Showing posts with label Farming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farming. Show all posts

Monday, October 22, 2012

Are You Familiar With Widely Accepted No - till Farming Method

Recently, researchers form that no - till farming also confessed as cipher till farming makes the soil more stable than acknowledged full tillage ( plough ) method of farming. Zilch - till farming stores more carbon in soil. Carbon is the key item for haul unsimilar soil particles well-balanced. The first inch of zip - till soil is 2 - 7 times less vulnerable in comparison to that of completely plowed soil. The practice of no - tillage farming is more beneficial to the farmers who own plain fields.

No - till farming is a proven way of growing more crops for years after years without disturbing soil layers through tillage. No - tillage farming technique is becoming popular throughout the world irrespective to local weather conditions and agriculture patterns. It has been proved that no - till farming increases the water presence in the soil besides decreasing erosion. It also increases the variety and amount of life in the soil. Crop residues left intact help both natural precipitation and irrigation water infiltrate the soil where it can be used. Tilling of field reduces the water amount via evaporation about 1 / 3 to 3 / 4 inches per pass. No tilled soil absorbs more water and retains it for longer period; it helps the plants to grow fast.

Traditional method of soil tilling leads to unfavorable effects like loss of organic matter; soil compaction; degradation of soil aggregates; disruption of soil microbes and organisms including earthworms, mycorrhiza and arthropods. No - till farming method avoids these possibilities because the soil is left untilled or undisturbed in its natural form.

There are so many proven benefits of no - tillage farming; most of these are common to all the parts of world. Many farmers think this farming method easy and thus pay very little attention towards farming. It is not a healthy practice. No - till farming too needs continuous attention at different stages. It needs special kinds of farming equipments. You also need to plan well before switching over to this method. The first switchover period may show the drop in the total yield but there is nothing to worry much. Farm soil needs to get adjusted for this method and you too might have committed un - noticed mistakes for the first time.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Biodynamic Vs Organic In Farming, Agriculture, And Food Production Yield And Resilience

This article explores the distinction between organic and biodynamic agriculture. Most people are more familiar with the term " organic ", when practicable to food or farming, as this term has entered the mainstream. The term " biodynamic " is less familiar, although it is most familiar in the area of wine. Both of these systems of farming aim to nurture sustainability by reducing the use of synthetic, chemical inputs which can potentially be harmful to the environment and to human health. However, as this article explains below, biodynamic agriculture goes a lot likewise than organics towards achieving this objective.

Both organic and biodynamic have certification systems:

Biodynamic certification is carried out primarily through a single disposal, called Demeter International, an umbrella management that has part organizations in the individual countries where certification is carried out. Through the certification is spring by a single system, biodynamic certification is more standardized globally than organic certification.

Organic certification is run by a variety of different agencies. In most industrialized countries, including the U. S., Canada, the European Union, and Japan, the organic label is defined and regulated by the government. In other countries, organic certification can be carried out by non - profit organizations. Because there are different certifying agencies in different countries, the standards for organic certification differ. However, there are still some basic similarities in common between these different systems.

Biodynamic goes above and beyond organic certification:

The core idea of organic certification boils down to one idea: avoiding the use of synthetic chemical inputs, which can include herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers like ammonia - or nitrate - based fertilizers. In this respect, organic agriculture is defined more in the negative than the positive sense: organic certification specifies what a farmer cannot do, but does less in terms of specifying good or healthy approaches to agriculture. Because organic certification does not specify much more than some restrictions on what farmers cannot do, there are many different ways of realizing organic farming.

Some organic farms stick to the letter of organic certification, following all the requirements and rules, but while maintaining the same fundamental approach of industrialized agriculture, using mass - production of crops in large monocultures, and applying fertilizers and herbicides or pesticides as one does in modern industrial farming, with the only change being the use of mixtures allowed under the organic certification systems. The gains of this sort of approach, from a sustainability standpoint, are minimal.

Biodynamic agriculture, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach. In biodynamic agriculture, the farm is viewed as an ecosystem. Biodynamics, like organics, avoids chemical treatments, but goes even farther, promoting decentralization of production, using cover crops, crop rotation, livestock manure, composting, and open pollination combined with seed saving Each of these practices provides benefits in terms of sustainability, both creating a more positive environmental impact, and increasing the resilience of the farming operation.

The effects and yield of biodynamic agriculture vs conventional organic farming:

There are not many studies comparing biodynamic agriculture to organic - certified factory farming. However, there is a lot of research comparing biodynamic farming to conventional ( non - organic ) farming, and this research seems to find a common trend, which is that biodynamic farming results in slightly lower crop yields, but greatly increased soil quality and lessened environmental impact. Furthermore, biodynamic operations tend to be much more resilient to disturbances, such as changing environmental conditions or unusual weather or climate fluctuations. This is likely due to the use of ecological principles such as diversification and use of open - pollination and seed saving. And in the case of biodynamic wine, a specific topic that has been studied more, there is some evidence that the biodynamic practices result in greater quality of the grapes.

