Thursday, October 17, 2019 10:03AM CDT
The streams may have been swollen throughout much of the grain belts this year, but DTN's View From the Cab farmers are bent for leather to get this crop out of the field.
Thursday, October 17, 2019 6:13AM CDT
The Global Agricultural Productivity Index, released annually at the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue, shows a spread between projected production and demand. Agricultural Total Factor Productivity, (TFP) is growing globally at a rate of 1.63% annually yet the growth needs to rise 1.73% annually to sustain the needs of a larger population at mid-century.
December corn is up 3 3/4 cents per bushel, November soybeans are up 8 cents, and December K.C. wheat is up 5 cents.
Limited interest thus far in cash cattle trade has kept markets sluggish and looking for potential end-of-the-week movement. The underlying support in live cattle futures continues to spark firm expectations in cash values.


I gave a presentation at this month’s IoT World 2018, on the subject of how to get started in Agriculture IoT (Agri-IoT). Below are some of the key insights from my talk:
Food producers will have to do more with less
The global population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion people by 2050, which means that food production will have to increase by 50% to keep pace. This population growth will put pressure on the amount of arable land available, and each hectare will have to support more people with each year. At the same time, developing countries are expected to add 40 million hectares of irrigation in the years to 2030, which will put further pressure on global freshwater reserves.
Food waste is the most pressing problem to solve
Current global output is large enough to feed the existing population, but armed conflicts and climate-related events are disrupting supply chains in vulnerable countries. As a result the number of undernourished people worldwide, which had been declining until 2015, has started to creep up again. But waste isn’t just a problem in developing countries: farming in industrialized nations wastes around twice as much food, by value, as in developing nations.
Mobile networks are the best bet for Agri-IoT
Cellular technologies like 3G and 4G, as well as NB-IoT or LoRa, offer the ideal combination of range, data throughput, cost and battery life to support IoT activities in agriculture. The distances are greater than in use cases like smart home or smart building, and are more subject to change, meaning that even mesh technologies like Bluetooth Mesh, ZigBee or Z-Wave aren’t ideal. At the same time, most mobile operators (MNOs) are entering Agri-IoT in some way, so they will make good partners for startups seeking connectivity in this space.
Farmers need to make sense of their data
Food producers have been using data to drive their activities since the technology was available. However, their machinery and equipment is generating so much data that farmers need something to help them make sense of it all: whether by communicating crop prices or helping them to find dealers or marketplaces to buy and sell equipment or produce.
The big opportunities are in managing the supply chain
As stated, food waste is mainly a supply chain problem. For distributors, cold chain and logistics or fleet management will help to ensure that produce or inputs (e.g. seed) get to and from growers without spoiling. For retailers, blockchain can act as a certificate of authenticity to help them trace sources of foodborne illness.
The biggest opportunities for startups in the Agri-IoT sector are reducing waste and creating actionable insights out of farmers’ data. Mobile networks will be important partners in delivering connectivity, given relative lack of broadband coverage in rural areas and the limitations of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, et al. Agri-IoT comprises multiple technologies beyond connectivity, including computer vision to visualize crop or animal health, and artificial intelligence to spot trends.


Germinated nuts have tremendous power!
You’ve heard about germinating wheat but sprouted nuts are 1,000 times more efficient.
Pour a kilogram of walnuts (with their shells) with cold water. They need to wallow in the water.
Then keep them in cold for two weeks and change the water every 2 days.
Stir the nuts at least twice.
For about two weeks the nuts will be ready for use.
You need to keep the nuts in the fridge in the water where they were sprouted.
Three cleaned walnuts in the morning and in the evening.
The recipe will rejuvenate and cleanse your body.


Industries of huevo INNOVO is the first liquid egg production company in Costa Rica, this company arises through the union of two Costa Rican SMEs (Piedras Negras Poultry Farm and Las Palmas Poultry Group), both companies decided to start this project by seeing the The need of the national industry to obtain a top quality product in our country, it was in this way that after the construction of the market, construction of our plant began in January 2015.
This project has the guarantee that its owners are local egg producers, which guarantees us the supply of the main raw material in our plant, being only local production that is industrialized in our plant, in addition to that it provides direct employment 35 people from neighboring areas. It is a visionary project that seeks to produce quality, give added value to our product based on the demands that our customers request and give a product that has nothing to envy to the best brands of liquid eggs in Europe and the United States.
Among the main guarantees of our plant, it is found that its design was approved by the engineers of the SANOVO company, the same company that is the supplier of our plant in everything related to equipment for cracking, pasteurization and filling of the plant, they They have gone hand in hand in this process from the design stage to the conditioning of the equipment, and their experiences have been of paramount importance to our company.
Under these international standards, we seek to meet the national demand for liquid eggs of whole eggs, yolks or whites, and in the future our vision is to work for a possible export of our products to Central American countries. For INNOVO it is an honor to present our product and at the same time write the little history we have to date, however we know that we can start writing great things with all our customers.


The Danger that is the Manure Controversy
Hello my wonderful gardening chums, it’s Beatrix Potts your, “Organic Gardening Maven.” Our subject matter today is controversial and there are a variety of opinions. As Beatrix has reminded you, bad information about your organic fertilizer is just as dangerous as cutworms. We are here to set the record straight.
Many people have a misunderstanding about some of the things you can put into your organic gardening compost. Coffee grounds, teabags or even loose tea, and eggshells are quite acceptable to put into your organic compost. Beatrix has reminded you that these items are absolutely stellar in your compost, as long as you make them into very small bits. And the way to do that is to put them through a food processor. These items contained tremendous levels of nitrogen, and as you know nitrogen is one of the key elements that will feed our organic vegetables and make the ground absolutely fantastic for our organic gardening.
Some say that adding manure to your organic gardening compost is a positive. Beatrix has to disagree with this, as you well know and we have reminded you that there is a very real danger when putting raw manure into your organic gardening compost . You may be introducing undigested weed seeds into your organic garden, and this is just totally unacceptable.
When you can find manure that has been rendered inert and any weed seedlings in it have been rendered sterile then it might be acceptable to use this material. One thing you should keep in mind is if the seedlings have been rendered sterile than the rest of the manure is also probably inert, and that means there’s really not much alive and thriving and very little nutrient within this particular organic material.
Why Oh why would one think for a minute that it would be productive to plant weed seeds in our organic vegetable garden? As you well know Beatrix has a terrible vengeance concerning weeds. They are the parasites of the organic vegetable garden, with the possible exception of dandelions that can be made into wine they have very little use whatsoever. And even though some gardeners will tell you that pulling weeds and throwing them in your organic gardening compost is a positive thing to do, Beatrix would ask you, have they gone to seed yet? For if they have, once again you’re simply adding these nasty little weed seeds into your wonderful organic compost.
Some so-called organic compost experts will tell you that the heat from your compost will render any of these weed seeds infertile. That has not been our experience in the past and to save you the heartache of seeing your wonderful vegetables choked and assaulted by vicious weeds we urge you to think twice about adding raw manure to your organic garden fertilizer. You have been warned. (Beatrix apologizes for her stern tone and urges you to understand her loathing for these organic vegetable garden invaders.)


