When it comes to crop yield, most of us are concerned with what it will look like at harvest time. How many kilograms of a harvest can we expect – and when. […]
Why do we need to know harvest yield during crop growth?
What are smallholder farms?
Smallholder farms refers to farms that are less than five acres in size. Most people think they only exist in developing countries. The truth is smallholder farms are common in both developing […]
Can newer irrigation techniques save water?
Yes! All plants need water to grow well. And, water can be a limiting factor in good crop yields on farms. Relying on natural rainfall to come at the right time, in […]
Industrial Hemp: reviewing history and hysteria
I research industrial hemp. As I discuss this with acquaintances, I’m usually met with two responses. One is excitement to hear about a potential up-and-coming crop. The other is a mixture of […]
How are coastal farmers responding to salty soils?
When most people think about agricultural fields, they envision vast landscapes of crops as far as the eye can see. Although that may be true for parts of the Midwest, it’s a […]
Why do farmers care about conservation?
An American poet once said, “Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” Many of us can relate to this quote, as self-proclaimed outdoor adventurists. This quote especially rings true […]
How does flooding affect farms?
In the spring of 2019, a perfect storm of conditions led to severe flooding across the Midwest. Farmers in many states had to delay spring planting because fields were too wet. What […]
How do my food choices affect the environment?
Every food-related action you take calls a world into being. We call this world the food system, and it is a vast network of farms, fisheries, processors, manufacturers, stores, restaurants, and home […]
Are there edible cotton seeds?
Most of us associate cotton with its fiber. A by-product of cotton fiber production is the leftover seeds. One item that can be made from the seed is cottonseed oil, but that […]
What do nutrients do for plants?
If a plant decided to go on a diet, you know, to keep its plant-like figure, what do you think it would choose to be as healthy as possible? It turns out […]