Category: Sustainable Agriculture
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Big pivot in the works at PepsiCo - "reducing sugar and sodium.. a major transformation for our business", and the plan supports regenerative agriculture practices.
https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/pepsico-launches-pep-to-promote-planet-society-health-regenerative-agriculture-and-circular-packaging.html
I agree with ESRI, but I also believe more of the answer lies in bringing dormant land to life. [Fighting The 2050 Food Crisis].
https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/how-location-intelligence-powers-sustainable-agriculture/
Interesting read on ways to mitigate a food crisis. Production Practices / Food Waste / Concentrated Production / Protein Sources.
https://theconversation.com/eight-ways-to-halt-a-global-food-crisis-118436
"...started as a cost-cutting exercise more than 20 years ago" -
https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-management/20-years-of-regenerative-agriculture-one-farms-success-story
Excited to announce our first Nuffield International USA webinar. International perspectives on soil health. Sept. 22nd 2 pm central. Don't miss it! Register here: https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcld-CrpjouG931j3_VzE2PC_jbvaNVITqB
Check out the latest Engineering Your Farm podcast for tips on dealing with soil compaction from Jodi DeJong-Hughes from University of Minnesota Extension. We discuss the role of tillage, tire inflation pressure, how to fix ruts, and using cover crops to improve soil resiliency and health.
https://engineeringyourfarm.buzzsprout.com/1444834/9111919-preventing-and-addressing-soil-compaction
Lot of square footage out there for this... and growing 365 days a year, like how Bowery is hacking the food supply chain.
https://www.marketplace.org/2021/08/03/farms-dont-have-to-be-outside-anymore/
News feed this morning, 5 different headlines that included "__________ is the future of farming", all highlighting different practices. I genuinely appreciate all the effort & focus on agriculture and it's future - #aquaponics #robotfarming #sustainablegrazing #indoorfarming #regernerativefarming
Citrus fruit production quantity
197 (tonnes) in 2019
In 2019, citrus fruit production for Cameroon was 197 tonnes. Before citrus fruit production of Cameroon started to increase to reach a level of 197 tonnes in 2019, it went through a trough reaching a low of 10 tonnes in 1978.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/style/cotton-totes-climate-crisis.html
Makes a valid point -
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/25/sylvanaqua-farms-sustainable-food-affordable
New #regenerativefarming website, from the University of Missouri.
https://cra.missouri.edu/
As Americans migrate away from rural areas towards population centers, the impact on agriculture is correlated with that movement. The Food Institute examines the data, the legislative effects, as well as the technological ramifications of a declining farm population.
#agriculture #populationgrowth #agtech
https://foodinstitute.com/focus/how-rural-population-decline-impacts-u-s-agriculture/
Story features two Carolina agricultural entrepreneurs..
https://grist.org/article/sustainable-agriculture-is-the-future-of-farming-heres-why/
"Five hundred acres of food, on a third of an acre, using 5% of the water..." - amazing.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/08/16/it-grows-times-food-with/
Came across Regenerative Fund for Nature a couple of days ago, it's backed by Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and other big name design houses. As
@Mark Smith touched on recently, not sure we all have a firm grip on "regenerative" yet but I'm happy to see the funding and interest in it. https://www.kering.com/en/sustainability/safeguarding-the-planet/regenerative-fund-for-nature/
Something to watch..
https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/8-must-watch-new-documentaries-on-sustainable-agriculture/
See the "Who's Who" of sustainability -
https://www.worldbenchmarkingalliance.org/publication/food-agriculture/companies/
The benefits of carbon capture & regenerative farming are undeniable.. but it's going to take some time to bring it all into balance. Read Meredith Ellis's story and experiment at her families ranch -
https://civileats.com/2021/07/27/as-carbon-markets-reward-new-efforts-will-regenerative-farming-pioneers-be-left-in-the-dirt/
https://agfuse.com/article/what-agribusiness-data-can-and-can-t-tell-you
https://agfuse.com/question/i-m-looking-for-an-agribusiness-writer#answer-228
https://agfuse.com/question/i-m-looking-for-an-agribusiness-writer#answer-227
https://agfuse.com/question/i-m-looking-for-an-agribusiness-writer
By
Marjorie Valin
Published Jul 30
Does anyone know a writer with agribusiness, digital or prescription ag experience? Or an agribusiness expert with writing experience? We're looking for someone to develop content with experience on the agriculture and tech/business side. Please reach out to me here or on Linkedin.
