Entries by Tracy Mumma

Phosphorus-Binding Biochar Helps Prevent Nutrient Pollution

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Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a custom form of biochar designed to capture phosphorus from farm runoff to prevent waterway pollution. They created “designer” biochar with significantly higher phosphorus-binding capacity than regular biochar by slowly burning pellets made from waste sawdust and lime sludge, a byproduct of drinking water treatment. The pellets […]

Idaho Business Builder Grants

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The application deadline is January 15, 2025. The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Centers are accepting applications from Idaho-based farms, ranches, or value-added food businesses for Business Builder Grants between $3,000 and $15,000. This program is designed to support small to mid-scale Idaho food and farm businesses, and to get locally produced food […]

Researchers Explore Organic Hybrid Rye as Pig Feed

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The University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center has been experimenting with organic pig production since 2017. A current research project involves making use of organic hybrid rye cover crops as feed. Researchers are working to identify the price points when it makes sense for producers to switch from organic corn to a […]

Farmers Testing Mechanical Method for Controlling Weed Seeds

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Minnesota farmers are part of a 15-state trial piloting an Australian method of weed-seed control, reports University of Minnesota Extension. The strategy utilizes a rotating mill that is attached to the combine during harvest to separate weed seeds and pulverize them. Proponents of the new method are hopeful that it will provide farmers with a […]

Humane Farming Mentorship Program Accepting Applications

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Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) is accepting applications for its Humane Farming Mentorship Program. This 10-month program is open to all levels of livestock and poultry farmers looking to enhance their livestock knowledge, farm business strategies, or land-management practices. Mentees are matched with mentors with at least five years of experience. Mentees set three goals […]

Collaboration Supporting Bigleaf Maple Syrup Development in Washington

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Washington State University Extension foresters are working with regional collaborators to support the development of bigleaf maple syrup production in Washington. The project is funded by a Specialty Crop Block Grant. WSU Extension Forester Patrick Shults says the project will create a bigleaf maple sugaring school, as well as an online toolkit for producers. In […]

California Grants to Support Sustainable Pest Control Projects

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture announced that it is awarding $3 million for three projects through the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program. The projects funded this year focus on a range of practices aimed at reducing reliance on pesticides. Each four-year grant is a collaborative effort between growers, pest control advisors, […]

Delaware’s Raw Milk Law Could Offer New Markets for Dairy Producers

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New legislation in Delaware, “The Consumer Choice Milk Act,” will allow dairy producers with permits to sell unprocessed and unpasteurized milk directly to consumers, says University of Delaware Assistant Professor Kofi Britwum. Proponents hope the measure will aid struggling dairy farmers in the state by opening new markets to them and improving profit margins through […]

USDA Adapts Acreage Reporting for Urban and Innovative Producers

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Urban and innovative agriculture producers will be able to more easily participate in USDA programs as a result of acreage reporting improvements, says USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). The provide more flexibility for reporting acreage on a smaller scale and identifying innovative planting practices like multi-level planting or vertical farming practices. FSA’s acreage reporting software […]