The States of Jersey are hosting an international conference on sea lettuce today and tomorrow. SOS Jersey weren’t invited, but will be there, at The Grand, covering both days.
Click for Sea Lettuce Report – where we are at and why and what we can do about it – October 2017 – by Jacqui Carrel of SOS Jersey (easy to read and in PDF format); Tony Legg’s paper SEA LETTUCE BLOOM MITIGATION – A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY USING ST AUBINS BAY JERSEY – OCTOBER 2017 – TONY LEGG; information about Glyn Mitchell’s soil regeneration project.
The first day and a half will comprise more science-orientated presentations from visiting speakers and Friday afternoon is a general information session. If you would like to speak with me, please do!
Because of also being contacted (and it was too late by the time Mr Legg contacted the States), aquaculture specialist Tony Legg (BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology (UCNW) CiBiol, MIBiol, MIFM) cannot speak at the event, as he will be speaking at a conference on Native Oyster restoration in Ireland and thereafter going to the EAS conference in Dubrovnik where he am chairing a session on Native Oysters.
We feel this is a great opportunity missed, both in terms of the States hearing Mr Legg’s proposition and in terms of peers being able to give their thoughts, feedback and suggestions to his ideas on controlling the effects of excess nitrates in the Bay to help prevent blooms.
We are also sorry to see our local soil ecologist Glyn Mitchell also sidelined. Why? He also has ideas about cutting nitrates, this time at source.
Click here to read our short report on the matter: Sea Lettuce Report – where we are at and why and what we can do about it – October 2017 – by Jacqui Carrel of SOS Jersey
Click here to read Tony Legg’s paper: SEA LETTUCE BLOOM MITIGATION – A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY USING ST AUBINS BAY JERSEY – OCTOBER 2017 – TONY LEGG (PDF)
More on sea lettuce
More on soil regeneration
Click here to see more about Glyn Mitchell’s work on soil regeneration. (Opens in new tab/window to Credible Food website).
The first study, “The Myth of Nitrogen Fertilization for Soil Carbon Sequestration” (Journal of Environmental Quality, 2007) found that synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use was rapidly depleting soil’s carbon sequestration abilities (e.g. rather than storing carbon, carbon stores are released into the atmosphere as CO2):
“Intensive use of N fertilizers in modern agriculture is motivated by the economic value of high grain yields and is generally perceived to sequester soil organic C by increasing the input of crop residues. This perception is at odds with a century of soil organic C data reported herein for the Morrow Plots, the world’s oldest experimental site under continuous corn (Zea maysL.).
After 40 to 50 yr of synthetic fertilization that exceeded grain N removal by 60 to 190%, a net decline occurred in soil C despite increasingly massive residue C incorporation… These findings implicate fertilizer N in promoting the decomposition of crop residues and soil organic matter and are consistent with data from numerous cropping experiments involving synthetic N fertilization in the USA Corn Belt and elsewhere, although not with the interpretation usually provided.
There are important implications for soil C sequestration because the yield-based input of fertilizer N has commonly exceeded grain N removal for corn production on fertile soils since the 1960s. To mitigate the ongoing consequences of soil deterioration, atmospheric CO2 enrichment, and NO3 − pollution of ground and surface waters, N fertilization should be managed by site-specific assessment of soil N availability.
Current fertilizer N management practices, if combined with corn stover removal for bioenergy production, exacerbate soil C loss.” The second study, “Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizers Deplete Soil Nitrogen: A Global Dilemma for Sustainable Cereal Production”*16 (Journal of Environmental Quality, 2009) demonstrated that long-term use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer was increasingly depleting the soil’s nitrogen storage capacities, and therefore making continued crop production on those soils impossible:
“This decline [in soil Nitrogen] is in agreement with numerous long-term baseline data sets from chemical-based cropping systems involving a wide variety of soils, geographic regions, and tillage practices. The loss of organic N decreases soil productivity and the agronomic efficiency (kg grain kg(-1) N) of fertilizer N and has been implicated in widespread reports of yield stagnation or even decline for grain production in Asia. A major global evaluation of current cereal production systems should be undertaken…”
In short: the conventional thinking of conventional agriculture in regards to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use is not just wrong, it’s dangerously wrong. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is rapidly depleting the world’s soil fertility, burning out its carbon stores, and causing an increase in fertilizer use in order to continue getting a yield from the same land. This is why, in the past forty years, nitrogen fertilizer efficiency (the rate at which plants are able to use the nitrogen fertilizer applied on fields) has decreased by two-thirds while nitrogen fertilizer use per hectare of land has increased sevenfold. (Global average of 8.6 kg/ha in 1961 to 62.5 kg/ha in 2006.)*18


This is no shock anymore that weeds have a lot of benefits. Cannabis contains essential oils and vitamins. They also contain two active chemical compounds cannabidiol and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which impact the brain and have the pain relieving properties.
Nowadays, weeds can be used for smoking and as edibles as well. Weed edibles are quite popular and they are added to brownies and cookies.
But during consumption of weed whether by smoking or eating, the quality of weed matter because it can greatly influence the overall consumption.
You should know the different qualities of weed and how to determine them because the quality is all matters.
Here are the different quality of your flower and their effectiveness –
Low quality –
Low-quality of cannabis is commonly referred as schwag. They are typically harsh and can inspire a coughing fit. They are the least expensive and their consumption can give you an unpleasant experience. Low quality of weed is older and has been not properly cured and dried. It provides a higher amount of cannabidiol compound.
- They contain seeds and are brown in color.
- They are dry and get easily crumbles.
- They are airy and not dense. It also contains few crystals like trichomes.
- They are harsh to smoke and causes chest pain.
- They have a poor, weak and musty smell.
Mid quality –
Mid quality is an average herb. They are moderately priced which is available in many dispensaries, and coffee shops. They typically provide an average amount of THC compound.
- They have small and tiny buds and has adequate trichome coverage.
- They are grown with decent genetics from clones or seeds.
- They have chopping trimming and manicuring.
- They burn smoothly and produces gray ash.
- They have an aroma that may be nice, not disgusted.
High quality –
The high quality of cannabis is the grand supreme quality in the cannabis world. They are usually referred as chronic. The high quality of weeds is either high in cannabidiol or THC.
- They are organic, dense and have a coating of trichomes.
- They are rare, craft and have superior genetics.
- They produce dense and fluffy buds which are large and substantial.
- They have a wide range of colors from green to purple, pink, black and blue.
- They burn very smoothly and produce a nice white ash.
- They are pesticides and pathogens free.
You need to know how to determine the different qualities of weed. The right consumption of weeds can only provide you beneficial effects. You can buy weed online to get the supreme qualities.


In addition to the influence climate can have on a vineyard, there are multiple physical or geographic influences for a vineyard:
Direction to Sun (Aspect): Ideally, vineyards face south/southeast in the Northern Hemisphere to maximize exposure to the sun, while Southern Hemisphere vineyards are ideally north/northeast facing.
Hills/Slopes: Hills and slopes allow maximum sunlight exposure and provide the best drainage to ensure grapevine roots get enough water without sitting in standing water which can cause root rot.
Mountains: Foothills and mountains help protect vineyards by blocking rain, storms, excessive winds or other damaging forces while creating the ideal climate for vineyard success. Mountains along with lower hills provide higher elevations (altitudes) which lowers the temperature.
Waterways: Large bodies of water like oceans, lakes or rivers can cool vineyards during hot summer growing months, warm vineyards as temperatures cool in the fall, and reflect sun providing warmth and sunlight to vineyards.
These are just a few influences on vineyards to provide examples of how the specific terrain and physical location of a vineyard can dramatically impact how well a grapevine can grow and produce fruit as well as what types of grapes can survive and thrive. Let’s move on and explore the results of where a grape is grown on the type and style of wine a winemaker can achieve!


Moving to our ten acres in the country has fulfilled a years-long dream of mine: to small-scale farm with my family. We want a large garden, which is in the works; we want homesteady-type animals, hence the chickens; we want to produce as much of our own food as we can, hence all the seeds that have or have not been sown. I love that the kids have places to run, play, and hide. I love the wild and unruly woods that our home resides in, just as much as I love the garden plot that we’ve cleared, and the adjacent three acre rolling pasture.
There are challenges. I miss Pittsburgh, our old church, our old friends. I miss having access to public transportation, good shopping (Whole Foods Market! Trader Joe’s! IKEA!), and good museums. The ticks are enough to drive me insane. But after being here about ten months, there is one challenge that stands out to me as the biggest:
It is hard to do this alone.
I feel like we were meant to live in community. In some cultures, that means intergenerational living; your whole extended family lives with you or nearby. There’s always someone to hold a baby or feed the chickens when you can’t. In more modern times and western cultures, cohousing has become a risingly popular option for those seeking community; folks with shared values live close to one another (usually in their own homes) with the intent of sharing life in some way.
I love the garden and chickens, and I really look forward to having goats and/or a cow someday. Maybe sheep, too. But the daily tasks involved with all of these ventures tend to tie us down more than we like. Eggs will need to be collected daily at some point; goats will need to be milked once or twice daily ten months of the year. There is little room for a weekend camping trip or a week up in the U.P. for my husband’s job. There’s a ton of state and national campgrounds I’d like to check out this summer, but many are too far for a day trip. When we have our baby in January, someone will still have to go out and feed the chickens the next morning. Right now, I’m even home, and the garden needs to be planted more, but I have little time to do it due to the ages of my children and lack of help with them.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m willing to do the work. I find great satisfaction in tending the chickens and weeding the garden. I long for more of this kind of work and more time to complete it. And I don’t think we deserve (or even want) to be gone every weekend all summer. We have wonderful neighbors who have offered to tend the chickens so we can do that week in the U.P. in August. We considered the whole picture when we dug into gardening and chicken ranching. We knew it would require daily chores, and we did it anyway. And, given the opportunity, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
The hard part is that we’re alone in this. I mean, we have each other, but that’s it. There are a lot of young families out there who, like us, want to expose their kids to this lifestyle, but unlike us, can’t imagine making the details work out. Wouldn’t it be beautiful if some of those families could get together and share the burden, attack the details as a team, reap the harvest in community, and give each other breaks? People say to me all the time, “I’d love to have chickens, but then we couldn’t do ______.” Or, “I’d love to have a goat, but I still want to go up to the cabin during the summer weekends.” For these folks, sharing the farm with others is the best way to still have those things.
If you live in an urban neighborhood that allows chickens, why not share a flock of chickens among like-minded neighbors? You share the work, share the eggs, and still go on your vacations. Similarly, why not share backyard gardens? One of you has shade, the other has sun; let the kids play in the shade, and do a double-size garden in the sunny lot. Twice the adults for weeding and watering, and less overzealous zucchinis and tomatoes to get rid of.
For us, we just pray and wait. We have a big garage that would make a nice apartment space someday. We dream about finishing it and renting it to another family who wants to garden and farm alongside us, even just occasionally. Or just renting out part of the lower level to a student or two who are interested in organic gardening and animals and would enjoy watching our little farm when we travel once in a while. It’s a long shot, but I can’t help but hope that we could start up a tiny little cohousing operation of our very own, not just to share the load, but to share life and friendship.
Wanna move into my garage?