In summary:

Biodynamic agriculture goes above and beyond organic agriculture in embracing ecological principles. Biodynamic certification is more standardized than organic certification. Biodynamic farming results in lower crop yields, but greater resilience in the face of changing conditions, and a more positive impact on the environment.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Community Supported Agriculture Changing The Face Of Farming

Community Supported Agriculture is the new way of farming for many small and large local farms. Although its been around for some time, recent concern over eating locally and supporting local business has caused community supported agriculture, or CSA, to grow in tribute.

In short, CSA allows for farmers to melt with local consumers before the start of their growing season. A farmer, or syndicate of farmers, will plan a co - op of sorts and concede members to ultimately purchase " stock " in the future crops. As fruit and vegetables become available, the farmers typically deliver baskets to thick convenient drop - off points, where members can pick up tabloid supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season.

The benefits of community supported agriculture are staggering, for both the farmers and consumers involved:

Farmers typically gate loans from local banks at the beginning of each season. They lack cash to plant their crops and most farmers have to borrow the money on a yearly basis. They pay the banks back, with interest of course, when they are able to sell glean and sell their product. Farmers spend the entire season bright for a good year that will confess them to fee the bank in full while retaining enough money to live throughout the winter months.

Community Supported Agriculture allows the farmers to borrow less or bypass the bank entirely. This keeps farmers in the field doing what it is they do best - growing crops. It also allows local community members to take on a small amount of risk - if a farmer has a bad season, each member will end up with less product, but at least the farmer doesn ' t end up owing more money to a bank than he was able to make.

Not having to repay bank loans and interest also allows farmers to sell their produce at more competitive prices, resulting in significant savings for consumers and more money in the farmers pocket. When they aren ' t going through the middle - man ( a store ), they keep the profits. Again, they can offer better pricing which benefits everyone.

The benefits to community members who participate in a local CSA is even greater. First, buying into a farmers future yield at the beginning of the year ensures that families will receive the freshest produce - often within 24 - 48 hours of harvest. Members also enjoy knowing exactly where there food is grown. In fact, many farmers have family days where members can come to see exactly how the crops are grown and cared for.

Green living and eating locally are two of today ' s hottest buzzwords. Involvement in community supported agriculture allows members to feel good about both. Buying local products means that food travels less to reach its final destination. Very fresh produce is healthier and better tasting than items that have traveled and then sat on store shelves for days or weeks.

This process also keeps money in the local community - with local consumers supporting local farms, instead of farms located across the country.

While members do take on a small amount of risk - remember, it ' s essentially like buying stock in a future crop - if the crop fails, the investment is gone - the vast majority of people enjoy significant money savings over time. Members are able to purchase items for less directly from the grower and farmers typically yield enough produce to meet the needs of their members.

Community Supported Agriculture is available in nearly every community in the United States - even in very large cities. Those who are interested in getting involved can usually choose a buy - in level that fits their personal needs and budget, making it a win - win situation for everyone involved.

While CSA probably won ' t do away with farmers markets, they are certainly changing the way we look at farming today!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Experience True Benefits Of Strip Farming With Twin Diamond Strip - cat

Use and prestige of Twin Diamond strip - till machinery is on steady rise In EAME market. Popularly, it is admitted as strip cat also. The worldwide researches confirm the multidimensional benefits of strip - cat; it further supports the growing renown of strip tilling farming method. One like report states that yields are higher in a striped - tilled land in comparison to the yields of full - tilled farms land ( Randall Et Al., 2001 ). Although the use of strip tilling is in practice since centuries but the process of strip making in the field went through massive changes. Each socially accepted change made it more popular because of promise for better produce.

The strip tilling warms up the farms soil. It is considered better aerobic condition for preparing seedbed. Strip - tilling makes the soil nutrients better adaptable according to specific plants needs. The protective untilled soil ground delivers multiple benefits in terms of reduced costing and better crop. It reduces the soil erosion considerably. The applied liquid fertilizer directly goes to 6 - 8 inch deep tilled rows with seed or emerging roots. Therefore, you save big on the cost of watering and fertilizer.

Twin Diamond strip tilling reduces plowing efforts almost 60 % therefore you need fuel driven equipments for lesser period. Besides that you need few plowing rounds of the field to make it ready for the sowing, so you save time and fuel cost both. By reducing the consumption of fuel, you unknowingly contribute to global call of making the earth free from green gases.

