In a concerted effort to operationalize the Ol-kalou Potato Cold Storage facility in Nyandarua County, the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), led by Madam Caroline Kioko, the Ag. Director of Business Development, Marketing, and Trade, initiated a 3-day sensitization forum to empower farmer MSEs on the utilization of the Ol-kalou Potato Cold Storage Facility.
MSEA Ag. Director Business Development, Marketing, and Trade, Madam Caroline Kioko, MSEA Senior Enterprise Development Officer Evans Bullut during the sensitization.
During the forum, four associations, namely Kaibaga Machinery Ring Association, Kimwe Association, Ngawa poa Jiinua Association, and Kihara Potato Growers Association, were sensitized. MSE Farmers candidly shared their challenges in potato farming, citing capital constraints, difficulty accessing certified seedlings, and limited knowledge of required inputs.
Kaibaga Machinery Ring Association and Kimwe Association,
Ngawa poa jiinua association and Kihara potato growers association
Assuring the farmers of support, the MSEA team committed to addressing these challenges through capacity building, facilitating access to funding opportunities, and collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to tackle the issue of certified seed propagation. Emphasizing the benefits of the cold storage facility, farmers were encouraged to explore its potential for value addition and market opportunities.
Furthermore, the team highlighted the upcoming National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA), offering grants to youth, and urged farmers to leverage their cooperative unions for investment opportunities and favorable loans. Underscoring MSEA’s role in promoting and regulating MSEs, the team emphasized the importance of value addition and association registration with MSEA for easier access to government opportunities.
With the cold storage facility aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and provide storage solutions until market prices are favorable, MSE farmers were encouraged to invest, save, and maintain records to maximize benefits from upcoming projects like the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Project (KJET).
Exciting times lie ahead for potato farmers in Nyandarua as they embrace these opportunities for growth and prosperity with the operationalization of the Ol-kalou Potato Cold Storage Facility.
Moments captured during the sensitization of the MSE farmers.


Automating things helps us excel in other aspects of our goals. Our goal to grow organic food and healthy people has been made easier after automating our drip irrigation system, narrowing our focus to other aspects of the job like preparing organic manure and checking if the trees are growing well. Many of our trees have died due to the lack of proper water management. We have already automated our coconut farm with the help of a company called Niagara. Now, the water in that farm will cycle through each set of plants without needing to be manually changed. Here in the Main farm, we have nearly completed the setup and are working on some final adjustments. We got the help of a company called Mobitech to do this. Our experience with using automation in the coconut farm has shown us better results. We can clearly see that the trees adapt to the timing of when they are watered and grow better.
These automatic valves that we used are called solenoid valves. Solenoid valves are often used to control a flow of either fluid or gas by electricity. These work by having a small electromagnet being pulled up using the electricity provided and opens up a small gateway allowing the water to pass to he other side and pressurize it so that the diaphragm opens letting the whole water passage open. When the electricity is turned of the solenoid springs back up and the diaphragm slowly sits back into place.
Along with the automatic valves, we have also added two more systems – Fertigation and Backwash. The drip systems people use can easily stop working when there is too much dust getting clogged in the holes. This is why we have a filter to reduce the dust particles that go into the field, but we still have to clean the filter a few times a day. So, Mobitech provided us with a system called backwash, which reverses the flow of the water and discharges it. This reduces the number of times we need to wash the filter per day. The other system is called Fertigation. It is used to mix fertilizers into the water flow so they go into the field. We had a different method before, where the fertilizers were sucked in because of the pressure and speed of the water flow through the pipe. However, now we have a pump to suck the fertilizers in and dilute them into the water. With the new system, we will be able to let the motor run so that the set amount of liters would be given to the respective plant. We very much think that these systems are going to give us better results in the farm and make sure no tree dies or is affected in any way because of the loss of water management. Although I am very excited to see the results of this I am not proud that this was purely made by us because all the devices are from Mobitech. Right now this system is installed in both farms which is two motors but we also have some bore wells that would need tracking of the voltage that it is taking. I am looking forward to make my own web app and a device to track the voltage and sense if it is on!