Harvest Time in Fall （秋熟）
This is a scene from the Sichuan countryside.
Many years ago I went with Professor Tsai You and some other people to sketch Jiuzhai Gorge in Sichuan. We spent around half a day at a place called Yellow Dragon River near Chengdu, and sketched the countryside. It was indescribably beautiful.
Fall has come and the rice has ripened. Flat, differently-colored rice fields stretch out in front of us. The rice spikes sway in waves when the breeze blows. It is extraordinarily lovely.
The banks of the small creek over here are covered with tall wild grass (they are actually reeds). In the fall the grass flowers, and the grayish-white tufts lean in the wind. There is a palpable sense of autumn in the air.＠


Having your own garden can be very beneficial. It can help in promoting a healthy lifestyle. It can help in decreasing your monthly budget on food. It can add color to your home. It is definitely a healthy hobby. It can promote relaxation for the family. A stroll in your garden while smelling the fresh flowers, herbs, spices, vegetables, and ornamentals can surely give you a boost of energy! In having your own garden, you become healthier, your family becomes healthier, and your environment is healthier too.
What are you waiting for? You should start your very own garden now!
Now that you have decided on building your own garden, you should know that there are three main ingredients in making it grow faster and healthier. The three main ingredients are: sunlight, water, and soil. Without these three ingredients, you cannot have a productive garden! Each of these three ingredients are essential. You need to learn all about these to be able to grow your garden faster
In this step by step guide,Denny Hamlin, expert gardener offers the following lessons in gardening:
What is the importance of sunlight in your garden.-Types of Sun Exposure and Tips to Follow for your Garden.-General Tips about Sunlight to Make your Garden Grow Faster.
What will happen if your plants do not receive enough water.
What is the importance of water in your garden.
Tips on watering your Garden to make it grow faster
SOIL:Tips for make your garden grow faster
Fertilizing Your Garden Tips and Guidelines in Fertilizing your Garden
And this is just a small portion of what this book contains. In this manual I have gathered tips and techniques from over 20 years of experience. I explain how to help your garden grow faster with simple explanations and illustrations.
“This is a very practical book. Well written and easy to follow. This book really explains a lot about the whole process of organic garden and also how to get the result in a faster way.” “One of the easiest and most useful books I have read in a long time” .


The Rise of Small Producers– July 10, 2019
Smaller business’ ability to drive growth through a people-first strategy shows that in the scheme of things size doesn’t matter, but people do.
In America, bigger has always been better. We like our houses, sodas, and even our businesses supersized. In fact, the United States has the world’s most Fortune 500 companies, with over a quarter.
However, today we’ve seen a different trend, especially in the food-and-beverage world. We’re witnessing a modern-day David and Goliath where small businesses are starting to challenge the giants. Nielsen, a consultancy, reported that between 2011 and 2015 the 25 biggest food-and-beverage companies generated 45% of sales, but only drove 3% of industry growth. Who was driving the growth? 20,000 companies outside the top 100 were responsible.
Taking a look at various powerful micro-brands, there is a provocative fil rouge or guiding principle among them. All of these small companies have put people instead of profits at the center of their work. Instead of the traditional strategy of cutting costs, they looked for ways to build value by designing better business practices and elevating the quality of their products.
Intelligentsia is just one example of many small pioneers who dared to transform its industry by focusing on people before profits. The tiny powerhouse’s ability to drive growth shows that in the scheme of things size doesn’t matter, but people do. Doug Zell founded the company in 1997 when he saw a growing demand for better coffee. Quickly afterward he developed Direct Trade practices when he realized Intelligentsia should be working closer with the growers. With Direct Trade, Intelligentsia buys directly from farmers guaranteeing that the farmer instead of the exporter gets all the profit. Beyond paying farmers above the national fair trade level, Intelligentsia develops meaningful relationships with the farmers. The coffee roaster has a team dedicated to traveling to each farm every year to exchange knowledge with the growers.
This approach to the workers became foundational to the coffee roaster’s value proposition. The website states, “It is the ultimate paradigm of mutual advantage—better coffees for consumers, and better prices for growers.” When Intelligentsia focused on the farmers, their work got better. They became more passionate about growing better quality coffee and as a result Intelligentsia was better able to cater to the growing desire for fuller flavored drinks. While conventional coffee roasters burn their inferior quality Robusta beans to cover up any bad tastes, Intelligentsia roasts its coffee at low temperatures for a short time in order to preserve the natural flavors and aromas present in the superior quality Arabica beans. It’s coffee is a success. Today Intelligentsia roasts 3 million pounds of coffee for 700 restaurants and cafés in the US.
Since 1997, other coffee entrepreneurs have followed Zell and started companies focused on creating a better experience for all stakeholders. By focusing on ingredients, origins, and preparations, other small players like Blue Bottle, Stumptown, and Verve have changed how people drink coffee. Coffee consumption in the US is now 59% specialty according to the National Coffee Association. This was the first time it surpassed conventional coffee. It also reports that over the past 18 years, specialty coffee has seen the strongest growth in the sector. With this success, the small guys have been able to challenge the big guys.
As a result, the big players began implementing a people first strategy. Starbucks developed its Reserve brand that offers premium, single-origin Arabica coffee. Like its new competitors, Starbucks partners with small growers to help them boost the productivity and quality of their Arabica beans. McDonald's, the other major US coffee company, has also introduced sustainable practices in its McCafe line with the McCafe Sustainability Improvement Platform, which is a framework for sustainable sourcing and investment in coffee growing communities.
The coffee industry is not the only US industry being transformed by small companies who decided to be the best in the world while being the best for the world. The chocolate, beer, bread, and wine industry are just a few other examples where this dynamic developed. As more American businesses, both large and small, realize the power this strategy holds we can look forward not only to better products but a better world.


You can find houseplants in a variety of foods that you buy from the store. About a month ago I bought some avocados because they do not grow in my region. I had read that you can grow an avocado as a houseplant. It will not produce fruit because it is not hardy here, but it can make a beautiful tree, house plant in your home.
I simply took the seed out of the avocado I bought and soaked it in water for a week. I then planted it in potting soil. Two weeks later it finally sprouted! I gave it a good rinse and planted in back in potting soil. I am anxious to see it grow into a beautiful plant!


How Does PBO Work, and What are the Benefits of its Use?
PBO is well known for its capability to act as an insecticides synergist by inhibiting the natural defences of the insects. PBO inhibits enzymes present in insects, most important of which are the mixed function oxidases (MFO), which are largely responsible for the metabolic detoxification of the insecticides in the insect’s body. By reducing the oxidative breakdown of other insecticides like pyrethrins and the synthetic pyrethroids (Casida, 1970), higher levels remain in the insect and are available to exercise their lethal effect on the insect. By enhancing the insecticidal activity of a given level of insecticide, less pesticide can be used to achieve the same result (Glynne-Jones, 1998).


Organic composting is the technique of recycling natural material and even food waste into a form of "black dirt" that can be utilized to promote soil preservation. A garden compost company can improve the overall health of your garden and lawn. This process eliminates both the important nutrients discovered in our breaking down waste or food scraps and bacteria break it down to be made use of in the soil. As a result, you will discover that your plants, vegetables, trees and flowers tend to grow more quickly and become more durable.
In addition to the advantages that it supplies the garden, organic composting helps to minimize the amount of garbage that winds up in landfills, making this method a particularly feasible option for those who are worried about the damage that our natural supplies are taking on our environment. Given that it is made from organic product, you can be particular that you are not adding to the damage of our environment when you utilize this technique.
What does an organic composting business do differently than the common backyard composting enthusiast?
There are a couple of various things, and among the most important is that they work towards an emphasis on being environmentally accountable - meaning that rather of using products that have actually been treated with chemicals to help with decay (often in the form of fertilizer, and even left in the soil for a longer time period), they compost their products with products that have been left out in the open and totally free of any additives.
There are a number of various places where you can discover a Composting Service in your community. Depending on the size and appeal of your neighborhood, you may need to locate a number of services prior to finding one that you desire to use. Prior to contacting any business though, you need to make sure that they follow good sanitation practices so that you will be able to recycle all of the waste that they produce. After all, it is not just your own individual health that is at risk but the health of others also.
What is the factor for composting? It is an approach of recycling the natural waste products that can otherwise end up as some kind of solid fertilizer in land fills, and is an all natural approach of decay that also includes the disintegrated plant and animal matter. The process of decomposition needs the breakdown of plant product, animal material, human waste products and other natural matter that can not be categorized as 'fertilizer'. This organic matter breaks down into humus (likewise understood as sludge), which is carried through the composting heap to the central composting chamber, from where it will be broken down further into nutrient-rich humus.
If you are looking for a new method to deal with your garden waste, choosing to begin composting is a terrific alternative. The composting procedure not only helps minimize landfill waste but likewise has a favorable environmental effect by reducing the quantity of natural resources such as wood, coal, and agricultural chemicals that are required to produce new gardens.
Throughout the basic composting procedure, waste product, such as vegetable peelings, yard clippings, coffee grounds, and eggshells, are broken down into nutrient-rich humus. The resulting garden compost is a completely natural, healthy product that can be used to enhance your garden, flower bed, backyard, and plants. Compost that is abundant in advantageous microbes and other microbes motivates the development of useful germs and fungi. These valuable organisms break down natural materials, producing the nutrient-rich garden compost that plants need to grow.