The benefits of Twin Diamond strip tilling are many and are realized even by the less experienced farmers or the farmers having smaller land piece. But to maximize these proven benefits, you need to strip tillage farming in proper manner. You might be new to this technique. The best way to do it in right way just from start is to do it under the guidance of experts. Use of right equipments and machinery also bring significant difference in the total yield. Most of leading farming equipments and machinery manufacturers and suppliers offer guidance to their buyers. Alternatively, you may approach the government aided agriculture help centers that provide full assistance to the growth aspiring farmers.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Farming and Best Practices in Australia

Australia is second to Antarctica in terms of scarcity of water. Despite this genius, farming has always under obligation a denoting position in the economy and culture of Australia. Many Australians are forthwith or indirectly involved in farming.

Since the 1800s, the dry climate and infertile soil of Australia presented austere difficulties to farmers who purposeful in the country. Water availability and drought management were, and still are, key challenges for farmers throughout most of Australia.

Up to now, agriculture is an important sector for the Australian economy, generating up to $43 billion in gross value each year. The industry employs around 370, 000 people across Australia. Although agriculture is not as extensive as at its pinnacle in the mid 1970s, farms still return up around sixty per cent of all the land in the country. One state in Australia which regards farming as the most important industry in its history since settlement took hangout in the state is the island of Tasmania. But in order to sustain the industry disposed the existing water conditions in places like Tasmania, improved water use through efficient irrigation systems often play a key - role in helping farmers cope with the water scarcity stress.

With advances in technology, farming practices have been elevated to a different level. Although a traditional enterprise, the industry has evolved to cope with changing times. Part of this evolution is the employment of highly modern and improved irrigation systems and irrigation equipment to contribute to sustainable farming in the country. Irrigation is a very important factor in making farming viable in states like Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

Australian farmers nowadays look for high quality and heavy duty pumps sets, hard hoses, irrigators, pivots, travelling irrigators and other irrigation equipment that will meet industry standards. Meeting industry standards are becoming increasingly important in order to address the challenges of increased productivity, resource management and environmental issues in our ever changing world. Industry standards connote performance standards for equipment while technical codes for practice involve methods such as engineering, installation, design and operation being done in a prescribed way.

A highly accepted irrigation method that has met industry standards in all farming communities in Australia and the rest of the world is the centre pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems are composed of self - propelled structures equipped with sprinkler irrigation and control elements which make it possible to irrigate large surfaces with low installation and maintenance costs. Agricultural communities like Tasmania, South Australia and other farming areas are prevalently using these systems. Likewise, combined technologies in Agriculture employing irrigation systems with pivot and with lateral move are also widely used.

The adoption of new technologies remains vital for farmers not just in Australia but all over the world to continue to operate sustainably and profitably. The advocacy of advancing sustainable farming practices will likewise benefit not just the agricultural industry but everyone in general to enhance the quality of food and promote eco - friendly usage of air, water and soil.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

India Increasing Use Of Organic Farming

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar believes that Indias swiftly expanding production of organic agricultural goods can play a critical role in the future of the countys organic food trade.

Organic agriculture in India has fictional good progress during the last six years, Pawar stated pace talking in front of the parliamentary consultative committee for his ministry on Wednesday. With a combined effect of farmers efforts, NGOs work, government interventions and market forces, Indian organic agriculture has reached a stage where it can play a significant role not only in the growing domestic market, but also in global organic food trade.

Pawar said his ministry is promoting and spreading organic farming throughout the country with a variety of state - funded projects like the National Horticulture Mission, the National Project on Organic Farming, the Technology Mission for the Northeast and Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

In India, as against 42, 000 hectares under certified organic farming during the 2003 - 04, initial estimates for 2009 - 10 indicate organic agriculture under certification has grown to 1. 05 million hectares. Out of this, nearly 750, 000 hectares are fully certified while the remaining 300, 000 hectares are under various stages of conversion.

Pawar believes that organic farming is an ideal option for raid - fed, marginal land, and hilly areas and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has initiated an All India Network Project on organic farming to scientifically test and prove the most effective methodologies in organic farming.

Promotion of organic farming will not only ensure increased availability of organic and biological sources of nutrients, but will also provide technologies and information which help other forms of agriculture in restoring soil health and conservation of resources, the minister said.

In addition to national initiatives in the organic farming field, a collection of state governments have also initiated their own organic farming promotion programs. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand have drafted policies for the promotion of organic farming and, of those, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand have declared that they wish to go 100 percent organic in the future.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Making Organic Farming Practices Accessible to Filipino Farmers

For an agricultural country that was among the first in South East Asia to explore organic farming, most people would assume that by now the Philippines would be a ruler in organic farming. But sadly, this is not the case.

