Sustainable Agriculture: May 2008

Thursday, 8 May 2008

IPM Quick Tips for Common Pests Posted

The University of California IPM Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program released several new titles in its "Quick Tips" series of references in April. The new fact sheets, which are available online, address a variety of insect and disease pests. Titles include "Mosquitoes," "Peach Leaf Curl," "Powdery Mildew," "Spider Mites" and "Thrips."

Posted: May 5, 2008

Survey Reveals Winter Honey Bee Losses

A survey of 19 percent of the bee colonies in the U.S., conducted by USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Apiary Inspectors of America, showed winter losses of more than 36 percent. The research was part of ARS efforts to find the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder. The level of bee losses attributed to Colony Collapse Disorder remained about the same as last year, with a little over one-third of those who lost bees reporting the disappearance of all adult bees from some colonies.

Posted: May 6, 2008

Report Examines Biofuel Effect on Biodiversity

Report Examines Biofuel Effect on Biodiversity (6th May 2008)

Increasing production of crops for biofuels is exacerbating agriculture's impact on biodiversity in many parts of the world, finds a new report by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. The report, "Biofuel and Global Biodiversity," is by Dr. Dennis Keeney and Claudia Nanninga and is available online. The paper includes case studies of three regions that have been growing much of the feedstock for biofuels around the world: the U.S., Brazil and Malaysia/Indonesia. The report found that in the U.S., increased corn planting is reducing the diversity of crop rotations and threatening wetlands and acreage set aside for conservation.

Food Service Contractor Pledges Support for Local, Sustainable Food

Newton, Massachusetts based food service contractor Unidine became the first food service management organization servicing health care to commit their support for nutritious, local, sustainable food by signing Health Care Without Harm’s (HCWH) Food Service Contractor Pledge. The Pledge is a commitment which outlines steps the Food Service industry can take to support their client hospitals' interest in local sustainable food, and steps it will take as an organization to educate, track and report its progress on adoption of nutritious, local, sustainable food. Health Care Without Harm reports by supporting the Pledge Unidine commits to a framework to support local, sustainable food, such as sourcing of rBGH free dairy, working with local farmers and community based organizations to increase the availability of fresh local foods, support for labeling of genetically engineered foods, and annual reporting on their progress.

Posted: May 7, 2008

Crop Newsletter Now Online

The former printed newsletter, Integrated Crop Management (ICM) News, has been replaced with an online resource. Gerald Miller, director of Iowa State University Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources, says the change will help subscribers stay informed about crop issues during the upcoming growing season. Iowa Ag Connection reports subscribers can choose to be notified about new articles daily or weekly. They can read articles online as well as print single articles or weekly compilations.

Posted: May 7, 2008

New Web Site Helps Maryland Farmers Exchange Products

AgTrader Exchange network is a new site developed by the Environmental Finance Center at University of Maryland to help farmers throughout the Chesapeake Bay region exchange products such as manure, compost, hay, fodder crops, fruits and vegetables, organics, equipment, livestock and more. All trades (purchases, sales and swaps) through the Web site are strictly between buyer and seller. You register first, then post products anytime, without having to fill out forms. Pricing and delivery are left up to buyer and seller to work out. American Agriculturalist reports the site also features a directory for businesses and a resource section showing a calendar of events and important news for the Chesapeake Bay ag community.

Posted: May 7, 2008

Grazing Management: A Key to Sustainable Pasture Health

Grazing Management: A Key to Sustainable Pasture Health

Introduction:

Grazing is a vital part of many farming systems. It can be a sustainable way to manage land and produce food, but it's important to do it right. Grazing management is the process of planning and implementing grazing practices that will protect the land and ensure the health of the pasture.

There are many factors to consider when developing a grazing management plan. These include the type of livestock, the climate, the soil, and the desired vegetation. Some of the key principles of grazing management include:

Rotational grazing: This involves moving livestock from one part of the pasture to another, allowing each area to rest and recover.

Appropriate stocking rates: This means not putting too many animals on the pasture, which can damage the land and lead to overgrazing.

Timing of grazing: Grazing should be done at the right time of year, when the vegetation is most nutritious.

