The document discusses healthy soil and cover crops. It recommends getting a soil test from your local Extension Office or Midwestern Bio-Ag for a complete analysis. Cover crops add biomass and improve soil in various ways depending on the crop, such as suppressing weeds, fixing nitrogen, or breaking up clay. Buckwheat can be tilled in after blossoming to add biomass. A winter mix of rye, hairy vetch and crimson clover provides soil cover and nutrients into spring.
Native warm season grasses are well-suited for adapting grazing systems in Tennessee to increasing floods and droughts caused by climate change. These deep-rooted, drought-resistant grasses can extend the grazing season and reduce reliance on stored forages. Including native grasses in 30% of pasture acres along with cool-season grasses spreads risk and improves livestock performance, land sustainability, and water quality. Research shows that native grasses yield well through summer, support strong cattle weight gains, and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into waterways. Outreach efforts aim to demonstrate these benefits to farmers and transition research findings to on-farm applications.
This document summarizes pasture research that is being conducted in Canada. It discusses research into pasture mixtures for beef production in Nova Scotia and drought tolerant forage mixtures in Saskatchewan. Research into swath grazing and extending the grazing season is mentioned. Ontario research includes grass fed beef trials and rotational grazing of community pastures moving cattle every 1-4 days. The document also discusses on-farm "research" projects, fencing technology including electric fences, grazing annual crops and cover crops, extending the grazing season, rotational grazing, grazing alfalfa and using sainfoin. It notes research into improving soil health through perennial forage and mentions on-farm trials of high stock density and annuals/cover crops.
The Lancaster Farmland Trust's Smart Farms program helps farmers implement conservation practices to improve farm profitability and protect natural resources. It offers technical assistance for practices like barnyard runoff controls, manure storage, terraces, no-till farming, cover crops, streambank protection, and nutrient management. The program provides on-farm consultations and can help farmers apply for funding to implement conservation practices on their preserved farmland.
The Farmers of Mill Creek Watershed Council aims to improve water quality in Mill Creek through farmer education and adoption of phosphorus best management practices. The 47 mile long watershed covers 165 square miles and 105,600 acres. In 2016, the council hosted several educational field days covering topics like cover crops and no-till practices. Over 300 acres were planted with winter cover crops through cost-share programs to reduce phosphorus runoff and improve soil health. The ultimate goal is environmental sustainability through stewardship of land and water resources.
This document outlines Aisling Meadow Homestead's goals and site features. The homestead aims to be self-sustainable through permaculture and organic methods, providing for its family and the community. Located on 15 acres in Hudson Valley, NY, the 5-acre homestead site features a pasture, beehives, chickens, a garden, and forest access. It faces challenges like predator risks and lack of water access and storage, but sees opportunities such as creating a pond, rainwater catchment, honey and egg sales, composting, and installing solar power. Photos further depict the homestead site.
Bryant Ussher established a Leucaena-based cattle grazing system on his property after years of struggling with low rainfall and poor farming conditions. The introduction of Leucaena improved the carrying capacity from 1 livestock unit per 6 acres on natural grass to 1 unit per 2.5 acres with Leucaena. It also increased average daily weight gain from 0.8 kg to 1 kg per head. This allowed Bryant to maintain a viable cattle operation despite dry seasonal conditions, with production of high quality protein and improvements to soil and potential future carbon credits achieved with no chemical inputs or diesel use. Bryant found the Leucaena system addressed sustainability, profitability, environmental protection and productivity goals.
The document discusses healthy soil and cover crops. It recommends getting a soil test from your local Extension Office or Midwestern Bio-Ag for a complete analysis. Cover crops add biomass and improve soil in various ways depending on the crop, such as suppressing weeds, fixing nitrogen, or breaking up clay. Buckwheat can be tilled in after blossoming to add biomass. A winter mix of rye, hairy vetch and crimson clover provides soil cover and nutrients into spring.
Native warm season grasses are well-suited for adapting grazing systems in Tennessee to increasing floods and droughts caused by climate change. These deep-rooted, drought-resistant grasses can extend the grazing season and reduce reliance on stored forages. Including native grasses in 30% of pasture acres along with cool-season grasses spreads risk and improves livestock performance, land sustainability, and water quality. Research shows that native grasses yield well through summer, support strong cattle weight gains, and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into waterways. Outreach efforts aim to demonstrate these benefits to farmers and transition research findings to on-farm applications.
This document summarizes pasture research that is being conducted in Canada. It discusses research into pasture mixtures for beef production in Nova Scotia and drought tolerant forage mixtures in Saskatchewan. Research into swath grazing and extending the grazing season is mentioned. Ontario research includes grass fed beef trials and rotational grazing of community pastures moving cattle every 1-4 days. The document also discusses on-farm "research" projects, fencing technology including electric fences, grazing annual crops and cover crops, extending the grazing season, rotational grazing, grazing alfalfa and using sainfoin. It notes research into improving soil health through perennial forage and mentions on-farm trials of high stock density and annuals/cover crops.
The Lancaster Farmland Trust's Smart Farms program helps farmers implement conservation practices to improve farm profitability and protect natural resources. It offers technical assistance for practices like barnyard runoff controls, manure storage, terraces, no-till farming, cover crops, streambank protection, and nutrient management. The program provides on-farm consultations and can help farmers apply for funding to implement conservation practices on their preserved farmland.
The Farmers of Mill Creek Watershed Council aims to improve water quality in Mill Creek through farmer education and adoption of phosphorus best management practices. The 47 mile long watershed covers 165 square miles and 105,600 acres. In 2016, the council hosted several educational field days covering topics like cover crops and no-till practices. Over 300 acres were planted with winter cover crops through cost-share programs to reduce phosphorus runoff and improve soil health. The ultimate goal is environmental sustainability through stewardship of land and water resources.
