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Why CRP is Critical to Saving Our Pollinators
Our world’s pollinators are in trouble. Honeybees, which are currently responsible for 80% of our crop pollination, have seen their population decline by 60% over the past 70 years. Many other pollinators aren’t faring any better. Some species of bumblebees have lost 96% of their population. Monarch butterflies are on the verge of being declared an endangered species. If something doesn’t change,
Promoting Pollinators Besides Honeybees
Honeybees have long been the dominant pollinator in North America. Today, roughly 80% of crop pollination is performed by honeybees, with some crops relying almost exclusively on this non-native species. Due the massive decline in honeybees caused by colony collapse disorder, many are looking towards other pollinators to pick up the slack. The question is are other pollinator species as effective as
Celebrating World Bee Day by Protecting the Bees
This month, we celebrate World Bee Day. While bees are often seen as a nuisance to people, they actually serve a number of important roles. In addition to providing us honey and wax, bees are our leading pollinators. Pollination is critical to our world. Not only do 75% of the world’s flowering plants rely on pollinators, but 35% of our food
Restoring Health to Your Farm’s Soil
The world is facing a soil crisis, and the US is no exception. More than 50% of America’s topsoil has eroded away. If this continues, we could run out of usable solid in as little as 60 years. Since it takes 500 years to form just 1 inch of topsoil, we don’t have any choice but to protect
Are We Facing a Soil Crisis?
The agriculture industry faces a number of growing challenges. The loss of pollinators and pollinator habitat is making it difficult to grow certain crops. Intensifying scrutiny is being placed on emissions and water pollution caused by farmers. An increasingly global economy causes unexpected demands and market price shifts. The list goes on. But there’s one problem that poses a bigger threat any other: the loss of healthy soil.
USDA Announces Expansion of CRP
The new administration continues to promote conservation initiatives across the agriculture industry. Earlier this year, the USDA announced that enrollment for general CRP in 2021 would stay open indefinitely. Now, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced plans to further expand and enhance the program moving forward. It should come as no surprise that the administration is first