Caff

JANUARY 7, 2025

LEGACY FARMER OF THE YEAR: Russ Lester, Dixon Ridge Farms Russ Lester, co-owner of Dixon Ridge Farms and a fourth-generation California farmer, has been a pioneer in organic farming since 1989, shaping innovative practices for sustainable orchard management.

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Farming Farming Ecology Orchard 105

Caff

FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Want to find out more about the benefits and tradeoffs of integrating sheep into orchard systems? Check out our newest case study on Sierra Orchards of Winters, CA. The post Integrating Sheep into Walnuts: a case study on Sierra Orchards appeared first on Community Alliance with Family Farmers. Learn more here.

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Orchard Crop Ecology Livestock 52

Caff

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

The first Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) event on “Impacts of Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in Walnuts” was held in Linden at the Anderson-Barngrover Ranch on Friday August 27th. Around 30 people joined in on celebrating and learning from the past, and sharing emerging solutions and challenges.

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Orchard Ranching Ecology Production 52

Civil Eats

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

They had tasted the hit-or-miss wild varieties that grow in the fertile soil along the Susquehanna River, but got hooked during a visit to Deep Run, a Maryland orchard with a range of pawpaw cultivars among its 1,000 trees. Now, Horn Farm Center runs the show. The Canadian NC1 ripens early, with fewer smooth black seeds than other varieties.

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Seeding Farming Farming Orchard 141

Caff

MAY 1, 2023

Emily Ayala and Hanna Kahl introduce CAFF and the Ecological Pest Management Program. 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 the demo, James spoke to some other issues he is facing in his orchard.

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Orchard Farming Farming Ecology 52

Kavya Organic Farm

AUGUST 1, 2023

Woolly aphids, belonging to the Eriosomatinae family, are intriguing insects that can wreak havoc on plants in gardens and orchards. Ecological Impact Woolly aphids can have both direct and indirect ecological impacts on the environment. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Can woolly aphids fly?

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Ecology Orchard Pruning Fertilizer 98

Caff

JULY 25, 2022

In continuing to promote the Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) project, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) held its third field day event hosted at Unruh Farms located in Princeton, CA., He then applied the minty-smelling predator attractant mix to encourage movement of beneficials into the orchard.

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Orchard Farming Farming Ecology 52

Food Tank

OCTOBER 11, 2023

Boochcraft partners with The Ecology Center for the advancement of regenerative agriculture. In order to preserve the cooperative and the future of the families it supports, Garibaldi strives to be “socially fair, ecologically correct, economically viable and culturally diverse,” according to their website. Martinique Rhum J.M

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Beverage Ecology Compost Cultivation 125

Caff

MAY 18, 2023

Ken Walker of Pasture 42 in Guinda, CA then walks us through how they incorporate sheep and poultry into their orchards, which were designed with animal integration in mind. Both expand on the benefits and challenges of integrating livestock, as well as considerations for pasture, rotational grazing, and food safety.

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Pasture Farming Farming Ecology 52

Caff

DECEMBER 9, 2022

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted a Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) field day on November 30th in Clements, CA. Farmer Alicia Lewis-Rikkonen arranged a demonstration of a novel weed control technology, called FoamStream, in her olive orchard and vineyard.

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Orchard Ecology Technology Pesticide 52

Caff

DECEMBER 10, 2021

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted our second Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) field day at River Garden Farms on November 30th, 2021 titled “Cover Cropping, Sanitation and Mating Disruption in Walnuts.” They now cover crop every orchard, resulting in about 500 acres of open ground cover cropped.

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Orchard Farming Farming Crop 52

Caff

MAY 31, 2023

Photo by Nolan Kirby) The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Locke Ranch on May 23rd. Attendees were treated to a walk through the orchard with Chris and Christy Locke, who were participants in the original BIOS project over twenty years ago.

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Ranching Orchard Crop Ecology 52

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. Hanna Kahl explaining CAFF programs and resources to growers at the beginning of the field day.