This document outlines Aisling Meadow Homestead's goals and site features. The homestead aims to be self-sustainable through permaculture and organic methods, providing for its family and the community. Located on 15 acres in Hudson Valley, NY, the 5-acre homestead site features a pasture, beehives, chickens, a garden, and forest access. It faces challenges like predator risks and lack of water access and storage, but sees opportunities such as creating a pond, rainwater catchment, honey and egg sales, composting, and installing solar power. Photos further depict the homestead site.
Bryant Ussher established a Leucaena-based cattle grazing system on his property after years of struggling with low rainfall and poor farming conditions. The introduction of Leucaena improved the carrying capacity from 1 livestock unit per 6 acres on natural grass to 1 unit per 2.5 acres with Leucaena. It also increased average daily weight gain from 0.8 kg to 1 kg per head. This allowed Bryant to maintain a viable cattle operation despite dry seasonal conditions, with production of high quality protein and improvements to soil and potential future carbon credits achieved with no chemical inputs or diesel use. Bryant found the Leucaena system addressed sustainability, profitability, environmental protection and productivity goals.
Pasture Management For Horse Acreages (Freeman)Gwyn Shelle
This document summarizes a presentation on pasture management for horse acreages. It discusses that pastures require managed grazing strategies and grass management routines. Both controlled grazing and agronomic practices are needed to develop an effective pasture management system. It also outlines factors to consider like what forages grow best based on climate, soil type, and topography. Combining horse grazing habits with good agricultural practices can help develop a sustainable pasture.
This document discusses climate change adaptation strategies for coffee systems at multiple levels. It outlines how climate change will impact coffee production through changes in suitable growing areas and increased pests and diseases. Adaptation requires adjusting coffee varieties and crops to different locations, as well as practices at the plant and plot levels like resistant varieties and intercropping. Barriers to adoption include costs, farmer attitudes, and constraints at the landscape and policy levels. Effective adaptation requires coordinated efforts across scales from the plant to the landscape and policy domains to develop resilient coffee systems in a changing climate.
Jefferson County is a major agricultural producer in Arkansas. The top crops grown are corn (33,838 acres), soybeans (111,607 acres), rice (67,124 acres), cotton (2,753 acres), and grain sorghum (5,032 acres). Corn yields averaged 201 bushels per acre while soybeans averaged 53 bushels per acre. Extension programs educated farmers on variety trials and irrigation techniques. A wildlife food plot demonstration studied which forages were most consumed. A school garden program involving 87 students grew vegetables and herbs to educate about healthy eating.
Integrated livestock feed interventions in the maize-based systems of Babati ...africa-rising
Presented by Ben A. Lukuyu, Leonard Marwa, Gregory Sikumba and David Ngunga at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Malawi, 14-16 July 2015
A great news letter on Minimum Tillage for farmers. This practice offers an alternative to No-till and the cumulative problems that can occur with weed management and nutrient run off.
1) The document discusses grazing-based dairy systems, also known as management intensive grazing (MIG), where dairy cattle are moved frequently between paddocks to graze on pasture.
2) Research was conducted at Breneman Farms, a grazing-based dairy in Wisconsin, to study nutrient and sediment loss. Surface water quality was monitored from paddocks used for grazing and those used for wintering cattle.
3) Several studies and reports are available analyzing the results of the research conducted at Breneman Farms regarding water quality, energy usage, profitability, and nutrient management for grazing dairy operations.
This document discusses nutrient management practices for small livestock farms. It defines small farms as those with annual sales between $1,000-$250,000. Small farms have fewer animals and less land, making waste management more challenging. The key practices discussed are storing manure in impermeable, covered areas over 100 feet from water; having a nutrient management plan; controlling runoff; limiting animal access to waterways; controlling erosion; and being considerate of neighbors. Sacrifice areas and pasture management are also addressed. Overall, the document emphasizes the unique challenges small farms face and provides resources for more information on simplified nutrient management plans.
Bob Henkel wants to share his thoughts on how packaging, processing, shipping, waste and chemical fertilizers can be radically reduced in our food system. His work around the country working with models of permaculture and "edible food forests" points to opportunities in perennial farming systems to have savings and healthy food flow to consumers while real and sustainable profits are earned by producers and entrepreneurs. Prepare to think differently about how food can nourish us physically, economically and socially.
Rapid population growth and lack of space in Langa is resulting in less land available for vegetable gardens and food production. This could lead to food insecurity issues if not addressed. The Honeycomb Project proposes using sustainable "units" that combine aquaponics and greenhouse food production to grow fish and vegetables in a self-contained system. Each unit could feed 3-5 families and be financially self-sustaining within 3 years by allowing families to save money on food costs. The units would use the land more efficiently to address the lack of space issue while continuing to provide local food production opportunities.
Introduction to Starting an Urban Grazing ProjectLaura DeYoung
Urban Shepherds is a non profit organization promoting the grazing of sheep as a sustainable solution for managing landscaping. The benefits to the community include job creation, reducing environmental impact while lowering the cost of mowing, and producing locally grown food. Urban Shepherds also seeks to promote urban farming and increase sheep production, recruiting and training, and providing support to future shepherds.
Urban Shepherds promotes urban grass fed lamb operations. It is our mission to educate urban and suburban residents how they can start their own for profit operations. We will help you start a program in your community, finding flocks, identifying appropriate lots for sheep, help with fundraising, assisting with zoning and permitting for sites, preparing the sites for the flocks, training staff or volunteer shepherds, and securing any needed professional shepherds to oversee projects.
Learn more about how you can make money from lamb crops and save money on land management, enhance the environment, and provide social capital by managing your open spaces and vacant lands with sheep.
www.UrbanShepherds.org
Thanks Santhosh for this PPT. (http://yourstory.in/2013/09/amrutha-dairy-farms-journey-it-to-dairy-farming-santhosh-d-singh/)
I had this in front of me when carrying on the telephonic interview with Santhosh. (https://soundcloud.com/your-story/santhosh-singh-amrutha-dairy)
The best forage - Healthy animals. More success.poettinger
This document discusses factors that influence the quality of base forage for dairy cows. It states that location accounts for 25% of forage quality, with the remaining 75% determined by farm management practices. Key factors discussed include fertilizer use, grassland care, and cutting time. Harvesting technology and the skill of the operator are also important to minimize dirt in the forage and maximize quality. High quality forage leads to healthier cows that produce more milk, reducing costs and increasing profits.
