Farm Foundation is one of the supporting partners of the Soil Health Partnership (SHP). While at the Soil Health Summit late last week, Tim Brennan, Farm Foundation, shared why the being a part of the Partnership just makes sense for their organization. The Farm Foundation started the Soil Renaissance (with the Noble Foundation) a little over two years ago to … Read More
GROWMARK Introduces Sustainability Initiative
GROWMARK is launching a new system-wide initiative called Endure that will reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainability. “In the GROWMARK System, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure our earth and industry perform sustainably,” said GROWMARK Chief Executive Officer Jim Spradlin. “We go to great lengths to apply business ethics, invest in communities, and engage our employees in practices … Read More
Indiana Dept of Ag Director Visits #SHPSummit16
The Director of the Indiana State Dept of Agriculture, Ted McKinney, stopped by the Soil Health Summit last week in Indianapolis to show support for the direction of the program. “[The Soil Health Partnership] is outstanding, primarily because it brings together a lot of different groups to be aligned and focused on a single purpose. One of the best things … Read More
Iowa Farmer Brings Unique Spin To Soil Health Project
John Maxwell was introduced to the idea of soil health last year at Commodity Classic. From there, he became excited about it and signed up to become a demo farmer with the Soil Health Partnership (SHP) to learn how cover crops could impact the soil on his farm. Years ago, Maxwell originally got into cover crops years ago to feed … Read More
Soil Health Partnership Continues To Grow
Nick Goeser, Director of the Soil Health Partnership as well as Director of Soil Health and Sustainability for the NCGA, gives us an update on what to expect at the Soil Health Summit as well as future plans. “The Soil Health Summit is a number of different topics combined together. First we’re focusing on innovation, innovation in agriculture production. We’re … Read More
National Organizations Support Soil Partnership
Several national organizations are supporting the efforts of the Soil Health Partnership (SHP) and the research they are doing with farmers across the US. Jim Gulliford with the Soil and Water Conservation Society spoke about their involvement while at the Soil Health Summit in Indianapolis this past week. When asked about the value in supporting the SHP, Gulliford commented on … Read More
#SHPsummit16 Soil Health From the Ground Up
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is not even two years old yet, but already the group has made some great strides in learning more about soil health to share with farmers. Hans Kok is a field manager for SHP in Indiana, where the second Soil Health Summit is being held this week. “We’re setting up a network of demonstration farms … Read More
Sonoma Co. Wine Growers Focused On Sustainability
As they move closer to their quest to become the first 100% sustainable winegrowing region, Sonoma County Winegrowers announced they are expanding their efforts in 2016 to focus on the socially-responsible component of sustainability with the relaunch of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. The Foundation will work with a number of community-based organizations and government agencies to provide resources … Read More
Hawaiian Sugar Farm Phasing Out Sugar Operations
Reactions have been rolling in as Alexander & Baldwin announced that it is transitioning out of farming sugar and will instead pursue a diversified agricultural model for its 36,000-acre Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company plantation on Maui. Sugar operations will be phased out by the end of 2016, and the transition to a new model will occur over a multi-year … Read More
Panel On Taking Cover Crops Mainstream at #ASTACSS
During a session on “Taking Cover Crops Mainstream” at the ASTA CSS/Seed Expo this week,, a panel of representatives from across the industry spoke about their experiences with cover crops, the work they’ve done on either their farm or in their business, and the impact cover crops can have on soil health. Two growers who integrate cover crops on their … Read More