The Philippine agriculture is highly dependent on collectible and ecologically unsound chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Hard by excitement the effects of climate change with increasing intensity during the last six to seven years and most especially during the 2009 Typhoon Ondoy when substantial chunks of the Philippine archipelago was devastated by floods, the Philippine government stepped up the implementation of climate change adaptation measures.

Within the catalogue of climate change adaptation measures, the Philippine government presently zeroed in on organic farming as a vital step.

It was unparalleled last year that the Philippines passed the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, RA 10068, gentle its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and welcome a budget, allocating 2 percent of the Philippine Department of Agriculture ' s funds for organic farming.

Ultimately, despite these most steps towards propagating organic farming practices, indications of not unlike practices supplanting or supine complementing chemical dependent agricultural practices are slow in coming.

On the fresh produce shelves of one of the largest manacles of supermarkets, you will find unbiased two or three brands labeled with claims of being " organically grown " produce. Beyond and frontage of the supermarket, organic produce can only be found in weekend bazaars or in specialty shops scattered around Metro Manila. Few restaurants offer items with organically grown ingredients.

Organic produce, at this stage, is only available to Filipinos with higher than average incomes. This is largely because of the higher price of organically produced foods are sold at but also because of it is not widely available in wet markets.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Secretary Proceso Alcala has sought to provide solutions to the price and availability of organic produce to a wider market. First by spurring the adoption of organic farming practices with the help of NGOs. Second by funding a the construction of 2, 600 organic fertilizer production plants all over the country.

The second step seems to be the more crucial one.

Without good quality organic fertilizer to enhance the productivity of their farms, organic farming may be a losing proposition for most farmers.

To solve this problem, Alcala recently announced that the Department of Agriculture would be spending P2. 6 Billion pesos in converting 2, 600 existing composting facilities into Japanese - modeled organic fertilizer production plants.

The proposed conversion of existing compost facilities comes with a price tag of P1 million per facility. The proposed organic fertilizer production plants will be equipped drying equipment, carbonizing machine, shredding and mixing machine, grinders and millers, and enhanced transport system through conveyor belts.

Now, just given the characteristics of the proposed organic fertilizer production plant, it is already apparent that the plants are highly - capital intensive and perhaps unnecessarily backward integrated.

Compared to a similar but lower costing and locally available model for organic fertilizer production, the P1 Million per organic fertilizer production will seem like a gargantuan expense.

The Agricultural Inoculant Corporation has been in the business of converting organic waste into fertilizer for a number of years. The efficacy of its microbial rapid composting agent has already undergone pilot testing in 18 sites all over the country and was supervised by the Philippine Department of Agriculture ' s Bureau of Agricultural Research.

In a project study which intends to promote the adoption of organic fertilizer production among Filipino farmers, the AIC presented a system to produce low cost organic fertilizer.

The project study assumes that the main implementor of the organic waste to organic fertilizer conversion would be farmer - entrepreneurs who have limited financial capital to invest in organic fertilizer production.

The total cost of the project is estimated at P40, 000 pesos or about $1, 000. Other equipment needed for drying, chopping, composting, and storage can be sourced from what is already available in the farm. Additional inputs such as carbonized rice hulls and chicken manure can also be sourced at a lower cost. If done within the farm premises, the cost of transporting materials will be negligible.

In comparison to the Department of Agriculture ' s organic fertilizer production plants, the AIC system for producing organic fertilizer also has the advantage of a direct transfer of technology and emphasizes self - sufficiency among Filipino farmers. As far as ingraining the organic farming practices is concerned, the AIC system provides the farmer, not only a way to reduce the cost of his inputs but also provides him with an additional source of income.

With a total cost of just P40, 000 or about $1, 000 dollars, the AIC system can enable a Filipino farmer to produce as much as 2, 250 bags of organic fertilizer within an 8 month period - - typically the length of the planting season cycles of most Filipino farms. AIC estimates the cost of production per bag at P100. 00 and projects that each back can be sold at a retail price of P250. 00 per bag. At 2, 250 bags, the farmer can realize a gross revenue of P562, 500 and a profit of P337, 500.

Compared to the Department of Agriculture ' s model which basically just ensures that farmers will continue to be buyers of farm inputs, the AIC system allows them to supplement their own fertilizer needs as well as realize income off - season from the sale of organic fertilizer.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

No - till Farming - Making Agriculture A Profitable Business

Tilling is an ancient farming practice. Few decades before, scientists initiate that no - till farming can deliver better yields if done properly. The findings were astonishing to all as tilling farming was the tradition in most of the countries and widespread tilling was considered essential for better crop. Brand-new research studies have confirmed that no - tilling method certainly has extra edge over habitual farming method. It is confessed as zip - till farming also.

