November 2017

“Biofilter” and “Bioreactor” are terms used by the Natural Resources and Conservation Service for filter beds built of wood chips and similar natural materials. They’re intended to extract nitrates and other pollutants in runoff water from field tile and surface drainage. The challenge at our farm is the surge of storm runoff from 100 acres of a neighbor’s watershed. For years the […]

Thanksgiving is especially meaningful to American farmers for at least two reasons. First, it reflects the roots of America’s heritage, all the way back to the Pilgrims who first observed a feast of thanksgiving in the Plymouth Colony in autumn 1620. Second, it underscores that food abundance produced by farmers is foundational to our national well-being.

On Nov. 28-30, Renewable Farming will take an introductory look at a new, handheld instrument which will help producers, food retailers and buyers get an instant indication of quality in the product. Bionutrient meter schematic Nov. 17, 2017 — That’ll take some training and experience, of course. But the learning curve should be rather short

When one of our crop consultant friends gives seminars for farmers, he often points out: “There are two very important people groups you want on your side, not opposing you:  Moms in China, and Moms in America.” Nov. 13, 2017 — You can be thankful this Thanksgiving Day that mothers in both nations, and in every other nation too, are

American farmers can capture great export opportunities — if we produce the kind of corn, soybeans and other commodities that overseas buyers really want. Following the money, not whining about TTP’s demise, points the way. Nov. 11, 2017  Opinion By Jerry Carlson — There aren’t many advantages to being an 81-year-old farmer, journalist and Air

  Dozens of participants in the latest UN Climate Summit this week gathered on the final day for a special celebration: Cheering America’s exit from the futile UN “Paris Pact.” These special few did not ride the taxpayers’ gravy train to Dusseldorf; they paid their own ways. They call themselves the Global Warming Skeptics. Nov.

At least three times a day, Grandpa and Grandma (that’s us) taste the rewards of grandson Lane’s venture into beekeeping and producing honey. The taste is more exquisite than any honey we’ve found online or from friends — and we’ve tasted some mighty fine honey!   Nov. 10, 2017   By Jerry Carlson — This

We’re constantly encouraging farmers to explore the latest and best developments in ecologically sound, profitable farming. One of the widest arrays of ideas and talent assembles annually—from all around the world—at the ACRES USA Conference & Trade Show. Nov. 7, 2017 — The 2017 ACRES Conference, “From the Soil UP” is Dec. 5-8 in Columbus,

A new consumer analysis published by the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association shows that retail food consumers will pay almost exactly the same price premium for “Non-GMO Certified” apples as they will for “USDA Organic” apples.  Nov. 7, 2017    By Jerry Carlson — That’s just one highlight of the analysis of the study in which