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. Grain farming is very rewarding, but there’s basically zero contact with consumers, says Hutton.

Livestock 98

Livestock Ranching Poultry Manure 98

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.

Pasture 105

Pasture Forage Livestock Manure 105

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.

Manure 108

Manure Farming Farming Production 108

Civil Eats

MAY 1, 2024

Corn produces lower yields if it is nitrogen deficient, so farmers apply nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to the crop. As Jones explains in his blog , even with “insurance” fertilizer use, yields can often turn out the same: “What happened to that extra 56 pounds of nitrogen that you bought? Fertilizer as Poison The U.S. Tesdell’s is 80.

Fertilizer 145

Fertilizer Farming Farming Acre 145

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.

Compost 141

Compost Manufacturing Food Production 141

UnderstandingAg

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Below is a basic diagram showing how carbon cycles through a corn field yielding around 200 bu/acre. Our family farm in Northeast Iowa with 3% SOM in the top six inches has about 67,000 lbs. We typically add very little carbon to our fields unless we are adding a lot of manure or compost. Did you spot the missing arrow?

Compost 91

Compost Acre Processing Crop 91

Todays Farmer Magazine

FEBRUARY 1, 2023

When his father, Randy, equipped his combine with a yield monitor in the early 1990s, teenage Ryan thought it was a huge step forward for the family farm. To minimize nutrient loss and optimize animal health, the family built a covered feeding area with a deep pack barn designed for zero runoff.

Fertilizer 40

Fertilizer Crop Rotation Cattle Family Farming 40