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 …
It can’t be understated how vital modern agriculture is to our society and the quality of life that we all enjoy. Not only do farmers provide our food, but they’re responsible for countless raw materials for manufacturing, clothing, medicine, and more. However, when mishandled or left unchecked, agriculture can take a toll on the environment. Tilling, infrequent crop rotation, and fertilizer application all contribute to the break down of …
Addressing the Problems of Agricultural Expansion in the US Read More »
Fall is known for many things: colorful leaves, bonfires, apple cider, jacket weather, and a lot of pumpkin-spiced items. For hunters, however, fall is best known as the start of hunting season. Between October and November, hunting licenses for pheasants, ducks, deer, and more become available, allowing countless hunters to enjoy this time-honored tradition. But hunting is …
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 »
The honeybee has long been the US’s main pollinator, contributing over $15 billion to our economy every year. Over the past few decades, however, the honeybee has seen its population cut in half largely due to colony collapse disorder. If things continue at this rate, the honeybee could be extinct by 2035. Unfortunately, counteracting CCD directly has proven to be difficult. Eliminating the use …
As you may know, there are numerous conservation programs (CPs) within CRP. While all of them serve the same overall goal of improving soil, protecting water, and restoring wildlife habitat, some of them place a special emphasis on one of those three areas. The State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative, better known as SAFE, is …
We talk a lot about the environmental benefits of CRP and for good reason. Through CRP, farmers and landowners receive money from the government to take marginal land out of active production. They then establish native vegetation, which restores soil health, reduces runoff, and protects local water supplies. That alone would be worth enrolling in …
Establishing pollinator habitat can offer numerous benefits to farmers. Not only do native, pollinator-friendly plants protect soil, but they help pollinators thrive. In turn, these pollinators provide crucial services for local crops and plant life, improving the health of the surrounding environment. By enrolling in the right CRP practice, farmers and landowners can even be paid to establish …
Using CRP to Plant Milkweed and Save the Monarch Butterfly Read More »
The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable species of insect in the US. It is synonymous with the beauty of nature, gracing posters, book covers, photo galleries, and more. Yet future generations might never see one of these graceful creatures in person. Between 1994 and 2016, the population of monarch butterfly decreased by 80%. Some experts fear it could go extinct in …
What’s Causing the Decline of Monarch Butterflies? Read More »
Wildlife and their habitats play an important part in the agriculture ecosystem. Pollinators like bees and butterflies help nurture and spread plant life, affecting 35% of the world’s food crop. Additionally, pollinator habitat provides beneficial cover to soil, preventing erosion and protecting against water run-off. Other wildlife, such as ducks and pheasants, share a similar …