The document discusses the goals and designs for turning a family farm into a more sustainable homestead using permaculture principles. Some key points:
- The farm owner analyzed the property and identified new garden bed opportunities, including a spiral three sisters garden designed to take advantage of natural water flows.
- Raised beds have been constructed out of cedar and cinder blocks for growing herbs and potatoes.
- A mobile chicken tractor will be used to rotate chickens for both meat and fertilizing.
- A goat herd provides milk, cheese, soaps and manure for fertilizer while being bred and managed for population control.
- Vegetable gardens utilize aquaponics, raised beds and seasonal patches to provide a
This document summarizes a presentation about using pollinator-friendly vegetation at solar sites. It discusses how incomplete pollination impacts 70% of crops and costs hundreds of billions per year. Maintaining pollinator habitats can help address this at a very low cost compared to other solar options. The presentation provides examples of large solar installations in Minnesota and Ohio that have used pollinator-friendly seed mixes, and discusses considerations for what constitutes an effective pollinator-friendly standard at solar sites. Benefits include community support, reduced maintenance needs, and protecting solar panel performance. Questions around risks of fire or endangered species are mentioned. Conservation grazing is also discussed as a method to actively manage vegetation diversity and soil health at solar sites
This document describes the development of Chickadee Gardens over several years from 2010-2014. It started as raised beds on a sloped city lot to maximize growing space. Methods like hugelkultur were used to improve soil and moisture retention. Over the years, the garden expanded to include new terraces, a vertical garden, and converting a parking strip to additional beds. By 2014, the household and food bank gardens produced over 800 pounds of crops despite the small growing area. The document expresses gratitude to the community who helped the garden grow.
Over 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted each year, with approximately one-third being wasted at the production and supply chain levels, one-third at retail, and one-third by households. If just one-fourth of the food currently lost or wasted globally could be saved, it would be enough to feed 870 million hungry people. Reducing food waste would also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with food waste estimated to have a carbon footprint of 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere each year.
This document outlines the goals and features of a sustainable homestead called the "ol' dirty farm". The farm strives to grow organic produce and raise goats and chickens to provide food for the family. Key features include a well, raised beds, livestock, and aquaponics. Challenges include repairing the well, finding space for canning and storage, maintaining manure and livestock efficiently, adding fruit trees, and installing a greywater system. Opportunities include enjoying fresh products while improving soil health, overproducing to share with others, and connecting to the land and animals.
This document discusses research into the sustainability of roofed winter feeding barns for small cow/calf operations. The research was conducted on Meadow View Farm in West Virginia, which uses various conservation practices including prescribed grazing and a roofed winter feeding area. Initial nutrient management research found the winter feeding pasture accumulated 286 pounds of phosphorus per year, resulting in very high soil P levels and potential runoff. Options considered to address this include total confinement, a wood chip pad, or rotational winter grazing on hay fields. The landowner committed to the rotational winter grazing approach to improve nutrient cycling while limiting damage to hay fields.
A business plan describes how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. It is needed by entrepreneurs, owners, managers, lenders, and investors. A business plan can help start-ups define their work, save resources, identify customers and pricing, and attract capital. For existing businesses, a business plan can help identify new products, customers, and efficiencies to improve profitability. A traditional business plan includes sections on executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization, products/services, marketing, funding requests, and 3-5 year financial projections.
The document summarizes changes to Pennsylvania's Chapter 102 regulations regarding post-construction stormwater management (PCSM). Key changes include: (1) requiring NPDES permits for projects over 1 acre; (2) separate and more detailed PCSM plans; (3) long-term operation and maintenance requirements; and (4) additional analysis and anti-degradation requirements for projects in special protection waters. The presentation provides details on PCSM plan contents, reporting, implementation requirements, and professional certification criteria.
Pasture Management For Horse Acreages (Freeman)Gwyn Shelle
This document summarizes a presentation on pasture management for horse acreages. It discusses that pastures require managed grazing strategies and grass management routines. Both controlled grazing and agronomic practices are needed to develop an effective pasture management system. It also outlines factors to consider like what forages grow best based on climate, soil type, and topography. Combining horse grazing habits with good agricultural practices can help develop a sustainable pasture.
This document discusses climate change adaptation strategies for coffee systems at multiple levels. It outlines how climate change will impact coffee production through changes in suitable growing areas and increased pests and diseases. Adaptation requires adjusting coffee varieties and crops to different locations, as well as practices at the plant and plot levels like resistant varieties and intercropping. Barriers to adoption include costs, farmer attitudes, and constraints at the landscape and policy levels. Effective adaptation requires coordinated efforts across scales from the plant to the landscape and policy domains to develop resilient coffee systems in a changing climate.
Jefferson County is a major agricultural producer in Arkansas. The top crops grown are corn (33,838 acres), soybeans (111,607 acres), rice (67,124 acres), cotton (2,753 acres), and grain sorghum (5,032 acres). Corn yields averaged 201 bushels per acre while soybeans averaged 53 bushels per acre. Extension programs educated farmers on variety trials and irrigation techniques. A wildlife food plot demonstration studied which forages were most consumed. A school garden program involving 87 students grew vegetables and herbs to educate about healthy eating.
Integrated livestock feed interventions in the maize-based systems of Babati ...africa-rising
Presented by Ben A. Lukuyu, Leonard Marwa, Gregory Sikumba and David Ngunga at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Malawi, 14-16 July 2015
A great news letter on Minimum Tillage for farmers. This practice offers an alternative to No-till and the cumulative problems that can occur with weed management and nutrient run off.
1) The document discusses grazing-based dairy systems, also known as management intensive grazing (MIG), where dairy cattle are moved frequently between paddocks to graze on pasture.