Or so I thought. Because Nick hasn't been home much at all this year, and this summer he's staying at school.
When I realized this was going down in January, the tears came full force. "I didn't know I was sending him off for good!" I wailed to Liam. "I did," he said quietly. Then followed a long, cold, quiet winter punctuated by my daughter Emma turning 16 and getting her driver's license. As I handed over the car keys, I had to face facts - nobody in my house needed much mothering anymore. I felt adrift.
Last fall we'd given our unused trampoline away, and the sad patch of dirt out by our garage was just another reminder of my impending empty nest. But as spring slowly crept into the North Shore, an idea began to sprout. I would fill that barren, forlorn space with life! I would plant a vegetable garden!
I proudly shared my idea with my husband and kids.
"I don't really see you as the gardening type," said Nick, skeptically, over the phone.
"Well I'm going to be," I huffed. "You aren't coming home; Emma barely needs me. I need something to take care of around here!"
"Good idea, that will keep you busy" chirped Emma, then skipped off to her room to pursue her own personal hobby of throwing clothes on the floor.
Liam merely raised a dark Irish eyebrow at me and went back to polishing his bike.
It's true, I'm not really the gardening type. We have a beautiful yard, but it's all due to our dear friend and landscape architect, Jim O'Brien (check out his website, you will drool over his work.) There was no way I was getting into this gardening thing without his help. So O'Brien & Co did all the heavy lifting by transforming the trampoline patch into a beautiful plot of raised gardening beds. All I had to do was plant them!
After consulting with Jim and Liam, we decided that I would actually plant just two of the beds and O'Brien would plant the ones closest to the house. That way, there'd be a beautiful, flourishing display facing the yard, disguising the beds that I would experiment with.
Last week I eagerly tackled my beds. I decided to devote one to herbs and the other to vegetables. I bought herb plants - basil, thyme, tarragon, mint, rosemary and oregano, and planted rows of chives and parsley seeds. In the other bed I planted only seeds - carrots, beets, radishes, lettuce, and beans. I was amazed to discover that planting seeds takes about two seconds. Seriously, it's the easiest thing in the world - go stick some seeds in the ground right now! (Yes, I do realize that having professionally prepared beds teeming with richly fertilized and irrigated soil does ease the process a bit.)
It's only been a week and nothing has sprouted yet, but already my garden is deeply satisfying. As Emma squeals off in my car to the mall or soccer practice, I serenely wave to her from my garden as I spray a gentle mist of water lovingly over my beds. Those seeds need me! I just hope I can tell the difference between my emerging crop and the weeds.
Here are some pictures of the transformation. With any luck I'll be bringing you tomatoes in a month or two.
|The unused trampoline. No little kids here anymore.|
|The beginning of the transformation.|
|O'Brien's crew does all the heavy lifting.|
|My two beds face the alley ( in case they don't turn out so good.)|
|The finished project and my new baby.|


Fox Den Landscape & Nursery was founded in 1997 by David Vossekuil. In 2003, his son Kurt Vossekuil, took over the family business. For over 20 years, Fox Den has been serving the Mayville area. lt offers a well stocked Garden Center, in addition to services for landscape maintenance, landscaping, commercial mowing, and programs for lawn fertilization and weed control.
Fox Den currently employs more than a dozen professionals, so you can count on us to help you make your lawn and landscape a beautiful place to relax!
We have the knowledge, plants, tools, manpower & equipment to tackle your lawn & landscape needs. We are available to answer your questions and help you in our Garden Center. Please stop & see us! We welcome you!
We offer a full garden center open seasonally from mid April through October. We carry decorative mulches in bulk. Stop in and we will load your truck, or we can deliver it to you!
We also have Purple Cow Organic Compost, as well as grass seed, fertilizers, potting mix, decorative garden art, and landscaping related items.
We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
Our greenhouses are bursting with color! We have many different types of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, trees, shrubs, and much more!
For over 20 years we have been growing and expanding our selection of plants. We are proud to offer only the best, midwest grown plants.
Choose from our large selection, or bring your planters in for us to plant for you!
Gift certificates available!
Lawn fertilization & Weed Control
We offer a wide range of different lawn care programs with one to fit your exact type of lawn. We use only the best quality fertilizers and products to make your lawn look it's best!
We also offer services for complete landscape maintenance. This includes shrub trimming, installing mulch, cleaning landscape beds, planting, landscaping, (including design), and commercial mowing.
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours. You may also catch us here beyond those hours, and we welcome you!
N7927 State Road 67 South P.O. Box 243 Mayville WI
Due to seasonal business changes, our hours change occasionally. Please check here for updates!


We have made a lot of progress in transforming our yard. We started with removing English ivy and arborvitae, and by Fall 2008, we finally had also removed all of the grass, mostly by sheet-mulching. We now have over 100 species of plants, focusing on Willamette Valley natives, plants that attract beneficial insects, and some edibles. Our yard has been a Gold level Certified Backyard Habitat since July 2011.
The shady part is the mostly-native area, complete with a constructed dry creek bed which handles overflow from some of our rain barrels in Winter. We now have ten rain barrels scattered all around the house!
The small sunny part of our back yard has vegetable beds, plus a spiral herb mound. John and I enjoy gathering and eating food that we've grown ourselves.
Getting started with gardening in the front yard.
In Fall 2004, I started sheet-mulching by covering an area near our front steps. This was the beginning of the transformation from monoculture (grass) to diversity.
John called it my "crop circle". On the far right, a view of the same area in Fall 2006. The plants in this photo include lavendar, thyme, chard, burning bush, calendula, red osier dogwood, oxalis, yarrow, gingko, and arctic willow.
Collecting and using rainwater. In November 2004, we installed our first 50-gallon rain barrel next to the garage, shown here with our Tibetan terriers, Spike and Jones. As of March 2009, we have 10 barrels scattered around the house. For the first eight, we bought food-grade barrels from The Yoshida Group in Portland for $5.00 each, and installed fittings that we got from Division Hardware. The last two, in the front yard, are deluxe models from the Rainbarrel Man in Portland. We use the rainwater for watering vegetables during the summer, when it's hot and dry, and also occasionally for flushing the toilet during the rest of the year, when we have plenty of rain.
In 2009, I took the Master Gardener training in Portland. John and I made a video about our rain barrels to show on the last day of class. Click on the photo below to view the video.
Learning to grow our own food. In 2005, we took Connie van Dyke's "Introduction to Permaculture" at Luscher Farm, and then Connie's "Urban Farming" class at Portland Community College. Books we have been reading include Gaia's Garden, Square Foot Gardening, Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades, Gardening When it Counts, and The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide. (photo taken August 2005)
Building outdoor compost bins. In Summer 2005, a neighbor who was replacing her deck gave us enough cedar to build our three-section compost bin. John also built the flower cart! (photo taken June 2005)
Removing and replanting trees.
The hawthorne trees on our median strip were suffering from a chronic fungus, which left them almost leafless most of the year. The "before" photo was taken when we had them removed in December 2005. In January 2006 we planted a scarlet oak and a ginko. The "after" photo was taken in November 2011.
We also removed a row of arborvitate that had grown to over 15 feet tall along our property line in the back yard. I cut up the smaller branches of the arborviate and spread them out along a new walking path, and we sawed up the larger pieces for firewood.
Our first step in learning to change our bathroom habits was to follow the saying "if it's brown, flush it down; if it's yellow, let it mellow". Flushing with graywater was the next step. But now instead of flushing the yellow, I collect the free source of nitrogen and either put it in the compost, or dilute it 5:1 with rainwater and use it to water leafy plants.
The photo shows the water storage unit John made for water recycling. There is a grocery bag full of dried leaves and buckets for storing water. Beneath the containers is a towel, with a plastic liner underneath. When the lid of the storage unit is down, it makes a roomy place to put things while you're in the bathroom, and a good seat to use while putting on socks and shoes.
We were surprised when we saw our first water bill after we started using gray water -- it was about half the amount for the fall of 2004 when compared to the same period of time in 2003. Some of this decline is also due to our raised consciousness about water -- when you start collecting it, you notice how much you waste, and start making small changes to cut down. For example, just letting the water run while you wait for it to change from cold to hot can be as much as a gallon. We have far more than enough water in the winter -- the rain barrels are almost always full -- but the barrels didn't quite get us through the summer. We had to use tap water for the garden for about two weeks.
After I read The Humanure Handbook , I was convinced that I wanted to do humanure composting. But I was still afraid. I took a workshop from Ruby Bloom here in Portland, and went home with my own bucket toilet. Then my neighbor said he needed to get rid of a couple of composting bins, and suddenly I had everything I needed. So in May 2008, I started using the system. So far, so good.
Worm Composting. After 20 years of worm composting in two bins in our basement, we decided to give away most of our worms, and and put the rest of them in a Metro composting bin outside. We now add rough-chopped food scraps to this bin, and cover with shredded leaves. The worms are thriving there. Here's the story of our experience with worm composting in our basement.
We have always been good recyclers. In July 1999, we decreased our garbage pickup from weekly to once-a-month. I started worm composting simply as a way to help reduce garbage. Thousands of red wigglers lived in two bins in our basement. I gave away worms to many people so they could start their own composting bins.
This is the method I used for worm composting. I started out with a combination of leaves and dirt in the bins, which I guess is a little unusual, but has been very successful. I never had a problem with bugs or odor. It just smells like dirt. If you put an ear close to the bin, you could hear a lot of activity in there! I suppose this is a combination of the sounds of decomposition and the worms moving around.
I rough chop kitchen scraps and store them in open containers in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator.
About once a week, I put the scraps -- including torn-up coffee filters -- through my food processor and mix everything together into a big bowl. This takes about 10 minutes. The food processor is "on" less than a minute, and this effort speeds composting and keeps everything nice and tidy in the bins.
The worms lived in the basement in two plastic recycling bins. The bins have holes in the bottom, and are on wood blocks to allow for air circulation. I put half of the worm food in each bin, and then very gently use a hand rake to thoroughly cover the food with dirt and worm castings (some worms get moved around too). Each time, I put the food on the low side, and then mound the dirt up on that side, over the food.
(photos taken December 2005)


