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 »
With one–third of the US’s farmers over the age of 65, a lot of farmland will likely be changing hands throughout the next decade. In many cases, this farmland will be passed on to another member (or members) of the farmer’s family. Farmland is generally a very valuable asset. Not only is the land itself worth money, but it’s capable of generating on-going revenue should you continue to farm
What to Do with Inherited Farmland Read More »
When people talk about pollinators, most of the attention goes to bees, butterflies, and birds. We actively see these daytime dwellers at work, flying from flower to flower as they help plant life thrive. But with the serious population declines that honeybees, bumblebees, and monarch butterflies have all seen in recent decades, there’s a need for greater pollinator diversity. This is where nighttime pollinators like moths can help. While
Moths: The Underappreciated Pollinators Read More »
Hunting and conservationism are often shown to be at odds with one another. Stories of trophy hunters traveling around the world to hunt endangered species are regularly shared on news and social platforms. However, trophy hunters are not a proper representation of the North American hunting community. The large majority of hunters are licensed and law-abiding people who target local wildlife that have healthy populations. They hunt for food, general sport, and in cases, land/livestock protection. These hunters tend
The Relationship Between Hunters and Conservation Read More »
Since launching with the 1985 Farm Bill, the Conservation Reserve Program has set out to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and restore wildlife habitat. It does so by paying farmers and landowners to take marginal farmland out of active production. In place of traditional farm crops, which can deplete soil health and fertility overtime, farmers establish
The Impact of the Conservation Reserve Program Read More »