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Related ATTRA Publication: Conservation Tillage

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Pennsylvania Field Office, has completed its second survey of tillage practices for field crops in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania Ag Connection reports the study found conventional tillage was used on 30 percent of the major crop acreage in Pennsylvania in 2008, up only slightly from the 29.2 percent recorded in 2007. No-till was practiced on 50 percent of the major crop acreage, and other conservation tillage practices were used on the remaining 20 percent.

Related ATTRA Publication: Organic IPM Field Guide

A new guide has been published by the Oregon State University Extension Service and Oregon Tilth called “A Pocket Guide – Common Natural Enemies of Crop and Garden Pests in the Pacific Northwest” (PDF/956KB). The publication includes macroscopic photos of many types of natural predators in their various life stages, along with identification and observation tips. OSU’s Integrated Plant Protection Center (IPPC), has been working with Pacific Northwest growers to help them foster beneficial invertebrate predators, parasitoid insects and native pollinators on their farms. These tiny creatures can have a big impact controlling crop pests such as aphids, cutworms, earworms, slugs, leaf miners, spider mites and earwigs.

Related ATTRA Publication: Food Miles: Background and Marketing

Wal-Mart announced its commitment to source more local fruits and vegetables to keep produce prices down and provide affordable selections that are fresh and healthful. The retailer also reported that partnerships with local farmers have grown by 50 percent over the past two years – one example of the company’s efforts to support local economies, cut shipping costs and provide fresh food offerings. This year, Wal-Mart expects to source about $400 million in locally grown produce from farmers across the United States. It is estimated that in the United States, produce travels an average of 1,500 miles from farms to the homes of consumers. Through better logistics planning, better packing of trucks and local sourcing, Wal-Mart expects to save millions of food miles each year.

Two University of Idaho agricultural scientists are evaluating seven potato varieties under organic production methods. They are currently evaluating two varieties of processing potatoes: Alturas and the late-blight resistant Defender; four fresh market spuds: Yukon Gold, Red Norland, Norkotah and Norkotah-8. Researchers will study pest control and fertilizer issues. Western Farmer-Stockman reports the study reflects an increase in organic potato production in Idaho, which produced such crops on nearly 1,200 acres this year, up from about 500 acres a year earlier, mirroring a steady annual increase.

Related ATTRA Publication: Sustainable Soil Management

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History's (NMNH) will open a new exhibition, "Dig it! The Secrets of Soil," on July 19, 2008. The 5,000-square-foot exhibition will reveal the complex world of soil and how this ecosystem underfoot supports nearly every form of life on earth. Developed by the museum and supported by Founding Sponsor the Soil Science Society of America, "Dig It!" will include interactive displays, hands-on models, videos, and 54 soil monoliths representing soils from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. It will be housed at the Smithsonian through 2010 and then travel throughout the country through 2013.

Related ATTRA Resource: Disaster Assistance for Agricultural Producers

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service reports that recent flooding has swamped 3-5 million acres in the Upper Midwest and has caused over $20 billion in damage. The North Country Cooperative Development Fund (NCDF) in partnership with the Wedge Co-op in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is taking donations for farmers affected by the floods. In addition, Farm Aid's Family Farm Disaster Fund is also accepting donations for flood and severe weather relief.

On June 30 the Organic Trade Association filed a complaint against Ohio’s Director of Agriculture, Robert J. Boggs. According to OTA, this action was brought to protect the rights of consumers to receive truthful information about organic production practices on the labels of their milk and other dairy products in Ohio, and to protect the rights of organic dairy farmers and processors to communicate truthfully with consumers regarding federally regulated organic production practices. The lawsuit is in response to new Ohio milk labeling regulations instituted in April by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Related ATTRA Publication: Transgenic Crops

A study by a researcher at the University of Barcelona says that cultivation of genetically modified corn in some regions of Spain has caused a drastic reduction in organic cultivation, and is making the coexistence of transgenic and organic crops practically impossible, according to a Science Daily story. This study, involving interviews of farmers and key political figures, shows that the production system makes it difficult and expensive to segregate GM from organic and conventional production. Policies designed to allow GM corn cultivation to coexist with other production methods have, in fact, resulted in steep declines in organic production, as growers can't keep their organic crops uncontaminated.

USDA has announced $14 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to fund 45 projects in 40 states to develop and refine cutting-edge technologies and approaches that will help farmers conserve and sustain natural resources on their operations. CIG targets innovative, on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Approved CIG projects address traditional natural resource issues such as water quantity, water quality improvement, livestock nutrient management, grazing lands and forest health, and soil resource management. The projects also address emerging natural resource issues, including agricultural air emissions, energy conservation and market-based approaches to conservation. A complete list of funded projects, with project summaries, is available online.

Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG) announces that a sixth edition of its book, Farmers' Guide to Disaster Assistance, is now available. The familiar resource has been thoroughly revised and updated for farmers who are struggling in the face of natural disaster, and for farmers who want to learn more about the disaster assistance programs included in the 2008 Farm Bill. The book can be downloaded by chapter at no charge from FLAG's website. A bound copy of the book is available without cost to financially distressed Minnesota farmers by calling 1-877-860-4349. For other persons, the charge is $40 per book.

Related ATTRA Publication: Manures for Organic Crop Production

With the July 9 date of the Great Lakes Manure Handling Expo approaching, Ohio experts are offering advice on using manure as fertilizer in an Ohio Ag Connection story. Ohio State University Extension agricultural engineer Randall Reeder warned farmers that spreading manure can cause soil compaction, like other equipment use. He offers tips for minimizing that compaction, such as applying liquid manure through irrigation systems, using a drag line system, managing manure application, and planting cover crops. Additional details and demonstrations will be offered at the Expo in London, Ohio.

The Regional Sustainable Food Initiative of the Indiana Cooperative Development Center has received $250,000 in funding from the State of Indiana, reports Indiana Business News. According to the story, this project will develop and implement a model to coordinate the production, processing, distribution, and sale of locally grown food. Partners include the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Indiana Cooperative Development Center, USDA – Rural Development, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and Purdue Extension New Ventures Team. Goals of the project include development of institutional and local networks for distributing food and creation of a model that can be replicated and economically self-sustaining.

Dairy leaders have announced an industry-wide commitment and action plan to reduce fluid milk’s carbon footprint while increasing business value, from farm to consumer. The action plan is an outcome of the industry’s first Sustainability Summit for U.S. Dairy, an unprecedented gathering of 250 leaders representing producers, processors, non-governmental organizations, university researchers and government agencies held in Rogers, Arkansas, June 16 to June 19. The plan focuses on operational efficiencies and innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring financial viability and industry growth.

The Virginia Association for Biological Farming has added a new Mid-Atlantic Fruit Group section to its website, to promote the free exchange of information for those who wish to produce excellent fruit while respecting the environment. The site includes announcements of events and activities, links and resources.

Related ATTRA Publication: Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures

Sign up for Maryland's 2008-2009 cover crop program runs June 23 through July 8. A record $18 million in funding will be available due to the state's passage of the 2010 Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund, reports Maryland Ag Secretary Roger Richardson. This year's available funds "will allow farmers to plant nearly 500,000 acres in protective cover crops this fall, including in some targeted watersheds." And he adds that it'll help offset higher planting and fuel costs.

Thanks to the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System (MASS), an innovative partnership among Michigan's food banks, the farm community and food processors, more than 5.4 million pounds of fresh produce was collected October 2006 through September 2007, and distributed to hungry individuals through the Food Bank Council of Michigan's statewide network of food banks. MASS works to procure unmarketable, yet nutritious, agricultural surplus for Michigan food banks. These Michigan-grown products are then safely and efficiently made available to local pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Michigan Farmer reports MASS seeks to reduce food waste by encouraging redistribution of surplus food to the hungry, and offers a convenient system for the state's food industry to donate products. MASS also reimburses growers, packers, and processors for costs incurred in preparing donations.

A new addition to the Iowa Crop Improvement Association's (ICIA) Web site is an opportunity to connect suppliers and purchasers of certified weed seed free forage and mulch by offering individuals the opportunity to be included on a list of suppliers, purchasers, or sources of certified forage and mulch. Iowa Ag Connection reports the ICIA began offering a noxious weed seed free forage and mulch program in 2006 as an opportunity for farmers to add value to their forage or mulch products. This program provides assurance that forage and mulch sold under this certification will not lead to the establishment of noxious and undesirable plants for the consumer of this product.

North Dakota's organic agriculture industry now has its own web site, www.ndorganics.nd.gov. "This resource brings North Dakota's organic community -- organic producers, suppliers, processors and consumers -- together," Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson said. "It provides certification information, consumer information, links to other sites and an overview of organic farming in our state." The site features an on-line directory for users to find a producer or processor by name, town or product. North Dakota Ag Connection reports the web site also includes marketing information, links to other agricultural and organic sites, and an events calendar.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service experts and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, with sponsorship from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance, joined forces to assist farmers with technical assistance relating to the recent floods. The group hosted a call-in forum to provide technical assistance to crop farmers. Technical advice focused on recovering and replanting flooded fields. A complete recording of the call-in forum can be found at www.emergency.in.gov/agriculture.

