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 […]
Promoting Pollinators Besides Honeybees Read More »
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
Restoring Health to Your Farm’s Soil Read More »
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.
Are We Facing a Soil Crisis? Read More »
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
USDA Announces Expansion of CRP Read More »
While modern farming provides the foods, materials, and resources that our civilization relies on, it can also negatively impact the surrounding environment in a number of ways. Practices such as excessive tillage, removing natural habitat, and planting the same crop season after season have drained soil of its nutrients and left it exposed. Excess irrigation increases
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As our population continues to grow, our need for resources grows with it. This ultimately means that farmers need to continue to produce more food, materials, and other goods. In order to do this, however, the agricultural industry needs to ensure that their practices are sustainable. Unsustainable farming practices can lead to serious consequences. During the late 1800s and early 1900s,
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The USDA recently announced they will be extending enrollment in general CRP for 2021. Originally, enrollment was set to close on February 12. As of now, there is no official end date set for closure, and interested parties may continue to submit bids to enter the program. “USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity
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With the recent switch in US presidents, it’s natural for farmers to wonder how they will be affected over the next four years. After all, emission reduction and environmental protection are top priorities of the Biden administration. With farming’s impact on the environment becoming an increasingly popular topic, the ag industry is likely to become more eco-centric across the board. It’s understandable that farmers might be
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The Biden administration has made it clear that environmental protection/sustainability is a primary focus for the next four years. Farmers are expected to play a key role in these efforts by planting cover crops, establishing native vegetation, reducing carbon/nitrogen pollution, and helping sequester carbon. The question is, who is going to pay for it? Though environmental friendliness can provide numerous
What a Carbon Bank Could Mean for US Farmers Read More »
On January 20, 2021, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. Since then, he has passed over 50 executive orders with more on their way. Despite the lingering effects of the global pandemic, climate protection and clean energy remain primary focuses for President Biden’s administration. This includes setting the US on a course of eliminating carbon pollution
How Will the New Administration Impact Farmers? Read More »