Categories: Sustainable Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Agribusiness
By
Marjorie Valin
Published Aug 2
In agribusiness, big data means collecting everything. The temperature of the air as you plant, the moisture of the kernel as you harvest, the exact coordinate of each weed you find; it all gets absorbed into the digital cloud, analyzed, and processed. The end result is that we know what seeds grow the best in different conditions, statistically speaking. However, this can lead to homogenized recommendations. Sure, the corn hybrid ‘SKY-3122’ may rate the best in some parts of the country, but does that mean it’s best for your customers’ farms? The all-time favorite food across the US may be a good old cheeseburger fresh off the grill, but try to make everyone eat one and you’ll end up with a lot of unhappy vegetarians...
Categories: Agribusiness, Precision Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture
https://agfuse.com/article/the-rationale-for-commercial-solar-farms
By
Nicole Otte
Published Jul 26
Many of the challenge’s facing solar farms and its application to commercial uses were overcome. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) (2021) reported the costs associated with development and use of solar energy continues to drop making solar energy cheaper than traditional fossil fuel energy. The costs of residential solar typically runs between $2 and $4 per watt. Comparatively, the cost of a commercial solar farm as reported by First Solar is about $1 per watt, where the economies of scale are in full effect with commercial solar farms benefiting both building owner and tenants. A solar farm is mainly a large array of solar energy systems used to produce enough power to energize residences to commercial buildings, offsetting the reliance on the macro-grid...
Categories: Sustainable Agriculture
"It's our hope that by doing this work we are connecting with the next generation of 'progressive agriculturalists' and spreading the word about soil health/regenerative ag and how it can help us feed and clothe the world in a way that protects our resource base for future generations."
https://southernplainsperspective.wordpress.com/2021/07/23/soil-health-youth-events-the-kids-are-alright/
Gosteward offers a capital source for regenerative farmers to empower their land sustainability efforts and growth... and they have a very nice website and are a Certified B Corporation - cool.
https://gosteward.com/
If we're to increase production 50% by 2050, we need groups like this and more.
https://www.agrinews-pubs.com/business/2021/07/21/agriculture-rd-is-priority-for-business-development-group/
https://www.agweb.com/news/business/conservation/diversifying-adds-sustainability
Some of the hottest topics come together.. "buy large tracts of land in attractive areas, establish ranches with heritage cattle, farm them regeneratively and incorporate self-sustaining energy and water resources to maintain them independently" - interesting article.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/bitcoin-carbon-credits-cattle-farming
NurtureFarm & OpenAg = "covering every step of the farming life cycle" to make "agriculture simple, profitable and sustainable". Good teaming!
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210718005045/en/nurture.farm-%E2%80%93-a-Digital-Platform-for-Sustainable-Agriculture-Scales-up-to-Become-Part-of-the-OpenAg%E2%84%A2-Network
Another success story of vertical, soil free farming... the product, tomatoes.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/soil-free-farming-takes-the-us-by-storm/
"Soil is our livelihood and we better protect it, or we're screwed" - a story of Montana farmers who are "building topsoil".
https://montanafreepress.org/2021/07/06/regenerative-agriculture-evitalizing-rural-montana-economies/
"Climate-controlled indoor farms are a new link in the food chain", and Vertical Roots hydroponic farm based in Charleston is one to watch.
https://progressivegrocer.com/indoor-farming-growth-mode
"By 2050, farmers will have to feed an estimated 9.7 billion people, requiring an increase in productivity of 50%". Thankful for innovators who are forward thinking to get us there... they're gonna science it.
https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/company-strengthens-innovation-pipeline-for-sustainable-agriculture/article_24bf34a8-dff4-11eb-a057-ff7e68db175f.html
This is encouraging, funding for #agrepreneurs... includes a regenerative farm using a silvopasture system, an indoor hydroponic garden entity, a Gullah Farmers Coop, a woman owned certified organic farm, and more. Thank you to ACRE - Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship for supporting these innovators.
https://columbiabusinessreport.com/news/agriculture/80754/
"...an agricultural system that replenishes the Earth while also feeding our communities. Now we just have to start believing it's possible".
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/373073
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/how-to-make-ag-more-sustainable
"You should be able to tell from my blog that I am a big fan of soil health/regenerative agriculture. ... With all this in mind, however, ... I'm getting worried that we are trying to break this approach to farming and ranching down into a simplistic laundry list of specific things you have to do each and every year on each and every acre instead of recognizing that every acre is a little different and that every producer has a different reality. ... All I can suggest is that maybe we take a little time to step back from the checklist and take a broader view of what needs to be done on an individual farm or ranch."
https://southernplainsperspective.wordpress.com/2021/07/01/dont-lose-sight-of-the-forest-for-the-trees/
https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/blog/confessions-of-a-middle-age-glyphoholic
Check out our latest Engineering Your Farm podcast for a discussion of the Iowa Watershed Approach project and related efforts to mitigate flooding and improve water quality. Does tile drainage contribute to flooding? What can we do to improve water quality? Listen in and visit iowawatershedapproach.org to learn more.
