriculture. “Iowans in our towns and on our farms continue to engage in water quality and soil conservation efforts. … Read More