2) Research was conducted at Breneman Farms, a grazing-based dairy in Wisconsin, to study nutrient and sediment loss. Surface water quality was monitored from paddocks used for grazing and those used for wintering cattle.
3) Several studies and reports are available analyzing the results of the research conducted at Breneman Farms regarding water quality, energy usage, profitability, and nutrient management for grazing dairy operations.
This document discusses nutrient management practices for small livestock farms. It defines small farms as those with annual sales between $1,000-$250,000. Small farms have fewer animals and less land, making waste management more challenging. The key practices discussed are storing manure in impermeable, covered areas over 100 feet from water; having a nutrient management plan; controlling runoff; limiting animal access to waterways; controlling erosion; and being considerate of neighbors. Sacrifice areas and pasture management are also addressed. Overall, the document emphasizes the unique challenges small farms face and provides resources for more information on simplified nutrient management plans.
Bob Henkel wants to share his thoughts on how packaging, processing, shipping, waste and chemical fertilizers can be radically reduced in our food system. His work around the country working with models of permaculture and "edible food forests" points to opportunities in perennial farming systems to have savings and healthy food flow to consumers while real and sustainable profits are earned by producers and entrepreneurs. Prepare to think differently about how food can nourish us physically, economically and socially.
Rapid population growth and lack of space in Langa is resulting in less land available for vegetable gardens and food production. This could lead to food insecurity issues if not addressed. The Honeycomb Project proposes using sustainable "units" that combine aquaponics and greenhouse food production to grow fish and vegetables in a self-contained system. Each unit could feed 3-5 families and be financially self-sustaining within 3 years by allowing families to save money on food costs. The units would use the land more efficiently to address the lack of space issue while continuing to provide local food production opportunities.
Introduction to Starting an Urban Grazing ProjectLaura DeYoung
Urban Shepherds is a non profit organization promoting the grazing of sheep as a sustainable solution for managing landscaping. The benefits to the community include job creation, reducing environmental impact while lowering the cost of mowing, and producing locally grown food. Urban Shepherds also seeks to promote urban farming and increase sheep production, recruiting and training, and providing support to future shepherds.
Urban Shepherds promotes urban grass fed lamb operations. It is our mission to educate urban and suburban residents how they can start their own for profit operations. We will help you start a program in your community, finding flocks, identifying appropriate lots for sheep, help with fundraising, assisting with zoning and permitting for sites, preparing the sites for the flocks, training staff or volunteer shepherds, and securing any needed professional shepherds to oversee projects.
Learn more about how you can make money from lamb crops and save money on land management, enhance the environment, and provide social capital by managing your open spaces and vacant lands with sheep.
www.UrbanShepherds.org
Thanks Santhosh for this PPT. (http://yourstory.in/2013/09/amrutha-dairy-farms-journey-it-to-dairy-farming-santhosh-d-singh/)
I had this in front of me when carrying on the telephonic interview with Santhosh. (https://soundcloud.com/your-story/santhosh-singh-amrutha-dairy)
The best forage - Healthy animals. More success.poettinger
This document discusses factors that influence the quality of base forage for dairy cows. It states that location accounts for 25% of forage quality, with the remaining 75% determined by farm management practices. Key factors discussed include fertilizer use, grassland care, and cutting time. Harvesting technology and the skill of the operator are also important to minimize dirt in the forage and maximize quality. High quality forage leads to healthier cows that produce more milk, reducing costs and increasing profits.
The document discusses the goals and designs for turning a family farm into a more sustainable homestead using permaculture principles. Some key points:
- The farm owner analyzed the property and identified new garden bed opportunities, including a spiral three sisters garden designed to take advantage of natural water flows.
- Raised beds have been constructed out of cedar and cinder blocks for growing herbs and potatoes.
- A mobile chicken tractor will be used to rotate chickens for both meat and fertilizing.
- A goat herd provides milk, cheese, soaps and manure for fertilizer while being bred and managed for population control.
- Vegetable gardens utilize aquaponics, raised beds and seasonal patches to provide a
This document summarizes a presentation about using pollinator-friendly vegetation at solar sites. It discusses how incomplete pollination impacts 70% of crops and costs hundreds of billions per year. Maintaining pollinator habitats can help address this at a very low cost compared to other solar options. The presentation provides examples of large solar installations in Minnesota and Ohio that have used pollinator-friendly seed mixes, and discusses considerations for what constitutes an effective pollinator-friendly standard at solar sites. Benefits include community support, reduced maintenance needs, and protecting solar panel performance. Questions around risks of fire or endangered species are mentioned. Conservation grazing is also discussed as a method to actively manage vegetation diversity and soil health at solar sites
This document describes the development of Chickadee Gardens over several years from 2010-2014. It started as raised beds on a sloped city lot to maximize growing space. Methods like hugelkultur were used to improve soil and moisture retention. Over the years, the garden expanded to include new terraces, a vertical garden, and converting a parking strip to additional beds. By 2014, the household and food bank gardens produced over 800 pounds of crops despite the small growing area. The document expresses gratitude to the community who helped the garden grow.
Over 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted each year, with approximately one-third being wasted at the production and supply chain levels, one-third at retail, and one-third by households. If just one-fourth of the food currently lost or wasted globally could be saved, it would be enough to feed 870 million hungry people. Reducing food waste would also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with food waste estimated to have a carbon footprint of 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere each year.
This document outlines the goals and features of a sustainable homestead called the "ol' dirty farm". The farm strives to grow organic produce and raise goats and chickens to provide food for the family. Key features include a well, raised beds, livestock, and aquaponics. Challenges include repairing the well, finding space for canning and storage, maintaining manure and livestock efficiently, adding fruit trees, and installing a greywater system. Opportunities include enjoying fresh products while improving soil health, overproducing to share with others, and connecting to the land and animals.