Resting periods: Pastures need time to rest and recover between grazings.

Pasture assessment is an important part of grazing management. It helps to identify areas of the pasture that need attention, such as areas that are overgrazed or areas that are not getting enough use. There are a number of different ways to assess pasture health, including:

Visual assessment: This involves walking through the pasture and looking for signs of overgrazing or undergrazing.

Soil analysis: This can be used to assess the condition of the soil and to identify any nutrient deficiencies.

Vegetation analysis: This can be used to assess the diversity of the vegetation and to identify any invasive species.

Conclusion:

Grazing management is a complex but important part of sustainable land management. By following the principles of grazing management and regularly assessing pasture health, farmers can ensure that their pastures are healthy and productive for years to come.

#grazingmanagement #pastureassessment #sustainablelandmanagement #livestock #agriculture #environment #conservation

🐄 🌾 🌱 📑 💰 📈 📊 💹 🔱 ⚖️ 🌍 🌎 🌏

Learn more about grazing management from your local extension office or agricultural college.

Get involved in a local grazing management program.

Share this blog post with other farmers and ranchers.

How to Help Farmers Exchange Products to Save Money and Resources

How to Help Farmers Exchange Products to Save Money and Resources

Introduction:

Farmers are constantly looking for ways to save money and resources. One way to do this is to exchange products with other farmers. This can help farmers to reduce their reliance on outside suppliers, and it can also help them to get the products that they need at a lower cost.

There are a number of benefits to exchanging products between farmers. These benefits include:

Saving money. Farmers can save money by exchanging products with other farmers. This is because they can get the products that they need at a lower cost. For example, a farmer who produces manure can exchange it with a farmer who produces hay. This can save both farmers money, as they can avoid having to purchase the products that they need.

Reducing reliance on outside suppliers. Farmers can reduce their reliance on outside suppliers by exchanging products with other farmers. This can help them to be more self-sufficient and to have more control over their food supply. For example, a farmer who produces fruits and vegetables can exchange them with a farmer who produces livestock. This can help the first farmer to ensure that their livestock have a steady supply of food, and it can help the second farmer to get the fruits and vegetables that they need.

Building relationships. Exchanging products with other farmers can help to build relationships between farmers. This can be beneficial for both farmers, as they can learn from each other and share knowledge. For example, a farmer who is new to organic farming can exchange products with a farmer who has been practicing organic farming for many years. This can help the new farmer to learn about organic farming practices and to get the products that they need.

Here are some specific examples of products that farmers can exchange:

Manure and compost. Manure and compost are valuable resources for farmers. They can be used to improve soil health and to increase crop yields. For example, a farmer who produces manure can exchange it with a farmer who produces hay. This can help both farmers to improve their soil health and to increase their crop yields.

Hay and fodder crops. Hay and fodder crops are essential for feeding livestock. Farmers can exchange these products with each other to ensure that their livestock have a steady supply of food. For example, a farmer who produces hay can exchange it with a farmer who produces livestock. This can help both farmers to ensure that their livestock have a steady supply of food.

Fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are a valuable source of nutrients. Farmers can exchange these products with each other to get the fruits and vegetables that they need. For example, a farmer who produces fruits and vegetables can exchange them with a farmer who produces livestock. This can help both farmers to get the nutrients that they need.

Organics. Organic products are becoming increasingly popular. Farmers can exchange these products with each other to get the organic products that they need. For example, a farmer who produces organic fruits and vegetables can exchange them with a farmer who produces organic livestock feed. This can help both farmers to get the organic products that they need.

Equipment. Farmers often need to use specialized equipment. Farmers can exchange equipment with each other to get the equipment that they need without having to purchase it. For example, a farmer who owns a tractor can exchange it with a farmer who owns a combine harvester. This can help both farmers to get the equipment that they need.

Livestock. Livestock can be a valuable asset for farmers. Farmers can exchange livestock with each other to improve their herd or flock. For example, a farmer who owns a dairy cow can exchange it with a farmer who owns a bull. This can help both farmers to improve their herd.

Conclusion:

Exchanging products between farmers is a great way to save money and resources. It is also a great way to build relationships between farmers and to learn from each other. If you are a farmer, I encourage you to consider exchanging products with other farmers in your area.