Still Farming In The City, After All These Years
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday October 13, 2007
FROM the air they are little more than a flash before the wheels hit the tarmac, a blur of green among the terracotta tiles in the final plunge.But on the ground, tucked up against Sydney Airport and the sprawled housing of Rockdale and Kyeemagh, the Occupation Road market gardens are a remarkable sight.Here in inner city suburbia, ageing men and women in traditional Chinese hats tend perfect rows of bok choy, choy sum and Chinese spinach, using farming methods that have barely changed since Federation.When the sun reaches its zenith, the workers retreat to the shade of 150-year-old shacks made from wood and rusted corrugated iron - the only 19th-century market gardeners' cottages left in the inner suburbs."When the water is good, is OK," one worker, Tony, said. "Spinach good, bok choy OK this year."The Occupation Road gardens are a reminder of the days when metropolitan Sydney fed itself, before the urban sprawl took hold.Records from the NSW heritage office show the first seeds were sown there in 1842, when Rockdale and the surrounding suburbs were a patchwork of small farms.The farms played an important role in food production for the local and regional community, particularly during the Depression and during and after the wars, when Chinese market gardens were a main source of vegetables for urban dwellers.In 1999 they were placed on the state heritage register as one of just five surviving market gardens in the metropolitan area."There would have been market gardeners along all of our waterways in those days," said Meredith Walker, the heritage consultant who did the first study of the site. "It was mostly leafy vegetables, things with a short crop-growing period like lettuces, bok choy. They always practised good husbandry, sometimes allowing the field to go fallow."These days the remaining gardens supply the city's diverse collection of Asian shops and restaurants. Simon Su and his family have tended the soil for 30 years, surviving plans for a freeway and a golf course."I bought [it] when we came from China," Mr Su said. "It's really hard, but we're happy here. We're not leaving."Occupation Road's heritage listing means it is protected from development, but the remainder of Sydney's market gardens have not been so lucky. The small farms on the city's north-west and south-western fringes, which produce the lion's share of our fresh vegetables, are being wiped by housing developments.Semi-rural suburbs such as Marsden Park and Kellyville in the north-west, which were home to dozens of market gardens, will soon be enveloped by the 60,000 houses of the north-west growth sector."These resources around Sydney are very much diminishing," Ms Walker said. "They are threatened by the notion that the best use of land is how you make money out of it. Who knows where we'll get our vegetables from in 20 years when the sprawl goes all the way to the mountains. Of course, people need places to live and there's nothing really wrong with golf courses and sporting fields, but you can't eat them and there's not a lot to learn from them."The heritage significance of the Sydney's inner-city market gardens had been largely ignored by historians. But the sites are gaining greater respect."They didn't fit into the traditional practice of history based on documents and photographs," Walker said. "With the Rockdale gardens it's a case of just driving up Occupation Road and there it is - this little patch with a few shacks that's hardly changed in over 150 years."


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GM crops can be used to alter food production in a few different ways. The following list gives a brief outline of these:
- Increased yield – By increasing the yield of crops it means that in the same amount of space you are able to grow an increased yield of crops
- Resistance to herbicides and pesticides – The resistance to chemicals allows crops to be sprayed more effectively with pesticides and herbicides thus meaning the crops will be able to grow more effectively and that less will be spoilt whilst growing due to insects and competing plants. Both of these factors will result in an overall higher yield of usable crops
- Disease resistance – By making crops that are resistant to diseases you reduce the amount of effort needed to ensure that the crops stay healthy. Also you lose the risk of losing the majority of your yield if a disease sweeps through your crops and makes the plants all unusable.
- Environmental resilience – This will perhaps become the most important benefit we can experience from GM crops in future years as the effects of climate change are felt more prominently. As land and water scarcity increase we need to be able to ensure that we can still grow crops on the land which is available and thus the importance of being able to grow crops in harsher environments and with less water is undoubtedly going to become an invaluable tool in the future.
Whilst most of these factors would cause an overall decrease in the price of food production the overall impact on the price and availability of our food is not so clear. This is because currently there is so much public opposition to GM foods. Whilst increasing the quantity of GM crops planted you would likely be reducing the total number of non-GM crops produced. Thus the availability of non-GM foods would be reduced. In places where there are strict regulation against GM foods this could cause an increase in food prices and decrease in food supplies as there may only be GM alternatives available.