This document discusses research into the sustainability of roofed winter feeding barns for small cow/calf operations. The research was conducted on Meadow View Farm in West Virginia, which uses various conservation practices including prescribed grazing and a roofed winter feeding area. Initial nutrient management research found the winter feeding pasture accumulated 286 pounds of phosphorus per year, resulting in very high soil P levels and potential runoff. Options considered to address this include total confinement, a wood chip pad, or rotational winter grazing on hay fields. The landowner committed to the rotational winter grazing approach to improve nutrient cycling while limiting damage to hay fields.
A business plan describes how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. It is needed by entrepreneurs, owners, managers, lenders, and investors. A business plan can help start-ups define their work, save resources, identify customers and pricing, and attract capital. For existing businesses, a business plan can help identify new products, customers, and efficiencies to improve profitability. A traditional business plan includes sections on executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization, products/services, marketing, funding requests, and 3-5 year financial projections.
The document summarizes changes to Pennsylvania's Chapter 102 regulations regarding post-construction stormwater management (PCSM). Key changes include: (1) requiring NPDES permits for projects over 1 acre; (2) separate and more detailed PCSM plans; (3) long-term operation and maintenance requirements; and (4) additional analysis and anti-degradation requirements for projects in special protection waters. The presentation provides details on PCSM plan contents, reporting, implementation requirements, and professional certification criteria.
The document discusses various technologies used during the process of creating a thriller film opening. These include blogging using Blogger.com to document the process, filming interviews and focus groups using a Flip camera, and shooting the opening using a Canon EOS 65D DSLR camera. Editing was done using iMovie initially and Final Cut Pro for the final product. LogicXPro was used to create the soundtrack. The process helped the author learn about new technologies like blogging, Final Cut Pro, and LogicXPro.
This document outlines the Berks County Conservation District's Farm Assistance and Resource Management (FARM) program. The program provides conservation planning, nutrient management, and technical assistance to farmers. After assistance is given, the district maintains correspondence with cooperators, offers feedback and promotes other programs. The goal of FARM is to encourage farmer participation in conservation programs and practices through mailings, annual trainings, mentorship opportunities, surveys, and partnership development. This helps protect water and soil resources while supporting agricultural production.
Brian Moyer - Program assistant Penn State Extension
Brian Moyer is located at the Lehigh County office where he assists farmers with marketing and regulations. Brian is a past board member of PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) and a past board member of APPPA (American Pastured Poultry Producers Association) and currently is a board member of Fair Food and The Seed Farm. He was the Director for Rural Vermont, a farm advocacy organization. Brian was the founder and manager of the Skippack Farmers Market from 1999 to 2009. Brian and his wife Holley own and run Green Haven Farm and raise grass-fed livestock on their 27 acre farm just outside of Fleetwood in Berks County. For 16 years they've sold chicken, eggs, lamb, pork, and goat to restaurants, CSA's, farmer's markets, and at their farm.
This document discusses declining raptor populations in Pennsylvania and efforts by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and partners to encourage conservation of American Kestrels, Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, and Barn Owls on farmland. Key reasons for the declines include habitat loss through conversion of hayfields and removal of dead trees used for nesting, as well as pesticide and rodenticide use. The project enlists landowners to report sightings and install nest boxes to increase nesting sites. Over 200 landowners have participated so far. The project encourages habitat restoration and provides information to landowners on raptor-friendly practices.
This webcast will discuss environmental regulations and how to comply with them, including strategies for natural pest control, manure management, mud reduction and maintaining a healthy pasture.
Wild Meadows Farm engages in veganic permaculture practices to promote sustainability. They grow a diverse variety of crops using biointensive and permaculture techniques without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, slaughterhouse byproducts or animal exploitation. In addition to selling farm products, they offer educational workshops in permaculture design and forest gardening as well as internships. Their goal is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable human culture through cooperation with other organizations.
For its sixth Future Thought Leaders panel discussion, “Behind ‘Farm to Table’: The Labor of Farming,” nine panelists joined us at Kitchens for Good to discuss the challenges of farming, including access to land and capital, regulatory changes, technological advances, and attracting a younger generation.
This document provides an overview of crop-livestock integration in conservation agriculture (CA) systems. It discusses including dairy goats and small livestock in CA, as well as integrating agroforestry practices. The document notes some conflicts that can arise with livestock consuming crop residues and suggests mitigating strategies. It emphasizes the synergies of integrating crops and livestock, such as nutrient recycling and biological
This document discusses sustainable livestock and crop production. It begins with definitions of sustainability in agriculture. It then describes several sustainability initiatives and certification programs in Canada including the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform. The rest of the document focuses on describing a theoretical model sustainable farm in Ontario with details on its crop rotations, livestock species included, feed requirements, manure and nutrient outputs, and protein production potentials of different livestock combinations.
Mr. Karl Williams - Beef Sustainability in Oxfordshire, UKJohn Blue
Beef Sustainability in Oxfordshire, UK - Mr. Karl Williams (Europe), from the 2016 Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), October 5 - 6, 2016, Banff, Alberta, Canada.
More presentations at http://trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2016-global-roundtable-sustainable-beef
Introduction To Environmentally Friendly Horse Management (Nadeau)Gwyn Shelle
This document provides an overview of a live webcast on environmentally friendly horse management practices. It introduces the presenters and defines best management practices as proactive ways for horse owners to protect the environment. It then describes various best management practices including good pasture management, manure management, water diversions, and vegetated buffers. Biological control methods for flies are also discussed, including the use of parasitic wasps, pathogens, and their pros and cons. Sources for further information are provided.
This document discusses soil health and water quality improvement efforts through demonstration farms in Northeast Wisconsin. It notes that the Fox River is the top contributor of phosphorus to Lake Michigan. Demonstration farms were started with the acknowledgement that improving soil health through practices like maintaining soil cover and plant diversity could help achieve water quality goals. The farms receive technical support from various partners and conduct monitoring of fields before and after implementing conservation practices to study their impact. They have seen success with practices like cover cropping, manure application into growing cover crops, and "planting green" directly into living cover crops.