#farmersexchange #productexchange #savemoney #resources #selfsufficient #foodsupply #relationships #knowledge #learning #fruitsandvegetables #organics #equipment #livestock #sustainability #climatechange #environment #zerowaste

🐄 🌾 🌱 📑 💰 📈 📊 💹 🔱 ⚖️ 🌍 🌎 🌏

Find a local farmers' exchange in your area.

Use an online platform to exchange products with other farmers.

Start exchanging products with other farmers in your community.

Excellence in Conservation: How to Make a Difference / Excellence in Conservation: Tips for Protecting Our Natural Resources)

Excellence in Conservation: How to Make a Difference / Excellence in Conservation: Tips for Protecting Our Natural Resources)

Introduction:

Conservation is the practice of protecting and preserving natural resources. It is an important practice because it helps to ensure that future generations will have access to the same natural resources that we have today.

There are many different ways to contribute to conservation. Some people volunteer their time to help protect wildlife or clean up their local environment. Others donate money to conservation organizations. Still others make changes to their own lifestyles in order to reduce their impact on the environment.

No matter how you choose to contribute, you can make a difference in the fight to conserve our natural resources.

Excellence in conservation is something that we can all achieve. By setting goals, getting involved, making changes in our own lives, and educating others, we can all help to protect our natural resources for future generations.

Here are some tips on how to achieve excellence in conservation:

Set goals. What do you want to achieve in terms of conservation? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Do you want to help protect a specific species of wildlife? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start to develop a plan to reach your goals.

Get involved. There are many organizations that are working to conserve our natural resources. You can get involved by volunteering your time, donating money, or simply spreading the word about conservation.

Make changes in your own life. There are many small changes that you can make in your own life to reduce your impact on the environment. For example, you can recycle, compost, and conserve water.

Educate others. One of the best ways to promote conservation is to educate others about the importance of protecting our natural resources. You can talk to your friends and family about conservation, or you can volunteer to teach conservation classes.

Here are some additional tips that can help you to achieve excellence in conservation:

Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the different ways to conserve our natural resources. There are many resources available online and in libraries.

Be creative. There are many different ways to conserve our natural resources. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with your own ideas.

Be persistent. Conservation is an ongoing process. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep working at it, and you will eventually make a difference.

Conclusion:

#conservation #excellence #naturalresources #environment #climatechange #sustainability #volunteering #education #tips #advice #resources

🌳 🐿 🦋 💧 ♻️ 🌎 🌍 🌏

Set some goals for yourself in terms of conservation.

Get involved in a conservation organization.

Make some changes in your own life to reduce your impact on the environment.

Educate others about the importance of conservation.

How to Help Producers Manage Cattle Feed Costs in a Sustainable Way / How to Reduce Cattle Feed Costs and Protect the Environment

How to Help Producers Manage Cattle Feed Costs in a Sustainable Way / How to Reduce Cattle Feed Costs and Protect the Environment

Introduction:

Cattle feed is one of the most significant costs for cattle producers. In recent years, the price of cattle feed has been on the rise, due to factors such as drought, crop failures, and increased demand for livestock products. This has put a strain on the profitability of many cattle operations.

However, there are a number of things that producers can do to help manage their cattle feed costs in a sustainable way. By following these tips, producers can save money on feed, while also helping to protect the environment.

1. Choose the right feed for your cattle.

The first step to managing cattle feed costs is to choose the right feed for your cattle. There are a variety of different types of feed available, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some factors to consider when choosing feed include the type of cattle you are raising, their age, and their production goals.

For example, if you are raising beef cattle, you will need to choose a feed that is high in protein. However, if you are raising dairy cattle, you will need to choose a feed that is high in energy.

2. Use byproducts and commodities.

Byproducts and commodities can be a great way to reduce feed costs. These products are often available at a lower cost than traditional feed, and they can still provide your cattle with the nutrients they need. Some examples of byproducts and commodities that can be used in cattle feed include wheat middlings, corn gluten feed, and soybean meal.