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Farming Farming Orchard Soil Compaction 52

Daily Yonder

APRIL 3, 2024

Permaculture means that gardeners work with existing ecological conditions in a specific place. Inspired by the region’s tradition with apple orchards, another farmer worked with GLC to establish a new apple orchard with a long-term goal for a cidery. So Grayson LandCare was happy to help this member estalish an orchard.”

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Ruralism Textiles Orchard Food 73

Caff

OCTOBER 22, 2024

Hans Herren, Barbara Gemmill-Herren and their daughter Gis è le Herren spoke about how they utilize their combined studies and experiences in ecology, biological control, entomology, and nematology to guide the operation of their small farm.

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Orchard Farming Farming Construction 52

Civil Eats

JANUARY 8, 2024

Next, they purchased a no-drill seeder together, and it allowed them to plant rows of grain directly into orchards and pastures without tilling, a practice known to benefit the soil. Similarly, buying a no-till drill allowed Gonzales-Siemens to expand the use of cover crops in his orchards and further protect the soil. “[The

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Grain Farming Farming Orchard 144

NASDA

JUNE 22, 2023

Sincerely, 2 Blades Agricultural & Applied Economics Association Alliance to End Hunger American Association of Mycobacterial Diseases American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges American Dairy Science Association American Feed Industry Association American Institute of Biological Sciences American Malting Barley Association American Phytopathological (..)

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Science Agriculture Agriculture Food 130

Food Tank

APRIL 2, 2024

Acres of Ancestry Initiative/Black Agrarian Fund The Acres of Ancestry Initiative/Black Agrarian Fund is a multidisciplinary, cooperative nonprofit ecosystem that aims to regenerate custodial land ownership, ecological stewardship, and food and fiber economies in the American South.

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Cultivation Food Marketing Distribution 106

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

They offer valuable resources and practical solutions for organic and transitioning producers, as well as conventional producers interested in ecologically and economically sound practices.

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Food Seeding Poultry Crop 111

Modern Farmer

AUGUST 24, 2023

As a result of the ROC standards, livestock now graze the cover crops in the almond orchards, fertilizing the soil with their manure and providing space for beneficial insects. For livestock farmer and Land to Market certified producer Reuben Hendricks of Cabriejo Ranch , good ecology is good for business.

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Food Ranching Ecology Fertilizer 96

The Lunatic Farmer

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

Ecological farmers may not agree on everything, but one thing we all agree on these days are these 5 essential elements: 1. The devastation among Florida’s orange groves and the diseases attacking coffee trees are symptomatic of one thing: violating all of the above ecological pillars. Let’s go to the heart of the matter.

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Poultry Livestock Ecology Pasture 62

Caff

JANUARY 26, 2022

Together, they’re safeguarding affordable access to the farmland by providing a long-term lease to Mountain Bounty so that it continues to produce local, organic food in an ecologically responsible way for generations to come.

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Farming Farming Orchard Food 52

Modern Farmer

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Its farming practices also help re-establish a vital ecological role: The irrigated ponds absorb floodwater and filter sediment flowing to the sea while the crops create wildlife habitat and curb invasive plant growth. Kakoʻo Oʻiwi’s efforts, however, extend far beyond promoting Native farming traditions and nourishing the community.

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Acre Plantation Cultivation Crop 121

Kavya Organic Farm

AUGUST 1, 2023

Woolly aphids, belonging to the Eriosomatinae family, are intriguing insects that can wreak havoc on plants in gardens and orchards. Ecological Impact Woolly aphids can have both direct and indirect ecological impacts on the environment. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Can woolly aphids fly?

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Ecology Orchard Pruning Fertilizer 52

Caff

JULY 18, 2024

On June 3rd, CAFF’s Ecological Pest Management team co-hosted a field day at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Co in Fairfield, CA. CAFF’s Ecological Pest Management team takes a holistic approach to managing pests that includes a suite of practices which farms and ranches can employ based on their own unique needs and circumstances. “We’re

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Ecology Farming Farming Pesticide 52

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

OCTOBER 6, 2023

CSP pays producers to improve, maintain, and actively manage conservation activities already in place at the time of application and to adopt new conservation activities during the life of the five-year contract.