Nature's Route Farm promotes food sovereignty and sustainable farming practices. They operate a community supported agriculture program that provides consumers with fresh, safe food while giving farmers a fair price. The document discusses several issues facing Canadian agriculture, including aging farmers, declining infrastructure, and the country's growing reliance on imported food. It encourages consumers to support domestic family farms by purchasing directly from farmers or joining a CSA program.
This document provides information on various conservation practices for farms. It discusses total resource management, which involves carefully planning practices that work together to protect land resources. It then summarizes 20 different conservation practices, including planned grazing systems, wildlife habitat management, filter strips, contour farming, and crop rotation. For each practice, it provides a brief description and outlines the benefits in terms of soil erosion, water quality, profits, wildlife habitat, and air quality. The document serves as a guide for farmers to choose conservation practices that fit their objectives and address specific problems on their land.
This document discusses soil health in Mitchell, South Dakota. It notes that the growing season is short and winters are cold. Moisture and season length limit crop growth. The soils are loamy and only 6-8 inches deep, so tillage reduces infiltration and increases runoff and erosion. The author recommends adopting a 3-crop rotation including a perennial crop like alfalfa, adding a cover crop after wheat, and adopting no-till practices to build soil health and reduce erosion and improve water quality. Various outreach and demonstration activities are discussed to educate producers and the public on soil health best practices.
Plant Power vs Power Plant by Sena Crutchley (PAVE)VegFund
The Piedmont Area Vegan Educators (PAVE) have developed an informative presentation titled “Plant Power vs Power Plant: What We Consume and the Environment,” which they’ve used as the basis for talks with local environmental organizations. The presentation clearly and concisely lays out the facts and issues of our food and lifestyle choices and their relationship to the environment. PAVE graciously agreed to share it with the VegFund community as a valuable resource for all vegan advocates.
Forest Farming: Seeing the Forest for More Than Just the Trees - Presented by...DiegoFooter
For most of human existence, our sustenance has come from the forest. Trees and forest crops offer a range of incredible plants and fungi that can be called food-medicines, as they both nourish and restore us.
This session offers a conversation about the ways we can both conserve the ,forest while increasing the pallate of useful yields from them. To to this, a farmer must take advantage of the many microclimates and functions trees offer and also possess the long-haul vision of managing a system that develops over lifetimes rather than a single season. Learn from the stories of active forest farmers growing mushrooms, elderberry, paw paw, tree syrups, and integrating animals into their woods, and discuss the ways you can integrate more of your growing within the trees.
David Douds - Research Microbiologist, USDA-ARS
David Douds received his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1984 and began working with the USDA-ARS in 1989. He has worked with arbuscular mycorrhizal [AM] fungi throughout his research career on topics ranging from physiology and host/fungus signaling to applied studies of the impacts of farming practices upon native populations of AM fungi and development of on-farm inoculum production methods. Most of the field research was done in collaboration with the Rodale Institute, including comparisons of organic vs. conventional agriculture’s impacts upon AM fungi.
This document discusses principles of soil health and how soil functions. It explains that soil should manage energy flow from the sun, store and release water, and cycle nutrients. Soil health relies on a diverse community of organisms and having living roots in the ground as much as possible. Agricultural practices like tillage and overgrazing can disrupt these functions by destroying soil habitat and organisms. The document recommends managing for less soil disturbance, more plant diversity, keeping living roots, and keeping the soil covered to improve soil health.
Cover crop mixtures to improve your operationBerksCounty
This document discusses research on cover crop mixtures to improve soil and operations after corn silage. It summarizes findings from 9-10 annual on-farm trials in Pennsylvania testing different cover crop mixtures. The research found that rye produced the most spring biomass on average, but other mixtures like crimson clover and ryegrass had higher protein concentrations. Factors like growing degree days, adapted varieties, and establishment methods were important to cover crop success. The research demonstrates cover crops can provide benefits like erosion control, nutrient retention, and weed suppression when selected and planted appropriately.
Mlb's seasonal snags; full storages, winter spreading, & other trying challen...BerksCounty
This document discusses challenges related to managing manure during the winter months in Pennsylvania. It provides an overview of regulations for manure management plans and nutrient management plans. Key points include: winter is defined as December 15 to February 28 or when ground is frozen or snow-covered; maximum application rates and setbacks during winter; consequences of overflowing manure storages including violations of the Clean Streams Law; and guidance for responding to an overflow including containment measures and notifying authorities.
The Berks Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) conservation organization located in Reading, Pennsylvania that has protected land and water resources in Berks County since 1974. It focuses on land trusts, conservation easements and preserves, trail easements, protecting drinking water quality, and connecting people to nature. The document discusses the Berks Conservancy's innovative agriculture workshop and strategies to implement best management practices on farms, including pilot projects in selected watersheds, in order to enhance stream health and water quality through reduced sediment and nutrient runoff. Funding programs are available to help farmers comply with conservation plans and install beneficial practices.
Recycling and Disposal on SWM Raymond Einyu pptxRayLetai1
Increasing urbanization, rural–urban migration, rising standards of living, and rapid development associated with population growth have resulted in increased solid waste generation by industrial, domestic and other activities in Nairobi City. It has been noted in other contexts too that increasing population, changing consumption patterns, economic development, changing income, urbanization and industrialization all contribute to the increased generation of waste.
With the increasing urban population in Kenya, which is estimated to be growing at a rate higher than that of the country’s general population, waste generation and management is already a major challenge. The industrialization and urbanization process in the country, dominated by one major city – Nairobi, which has around four times the population of the next largest urban centre (Mombasa) – has witnessed an exponential increase in the generation of solid waste. It is projected that by 2030, about 50 per cent of the Kenyan population will be urban.
Aim:
A healthy, safe, secure and sustainable solid waste management system fit for a world – class city.
Improve and protect the public health of Nairobi residents and visitors.
Ecological health, diversity and productivity and maximize resource recovery through the participatory approach.
Goals:
Build awareness and capacity for source separation as essential components of sustainable waste management.
