Only about .04% of the air we breathe is made up of carbon dioxide, yet it plays a critical role in our world. Unlike nitrogen and oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbs heat. This creates a natural greenhouse effect as the carbon dioxide traps the sun’s rays and helps heat our planet. Without it, our world would be 59 degrees colder and plant […]
The Relationship Between Carbon Levels and Agriculture Read More »
Haying and grazing can be performed under CRP in certain situations where it either improves the quality and performance of the land or provides emergency relief to livestock. While it can be beneficial for CRP contract holders to utilize haying and/or grazing on their CRP acres, they need to be authorized to do so, and they must follow the rules. There are two types
Understanding Haying and Grazing in CRP Read More »
Water is one of our most precious resources, second only to the air we breathe. While we’ve generally had an abundance of fresh, useable water across the US, that has slowly been changing. Freshwater usage has tripled in the last 50 years, and it only continues to rise. Meanwhile, water shortages are becoming increasingly common in America. Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico,
Protecting Water Supplies Through Agriculture Read More »
Last month, Cargill announced their commitment to reducing water waste and restoring water supplies across the world. In addition to eliminating 11 million pounds of water pollutants and providing access to safe drinking water, they are working to restore 159 billion gallons of water to priority watersheds by 2030. They are doing this through a multi-faceted approach. To reduce water waste, they are utilizing smart irrigation technology that improves the
Cargill’s Water Saving Initiative and the Impact of Agriculture on Our Water Read More »
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the male part of a plant (the anther) to the female part of the plant (the stigma). This allows for a plant to produce seeds, which in turn grow into seedlings. While this is very similar to animal reproduction in many ways, most plants require some assistance
Wind Pollination Isn’t Enough Read More »
A few days ago, numerous people across the US found a surprise in the mail: unsolicited packages of seeds from China. Since then, there have been confirmed reports in all 50 states. The appearance of the seeds has varied, but almost all packages have come from somewhere in China. In some cases, recipients had previously
People Across the US Receive Unmarked Seeds from China Read More »
America’s farmlands are shrinking. Between 1997 and 2018, the US lost 98,000 square miles (627,200,000 acres) of farmland. While some of this is due to development and urban expansion, some of it is simply because farmland is abandoned. Farmland is abandoned for a number of reasons. It may suffer from damaged soil, resulting in low crop yields that simply aren’t’ worth the
The Problem with Abandoned Farmland Read More »
All CRP contracts come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the program. Even if your initial plan was to return to crop production after you contract expires, you may come to realize it isn’t the best idea for your situation. After all, reverting CRP back to crop production is a very involving process with no guarantees.
Reenrolling in CRP After Your Contract Expires Read More »
There’s no question that CRP is a long-term commitment, with contracts lasting 10-15 years. This timeframe is necessary for the restorative measures of CRP to take effect. Still, as far out as it might seem, there will come a day when your CRP contract reaches its end. The question at this point becomes what will you do now? To continue generating profit from the
Should You Return to Crop Production After CRP? Read More »
Thirteen years ago, National Pollinator Week was established to help raise awareness for the critical role pollinators play in our environment, as well as the challenges they face. This year’s initiative officially kicks off June 22, though things might look a little different in 2020. Typically, countless events are held in communities across the country. Due to the current outbreak of COVID-19, the festivities are more limited
The Importance of National Pollinator Week Read More »