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Crop Rotation Forage Pasture Crop 105

Modern Farmer

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

Johnson added trees to grazing land to create silvopastures, enhanced existing windbreaks and planted a micro-orchard with fruit and nut trees. Elderberry, becoming popular as a hedgerow crop, provides both farm income and ecological benefits. Her sheep are now grass-fed, healthier and need little medical intervention, she says.

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Acre Farming Farming Pasture 112

ATTRA

OCTOBER 3, 2023

What are the skillsets, knowledge, experiences, and resources that the community could contribute to a forest garden or community orchard? What about forest gardens gets people excited? Developing relationships and ensuring community buy-in is the most important thing when starting any community project.

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Food Distribution Rural Development Forestry 111

Modern Farmer

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Later, his focus shifted to urban ecology. In a frequently cited 2009 paper in the journal Frontiers in Ecology , a trio of researchers identified more than 139 shade-tolerant plants that have invaded deeply shaded forests. Plant a holly orchard and let nature do the work for you,” read one brochure.

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Ecology Seeding Acre Processing 121

Modern Farmer

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Photo courtesy Jim Jones) While US farmers have been slower to embrace hedgerows for their ecological benefits, the science of hedgerows as natural havens has become inarguable. From a conservation point of view, they are higher up on the agenda.” A hedgelaying workshop hosted by the Ontario Skills Network.

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Farmland Cultivation Farming Farming 97

Modern Farmer

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

One partner rejuvenated the old apple orchard, planted another 120 heritage-variety trees and started a cider business. “A A couple of the other partners’ interests were land conservation and low impact residential sites integrated into the agricultural and natural ecology of the ranch,” he said. The XK Bar is not a cow/calf outfit.

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Ranching Livestock Acre Ecology 93

Caff

MARCH 23, 2022

Do you need any equipment from the grower when you come to our orchards? Kevin: The Mobile Irrigation Lab is pretty self contained; I have the tools I need and my truck is small enough to typically fit down the orchard rows or I can walk. Would the loan of an ATV help?

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Manufacturing Orchard Ecology Acre 52

Caff

DECEMBER 15, 2023

You know, if you have a vineyard and your neighbor has a walnut orchard, you don’t need sheep in there at the exact same time.” It does get difficult if you’re a smaller farmer and you can’t maintain a flock of sheep on your ground year round. You may have to network with some other farmers and figure it out.

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Livestock Crop Farming Farming 52

ATTRA

JANUARY 30, 2024

So, it’s ecological or cybernetic or complexly interrelated, but it is not magic. In 1990, after a couple of disastrous crop failures in my orchard and feeling that I had no business advising others about growing fruit, I quit farming and started teaching high school English. I should have 34 years with NCAT, not 24.

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Ecology Farming Farming Rural Development 40

Civil Eats

JULY 17, 2023

Date palm plantations and orchards cover the eastern Coachella Valley to the north. It’s associated with air quality, ecology, and biologicals in the lake. Imperial Valley grows an estimated two-thirds of the country’s winter vegetables , as well as alfalfa for animal feed—but cattle has remained the No.

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Pesticide Acre Agriculture Agriculture 98

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

AUGUST 11, 2023

As founder of the “Once and Future Green”, Michelle trains and consults Frontline communities, governments, and philanthropy to forward community-driven solutions with transformative anti-oppression and ecological design tools. A disused orchard that had been stewarded by the Sisters of St.

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Water Rights Food Farming Farming 52

Modern Farmer

DECEMBER 20, 2024

I dont have an orchard on my farm, but if I did, and I saw this thing [climate change] coming, you know, maybe you look at tearing the trees out and starting to plant what I can in those fields. Photography via Shutterstock. She also hopes to see farmers tapping into their inherent flexibility. What farmers are is adaptable, she said.

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Agriculture Agriculture Food Harvester 59