Earth Compound Product Sheet (PDF)
A Master Formulation, Potentized and Incubated in the Earth for up to a year to produce a Rich Dark High Quality BioDynamic Compost. The Food Your Soil Needs! Earth Compound is extremely concentrated. A single tablespoon is enough for a 5 gallon bucket of water applied to a full acre of land. Earth Compound is a compost tea inoculant that works great in any compost tea recipe or any custom or commercial brewing system. It can be used by itself in hydroponics or soil, to inoculate compost, added to a grow mix or as a field spray. This product is developed on a Certified Organic and BioDynamic farm, owned and worked by the same family for over 350 years! Our microbes have grown up together and remain very close friends.


The Temecula Olive Oil Company was founded by a group of local farmers who were dedicated to producing high-quality olive oils using traditional methods. The company sources its olives from local farms in the Temecula Valley, and it uses a cold-press process to extract the oil from the olives, which helps to preserve the oil’s natural flavors and nutrients.
In addition to its commitment to producing high-quality olive oils, the Temecula Olive Oil Company is also committed to sustainability. The company uses environmentally friendly practices in its production processes, and it works with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture in the Temecula Valley.
Temecula Olive Oil Company is known for its commitment to quality, and its olive oils have won numerous awards at international olive oil competitions. The company’s olive oils are widely praised for their flavor and quality, and they are used by chefs and home cooks alike.
In addition to its olive oils, the Temecula Olive Oil Company also produces a range of other olive oil-based products, including olive oil soaps, lotions, and candles. These products are made using the same high-quality olive oils as the company’s other products, and they are known for their nourishing and moisturizing properties.
TOOC has a tasting room and retail store located in Old Town Temecula, where visitors can taste and purchase its products. The company also sells its products online, and its products can be found in a number of retail stores throughout the region.
The Temecula Olive Oil Company is a thriving business that is dedicated to producing high-quality olive oils and other products using traditional methods. Its commitment to quality and sustainability has made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is likely to continue to be a successful and respected company for many years to come.
Visit them today online at


The horticulture industry is requesting that a trial for the newly announced seasonal agricultural worker visa begins before the end of the year. The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) previously welcomed the announcement of a dedicated seasonal agricultural worker visa, which will reduce the industry’s reliance on working holidaymakers and enable the industry to better develop a productive and returning workforce.
âAs some of the largest employers in the industry, AFPA members have developed a 10-year perspective of their workforce needs. Long-term perspective reduces reliance on backpackers and focuses on better avenues for the employment of Australians, Pacific workers and new seasonal agricultural worker visa holders, âsaid Michael Rogers , CEO of AFPA.
AFPA calls on the government to implement a seasonal farm worker visa trial and focus on a group of registered employers, potential visa holders and countries of origin. A smaller-scale trial will also allow industry to work with relevant agencies to manage quarantine lanes for seasonal agricultural worker visa holders traveling to Australia.
Worker visa implementation
âIt is essential that we implement the seasonal agricultural worker visa this year to provide additional workers for the summer harvest and to support the structural workforce changes underway in the sector. A trial will quickly implement the government’s commitment while testing the parameters of the new visa program, âRogers said.
The closure of Australia’s international borders reduced the number of working holidaymakers in the country from more than 140,000 at the start of the pandemic to around 37,000. During the same period, more than 9,000 visa holders from the Seasonal Workers Program and the Pacific Pacific Work Program have addressed critical labor shortages in the horticulture, meat processing, manufacturing and accommodation sectors.
âRight now, there are more Seasonal Worker Program visa holders working in horticulture than ever before. This clearly demonstrates the changing direction of the industry towards a more reliable, productive and profitable workforce model. Going forward, the Seasonal Farm Worker Visa will be a key addition to Pacific workers and is essential in reducing overreliance on working vacationers.
Australia’s fresh produce industry is in the midst of a workforce restructuring and the adoption of new workforce planning and management. An increase in Pacific programs, along with the new seasonal farm worker visa, will form the backbone of the harvest workforce and lead to increases in productivity, compensation and long-term stability. . It’s good for the producers and good for the workers, âRogers said.


Here are 10 tips from the Community Associations Institute to conserve water, because about 60% of water usage is used outdoors, according to the Irvine Ranch Water District.
- Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Save 25 gallons per day.
- Choose a water-efficient irrigation system, such as drip irrigation for your trees, flowers and shrubs. Save 15 gallons each time you water.
- Maintain your irrigation system. Check your sprinkler system frequently for leaks, and adjust nozzles so only your lawn is being watered and not the house, sidewalk or street. A well-functioning irrigation system can save 500 gallons per month.
- Water deeply, but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. Reduce water runoff onto sidewalk, streets, by watering as frequently as possible and for less time. For a free watering schedule, visit irwd.com. Save 12-15 gallons each time you water.
- Monitor the performance of your landscape and adjust the run times up or down accordingly. If your lawn does not spring back when stepped on, it’s time to water. Be sure to turn off your irrigation system when it rains, and depending on rainfall wait to restart. Save 1,100 gallons per irrigation cycle.
- Consider investing in a weather-based smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering schedule based on soil moisture, rain, wind and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller. Save 40 gallons per day.
- Replace your lawn with drought-resistant trees and plants. These plants are well suited for California’s mild winters and dry summers. They are low maintenance, use less water and don’t require soil preparation or fertilizing. Remember to contact your association and obtain prior architectural approval, if necessary. Save 30-60 gallons each time you water per 1,000 sq. ft.
- Plant the right plants for your climate. Use the Save Our Water-Wise Garden Tool to learn what plants and flowers will work best in your neighborhood. Or, download a free copy of A Homeowners Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape.
- Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weeds. Save 20-30 gallons each time you water per 1000 sq. ft.
- Avoid using water for outdoor clean-up. Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Wash cars with a bucket, sponge, and hose with self-closing nozzle. Save 8-18 gallons per minute.
For more tips and samples of drought tolerant landscapes, visit www.bewaterwise.com, http://saveourh20.org or download the toolkit.


