Conservation
The recent soil dust cloud catastrophe in central Illinois is a wake-up call from Mother Nature suggesting all of agriculture needs to implement more sustainable production practices. We owe it to future generations.
“We can’t prioritize one natural resource concern over all others and we shouldn’t prioritize one solution above all others,” Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) said.
The agency recently launched a new initiative called Acres. Scientists plan for the data gathered through the program to help farmers with all kinds of decisions, from water use to what crops to plant and when.
Seven U.S. states along the drought-starved Colorado River have reached a deal with the Biden administration to conserve water in a “historic consensus” to prevent supply problems for big cities as well as farmers.
“If you raise 200 bu. corn with a CI score of 0, that’s $1.57 per bushel and an extra $314 in value. Now, the ethanol plant isn’t expected to share 100%, but it could be 25% to 30%,” says Paul Neiffer, a farm CPA.
High winds and dust proved to be a deadly combination last week on I-55 in Illinois. Proponents of no-till and cover crops say this tragedy could have been averted. John Phipps provides his perspective.
Winds topping 55 mph, along with dry soils, recently planted fields and the direction of the fierce winds, all created the “perfect storm” to cause the major dust storm that turned fatal Monday in Illinois.
Veteran farmer Don Guinnip knows the value of conservation. Farming in the Wabash Valley, the sixth-generation corn and soybean producer is accustomed to growing crops in what he says is “not prime farmland.”
What is the true cost of manufacturing green energies? John Phipps says in order to answer the question, it’s important to first clear up confusion about what green even means.
Funding for habitat management is being examined as legislators and lobbyists evaluate how farm bill programs will be administered in the future. Many want more flexibility in the programs for farmer and rancher use.