https://engineeringyourfarm.buzzsprout.com/1444834/8789549-a-watershed-approach-to-water-quality-and-flood-mitigation-efforts-in-iowa
https://agfuse.com/article/hat-hanh-nhan-la-gi-loi-ich-cong-dung-hat-hanh-nhan-voi-suc-khoe
By
Vuon Hat
Published Jul 1
Hạt hạnh nhân có tác dụng gì? là câu hỏi được nhiều người đặt ra khi mà hiện nay có rất nhiều món ăn có sự góp mặt của hạt hạnh nhân như ngũ cốc Granola, sữa hạt, bánh hạnh nhân… Kem theo đó là nhiều lời đồn thổi thần kỳ, không những tốt cho sức khỏe mà hạt hạnh nhân còn có nhiều lợi ích cho da và tóc. Trong bài viết này, hãy cùng Vườn Hạt tìm hiểu hàng loạt những công dụng bất người của hạt hạnh nhân nhé!Giới Thiệu Về Hạt Hạnh Nhân1. Hạt hạnh nhân là gì?Hạt hạnh nhân có tên tiếng Anh là almond, hạt có hình bầu dục màu cam đất. Có vị bùi béo và sở hữu hàm lượng dinh dưỡng rất cao. Ăn hạnh nhân có thể tách vỏ hoặc để vỏ tùy theo sở thích...
Categories: Agribusiness, Sustainable Agriculture, Tree Nuts
https://www.realagriculture.com/2021/06/when-it-comes-to-regenerative-agriculture-lets-focus-on-outcomes-rather-than-ideology
https://www.precisionag.com/in-field-technologies/drones-uavs/the-role-of-drone-technology-in-sustainable-agriculture/
https://southernplainsperspective.wordpress.com/2021/05/30/theres-a-lot-of-carbon-thats-been-captured-in-them-thar-soils-we-just-dont-know-much-yet-but-we-will
"The societal and environmental costs of soil loss and degradation in the United States alone are now estimated to be as high as $85 billion every single year. Like any relationship, our living soil needs our tenderness. It's time we changed everything we thought we knew about soil. Let's make this the century of living soil."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJouJhLM48
https://forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/06/celebrate-pollinator-week/
The gut microbiome is altogether under-rated in all species.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAARS/bulletins/2e527a9
https://www.farmprogress.com/cotton/arkansas-cotton-sustainability-field-day-be-held-july-30
Death, Taxes,...and Drought
https://goseed.com/cover-crop-corner-covering-your-assets-during-drought/
Worms are some of the most amazing creatures... so small, yet so powerful.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2021/06/15/arizona-worm-farm-grows-organically-sustainably-south-phoenix/7588128002/
"Bottom line, CRP now makes more financial sense for producers while also providing a bigger return on investment in terms of natural resource benefits. The General and Grasslands signups are part of a broader suite of tools available through CRP to integrate key conservation practices on our nation's working lands."
https://www.agdaily.com/crops/usda-sets-deadline-conservation-reserve-program
https://www.lancasterfarming.com/news/main_edition/one-farmer-s-journey-to-planting-a-better-buffer/article_40d2dbed-a0fc-5b81-b4e8-44b8140f0653.html
There's a lot of misinformation about cover crops - Rob Myers of SARE and Jerry Hall of GO Seed discuss some of the most prevalent 'myths' about them.
https://www.morningagclips.com/myth-busting-8-common-beliefs-about-cover-crops/
This operation is checking off a lot of boxes... #carboncapture #regenerative #solar #organicfarming #hemp
https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/farmers-market-kind-hemp-farms-is-passionate-about-regenerative-agriculture/
Sat in on a Zoom Q&A session yesterday with Secretary Vilsack on this topic. I like the "build back better" attitude.
https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/18828-usda-aims-to-strengthen-food-and-agriculture-supply-chain
The Food and Agriculture Organization's food price index has risen to it's highest level in nearly a decade, continuing a 12-month upward trend.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/world-food-price-index-surges-may-highest-level-since-2011-fao-2021-06-03/
If you like maters, this is one to watch -
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/south-county/ri-grows-breaks-ground-on-new-indoor-tomato-farming-facility/
"There's a perspective that humans did this damage and it's our job to fix it, and that we should govern the process, and just let nature help when it can ... . Another view is that forest restoration is fundamentally natural, and that humans can assist it, but ultimately it should be governed by natural processes."