Related ATTRA Publication: Farm Energy Search Tool

University of Maine Cooperative Extension has established a Web site to distribute research-based information on saving money through energy conservation and alternative energy sources. The Energy Alternatives website has information for homeowners, travelers, small businesses, and farms. Publications and resources, upcoming energy-related programs, and energy-saving tips for small businesses and farms can all be found on the site reports the American Agriculturalist.

Glynwood Center is calling for nominations for their sixth annual Harvest Awards, which recognize farmers, organizations, and businesses across the United States that demonstrate innovation and leadership in support of regional agriculture and sustainable food systems. Four categories are offered. The Farmer Award recognizes a leader in the farm community; Connecting Communities, Farmers and Food Award recognizes outstanding work done by individuals, businesses or organizations that link farmers and the broader community in building a regional food system; Wave of the Future Award recognizes an individual, business or organization that is developing innovative approaches to address the critical challenges facing our food system; and Good Food for Health Award recognizes an individual, business or organization that is at the forefront of creating ways to use sustainable, regionally-produced food to improve the health of children, the elderly, and consumers that traditionally do not have access to fresh, healthy food. Nominations are due by July 21, 2008.

Some experts say Midwest flooding has been exacerbated by development and agricultural practices in the region, according to Reuters and The Christian Science Monitor. Historically the shallow wetland areas of Iowa were better able to retain and slow runoff than today's drained cropland planted with shallow-rooted corn and soybeans. Other contributors to recent flood severity may be river channel development and climate change, say some.

Glen Lake Community School in Leelanau County, Michigan, is inspiring other area schools with its local food program, says a news story from Michigan Land Use Institute. Chef Gene Peyerk leads a staff that is producing school lunches from scratch, using local ingredients. His creations have inspired diners, too, increasing the number of students eating in the cafeteria each day. Meanwhile, another public school in the area is working toward revamping its kitchen to better facilitate more in-house food preparation.

Related ATTRA Publication: Organic Small Grain Production

Dairy feed price increases and rising interest in locally grown food are fueling a resurgence in grain production in Northeastern states, according to The Boston Globe. Grain growing had nearly ceased in the region, because it was easier to ship in Midwestern grain than to overcome the weather challenges of Northeast production. This year, however, a Northern Grain Growers Association has formed, and the article reports on several growers who are producing wheat and other small grain crops, and receiving an enthusiastic market response. The growers are working to find varieties of wheat that perform well in a climate prone to rot and disease problems.

USDA Farm Service Agency has announced that eligible farmers who suffered quality losses to their crops in recent years can enroll in the Crop Disaster Program 2005-2007 (CDP) at local FSA service centers starting June 23. The CDP provides benefits to farmers who suffered losses to their 2005-2007 crops from natural disasters and related conditions. Only producers who obtained crop insurance coverage or coverage under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for the year of loss will be eligible for CDP benefits. Producers must have suffered quality losses of at least 25 percent to be eligible for CDP Quality Loss.

Ohio State University Extension researchers and the Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association have launched a 15-year project aimed at establishing a pawpaw industry in Ohio, reports Ohio Ag Connection. The researchers are studying characteristics of different native varieties of the tree, and will work to improve varieties for both landscape trees and fruit stock. The tree is virtually pest free, and bark, seeds, and fruit may all find niche markets.

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University has released the 2008 Request for Pre-proposals (RFP). Each of the Center's three initiative areas -- ecology, marketing and food systems, and policy -- is looking for innovative new projects to enhance the long-running competitive grants program at the Leopold Center. The RFP contains all the information about what sort of projects the Center is looking for and how to apply for the grant funding. Investigators representing any Iowa nonprofit organization/agency and/or educational institution (such as soil and water conservation districts, schools and colleges, and regional development groups)are encouraged to apply. The Center strongly encourages involvement and collaboration of farmers, landowners and farm-based businesses in the pre-proposal process.

Related ATTRA Publication: Disaster Assistance for Agricultural Producers

The Extension Services of the nation’s state land-grant universities are working together to provide information about preparing for, surviving and recovering from a natural disaster. The Extension Disaster Education Network includes information from several states on topics such as food and health and farming after disasters.

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program has released a new publication, SARE 20/20: Celebrating Our First 20 Years, Envisioning the Next (PDF/3.5MB). This special 20th anniversary edition chronicles 20 years of agricultural innovation-from SARE's beginning in 1988 to present-day stories of farmers, ranchers, researchers and educators working across America to develop and implement sustainable marketing and production practices.