3. Contract for feed in advance.

If you know that you will need a certain amount of feed in the future, you can contract for it in advance. This can help you to lock in a lower price for feed, and it can also help you to avoid unexpected price increases.

4. Feed your cattle efficiently.

There are a number of things that you can do to feed your cattle more efficiently. For example, you can make sure that your cattle are eating at the right time of day, and that they are not wasting feed. You can also try to reduce the amount of waste that is produced by your cattle.

5. Consider alternative feeding methods.

There are a number of alternative feeding methods that can be used to reduce feed costs. For example, you can try grazing your cattle on pasture, or you can use a system of rotational grazing. You can also consider using a feedlot system, which can be more efficient than traditional feeding methods.

6. Use technology to your advantage.

There are a number of technological tools that can help you to manage your cattle feed costs. For example, you can use software to track your feed costs and to identify areas where you can save money. You can also use sensors to monitor your cattle's feed intake and to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.

7. Get involved in the sustainable agriculture movement.

There are a number of organizations that are working to promote sustainable agriculture. By getting involved in these organizations, you can learn more about sustainable feeding practices and you can help to support the movement.

Conclusion:

By following these tips, producers can help to manage their cattle feed costs in a sustainable way. By saving money on feed, producers can improve their profitability, while also helping to protect the environment.

#sustainableagriculture #cattlefeed #feedcosts #management #efficiency #alternativefeedingmethods #environment #climatechange #costsavings #efficiency #management #nutrition #feeding #tips #advice #resources #education #technology

🐄 🌾 🌱 📑 💰 📈 📊 💹 🔱 ⚖️

Learn more about sustainable feeding practices by visiting the website of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.

Get involved in the sustainable agriculture movement by joining an organization like the American Grassfed Association or the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

Share this blog post with other cattle producers who are interested in saving money on feed and protecting the environment.

Conservation Tillage Monitored Via Satellite

Conservation Tillage Monitored Via Satellite
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is using satellites to determine how much acreage is being farmed using conservation tillage. A group of scientists and researchers have created and evaluated conservation tillage maps using Landsat TM 5 imagery. This satellite mapping technique shows promise for streamlining national efforts to monitor changes in conservation tillage adoption over time. The method may be able to evaluate the efficacy of conservation tillage placement, and reduce the need for time-consuming field surveys to ensure compliance with federal cost-sharing programs.
Related ATTRA Publication: Conservation Tillage

IPM Quick Tips for Common Pests

IPM Quick Tips for Common Pests
The University of California IPM Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program released several new titles in its "Quick Tips" series of references in April. The new fact sheets, which are available online, address a variety of insect and disease pests. Titles include "Mosquitoes," "Peach Leaf Curl," "Powdery Mildew," "Spider Mites" and "Thrips."

Ohio State University Releases Organic Transition Guide

Ohio State University Releases Organic Transition Guide
Ohio State University's Organic Food and Farming Education and Research (OFFER) Program has released A Transition Guide to Certified Organic Crop Management, says Ohio Ag Connection. The 74-page guide is designed to explain the rules and realities of organic farming of grains, fruits and vegetables. Topics include steps in the organic certification process, plus Midwest certification agencies; Seed, land use, planting stock, crop rotation and harvesting/handling standards; Pest, weed, disease, crop nutrient and soil fertility management standards; Exemptions, exclusions, record keeping, and allowed and prohibited substances. Copies are $15 each, with checks made payable to OSU/OFFER sent to OFFER Program, 201 Thorne Hall, OSU/OARDC, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691.
Related ATTRA Publication: National Organic Program Compliance Checklist for Producers

Industrial Farm Animal Production Report Released

Industrial Farm Animal Production Report Released
Beginning in 2006, The Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (PCIFAP) undertook an exhaustive examination on the impacts to humans, animals and the environment of intensive food animal production. Areas studied by the Commission included the spread of zoonotic diseases and other public health threats, environmental degradation, animal welfare concerns, and socioeconomic effects on rural communities. The final report, Putting Meat on The Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America (PDF/6.2MB) is now available. The report offers practical recommendations designed to address public health, environmental, and animal welfare concerns; ensure a safe, abundant food supply; and foster sustainable and economically viable models of animal agriculture.