The proven benefits of this new farming style are: Less efforts, erosion control, better return, environment friendliness, reduction in green gases, improvement in living style and less input in terms fertilizers and water etc. Reports confirm that in between 1987 to 2008, zero - till method witnessed 74 times increase in social acceptance in only Latin America. This assessment was sufficient to judge the increasing trend of this method worldwide. The experience of 105 Million hectare farming land owners cant be wrong. According to a survey report, more than 49. 6 million hectare land was under zero - tilling farming.

As the popularity of this new farming method is increasing worldwide, we are getting the proof of more benefits. Improved water level; Reduced usage of heavy machinery; Time savings; Fuel savings; Reduction in labor cost; Reduction in air pollution; Better wildlife; Better soil filth and Reduced soil compaction etc are other significant benefits that come directly or indirectly in the pocket of farm owners. Soil loses much of its carbon content during tilling. It releases carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. Increased level of CO2 in atmosphere is associated with global warming.

Though the benefits have been realized and proved scientifically worldwide but even than many farm owners hitch in making a switch over to this new technique. Still, only 5 percent of world ' s cultivated cropland is under no - till farming. In African and Asian countries no - till farming is at the lowest level. The major reason for this drawback is the absence of adequate financial support to farmers. It is natural to doubt a relatively new method that apparently doesnt support traditional beliefs. As the governments too are concerned to increase agricultural yields, they encourage the farm owners to accept this new way of farming. Agriculture research centers offer complete help at all the fronts almost free of cost. Many farmers feel slight drop in very first crop after adopting no - till farming practice but soon difference comes back into the pockets in the form of multidimensional benefits.

Monoculture Farming - Disadvantages And Negative Effects On The Environment

The term monoculture in agriculture refers to the growing of a single crop over a great area. Monoculture is the norm in most mammoth - scale suit agriculture in the U. S. and in many parts of the world. Monoculture has certain short - term benefits, primarily in terms of economy of scale, and automation of the production process ( and accordingly reduction of labor costs ). However, in the long - term, the disadvantages of monoculture are hair-raising - this farming method has thick negative effects on the environment, and further, these negative effects doctor to become amplified over the long - whisk. This article weighs the pros and cons of this sort of uniform approach to agriculture, and points to some alternative practices that are more sustainable, both environmentally and economically, and thence superior on all counts in the long - scamper.

Pros and cons of monoculture farming: what are its advantages?

It is straightaway evident that I am not a aficionado of or backer for monoculture. But there are some direct and strongly compelling reasons that people engage in this destructive practice. Before we prattle about why this practice is so harmful, I find it fruitful to first examine its benefits or advantages.

The main advantage is economy of scale, primarily through automation. Especially in the U. S., labor costs are very high, so body that can shorten the use of labor in agriculture is highly likely to fruition in cost reserves. This is often true trim when the automation reduces yield per acre. For prototype, if a crop has been grown, it can often be harvested in different ways, with different levels of automation. Greater automation in harvesting might result in greater waste, such as grain left in the fields, but if it requires less labor ( such as one person driving a large machine which covers the ground very quickly, as opposed to several people driving smaller, slower machines, or many people harvesting the crop by hand ) it may be superior in a cost - benefit analysis, even if it results in greater waste.

Disadvantages of monoculture farming:

The most compelling disadvantage of monoculture farming is that it is not adaptable. Wild ecosystems are diverse, and wild populations of plants and animals are also diverse. An ecosystem contains numerous different species, each with unique adaptations to its environment, and distinct strengths and weaknesses in response to changing conditions. Similarly, the natural population of a plant or animal species has genetic variability, and each individual plant or animal has slightly different traits. Furthermore, each population, and the ecosystem as a whole, is constantly changing, adapting to the changing environmental conditions and the conditions imposed by the other populations and species in the system.

Monoculture smooths out this variability, destroying the diversity and replacing it with, at best, a single species, and at worst ( as is the norm in the U. S. ), a single cultivar - rows and rows of genetically identical crops, essentially cloned, reproduced through cuttings or genetically engineered seed stock.

Susceptibility to pests:

The ecological landscape of monoculture is that there is a massive range of genetically identical plants, against a backdrop of wild pests, which include fungi, bacteria, insects, and numerous other organisms. These pests each have a wild population with its own biodiversity, and their populations are constantly changing and adapting to being able to eat the crops or benefit from the presence of whatever crops are being grown. The monoculture crops, however, are not. changing, and are not able to adapt because they have no genetic variability and are not allowed to reproduce naturally. Plant pests, weeds, also adapt, seeding into the fields of crops, taking advantage of the extra sunlight, as most monoculture crops let through ample light and are not making full use of the sun ' s energy.

