Smart Farming on a Budget: What Gardeners Can Learn from AI-Powered Farms

/
Smart Farming on a Budget: What Gardeners Can Learn from AI-Powered Farms

When I got my water bill this month, I was frustrated but not surprised. My bill covered the summer months, when I use more water than usual to keep my crops hydrated and healthy. Even with rain barrels and a timed irrigation system in place, it felt like I’ve been spending more on water than I should be. So I was intrigued to find out that there are now ways I could be using some of the new smart technology to cut my water bill without compromising the productivity of my garden.

Read More

6 Ways to Give Your New Agribusiness Venture a Strong Start

/
6 Ways to Give Your New Agribusiness Venture a Strong Start

The agribusiness sector has become an increasingly attractive space for entrepreneurs seeking both financial return and long-term impact. With growing demand for food security, sustainable farming methods, and locally sourced products, agribusiness presents opportunities not just in traditional crop or livestock production, but also in areas like agri-processing, logistics, and agri-tech. Many entrepreneurs see it as a meaningful way to participate in essential supply chains while tapping into rising consumer awareness around food quality and environmental responsibility.

Read More

Want Healthier Soil? Plant Cover Crops with Your Veggies

/
Want Healthier Soil? Plant Cover Crops with Your Veggies

Soil health is one of the most important ingredients for creating a thriving garden. If the soil in your garden is unhealthy, of poor quality, or lacking in nutrients, your plants will suffer and become prone to diseases and pest infestations. Taking time to test, prep, and nourish your soil by giving it what it needs is the best way to create an optimal environment for your plants.

Read More

Sustainable Farming with Plant Biostimulants: What You Need to Know

/
Sustainable Farming with Plant Biostimulants: What You Need to Know

Plant biostimulants have gained considerable attention in modern agriculture for their ability to enhance plant growth and productivity. As farmers and agricultural experts seek sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, biostimulants are becoming a key component in the quest for higher yields and healthier crops. This article explores the concept of plant biostimulant products, their benefits, and their role in agriculture.

Read More

The (grim? hopeful?) future of small-scale farming in 2015

/
The (grim? hopeful?) future of small-scale farming in 2015

This year’s news for small farmers is a sobering reminder that there is still a long way to go to achieving a real, sustainable “movement” that could also help small-scale farmers. According to a report released last month by the US Department of Agriculture, farmers’ incomes are projected to drop by as much as 34% in 2015 as compared to the 2014 forecast. In this grim scenario, the Northern Crescent region of the U.S. is expected to be hardest hit. Some of the reasons for this decline are lower crop yields, lower crop prices and higher costs of doing business.

Despite the ongoing challenges small-scale farmers face, there are some encouraging reasons to pay attention to small-scale farming in 2015, and to understand its importance for the (local and global) economy, the environment, and for reducing your exposure to toxins in the food you and your children consume, whether or not you patronize your local farms.

Read More