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Farmers Explore Diverse Cover Crop Species to Enhance Soil Health and Farm Goals

Farmers Explore Diverse Cover Crop Species to Enhance Soil Health and Farm Goals

Farmers are increasingly exploring a wide variety of cover crop species to diversify their row-crop systems and achieve specific farm goals. Kate Smith, a marketing team member at Green Cover, a cover crop and biological company, highlighted that over 120 different cover crop species are available. Green Cover, founded by brothers Keith and Brian Berns, originated from a 2009 grant that allowed them to trial cover crop seeds after harvesting wheat. Their research revealed that diverse cover crop mixes maintained soil moisture levels more effectively than monocultures, leading to the establishment of their company. Green Cover specializes in custom cover crop mixes and educational materials, emphasizing that mixes are not universal and should be tailored to individual farm situations and goals. The company recommends targeting six to seven plant families in a mix to promote synergy among microbes and root systems, which enhances soil health.
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International Compost Awareness Week Poster Contest Opens for 2027 Submissions, Emphasizing Sustainable Development

International Compost Awareness Week Poster Contest Opens for 2027 Submissions, Emphasizing Sustainable Development

The International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) Poster Contest for 2027 is now open for submissions, inviting artists aged 14 and above from around the world to create original artwork. Organized by the Compost Research & Education Foundation, the contest aims to promote public understanding of composting and its vital role in environmental sustainability. The theme for 2027 is 'All Paths Lead to Compost!', drawing inspiration from UN Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme creatively, demonstrating how composting contributes to sustainable development, environmental protection, resource recovery, innovation, sustainable infrastructure, waste reduction, soil health, and circular economy practices. The winning artist will receive a $500 cash prize, and their design will be reproduced and distributed nationally to support awareness activities during International Compost Awareness Week.
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Napa Valley Grapegrowers Discuss Regenerative Organic Certification and Sustainable Farming

Napa Valley Grapegrowers Discuss Regenerative Organic Certification and Sustainable Farming

Napa Valley Grapegrowers Discuss Regenerative Organic Certification and Sustainable Farming
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U.S. Farmers Face Conservation Funding Shortfall Amid Proposed Farm Bill Cuts

U.S. Farmers Face Conservation Funding Shortfall Amid Proposed Farm Bill Cuts

Thousands of U.S. farmers are at risk of losing access to crucial conservation funding due to proposed cuts in the federal farm bill currently under debate in Congress. Republican proposals in both the House and Senate aim to reduce funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These programs are vital for farmers adopting regenerative agriculture practices, which enhance soil health, water quality, and overall farm resilience. Analysts estimate that over 56,000 eligible farmer applications could go unfunded if these reductions are enacted. States such as Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Colorado, Alabama, and West Virginia are anticipated to be among the most affected by these potential funding cuts. EQIP and CSP are among the largest federal conservation initiatives, providing financial and technical assistance for practices like cover cropping, conservation planning, and riparian buffers, all of which help mi...
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Patio Gardens Incorporate Edible Plants and Strategic Design for Enhanced Outdoor Spaces

Patio Gardens Incorporate Edible Plants and Strategic Design for Enhanced Outdoor Spaces

Patio Gardens Incorporate Edible Plants and Strategic Design for Enhanced Outdoor Spaces
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Mafix Secures $5.4 Million to Advance Climate-Smart Fertilizer from Silicate Rock

Mafix Secures $5.4 Million to Advance Climate-Smart Fertilizer from Silicate Rock

Mafix Secures $5.4 Million to Advance Climate-Smart Fertilizer from Silicate Rock
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Corten Steel Emerges as Durable, Non-Toxic Alternative for Raised Garden Beds

Corten Steel Emerges as Durable, Non-Toxic Alternative for Raised Garden Beds

Corten Steel Emerges as Durable, Non-Toxic Alternative for Raised Garden Beds
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Groundwork Market Garden Secures Funding for New Community Barn in Buffalo

Groundwork Market Garden Secures Funding for New Community Barn in Buffalo

Groundwork Market Garden (GWMG), a USDA-certified organic urban farm on Buffalo's East Side, is embarking on a project to construct a permanent community barn pavilion. This initiative aims to enhance community gathering, provide educational workshops, and bolster food security in urban neighborhoods. The New York State Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program has committed $30,000 towards the project's $50,000 goal. GWMG is actively fundraising the remaining $20,000 through its 'Food For All 2026' event, scheduled for November 20, 2026, at Kleinhans Music Hall. This event will celebrate a decade of the farm's operations and mark the beginning of its next phase of development. In addition to the barn, GWMG is transforming five formerly vacant lots across the street into The Leslie Street Community Garden, further expanding its capacity for food production, learning, and community engagement.
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Mishawaka Deploys Additional Goats for Riverbank Vegetation Management

Mishawaka Deploys Additional Goats for Riverbank Vegetation Management

The city of Mishawaka, Indiana, has introduced an additional 20 goats to its riverbank, bringing the total herd to 48. These goats are being utilized by Mishawaka Parks and Recreation to clear invasive vegetation along the St. Joseph Riverbank. The deployment, which occurred on a Tuesday, aims to naturally improve the appearance and ecological health of the riverbank by having the goats consume unwanted plant species. This initiative follows an earlier deployment of goats, indicating a continued strategy by the city to use biological methods for landscape management. The goats are described as actively working and seemingly content in their role.
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Grupo Bimbo Advances Net-Zero Goals with Hydrogen Bakery Trial and Regenerative Agriculture

Grupo Bimbo Advances Net-Zero Goals with Hydrogen Bakery Trial and Regenerative Agriculture

Grupo Bimbo Advances Net-Zero Goals with Hydrogen Bakery Trial and Regenerative Agriculture
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Sustainable Materials Gain Traction in Promotional Products Amidst Economic Pressures

Sustainable Materials Gain Traction in Promotional Products Amidst Economic Pressures

Sustainable Materials Gain Traction in Promotional Products Amidst Economic Pressures
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Gardeners Advised to Reduce Watering and Fertilizing in August for Low-Effort Late Summer

Gardeners Advised to Reduce Watering and Fertilizing in August for Low-Effort Late Summer

Gardeners Advised to Reduce Watering and Fertilizing in August for Low-Effort Late Summer