The only way to control pests in this setup is to expend ever - greater energy and resources on chemical control, either through the spraying of pesticides, fungicides, or bactericides on crops, or through the genetic engineering of crops to enable them to produce these chemicals themselves. But without the natural adaptation, pests will eventually evolve to resist any of these defenses. The setup of monoculture is inherently doomed, as it is working against the natural ways in which ecosystems work. It is completely unsustainable in the long - run.

Negative environmental impacts of monoculture:

Because monoculture farming requires ever - increasing levels of chemical inputs, the negative impacts on the environment are also continuously increasing. Although people often prefer to use safer chemicals when they exist, and use them in as low a concentration as possible, any safe chemical will necessarily eventually stop working. Many of the chemicals used in commercial agriculture are known to be toxic and / or carcinogenic, or have other negative impacts on humans. But even chemicals that are safe for human consumption or exposure can have negative impacts on the environment; for example, roundup, a widely used herbicide, is much more toxic to amphibians than it is to humans.

Other negative effects of monoculture:

Besides the negative environmental effects, monoculture also destroys our culture. Monoculture and large - scale factory farming is in large part responsible for or associated with the alienation of Americans from the practice of farming, and the move from an economy in which a large portion of people were directly involved in farming towards a society in which people see food as an industrial product to be purchased in a store, with little idea of where it comes from.

Beyond monoculture: how you can help protect the environment and food and farming culture:

The empire of factory farming and wide - scale monoculture is thankfully crumbling. You can do your part by learning more about gardening, by experimenting with growing some of your own food, even if you just have a small city yard, or even growing some indoors or on a porch or balcony if you do not have a yard. You can also explore farmer ' s markets with locally grown food, and encourage small - scale, local production, by diversified farming methods, by using your money to support these farmers. As we return to diversified agriculture, we will become more connected to our food, and help protect our environment as well.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

On - line Farming Profession Planning and Training Options

When seeking to be able to life ensuing your facts necessary to get a career throughout agriculture, you ' ll find a digit of alternatives for college students for you to fix upon for via. Training is generally complete by means of changed on - line schools and also colleges, allowing pupils to gain the particular essential abilities with out setting out dilatory the actual benefits peekaboo home. On the net agriculture diploma plans promote to be available in several amounts associated with education, and coursework can put calm college students to get in in to the labor effort. Going proximate the garden acquaintance can show pupils to undertake a digit of tasks associated with their own precise career. Pupils can originate your sojourn by tidily researching their possibilities monk to enrollment within an instructional education program on the web.

one. Practicing for the profession in farming can be performed via on line applications that enable college students to review with their own amusement coming from just about anywhere. Informative alternatives may include making a variety of certifications at the graduate as well as basic level. Students will certainly ought to decide should they would certainly like to earn an associate, bachelor ' s, or grasp level diploma before registration. Training can last anyplace coming from 2 to 6 years based on the particular individual students profession objectives. When searching for you to pursue a new profession associated with agriculture pupils must help make positive that they join inside the program which will provide these people together with the syllabus necessary to gain the actual abilities to achieve success.

A couple of. Precise parts of study will vary according to the degree involving training your pupils selects in order to acquire as well as the on the web college as well as school associated with enrollment. Training programmes may well consist of understanding subject matter such as marketing and advertising, animal biology, grow scientific disciplines, financial aspects, hydroponics, agricultural executive, and much more. College students can also opt for to be able to specialize in particular locations that can permit them to discover chicken science, international farming industry, canine husbandry, and numerous some other related research. By simply increasing an on line training during these topics, college students are going to be ready to seek work in a number of exciting regions, and also do the career of these ambitions.

Three or more. While hunting to be able to go after a new career within farming students can search forward to many fascinating occupations within this subject. Studies allows students to initiate careers functioning because gardening teachers, agribusiness professionals, dog producers, garden greenhouse administrators, plant producers, and quite a few related professions. Using a diploma on this area pupils may enter careers in animal as well as foodstuff research, farming operations, goods brokering, and also a great deal much more. College students can seek out the actual system that can greatest make these to fulfill his or her career and educational goals as agriculture specialists.

Finishing educational instruction software programs enables students to get in into the labor force prepared for their jobs. A few software programs hold complete accreditation, which gives schools and also colleges along with proof which they supply a top quality schooling in order to college students. There are companies like the DETC ( http: / / www. detc. org / ) which might be in a position to totally accredit on the internet understanding packages. Students must appear into the approved on - line farming career prep along with education choices before signing up so that you can gain the most beneficial education offered to them.