Floyd Landis is a believer in the transformative power of sustainable hemp agriculture, having established a successful nationwide CBD products company in 2016. Now he’s bringing that success back to his hometown by opening Floyd’s of Lancaster Cafe and stepping up to purchase Pennsylvania-grown hemp for use in Floyd’s of Leadville products.
The cafe will serve coffee and small plates, with the full range of Floyd’s of Leadville CBD products available for purchase. Additionally, the cafe will contain a mini-shop dedicated to the new Panasonic-powered eBike range from Van Dessel. The relationship with Van Dessel is an outgrowth of their sponsorship of Floyd’s Pro Cycling team, but Landis’ primary interest is in improving community access to sustainable transportation and low-impact exercise offered by eBikes.
Similarly focused on improving his hometown community is Landis’ announcement that Floyd’s of Leadville will be making significant purchases from the Pennsylvania hemp farming community. Pennsylvania is well known for farming but recent years have seen farmers falling on hard times. With the passage of the 2018 Federal Farm Bill legalizing hemp, farmers are quickly turning to hemp to as a more profitable crop than corn or dairy.
Transitioning to a new type of agriculture with complex new markets is a big undertaking for small farmers, but Landis and his business partners have deep roots in the Pennsylvania agricultural community and are intent on sharing their knowledge of the hemp economy and the stability offered by the purchasing power of Floyd’s of Leadville.
It’s Landis’ hope that Floyd’s of Lancaster cafe and his purchasing initiative will provide a positive economic force centering around hemp, cycling and a more sustainable agriculture for the Pennsylvania community.
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of Black Gold...
oil is a humble yet vital part of the diet of millions of people
around the world, and especially is this so in the Mediterranean
region of which North Cyprus is a part. Many people see olives
and the rich oil extracted from them as some sort of wondrous
elixir that guarantees a long and healthy life. The amazing
qualities attributed to eating olives and drinking the oil
appear so beneficial, so important for health and strength that
for many people they are the difference between life an death!
This is the
time of the olive harvest in North Cyprus and all the figures
thus far suggest that the harvest this year has been
particularly good. Harvest time usually begins sometime in
October, when the early green olive first fruits are gathered
either by shaking the branches over sheets spread on the ground
around the tree, or by individually picking the olives by hand.
olives for oil or treating them for consumption as black or
green olives at the breakfast table usually lasts until around
the month of March. This year the harvest of "black
gold" as olives are sometimes described is unlikely to
reach the record crop of 1999, when 8,000 tonnes were harvested,
but growers are happy that despite poor rainfall during the
year, their trees have again produced well.
lack of proper marketing and sales technique reduces profits
have in part been dealt with by bringing in new pressing
equipment from Italy. This means that processing will go faster,
helping growers to reach their markets quicker. Most growers in
North Cyprus sell their olives to be pressed, feeling that there
is a better market for the oil rather than for the familiar
black or green olives that adorn the tables of most
So what is it
about olive oil that makes some people drink down a glass of it
with their breakfast every morning? The high consumption of
olive oil around the world makes it clear that for countless
consumers it has become more than an indispensable part of their
diet. Most food experts, dieticians and health-conscious agree
that olive oil contains elements that fight cholesterol, help to
reduce blood pressure and by reducing fats in the blood, lower
the risk of heart attacks. These almost miraculous qualities of
olive oil have long been recognised by people living in the
Mediterranean countries, and the diet they follow has come to be
seen as a vital contribution to health.
drop of extra virgin olive oil on a warm bread with
cheese and olives make simple but delicious lunch
Olive oil is
also hugely versatile. In the past, the oil was used for
cooking, lubricating, medicinal purposes, cosmetics and fuel.
Often mixed with exotic perfumes, olive oil was frequently used
as a balm for the skin, applied after bathing or after long
hours spent under the sun. History tells us that being anointed
with the oil was an honour worthy of kings. In fact, olive oil
was once so valuable that it was used as a form of currency, or
given as an expensive gift. The soothing qualities of olive oil
eased the pain of minor wounds and the bruises of everyday life.
It was used in the embalming and preservation of the bodies of
the rich and the famous.
Even in this
modern era, olive oil has lost none of its usefulness. It is
still used in cosmetics and some lubricants. The residue after
processing is often used as cattle food. It is still a major
source of vital vitamins and other essential trace elements.
Further, olive oil is used in detergents and in the textile
industries. Its popularity has grown worldwide and is recognised
as a vital food in regions far beyond the Mediterranean
countries. Especially as its high vitamin E content is thought
to reduce the ravages of the passing years. Even the wood of the
tree is still valued as a high quality hard wood with a fine
grain that is ideal for turning, with cut-offs and small
branches used for fuel.
addicts are warned however that olive oil is not the total
answer to all their health problems. It is still one hundred
percent liquid fat and every tablespoonful contains about 125
calories. Whether "light" or not, olive oil can be
very fattening and is unlikely to have more than a fairly
limited role in maintaining the overall health of our bodies.
It seems that the
often gnarled and gray branches and trunks of the fairly small
olive tree were first cultivated for their olives about six
thousand years ago in areas of the Middle East. They have been
cultivated on the island of Cyprus for four thousand years or
so. This slow growing, but long living evergreen takes about ten
years to grow to maturity, but after that it yields olives for
perhaps hundreds of years.
maximum production the tree needs stringent pruning every ten
years or so, cutting right back to the main branches. This
rejuvenates the tree and crops can be expected to increase to
full capacity within three years.
Cyprus, as in other Mediterranean countries the olive tree can
be seen everywhere, in the wild and under cultivation. Usually
favouring well drained sunny hillsides, olive trees can nevertheless
thrive in backyards and flat plain lands.
The nurture and
care of olive trees is a matter of some skill. Although olive
trees can live and produce olives for hundreds of years, they do
need skilful pruning and without attention they can soon die
off. This has been the case in North Cyprus, but now that young
trees planted and have started to produce, growers are hoping
once again North Cyprus region will be a serious Mediterranean
producer. Some estimates suggest that there are about 800
million olive trees under cultivation around the world, and
nearly all of them are in the Mediterranean countries.
The first light
pressing of the olive yields the best oil, high quality
"virgin" oil. "Extra virgin" oil has a very
low acid content and is eagerly sought after. Apart from the
growers, people in North Cyprus who have their own trees also
like to process their own olives. The traditional ways are still
followed. Sometimes, the olives are individually nicked with a
knife to help in the soaking process before salting the olives
to preserve them. Often the olives are given a sharp blow
with a stone and these crushed olives (called
Chakistes) take on
a special flavour of their own mixed with olive oil lemon juice,
garlic cloves and coriander seeds. Other methods produce the
familiar salty black olives that add so much flavour to meals
Black and crushed Chakistes olives at a market stall
olives have enjoyed a never failing popularity, one that
continues to grow as more and more people come to appreciate
this source of `black gold' and come to enjoy the richness that
olives bring to their diet. Olives have long been recognised as
a symbol of good living and their miraculous oil can indeed
restore us in some measure that elusive good health which we are
all searching for.
Articles - Makaleler
the World Taste Better - Cyprus
Kıbrıs'ın Dünya Mutfağına Sunuşu: Lalangı
(Lalangı: A Contribution of North Cyprus to
World Cuisine) TR
dishes have been marked with sign
(1994), Turkish Cypriot & Mediterranean Cookery
(1991), The Cooking of Greece and Turkey.
Jemal, H., Cyprus


Solar water pump solutions offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to address water scarcity and energy challenges in rural areas. With the advancements in solar technology and their affordability, the use of solar pumps is expected to continue growing. These pumps provide several benefits, including the ability to provide water in remote areas without electricity, cost-effectiveness by utilizing renewable solar energy, environmental friendliness with zero harmful emissions, independence from traditional energy sources, low maintenance requirements, and reliable performance for up to 25 years.
These solar-powered water pumps are particularly beneficial for agricultural purposes, as they can efficiently provide water for irrigation without relying on the grid. The sustainable water pump solutions enable off-grid water pumping, giving farmers independence and flexibility in their operations. Moreover, the use of solar water pump systems contributes to sustainable farming practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the impact on the environment.
- Solar water pump solutions offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for addressing water scarcity and energy challenges in rural areas.
- These pumps provide water in remote areas without electricity, utilizing renewable solar energy and minimizing the dependence on traditional energy sources.
- Solar water pump systems have low maintenance requirements and can operate reliably for up to 25 years.
- In agriculture, solar water pumps contribute to sustainable farming practices and enable off-grid water pumping, enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing environmental impact.
- By investing in solar water pump solutions, farmers can achieve energy independence, cost savings, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Types of Solar Pumps
When it comes to solar water pump solutions, there are two main types that are commonly used: surface pumps and submersible pumps.
Surface pumps are installed above ground and are well-suited for moving large quantities of water at a slow pace. These pumps are commonly used in agricultural and irrigation systems, where they can efficiently distribute water across expansive fields. Surface pumps are designed to be durable and capable of handling the demands of continuous operation.
Submersible pumps, on the other hand, are installed underground with the solar panels connected above ground. These pumps are typically used to extract water from wells or ponds and bring it to the surface for various purposes. Submersible solar water pumps offer the advantage of being more discreet, as they are hidden underground and, therefore, do not disrupt the visual landscape.
A solar pumping system consists of several components, including solar panels, a controller, and the pump itself. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which is then used to power the pump. The controller regulates the power flow and ensures the system operates efficiently. The pump is responsible for moving the water and has various impeller designs to suit different applications.
The solar drive is an integral part of the system, as it converts the direct current (DC) voltage input from the solar panels into a three-phase alternating current (AC) output. This conversion is necessary to control the speed of the motor and adjust the pump’s impeller speed. The size of the photovoltaic (PV) system is directly dependent on factors such as the size of the pump, the water requirement, and the available solar irradiance.
Now, let’s take a look at a comparison table of the main features and advantages of surface pumps and submersible pumps:
|Well and pond extraction
|Visible above ground
|Slow pace, large water quantities
|Efficient water extraction
As you can see, both surface pumps and submersible pumps have their unique advantages and are suitable for different applications. The choice between the two depends on factors such as the specific water requirements, installation location, and visibility considerations.
Economic Advantages of Solar Water Pump Solutions
Solar water pump solutions offer compelling economic benefits beyond their initial installation costs. These systems minimize operational expenses, reduce dependence on traditional power sources, and contribute to long-term financial savings.
The return on investment (ROI) for solar pumping is favorable due to reduced energy bills, minimal maintenance costs, and potential government incentives. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar water pumps provide immense cost efficiency, allowing users to save significantly on their energy expenses.
Moreover, solar water pump solutions offer off-grid energy independence, ensuring a reliable water supply even in areas without access to electricity grids. This independence shields users from volatile energy prices, providing stability and financial security.
In the agricultural sector, solar water pumps play a crucial role in driving agricultural prosperity. By facilitating efficient irrigation, these pumps lead to increased crop yields and higher income for farmers. Solar water pump solutions provide a sustainable and reliable water source, enabling farmers to maximize their agricultural production and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities.
Furthermore, the adoption of solar water pump solutions leads to job creation, especially in areas where agriculture is a primary economic activity. With the implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems, there is a growing demand for skilled technicians, engineers, and maintenance personnel, creating employment opportunities and boosting local economies.
In addition to the economic advantages, solar water pump solutions also contribute to water scarcity mitigation. By harnessing renewable solar energy, these pumps provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to address water scarcity, ensuring the future water security of communities.
Overall, solar water pump solutions offer a cost-effective, sustainable, and economically beneficial approach to water pumping. With their numerous advantages such as cost efficiency, return on investment, off-grid energy independence, agricultural prosperity, job creation, and water scarcity mitigation, these solutions have the potential to transform communities and promote sustainable development.
Note: The image above illustrates the benefits of solar water pump solutions in achieving economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Solar water pump solutions hold the key to a sustainable future, offering a range of advantages that pave the way for economic prosperity and environmental responsibility. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies, these pumps provide a comprehensive solution to address the pressing water and energy challenges of today.
With their cost efficiency, solar water pumps help individuals and communities achieve energy independence while minimizing operational expenses. Morca Pumps, a renowned provider of solar-powered solutions, offers a wide array of options tailored to specific needs, empowering people to invest in a more sustainable tomorrow.
Moreover, the adoption of solar water pumps leads to increased agricultural productivity, ensuring a steady and reliable water supply for irrigation. This not only enhances crop yields but also contributes to job creation in areas where agriculture is a primary economic activity.
By embracing solar water pump solutions, we can mitigate water scarcity, secure the future of our communities, and promote a financially resilient and environmentally conscious society. Let Morca Pumps guide you through this sustainable journey powered by renewable energy, as we work together towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
What are the benefits of using a solar water pump?
Solar water pumps offer numerous benefits, including providing water in remote areas without access to electricity, utilizing renewable energy, emitting zero harmful emissions, requiring minimal maintenance, and providing reliable performance for up to 25 years.
What are the types of solar pumps available?
There are two main types of solar pumps: surface pumps and submersible pumps. Surface pumps are installed above ground and are suitable for moving large quantities of water at a slow pace. Submersible pumps, on the other hand, are installed underground and are used to move water from wells or ponds to the surface.
What components make up a solar pumping system?
A solar pumping system consists of solar panels, a controller, and the pump itself. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then controlled by the controller to power the pump and move water.
What economic advantages do solar water pump solutions offer?
Solar water pump solutions offer compelling economic benefits, including reduced operational expenses, decreased dependence on traditional power sources, long-term financial savings, lower energy bills, minimal maintenance costs, and potential government incentives. These solutions also provide off-grid energy independence, contributing to a reliable water supply and protection against volatile energy prices.
How do solar water pumps benefit agriculture?
Solar water pumps play a vital role in agriculture by increasing crop yields and income through efficient irrigation. These pumps help farmers achieve better water management, leading to improved productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
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Morca Pumps offers a range of diverse and tailored solar-powered solutions to meet specific needs. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, Morca Pumps empowers individuals and communities to invest in a more sustainable future, combining economic prosperity with environmental responsibility.