Build new environmentally sound infrastructure and systems for safe disposal of residual waste and replacing current dumpsites which should be commissioned.
Current solid waste management situation:
The status.
Solid waste generation rate is at 2240 tones / day
collection efficiently is at about 50%.
Actors i.e. city authorities, CBO’s , private firms and self-disposal
Current SWM Situation in Nairobi City:
Solid waste generation – collection – dumping
Good Practices:
• Separation – recycling – marketing.
• Open dumpsite dandora dump site through public education on source separation of waste, of which the situation can be reversed.
• Nairobi is one of the C40 cities in this respect , various actors in the solid waste management space have adopted a variety of technologies to reduce short lived climate pollutants including source separation , recycling , marketing of the recycled products.
• Through the network, it should expect to benefit from expertise of the different actors in the network in terms of applicable technologies and practices in reducing the short-lived climate pollutants.
Good practices:
Despite the dismal collection of solid waste in Nairobi city, there are practices and activities of informal actors (CBOs, CBO-SACCOs and yard shop operators) and other formal industrial actors on solid waste collection, recycling and waste reduction.
Practices and activities of these actor groups are viewed as innovations with the potential to change the way solid waste is handled.
CHALLENGES:
• Resource Allocation.
Presented by The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action at GLF Peatlands 2024 - The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action
Climate Change All over the World .pptxsairaanwer024
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the average weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It encompasses both global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. While climate change is a natural phenomenon, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have accelerated its pace and intensity
ENVIRONMENT~ Renewable Energy Sources and their future prospects.tiwarimanvi3129
This presentation is for us to know that how our Environment need Attention for protection of our natural resources which are depleted day by day that's why we need to take time and shift our attention to renewable energy sources instead of non-renewable sources which are better and Eco-friendly for our environment. these renewable energy sources are so helpful for our planet and for every living organism which depends on environment.
Optimizing Post Remediation Groundwater Performance with Enhanced Microbiolog...Joshua Orris
Results of geophysics and pneumatic injection pilot tests during 2003 – 2007 yielded significant positive results for injection delivery design and contaminant mass treatment, resulting in permanent shut-down of an existing groundwater Pump & Treat system.
Accessible source areas were subsequently removed (2011) by soil excavation and treated with the placement of Emulsified Vegetable Oil EVO and zero-valent iron ZVI to accelerate treatment of impacted groundwater in overburden and weathered fractured bedrock. Post pilot test and post remediation groundwater monitoring has included analyses of CVOCs, organic fatty acids, dissolved gases and QuantArray® -Chlor to quantify key microorganisms (e.g., Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter, etc.) and functional genes (e.g., vinyl chloride reductase, methane monooxygenase, etc.) to assess potential for reductive dechlorination and aerobic cometabolism of CVOCs.
In 2022, the first commercial application of MetaArray™ was performed at the site. MetaArray™ utilizes statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and multivariate analysis to provide evidence that reductive dechlorination is active or even that it is slowing. This creates actionable data allowing users to save money by making important site management decisions earlier.
The results of the MetaArray™ analysis’ support vector machine (SVM) identified groundwater monitoring wells with a 80% confidence that were characterized as either Limited for Reductive Decholorination or had a High Reductive Reduction Dechlorination potential. The results of MetaArray™ will be used to further optimize the site’s post remediation monitoring program for monitored natural attenuation.
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies.EpconLP
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies. With over 4000 installations worldwide, EPCON has been pioneering new techniques since 1977 that have become industry standards now. Founded in 1977, Epcon has grown from a one-man operation to a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative air pollution control technology and industrial heating equipment.
Kinetic studies on malachite green dye adsorption from aqueous solutions by A...Open Access Research Paper
Water polluted by dyestuffs compounds is a global threat to health and the environment; accordingly, we prepared a green novel sorbent chemical and Physical system from an algae, chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle and impregnated with algae with chitosan nanocomposite for the sorption of Malachite green dye from water. The algae with chitosan nanocomposite by a simple method and used as a recyclable and effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions. Algae, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle and algae with chitosan nanocomposite were characterized using different physicochemical methods. The functional groups and chemical compounds found in algae, chitosan, chitosan algae, chitosan nanoparticle, and chitosan nanoparticle with algae were identified using FTIR, SEM, and TGADTA/DTG techniques. The optimal adsorption conditions, different dosages, pH and Temperature the amount of algae with chitosan nanocomposite were determined. At optimized conditions and the batch equilibrium studies more than 99% of the dye was removed. The adsorption process data matched well kinetics showed that the reaction order for dye varied with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity of the algae with chitosan nanocomposite toward malachite green dye reached as high as 15.5mg/g, respectively. Finally, multiple times reusing of algae with chitosan nanocomposite and removing dye from a real wastewater has made it a promising and attractive option for further practical applications.
Microbial characterisation and identification, and potability of River Kuywa ...Open Access Research Paper
Water contamination is one of the major causes of water borne diseases worldwide. In Kenya, approximately 43% of people lack access to potable water due to human contamination. River Kuywa water is currently experiencing contamination due to human activities. Its water is widely used for domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational purposes. This study aimed at characterizing bacteria and fungi in river Kuywa water. Water samples were randomly collected from four sites of the river: site A (Matisi), site B (Ngwelo), site C (Nzoia water pump) and site D (Chalicha), during the dry season (January-March 2018) and wet season (April-July 2018) and were transported to Maseno University Microbiology and plant pathology laboratory for analysis. The characterization and identification of bacteria and fungi were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Nine bacterial genera and three fungi were identified from Kuywa river water. Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Streptococcus spp., E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus spp. and Salmonella spp. Fungi were Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus complex and Penicillium species. Wet season recorded highest bacterial and fungal counts (6.61-7.66 and 3.83-6.75cfu/ml) respectively. The results indicated that the river Kuywa water is polluted and therefore unsafe for human consumption before treatment. It is therefore recommended that the communities to ensure that they boil water especially for drinking.
