Entries by Tracy Mumma

Reduced Tillage Intensity Contributes to Higher Soil Carbon and Improved Crop Yield

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A study from South Dakota State University concluded that reductions in tillage intensity have contributed to an increase in soil organic carbon levels and higher corn and soybean yields in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. The study credits the combined impact of improved genetics, reduced tillage intensity, and increased adoption of other conservation practices, […]

Massachusetts Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program

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Applications are due May 5, 2025. The Food Security Infrastructure Grant program in Massachusetts provides funding for projects that ensure that farmers, fishermen, and other local food producers are better connected to a strong, resilient food system while providing greater, more equitable access to local food. support infrastructure projects that improve local food production and […]

Iowa Announces Value-Added Grant Recipients

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Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 33 Choose Iowa value-added grants to Iowa farmers and small businesses. Each of 33 successful applicants will receive up to $25,000 in cost-share funds to increase or diversify their agricultural product offerings, expand markets, and shorten supply chains. This year’s grants will support a wide variety […]

Solar Co-location Provides Financial Boost for Farmers, Study Finds

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Scientists from Michigan State University published a study in Nature Sustainability, documenting how co-locating solar arrays on agricultural land can help farmers stay solvent. Research in California showed that farmers who used a few acres of less-productive land for solar arrays had more financial stability than those who opted to convert agricultural land exclusively to […]

Appalachian Farms Feeding Families – Restaurants

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Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is accepting applications from restaurants in North Carolina for the Appalachian Farms Feeding Families program. This program offer grants up to $2,500 to invest in local purchasing for the restaurant or staff benefits. Funds can be used for either of the following: 1) supplement the restaurant’s local purchasing budget, or 2) […]

Appalachian Farms Feeding Families – Early Care and Education

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Applications are due April 30, 2025. Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is accepting applications from early care and education centers in the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina for the Appalachian Farms Feeding Families program. Grant funding will go directly to farms this spring, in advance of their harvest. Farms will work with ECE sites to […]

Appalachian Grown Producer Survey Report Reveals Trends

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Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Program’s Local Food Research Center surveyed Appalachian Grown producers about their experiences farming in 2024 and released a report of the results from 185 responses. The 27-page report addresses questions about farm sales, market outlets, land access, and the impact of Hurricane Helene. Although producers indicated that hurricane recovery is slow and […]

National Cover Crop Survey Indicates Crop Advisor Interest

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The eighth National Cover Crop Survey, released by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), SARE, and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), focuses on how agricultural consultants advise farmers about cover crops. A total of 654 advisors from 46 states participated in the survey. Ryan Heiniger, executive director of the CTIC, commented, “This survey opened […]

Oregon Climate Resilient Farmers Market Grant Program

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Applications are due by May 12, 2025. Oregon Farmers Markets Association is accepting applications from farmers markets with fewer than 80 vendors for $2.5 million in funding authorized by the Oregon State Legislature toward efforts to reduce the impact of drought and natural disasters on local food systems. Markets may request grants from $5,000 to […]

Fairport Farm Selected as North Carolina Small Farm of the Year

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During Small Farms Week at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Cooperative Extension, Elvin and Madeline Eaton of Fairport Farm in Kittrell, North Carolina received recognition as N.C. Small Farmers of the Year. The couple began growing produce and microgreens as a retirement venture three years ago. “We’re more than surprised,” Elvin Eaton said […]