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

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

It will take years to see a difference in the property’s soil compaction. We are assisting a network of life that is rebuilding soil structure and plant hardiness. I am lucky I am an annual vegetable grower, so I do not rely on chilly winters like orchard growers do.

Meadow 113

Meadow Greenhouse Compost Soil Compaction 113

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practice, CSP, FY2021 CSAF Category Practice Name Enhancement Name Code Financial Assistance Total Percentage of Total CSP Payments 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 risks (..)

Crop Rotation 105

Crop Rotation Forage Pasture Crop 105

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 71

Soil Science Science Soil Compaction Pesticide 71

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

RR2CS

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

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.” The Saskatoons grown in commercial orchards are the same as their wild counterparts.

Orchard 52

Orchard Farming Farming Harvester 52