Food Tank
MAY 3, 2024
Iowa is the number-one pork producer in the United States, but it has relatively few hog farms. Large factory farm facilities have replaced smaller family farms. The state lost nearly 90 percent of its hog farms from 1982 to 2017, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census data.
Food Tank
JANUARY 10, 2025
Now that he raises pigs, he can apply nutrient-rich solid manure to the familys grain fields, helping to build soil health further and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizersa benefit for both the environment and his wallet. While grain farming has a distinct season, the pigs require daily tasks and maintenance year-round.
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UnderstandingAg
DECEMBER 31, 2024
In the following discussion, I would like to share some thoughts on how to add net profit into a grazing operation, as well as share my own experiences reducing hay inputs with the grass-finished beef herd that roams across our northern Michigan family farm. The acreage lasted 65 cows for almost two months of grazing in the spring.
Modern Farmer
FEBRUARY 26, 2024
Dumping manure in public spaces, hurling eggs at government buildings, blocking major roads —the European farmers who have taken to the streets to challenge free trade policies sure know how to raise a ruckus. Now, with the Farm Bill debate continuing at least through September of this year, pricing policy reforms could take center stage.
Civil Eats
JULY 2, 2024
Half an hour outside Portland, the 50-acre family farm is known for its ice cream and freshly churned cheddar, made from the milk of 20 pastured-grazed cows and sold a stone’s throw away at the farm stand and in a few local restaurants. Proper rotational grazing relies on pasture as the primary forage, cutting feed costs.
Civil Eats
APRIL 29, 2024
He plants nitrogen-rich legumes and other perennial cover crops amongst his pear, apple, plum, peach, and cherry trees, but he buys a commercial compost product to keep his 100-acre, fourth-generation family farm thriving. Ela knows first-hand how central compost is to his organic farm—and all organic agriculture.
Civil Eats
MAY 1, 2024
The other main factor, manure, is also increasing as CAFOs become more prevalent. Conservation on the Farm One way to do this is by using less fertilizer on the field. Another is to introduce on-the-field and edge-of-field conservation practices, like Tesdell is doing on his Iowa family farm. Tesdell’s is 80.
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