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The soil food web that will point the way to many orchard answers quite generously includes us humans within this symbiosis of place. In honor of one my most influential mentors, I would like to revisit and give reverence to the work and teachings of the late Michael Phillips, the original teacher of regenerative orcharding.
Check out our Cover Crops in Orchards case study! CAFF’s Ecological Farming team collaborated with nut growers in California’s Central Valley as part of a Healthy Soils Demonstration project from 2019-2022. Growers share benefits they’ve observed, as well as challenges and lessons learned.
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.
CAFF’s Ecological Farming team has been busy the past several weeks setting up the Biologically Integrated Orchards Systems (BIOS) project at six demonstration sites located in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. The post Getting the Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) demonstration project off the ground!
Photo Credit Bonnie Veblen As part of CAFF’s Ecological Farming Program , we collaborate with farmers to implement and better understand ecologically-based farming practices, which include climate smart farming and soil health practices.
On April 10th, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted a field day at Heartwood Farms in Linden, CA with farmers Franz Eilers and Emma Wade to discuss all things compost and pest management on their biologically-integrated walnut and cherry orchards. So it’s curious.” That is another piece of the puzzle ,” Emma suggested.
Currently our programming is focused in 4 areas: Farm to Market, Policy & Advocacy, Farmer Services, and Ecological Farming. We are working to build farmer-to-farmer networks in California to provide farmers and ranchers with the resources to successfully implement ecological farming. See [link] for more information.
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.
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.
They offer valuable resources and practical solutions for organic and transitioning producers, as well as conventional producers interested in ecologically and economically sound practices.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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
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 (..)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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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