The USDA program helping protect pollinators from invasive pests. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bee pollination alone is responsible for more than 15-billion in added crop value, particularly for specialty crops such as almonds and other nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. Unfortunately, the honey bees are also vulnerable to invasive pests like parasitic mites, viruses, and predatory …
Smart Phone App Provides Farmers Instant Access to Market Data
The new smart phone app providing farmers instant access to market data. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA has launched USDA Market News, a free mobile app designed to give producers quick and easy access to recently published market information right at their fingers tips no matter where they are. Producers can search for markets based …
Trouble-Free Fruit Tree with a Sweet Floral Flavor and Tropical Twist
The trouble-free fruit tree with a tropical twist. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tree farmers in the warmer regions of the United States may want to consider switching things up and growing a crop a little less common. The Longan tree produces tropical fruits with a sweet, floral flavor with a juicy flesh. Longans are related to …
Using Soil Blocks for Better Seed Starting
How to use soil blocks for better seed starting. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Soil blocking involves creating compressed blocks of soil to start seedlings in. It’s inexpensive, easier for transplanting, promotes healthy root systems, and is eco-friendly. And the best part, no transplanting to larger pots. To get started, you will need a seed-friendly soil mix, …
Sterilizing Soil Helps Beat Back Bugs and Diseases on the Farm
How sterilizing soil will help beat back bugs and diseases on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Soil sterilization helps to kill off the pests and fungi that can wreak havoc on farmland. It’s especially useful if farmers have struggled with bacteria, Nematodes, viruses, and weeds. A popular method of sterilizing soil is called solarization. Solarization …
Multi-Million Dollar Gift for Students from Diverse Backgrounds
The USDA’s multi-million dollar gift for students from diverse backgrounds. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a 16-million-dollar investment in agricultural education and workforce development for students from diverse backgrounds. This will ensure that all students, including underrepresented and underserved students, in community colleges …
Some Benefits of Becoming an Oat Farmer
Some of the benefits of becoming an oat farmer. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Oats are a nutrient-rich grain that makes a wonderful meal not only for humans, but also for livestock. When comparing grains, oats are the highest in protein and many of the newer varieties contain up to 22 percent. They’re renowned for lowering cholesterol …
Using a Multi-Step Approach to Mitigate Weeds on the Farm
Using a multi-step approach to mitigate weeds on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tackling weeds requires a multi-step approach. The first step is to identify your No Weed Grow Zone. A “no-grow” zone won’t stop weeds from trying to occupy space. But, clearly marking it, using a physical barrier or digging a trench, makes it …
Understanding Weeds Help with Your Plan to Eradicate Them
How understanding weeds will help with your plan to eradicate them. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There’s an incredible variety of weeds out there and most fall into a few basic categories. Understanding these can help you eradicate them from the farm. Taprooted Weeds, such as Dandelions, are slow to start and hard to eradicate once established. …
Control of Weeds on the Farm Without Using Chemicals
How to control weeds on the farm without using chemicals. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are more than a dozen methods for controlling weeds. Including using them in useful and creative ways, or eating them! For organic farming, an organic weed control plan is a comprehensive approach to manage weeds year round. A good weed control …