Pledging with: Lea Valley Growers' Association
The Association represents growers situated just 15 miles from Piccadilly Circus who grow 80 Million Cucumbers (75% of the UK’s yield) and 200 Million Sweet Salad Peppers (50% of the UK’s Yield) each year along with Tomatoes, Aubergines and Lettuce.
The enthusiasm displayed by learners when they are invited to taste different colour Tomatoes and try a Cucumber or a Sweet Salad Pepper is overwhelming.
In our experience the majority of learners have not had the opportunity to taste healthy fresh produce and it is not an option at home due to a lack of knowledge from their grown ups of how to prepare and cook it.
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Olive oil produced from varieties of Galego and Negrinha de Freixo olives under organic production.
The Quinta dos Murças olive grove is located at the edge of the vineyards near the Douro River, at lower elevation, with slopes so high that access becomes difficult. Although having unique characteristics, the traditional, non-mechanised and rainfed olive grove, which boasts trees over 50 years old, offers low levels of productivity. The olive grove is certified for organic production, and therefore no phytosanitary treatment is given and the harvest is carried out manually.
This crop year was characterised by a dry summer with high temperatures, weather conditions that lasted until mid-autumn, leading to a weak development of the olive fly. These abnormally high temperatures, along with some humidity in the early harvest, created optimum conditions for the development of anthracnose, a disease that is highly detrimental to the quality of the olive, and to which these two varieties are highly sensitive.
The speed of the harvest was crucial for obtaining high quality olive oils, so picking began in early November 2015.
The olives were transported in crates and received in the oil mill after the harvest, and were processed immediately. Extraction begins with the rapid milling of the fruit in stone mills.
Following milling, the resulting pulp is subjected to a short threshing at low temperatures so as to permit the release of the oil from the pulp cells and to preserve the characteristic flavours.
The pulp continues to the decanter, where the olive oil is separated from the olive press-cake and water, resulting in an olive oil that still contains some moisture and impurities. The oil is cleaned by centrifugation, and is thus ready to be filtered and packaged. Filtration is light in order to retain all its aromas and flavours.
Green fruit, complex, with hints of herbs, freshly cut grass, tomato vine, green almond shell and lavender.
Ripe, green fruit, not very spicy and very sweet with an aftertaste of dried fruit – nuts – very harmonious and complex.
A very elegant olive oil, with soft organoleptic characteristics. It should be used cold, ideal to finish a dish, a starter or even a dessert, such as a chocolate mousse or orange with honey.
To better preserve the characteristics of this natural olive oil, storage in a cool place protected from light is recommended.
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1 edition of Agricultural incomes in the community found in the catalog.
Agricultural incomes in the community
|Other titles||Agricultural situation in the community.|
|Statement||Commission of the European Communities.|
|Series||COM ;, (77) 60 final, COM (Commission of the European Communities) ;, (77) 60.|
|Contributions||Commission of the European Communities.|
|LC Classifications||HC241.2 .C627a no.(77) 60 final, HD1920.5 .C627a no.(77) 60 final|
|The Physical Object|
|Pagination||91 p. :|
|Number of Pages||91|
|LC Control Number||85119184|
Today, marketing, processing, distribution of agricultural products etc. These topics are important for understanding prospects for producing sufficient food for a growing world population, subject to new resource and environmental challenges such as water scarcity and global climate change. Agricultural products like tea, sugar, rice, tobacco, spices etc. The cleared land is used for growing crops for a few years until the soil becomes too infertile, and the area is abandoned.
The association publishes the journal Agricultural Economics. Related posts:. Peasant agriculture is often said to be characterized by inertia. Tahacco leaves need to be dried to make them suitable for the market and thus profit earned by selling dried tobacco shall be agricultural income.
Cite the line items and classifications used within the financial statements. Farmers grew wheat, barley, vegetables such as lentils and onions, and fruits including dates, grapes, and figs. If, by the test above, the land is agricultural land, it will not form part of the definition of a capital asset and so there will be no capital gains on the sale of such land. Staple food crops were grains such as wheat and barley, alongside industrial crops such as flax and papyrus.
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When the owner of land is not performing agricultural operations himself but gives his land on contract basis, any amount received from the actual cultivator by the owner of the land shall be agricultural income. The cleared land is used for growing crops for a few years until the soil becomes too infertile, and the area is abandoned.
If, by the test above, the land is agricultural land, it will not form part of the definition of a capital asset and so there will be no capital gains on the sale of such land.
Studies of risk and decision-making under uncertainty have real-world applications to crop insurance policies and to understanding how farmers in developing countries make choices about technology adoption.
Identify the calculations used for each of the farm analysis ratios. It is an important source of livelihood. Likewise, in cases where the produce is subjected to substantial processing that changes the very character of the product for instance, canning of fruitsthe entire operations cannot be regarded as agricultural operations.
Source of Government Income: In India, many state governments get sizeable revenue from the agriculture sector.
Farming started in the predynastic period at the end of the Paleolithicafter 10, BC. Thus, agriculture may be defined as the production, processing, marketing and distribution of crops and livestock products.
They must make sure that they aggregate agricultural income with their total income to avoid interest payments and possible penalties for concealment of income.
According to Dr. In Ethiopia, poverty was reduced by 9. Not only is productivity per worker low under those conditions, but yields per unit of land are also low. All these depend directly on agriculture.
This can further he elaborated with following examples Unginned cotton can be sold in its original form and if any profit is attributable to the ginning operation, such a profit shall not be agricultural income as ginning operation is not a must to render the produce fit to be taken to the market [Sheolal Ramlal v.
Today, the field of agricultural economics has transformed into a more integrative discipline which covers farm management and production economics, rural finance and institutions, agricultural marketing and prices, agricultural policy and development, food and nutrition economics, and environmental and natural resource economics.
Source of Raw Material: Agriculture has been the source of raw materials to the leading industries like cotton and jute textiles, sugar, tobacco, edible and non-edible oils etc.
Peasant agriculture is often said to be characterized by inertia. In Mesoamericawild teosinte was bred into maize by 6, years ago.May 08, · Agriculture income is exempt under the Indian Income Tax Act. This means that income earned from agricultural operations is not taxed.
The reason for exemption of agriculture income from Central Taxation is that the Constitution gives exclusive power to make laws with respect to taxes on agricultural income to the State Legislature.
USDA's year projections for the food and agriculture sector cover major agricultural commodities, agricultural trade, and aggregate indicators of the U.S. farm sector, such as farm income. Understanding Low-Income and Low-Access Census Tracts Across the Nation: Subnational and Subpopulation Estimates of Access to Healthy Food EIB, May May 29, · Income from Sale of Land is Capital Gain Income and not Agricultural IncomeIncome from use of building/house attached to land for any business or profession or letting for use as business or professionIncome from performing only subsequent operations is not agricultural.
I am reading that Bolton's Book has been quoted in some media and it does not put a good light on your dear leader about Ukraine Also a clip from a Browse Agriculture Community.
Agriculture income is exempt under the Indian Income Tax Act. This means that income earned from agricultural operations is not taxed. The reason for exemption. Dec 01, · Book Detail: Principles of Agricultural Economics with MCQ Language: English Pages: Author: TNAU Price: Free Agriculture at a Glance Book Outlines of Principles of Agricultural Economics Economics – Definition and Nature & Scope of Economics – Divisions of Economics Economic systems – Definitions and characteristics – capital economy – socialist economy Mixed .


