Caff

MAY 1, 2023

(Photo by Nolan Kirby) The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Chinchiolo Farms on April 20th. After a very wet winter, attendees enjoyed the nice weather as they gathered in the orchard to discuss a novel mower prototype, pruning, and nematode management.

Orchard 52

Orchard Farming Farming Ecology 52

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

OCTOBER 6, 2023

As an example, Cover Crop is a basic Conservation Practice that NRCS compensates producers for in multiple conservation programs. As an example, NRCS considers the use of multi-species cover crops to improve soil health and increase soil organic matter an enhancement on the basic Cover Crop practice.

Crop Rotation 105

Crop Rotation Forage Pasture Crop 105

Caff

AUGUST 5, 2022

The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) hosted our fourth Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day, titled “Effective IPM Strategies for Major Walnut Pests,” at Blossom Farms on July 12th. Mike recounts how Randy started planting cover crops in 2010 to combat soil compaction and to incorporate biomass into the soil.

Farming 52

Farming Farming Orchard Soil Compaction 52

Modern Farmer

OCTOBER 6, 2023

When we started the quest to revitalize our property, we did not know the extent that our soil was compacted and how climate change was affecting our new town. Crop plants growth is stunted from compacted soil. It will take years to see a difference in the property’s soil compaction.

Meadow 112

Meadow Greenhouse Compost Soil Compaction 112

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practice, CSP, FY2021 CSAF Category Practice Name Enhancement Name Code Financial Assistance Total Percentage of Total CSP Financial Assistance Nitrogen Management Nutrient Management 590 $3,369,356 $66,725,833 13.23% Improving nutrient uptake efficiency and reducing risk of nutrient losses E590A $38,293,260 Reduce (..)

Crop Rotation 59

Crop Rotation Pasture Forestry Forage 59

UnderstandingAg

OCTOBER 29, 2023

For me, well, I was taking an introductory soil science class in a two-year horticulture degree program at Farmingdale State College on Long Island, NY. In that soil science class, I learned all about soil horizons, particle size ranges that comprise sand, loam, and clay, pH, N,P,K, and the fact soil compaction inhibits plant growth.

Soil Science 72

Soil Science Science Soil Compaction Pesticide 72

RR2CS

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

We just opted to switch gears into something different to grow a higher value crop,” says Rick. “We Today, the idea has taken root: they’ve expanded their business into Solstice Berry Farm, a 40-acre orchard, managing 10 acres for a U-Pick operation and 30 acres for commercial production. The airflow is important for the orchard.”

Orchard 52

Orchard Farming Farming Harvest 52