Rooted In Success
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has identified four basic principles or approaches for maintaining and improving soil health: Keep the soil covered as much as possible Disturb the soil as little as possible Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil Diversify crop rotations as much as possible, including cover crops Farmers can support these principles by using cover crops, which are conservation plantings of fast-growing annuals such as rye, clovers, vetches and radishes. Green gold…
Labeled For Success
Market research shows that today’s consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes from and how it is produced. Many now actively seek out independent third-party certifications they can trust so they can feel good about the food they purchase. The great news is your certification ticks all the right boxes. As an AGW-certified business, you’ve earned the right to use some of the most valuable and meaningful labels in the marketplace today. And you’re ideally placed to…
Start with The Soil
Soil nutrient management is a vital part of regenerative farming and applying climate-smart practices can reduce the environmental impact of your operation while improving its resilience—and profitability. The ‘four rights’ Knowing the basic nutrient profiles of available fertilizers, composts, and manures is fundamental when planning soil improvement. However, employing appropriate application methods is equally important in preventing unintended environmental damage. To put this into context, while the application of nitrogen-rich poultry manure may be a great addition to deficient…
Get On My Land!
If you were to see a path leading to new opportunities for your farm, would you take it? What if this path included proven steps to widen your outreach, cultivate new customers, and increase your bottom line? The creative blend of farming and tourism known as 'agritourism' can open an exciting gateway to untapped potential for you, your farm, your family and your community. And you don't need to spend a ton of money or hours of precious downtime to…
Meet The Farmer – Message In A BOTL
Danielle Larese and Nick Weinstock own BOTL Farm, located in Ashford, Connecticut, where they raise Certified AWA by AGW pigs and chickens, and Certified AWA and Certified Grassfed by AGW sheep and goats. They sell directly to customers at local farmers’ markets and an on-farm store. How did you get into farming? It was a surprise! We’re both first-generation farmers and our backgrounds are in construction project management and theoretical chemical physics. We had started careers in our respective…