- published: 18 Jun 2012
- views: 9062
DR.ASHRAF SAHIBZADA (a native of BHADDAR GUJRAT) is a world renowned Pakistani Agricultural Scientist. He extends free advisory service on all aspects of agriculture & livestock to famers of Pakistan as a noble deed. His Help no. is 03335121879 and Email: firstname.lastname@example.org He is currently residing in Islamabad.
Agri Expert of Organic Fertilizers Mr. Fazal mobile # +92 (0) 301 7582573 Produced by Mun@WAR +92 (0) 300 4 16 64 59, Lahore, Pakistan. email@example.com Agri Expert Mr Fazal discussion on Organic Fertilizers for growing Crops 6 Oct 2013 Khanewal Pakistan
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LAHORE : Dawn Pakistan Agri Expo held from 4th April to 5th April 2017 at the Expo Centre Lahore. This Expo showcases products like Rice, cotton and textile goods, leather products, meat, poultry and livestock farming constitute a significant share of exports. Improved yields and better post-harvest facilities are certain to lead to higher export earnings etc. in the Agriculture & Forestry industry. Exhibitors showcase agricultural equipments, packaging, irrigation systems and equipment, organic farming based products and services associated with this field. Expo News cover this event to portray true image of Pakistan, for more news about this Expo at www.exponews.com.pk
DR.ASHRAF SAHIBZADA extends free advisory service to farmers of Pakistan as a noble deed. His help no. is 03335121879. He is currently residing in Islamabad. His address is: Chairman, Noble Deeds Foundation 714 St.70 Sector I-8/3 Islamabad Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
Geo Pakistan - Morning Show Geo Pakistan is a major addition to Geo TVs already stellar line-up. It is a show that brings all that matters into a condensed package that airs for 2 hours on weekend mornings. Geo Pakistan is an embodiment of Geo TVs commitment to delivering the best content in the finest package to its viewers. Host: Abdur Rauf & Maria Memon Senior Producer: Zeeshan Khan Director: Ali Munir Co-Producer / Program Supervisor: Sabeen Inam Link: http://www.geo.tv/geonews/program.asp?pid=1100 Sabeen Inam Key Role: Team Management, Production Management, Team Training, Production, Data Management, Managing Live Transmission and Team Coordination.
بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم محمد ایوب کالرو ایک کسان ہیں ۔ جو کے سالوں سے کھتی کر رہے ہیں ۔ کیمکل فارمنگ کے زیا خرچ سے قرزے میں پھسے ۔ آرگینک فارمنگ کو تلاش کرتے ہراکی ٹیم سے ملے ۔ اور اپنی تمام تر زمین آرگینک کرنے کا فصلہ کیا ۔۔ اللہ کے فضل سے انکی فصل آپ خود ّ ملائزا فرمائں۔۔ شکریہ۔ منجانب۔ ہرا آرگینک مومنٹ پاکستان۔ 03452377398
Agri Expert of Organic Fertilizers Mr. Fazal mobile # +92 (0) 301 7582573 Produced by Mun@WAR +92 (0) 300 4 16 64 59, Lahore, Pakistan. email@example.com Agri Expert Mr Fazal discussion on how to make Organic Fertilizers for growing Crops 6 Oct 2013 Khanewal Pakistan
OLIVE GARDENING IN PAKISTAN. Olive Farming in Chakwal Pakistan. Agriculture of Pakistan. OLIVE GARDENING IN CHAKWAL PAKISTAN. OLIVE GARDENING POTOWAR PUNJAB OLIVE GARDENING IN PUNJAB PAKISTAN. OLIVE AGRICULTURE IN PAKISRAN. OLIVE GARDENING IN PAKISTAN.
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Farming is considered an uncommon job in Singapore. We interviewed William Ho, better known as "Uncle William", on his journey and experience in quail egg farming. Check out this beautiful and interesting insight of the small community of farmers in Singapore.
For more information Phone Call to Dr. Arif Khan +92 (0) 345 873 08 83 Organic Wheat by Using Bio Gas Plant Organic Fertilizer for growing Crops 17 Feb 2013 in a beautiful village of Bahawalpur District Pakistan
DR.ASHRAF SAHIBZADA (a native of BHADDAR GUJRAT) is a world renowned Pakistani Agricultural Scientist. He replies to farmers quarries on all aspects of agriculture & livestock. He extends free advisory service to famers of Pakistan as a noble deed. His Help no. is 03335121879 and Email: firstname.lastname@example.org He is currently residing in Islamabad.
Organic Fertilizers from Earthworms and Organic Grapes 29 May 2013 in a village of Bahawalpur Pakistan Kindly contact to Dr. Arif Khan +92 (0) 345 873 08 83 His Bio Gas Plant Video http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xrkt3p_using-bio-gas-plant-generating-electricity-organic-fertilizer-for-growing-crops-20-feb-2012-bahawalp_tech?search_algo=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lQWiVhjSvo Organic Wheat Video http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xyc4g9_organic-wheat-for-growing-crops-with-organic-fertilizers-17-feb-2013-bahawalpur-pakistan_news https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAWGOo4UZ5w Organic Sugarcane Video http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xyc4s9_organic-sugarcane-using-organic-fertilizers-for-growing-crops-17-feb-2013-bahawalpur-pakistan_animals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAWGOo4UZ5w An...


There are photos of me as a six year-old tilling my garden. My parents allotted me a patch of land in the back yard to grow my own garden. My father enjoyed taking photos of me as I tilled, and I enjoyed working with a rake.
To this day, I garden. I may have some ability at tilling, but that is a secondary consideration. To be outdoors smoothing the dark earth is to be almost without stress.
My wife also enjoys gardening. This year we have a big garden out back by our garage. We’ve planted lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, garlic and radishes. I am probably one of the few people who like radishes. And I am still assigned the task of smoothing the dirt, this year purchased from Home Depot, with a rake.
Besides gardening, my wife likes travelling on vacation. Seven years ago we went to Jamaica. On the white sands of Jamaica I read the Georgics of the Roman poet Virgil. The Georgics is one of those hard to define works. Unlike Aristotle, I think that didactic works can be poetry, provided they are written in well-crafted imaginative verse. Following the lead of his older contemporary Lucretius, whose De Rerum Natura discoursed on philosophy and science, Virgil wrote a treatise on farming in the Georgics.
There has been much conjecture on why Virgil wrote this work. Some have speculated that Virgil’s patron the emperor Augustus wanted people go out from crowded Rome to the farms. But Virgil in person was said to have been somewhat countrified and awkward. He might have been something like the characters that Jimmy Stewart so often played in film. The eloquence that was his on papyrus eluded him in person.
But Virgil had come from the country, and was intimately familiar with the rigors and rituals of farming. He wrote in classic Latin of the seasons of the year, of the different crops and the rewards of a farmer’s life.
We, as a society, have gotten away from the basics. Farming is looked down upon. The farmer’s life is still hard physically, and heartbreakingly difficult economically. The Federal Farming Administration has been reduced to the F.F.A. because of the government’s alarming perception of farming’s stigma.
But of late a home-grown agricultural movement has cropped up. It appears in unexpected places. People grow vegetables on urban rooftops. In Brooklyn, a large number of people raise chickens in order to have their own eggs.
There are a number of reasons for this trend. The first, and most obvious one, is economic. In tough times, it is cheaper to grow your own food than to buy it. The second stems from health. The processed foods of stores and restaurants have caused us to become large and unhealthy. To eat home-grown vegetables is to receive nutrition without the fats, sodium and other additives offered us by the middlemen.
We may have become too urban or suburban, too tethered to technology to wholly return to the agricultural way of life. But to return to it even in small ways is to become healthier. Agriculture connects us with the cycle of life, and with our deepest roots. As a nation, we have gotten away also from work. A return to farming would again teach us the dignity of labor, and convince us of our inherent worth.
I hope the best for this year’s garden. We had a light winter, so we need rain. With enough rain, I will be able to eat tomatoes in August and zucchini bread in September.
So I hope for the rain, and for the rain of public awareness that will come to the new agricultural movement. The ground is ripe for it.