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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Part - Time Farming An Agricultural Self - Reliance

Recently, urban agriculture has gained much consideration across the globe. This not onliest allows you to enjoy farming and gardening in the comfort of your home. Urban agriculture is also a great technique to enact total urban self - reliance.

When we prate about farming, the first image that comes to soundness is a massive spread of land. But today, you can have your own mini - farm partly anywhere. You don ' t need much space for it. You can have it in your front paddock, back yard, rooftop, garage, empty lot or window boxes.

Once you decided on where to set it up, the next step is to choose the seeds and seedlings. Many crops are seasonal. Some thrive exclusively during the warm weather condition such as sweet corn, tomato and cucumber. There are also some that thrive only in the cold weather like broccoli, cabbage and asparagus.

For an increased productivity of your mini - farm, it is extremely important to choose the right crops. If you plant a particular season ' s crop in another season, more often than not, the crop dies out. But knowing the right kind of crop to plant will prevent wastage of effort and money.

Another couple of aspects to consider in choosing the seeds are the amount of time that you can devote and your level of skill in farming. For beginners, they can try herbs, chilies or tomatoes. These plants are easy to cultivate and maintain.

The next step is choosing and buying your pots and containers. Pots are advisable if you are going to plant in the balcony or garage. In case you intend to sow your seeds in your front yard or garden, you have two options. You can dig up the ground or use pots for your seeds to grow.

Once the seeds are sowed, all you need to do is water them every day. Remove the weeds, dried leaves and small insects from your plants. To produce greener and healthier crops, place them where they can get a good amount of sunlight.

Urban agriculture is not only an interesting hobby. It also guarantees you fresh and organic harvest. Planting your own vegetables saves you a lot of money, too. This is how urban agriculture makes you self - reliant.

For more information on urban farming and urban survival, you may visit us at our website by clicking the link below.

Friday, September 14, 2012

The Organic Farming Philosophy Of The Nutrilite Farms

NUTRILITE is the exclusive global vitamin and mineral trade name to grow, pluck and process plants on their own certified organic farms. Wherever NUTRILITE grow the ingredients used in NUTRILITE products, the crops are grown in accord with nature.

NUTRILITE avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

NUTRILITE replenishes the soil, rather than depleting it.

NUTRILITE uses natural, environmentally - friendly methods to control weeds, insects, and other harmful predators.

A requirement of all the farms supplying botanical materials span to the NUTRICERT farm certification program ensuring that these farms leash to NUTRILITE ' s own organic farming philosophy, guided by sustainable, organic principles. The main principles of the NUTRICERT program hold:

Crop and increase diversity, including vertical diversity of herbs, trees, and bushes; and integration of animal husbandry, beneficial insects, and microorganisms.

Healthy soil - crib practices, not unlike as the use of compost, beneficial soil microorganisms, erosion control, and scant use of mineral fertilizers.

No soil or environmental contamination, cognate as using genetically modified organisms. The idea is to use undocked pest management and protect the farms from potential sources of contamination from adjoining farms.

In - depth quality control standards, including proper documentation of farm inputs, traceability of crop sources, written plans to avoid contamination and control pests, and a quality assurance program for farm products sold.

Building a healthy social environment around the farm, providing farm employees with the opportunity for personal development, including education and training.

By owning and maintaining control over their own NUTRILITE farms, NUTRILITE can ensure that our supplements contain only high quality ingredients.

NUTRILITE ' s organic farming operations are truly multinational, with over 6, 400 acres in California, Washington State, Mexico, and Brazil.

Agricultural Research Farm - California - USA

NUTRILITE ' s Agricultural Research Farm in Lakeview, California, is the primary location where NUTRILITE farm researchers work to improve existing NUTRILITE products as well as identify nutrients and active ingredients for new products and the development of organic farming practices.

45 hectares ( 111 acres )

Located on a prehistoric lake bed, which accumulated nutrient - rich sediment, contributing to the fertile topsoil.

Primary crops: pomegranates, rosemary, and many test crops.

By feeding the soil with compost and by using carefully tested farming practices, NUTRILITE creates a better soil structure supplying crops with a vast array of nutrients.

At NUTRILITE ' s Agricultural Research Farm in Lakeview, local volunteers from the community help raise organic vegetables for their own use. In addition, the NUTRILITE Agricultural Research Farm organizes programs with local schools, bringing area students to the farm to grow crops as a school project each year.

Trout Lake Farm - Washington State - USA

Trout Lake Farm is the largest certified organic herb farm in North America. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the farm ' s irrigation is provided by the White Salmon River, fed by glaciers from the mountains.