Evolving Lifecycles with High Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) and 3-D...Joshua Orris
The incorporation of a 3DCSM and completion of HRSC provided a tool for enhanced, data-driven, decisions to support a change in remediation closure strategies. Currently, an approved pilot study has been obtained to shut-down the remediation systems (ISCO, P&T) and conduct a hydraulic study under non-pumping conditions. A separate micro-biological bench scale treatability study was competed that yielded positive results for an emerging innovative technology. As a result, a field pilot study has commenced with results expected in nine-twelve months. With the results of the hydraulic study, field pilot studies and an updated risk assessment leading site monitoring optimization cost lifecycle savings upwards of $15MM towards an alternatively evolved best available technology remediation closure strategy.
Improving the viability of probiotics by encapsulation methods for developmen...Open Access Research Paper
The popularity of functional foods among scientists and common people has been increasing day by day. Awareness and modernization make the consumer think better regarding food and nutrition. Now a day’s individual knows very well about the relation between food consumption and disease prevalence. Humans have a diversity of microbes in the gut that together form the gut microflora. Probiotics are the health-promoting live microbial cells improve host health through gut and brain connection and fighting against harmful bacteria. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the two bacterial genera which are considered to be probiotic. These good bacteria are facing challenges of viability. There are so many factors such as sensitivity to heat, pH, acidity, osmotic effect, mechanical shear, chemical components, freezing and storage time as well which affects the viability of probiotics in the dairy food matrix as well as in the gut. Multiple efforts have been done in the past and ongoing in present for these beneficial microbial population stability until their destination in the gut. One of a useful technique known as microencapsulation makes the probiotic effective in the diversified conditions and maintain these microbe’s community to the optimum level for achieving targeted benefits. Dairy products are found to be an ideal vehicle for probiotic incorporation. It has been seen that the encapsulated microbial cells show higher viability than the free cells in different processing and storage conditions as well as against bile salts in the gut. They make the food functional when incorporated, without affecting the product sensory characteristics.
5. “Who to Ask”
• Berks County
Conservation District
• Natural Resources
Conservation Service
• Berks County
Conservancy
• Pen-Vest---Pa. Dept. of
Ag.
• Game Commission
6. • Install Conservation Practices with the Help
of Technical and Financial Support
• Eliminate Resource Concerns
• Improve Water Quality
“ Why is it Important”
8. “My Farm”
• Albany Township-South of Blue Mountain on
Bethel Road
• 5th Generation Farm
• Potatoes-Dairy-Crop Farm
• Wife- Works Off Farm, Three Children
• 193 Owned Acres
• 25 Rented Acres
10. “ My Plans”
Dairy Facility Needed Major Upgrading
Dairy Farming 365 Day Job
Milk Price Determine by Big
Companies/Cooperatives Not Supply and Demand
About 50 Acres of Land to Steep and Shale Soil Not
Great for Crop Production
Changed from Dairy with Some Continuous Grazing
to Beef Cow/Calf with Feeders on Intensive Grazing
System
Market Grass Fed Beef Direct
11. “Why I Got Involved”
Had Some Issues with Stream
Family Felt That Someday Conservation
Practices Would be Mandatory So Why Not
Accept the Technical and Financial Incentives
Move into Intensive Grazing
12. “Why I Got Involved”
Concerns
What You Don’t Know, You Think the Worst
Organizations Telling You What to Do and
Not Seeing the Farmers’ and Production Side
Lose Pasture Land Because of Meandering
Stream
Maintaince Along the Stream with Stream
Bank Fencing
13. “Why I Got Involved”
Pluses
Financial Incentives for
Practices
Grazing Benefits-More
Forage, More Milk and
More Meat Per Acre
Manure Handling
Improved Stream Quality
Farm Aesthetics
Drawbacks
Trash at Crossings
Finding Calves in Grasses in
the Stream Buffer
Unwanted Plants in Stream
Buffer(will chop down
every few years)
34. “The Production Practices”
Clyde Myers
Technical Support Specialist
Natural Resources Conservation Service
In
Berks & Schuylkill County’s
35. “The Production Practices”
Intensive Grazing System
Basics
Production and/or Exercise
All land that will be used for
pasture is divided into paddocks
Animals are rotated around the
paddocks, entering when plant
species reach a height of eight to
ten inches
Removed when plants are grazed
to three to four inches
36. “The Production Practices”
Intensive Grazing System
Basics
Return after re-growth reaches the 8-10
inch height
Paddock size small enough that all forage
consumed in 3 days or less
This period will be as short as 15 days in
the spring and as long as 45 days in
summer
In spring/fall - ½ to 1 acre/ AU
In summer - 1 1/2 to 2 acres
37. “The Production Practices”
Grazing System-Major Parts
Land in Pasture
Fencing
External Fencing
Paddock Fencing
Animal Movement
Walkway
Winter
Water System
Manure Handling
38. Land in Pasture
Minimum
Spring/fall - ½ to 1 acre/ AU
Summer - 1 1/2 to 2 acres/AU
Winter and/or Forage Slow Growth
Rotational Lots
NRCS
2 Acres/ AU
“The Production Practices”
54. “The Production Practices”
Manure Handling/Storage
Solid/Liquid
Animal Species
Weight, Number, Time in Confinement
Time of Year
Barn/Heavy Use Area (lot)
60% Where Eat & Drink
“Keep Clean Water Clean”
59. Questions? Please Contact Us At:
Olivia Carlson, Agricultural Resource Conservationist
Berks County Conservation District
1238 County Welfare Road | Suite 200 | Leesport, PA 19533
Olivia.Carlson@berkscd.com
Larry Lloyd, Senior Ecologist
Berks County Conservancy
25 North 11th Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-372-4992 ext. 112
Larry.lloyd@berks-conservancy.org
Clyde Myers, NRCS- Technical Support Specialist
Natural Resources Conservation Service
1238 County Welfare Road
Leesport, PA 19533-0520
610-372-4655-115
clyde.myers@pa.usda.gov