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210524-the-reason-wild-forests-beat-plantations
WOW! "Vertical farms can increase crop yields by 700 percent". "...over 2,000 vertical farms in the U.S."
https://bigthink.com/technology-innovation/vertical-farming
"If you're going to have a healthy ecosystem in this part of the world, you have to include grazing animals. ... cattle, sheep, chickens and pigs are not the villains some people make them out to be."
https://southernplainsperspective.wordpress.com/2021/05/20/my-cows-sequesters-more-carbon-than-your-hybrid/
"Making the most of every inch" - tips for small gardening from Treehugger.com -
https://www.treehugger.com/top-sustainable-garden-trends-5104640
https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/10609-nrcs-to-invest-15-million-in-conservation-through-cig-program
"We are able to feed animals live green feed without having an enormous footprint of land.."
https://www.agriculture.com/news/livestock/cubicfarm-systems-nets-15-million-for-on-site-indoor-farming-setup-to-feed-livestock
https://agfuse.com/article/thinking-out-of-the-box-in-sustainable-food-production
By
Dr. Sandy Graham
Updated May 8
Traditional agriculture and farming techniques have not been able to keep up with growing consumer demand for healthy food nationally and globally. Driven byPopulation growth and urbanization decreasing available arable land dedicated to agriculture,Rising supply chain and energy costs,Growing environmental concern about use of pesticides for crop production,Insufficient water availability for crop production,Limited growing seasons based on the traditional agriculture one-cycle production process,Harsh and severe weather,Political turmoil affecting agricultural trade,Market fluctuations in agriculture prices and costs, and Market shocks from COVID-19National and global demand for food, specifically healthy sustainably produced food will outpace supply. Short of innovation and technological advances to offset demand, the impact of increasing demand for healthy food places significant pressure on the Agricultural Industry to find viable solutions. Securing sufficient supply of quality, sustainably produced food is just one side of the coin—U. S...
Categories: Sustainable Agriculture
https://civileats.com/2021/05/03/carbon-markets-stand-to-reward-no-till-farmers-but-most-are-still-tilling-the-soil/
"A holistic approach to climate-smart agriculture addresses the climate crisis while also meeting demand for food production, clean water, and thriving rural economies. Some great innovations that support these objectives receive far too little notice. The USDA should seek insights from innovative land stewards, particularly Indigenous communities and people of color, many of whom have long grown and consumed food in ways that benefit both their communities and land. This approach to regenerative agriculture --- a land management system that supports the entire ecosystem --- allows farmers to grow food, fuel, and fiber while enriching, instead of depleting, the soil and environment."
https://www.agdaily.com/insights/farmers-can-provide-solutions-climate-change-usda-must-support/
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance has recommended the development of pilot projects before a full USDA rollout of a carbon bank.
https://agnetwest.com/climate-alliance-carbon-bank-pilot-projects-usda/
https://southernplainsperspective.wordpress.com/2021/04/28/another-day-another-study-showing-the-economic-benefits-of-soil-health/
https://agfuse.com/article/agronomics-is-an-out-of-the-box-solution-to-the-growing-demand-for-viable-food-production
By
Joseph Griffith
Published May 3
Traditional agriculture and farming techniques have not been able to keep up with the growing consumer demand for healthy food nationally and globally. Driven by:Population growth and urbanization decreasing available arable land dedicated to agriculture Rising supply chain and energy costs Growing environmental concern about the use of pesticides for crop productionInsufficient water availability for crop production Limited growing seasons based on the traditional agriculture one-cycle production process Harsh and severe weather Political turmoil affecting agricultural trade Market fluctuations in agriculture prices and costs Market shocks from COVID 19 National and global demand for food, specifically healthy sustainably produced food will outpace supply. Short of innovation and technological advances to offset demand, the impact of increasing demand for healthy food places significant pressure on the Agricultural Industry to find viable solutions. Securing a sufficient supply of quality, sustainably produced food is just one side of the coin—U. S...
Categories: Ag Commentary, Agribusiness, Sustainable Agriculture
https://www.farmprogress.com/conservation/usda-invests-330m-address-climate-change
https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/10456-digging-into-the-principles-of-regenerative-ag
Another potential revenue source for farmers.. carbon credits. Plant an extra crop in the off season or reduce plowing. Carbon credits are "still the wild west" but are gaining momentum.
https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/farmers-struggle-to-break-into-booming-carbon-credit-market
"Finding applications for idle resources such as corn stover is imperative to combat climate change. This research adds value to the biomass industry which can further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."
https://www.agdaily.com/crops/using-corn-crop-leftovers-to-improve-water-quality
https://www.farmprogress.com/cotton/building-farmer-awareness-key-sustainability-efforts
Farming fish just got better...
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fish-farming-reimagined/
