After nearly two decades of vegetable and fruit production, I have come to the conclusion that one of the most under-used tools in a farmer's toolbox is intercropping, or multiple crops in one growing system.
Many people like to glorify the efforts of small-scale, diversified producers of quality food. They like to point to the willingness of these growers to work with, rather than against, nature. Some, myself included, believe that this sort of farming, using many of the principles of agroecology, is a key component for building a healthier, more just world.
Wasps are excellent beneficial predators and surprisingly good pollinators. More people need to know the roles they play.
I’ve spent more time than most reading the use labels on pesticides. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with a riveting plotline or excellent character development. Instead, it is because of where we live (Iowa) and what we do here (small-scale, diversified farm).
Our farm will soon observe an anniversary that we would rather not think about. On July 27, 2012, a spray plane applied a mix of three pesticides to a field adjacent to our vegetable and poultry farm.
The current avain flu (HPAI) outbreak is just one of the reasons to promote the production of foods on small-scale, diversified farms instead of encouraging the industrial model for food production.
The current growing year is shaping up to be the perfect storm that could lead to a significant increase in pesticide drift from dicamba products. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seems content to make token changes to the use labels while expanding their availability.
We are standing at the gateway to another growing season, and with it comes a whole host of changes in the life of a farmer. When the gate of Spring opens, I find that the time for planning comes to an end and the moment for doing begins in earnest. In the spirit of doing, I want to get right to the content I wanted to share with you this April.
We all lead lives that are busy in their own ways, so it makes sense that it can be difficult to engage in an extra activity, no matter how much we might agree with its purpose. In my case, it is my job to be involved. But it is also my job — and the job of organizations like IFU and PAN — to encourage you to become engaged in these processes with me. This is why IFU holds lobby day events, and it explains why PAN sends out these state newsletters. Each group is doing what it can to provide access and opportunity so that you can speak up and feel that your voice is heard. Let me encourage you, once again, toward a life of engagement and a life that works to make things better for all of us.
With the turning of the calendar to a new year and the return of some bitterly cold weather in Iowa, I have been reflecting on a wide range of topics. But, for Iowa News, there are a couple of themes I wanted to share with everyone.