283 hectares ( 700 acres )

The Trout Lake valley where the farm is located is all organic there is no conventional farming in the valley and the surrounding mountains help keep out pollution and contaminants.

Primary crops: Echinacea purpurea, St. John ' s wort, horseradish, white kidney beans, dandelions, Echinacea angustifolia, Valerian, peppermint, nettles, and many others.

At Trout Lake Farm, the temperature, sunlight, and moisture levels change from year to year at different altitudes in the valley, so the farm must be carefully managed to ensure consistent yields of its many crops.

The NUTRILITE farm supports many local community projects, including the Trout Lake Fair, the local youth association baseball league, the area arts council, and the local public schools.

Rancho El Petacal - Jalisco - Mexico

Rancho El Petacal, located in southwestern Mexico, has the ideal growing climate with plenty of sunshine and rainfall the perfect conditions for growing nutrient - rich plants for existing NUTRILITE products, and for growing test plots for research.

All 566 hectares ( 1, 400 acres ) are certified 100 % organic.

The farm is a major source of jobs for the small community of El Petacal.

Primary crops: lemons, red grapefruit, mandarin oranges, watercress, parsley, spinach, garlic, alfalfa.

NUTRILITE ' s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the edge of the fields at Rancho El Petacal. NUTRILITE ' s reforestation programs have helped increase biodiversity and maintain the natural equilibrium of the area.

The NUTRILITE farm at Rancho El Petacal runs a Cultural and Education Support Center at the farm. Here NUTRILITE provides basic education on nutrition and ecology as well as help with local projects, such as building a new church in the community.

Fazenda Nutriorganica - Ubajara - Brazil

Fazenda Nutriorganica is the largest NUTRILITE farm. The farm produces acerola cherries year - round. Over 300 head of cattle on the farm provide natural fertilizer for the crops.

All 1, 660 hectares ( 4, 100 acres ) are certified 100 % organic.

Acerola cherries provide 100 % of our need for the natural ascorbic acid ( Vitamin C ) used in NUTRILITE products.

Primary crops: Acerola cherries, coconuts, passion fruit, guava, and cashews.

Most plant pest and disease problems are solved preventively by providing balanced organic nutrients to ensure strong, healthy growth.

Fazenda Nutriorganica was formerly a desolate, undeveloped tract of land. It is now a beacon of productive work, learning, and professional and personal development. A reforestation project along the banks of the nearby Jaburu River, organized by NUTRILITE, is now underway.

My next article entitled " The NUTRILITE Manufacturing Process Never Compromises on Quality " will show their standards of quality in manufacturing are as much a part of their company culture as their natural farming practices.

See you on the Beaches of the World,

Tips for College Students to Win Farming Scholarships

For students who have grown up on a farm or whose families are embedded in agricultural industries, the idea of winning college scholarships for an education is an appealing idea. There are many schools and organizations throughout the country that approach farming scholarships to worthwhile applicants. In some parts of the country, approximative as the heartland, this is a critical step on the roaming to a college education. Many students purpose for years around going away to school and coming home to sprint the family farm. There are many far cry factors that come into play for students optimistic to earn farming scholarships. These are condign a few of the considerations that will affect whether or not they have a just chance at earning one.

Studying Agriculture

One of the most important aspects of consideration for farming scholarships is whether the university of choice has this above as an option. Equally important is whether the student has a chance to succeed in the field if given one of these career specific scholarships. For example, a student who has grown up on a farm and wishes to go to college and major in business or agriculture has a much better chance of earning a grant or scholarship than one who applies for it, but plans to be a professional football player or a doctor. Committees that make these determinations typically choose the students who have the most promise in advancing the field or have the greatest need. The student ' s potential may be seen in the form of good grades, experience, future goals, strong work ethic and drive.

Experience

Students who have spent years in the local 4 - H club or who have joined the Future Farmers of America are likely to have experience in agricultural and farming projects. These should be outlined on a student ' s applications for college scholarships. For example, winning a blue ribbon at the county or state fair is an accomplishment that tells a scholarship committee the applicant has a knack for agriculture and hard work. Day - to - day living experiences are also an important part of a college scholarship essay. The daily routine of waking up and milking cows, watering crops or running a hay baler can be turned into a testimony of work ethic, drive and creativity.

Intangibles

Students who have an eye on career - specific scholarships are often competing against many worthy opponents. The idea is to find as many sources of college money as possible and apply for all of them. Sometimes it only takes one to cover financial obligations for school. Many committees believe that success in school often correlates to success in life. As a result, good grades, a fair number of extracurricular activities and a genuine interest in the subject are all important groundwork for earning college scholarships. Any testimony toward the student ' s good character is a bonus.