PLANT-BASED, HOLISTIC NUTRITION
“Let food be thy medicine...” -Hippocrates
Our biological bodies are assembled from and fueled by the food we eat, after the gut microbiome processes it for us. We live in an age where much of our food is grown in nutrient-deficient soils, where subsidized chemical warfare is called “traditional farming”, where antibiotics which decimate our essential gut microbiota are prescribed frivolously, and where we are systematically and unrelentingly bombarded with misinformation about food by corporate marketing and big-ag-and-big-pharma-funded studies. There are often added psychological, social, and ecological costs hidden in these food practices, which further tax our wellbeing. In spite of all this, the human organism is incredibly resilient; which is, of course, wonderful. But it can also make it even more challenging to decipher what truly healthy eating means.
We believe eating predominantly plant-based, whole foods — locally, organically, and ethically grown by regenerative agricultural practices which ensure the soil (and thereby the food) are nutrient-and-life-dense — is an essential part of a holistic approach to health and happiness. We offer holistic, plant-based nutrition coaching, cooking lessons, cooking recipes, and catering.


Blossom time in the Orchard
Blossom time in our orchard is a wonderful time of the year, not only because of the sheer beauty of the trees but also it’s importance of the blossoming trees to growth of the apples.
The reason that trees bloom is so that they can attract insects to pollinate them allowing them to produce fruit. Without this process we would not have any fruit and in turn no cider. So, as you can see this is an extremely important time of the year.
Orchards have been important to the community in the past as they were somewhere for the community to come together in time of celebration, as well as promoting fresh produce. They also make our community spaces more pleasant.


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Mobile : +66-961170857, +66-220353420
We are the leading wholesale supplier and exporter of White Rice located in Thailand. We are one of the trusted companies in industry, indulged in offering a wide range of Rice Grains. We procure from manufacturers who have developed and cultivated the rice in hygienic and safe conditions. Under the astute guidance and strict control of the industry experts, we are able to offer the best quality products and deliver the products within the stipulated time frame. Our entire range of our rice is tested in various parameters and is made available at market leading prices.
|Place Of Origin||THAI|
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Delivery Detail: 2 weeks


The proposed masterplan utilizes the open and elastic system of agriculture with a grid pattern. Pedestrian routes separate the field.
The application of the idea of agricultural production as a spatial framework not only contributes to the identity of the local farming community but also both allow the flexible use of the land and makes the property open to those within the surrounding area.
The pavilion is likewise based on the open and flexible spatial system, keeping unity with the masterplan. The entire pavilion is enclosed by operable or fixed glass partitions, making it possible to enable the pavilion to be open to the surrounding landscape.
The system of movable partitions is also extensively used inside, following a grid pattern. Thanks to this system, users have the discretion to arrange, combine or divide programs at will, and a festive and playful atmosphere, which is appropriate for an event pavilion, is created.
The perimeter of the pavilion is the same height, which responds to the horizontality of the land and emphasizes the continuity with the surrounding environment. On the other hand, the roof is partially raised, resulting in a tent-like shape.
Together with the light, fabric-like material, the roof shape offers an iconic image of the pavilion and contributes to its festive quality as well.


Tucked away in the SW corner of Miami Dade is a farm stand that could be along any roadside in the entire United States. We are glad it is in the 305. Robert Is Here is the legendary spot where people for generations have come to get fresh locally grown produce to feed their families, send back home or just chill for a few hours.
Robert is Here started back in the 50’s when the owner (as a young kid) started selling produce on the side of the road of his family’s farm. His father would put up a sign that read, “Robert Is Here!” Today, this business is legendary. Not only providing food, produce, unique fruits and vegetables but also a petting zoo and also a food truck Mecca as well (the BBQ is phenomenal).
If you live in Miami, trust us, this place is a must see. If you are visiting or heading to the Florida Keys, definitely stop by to experience the real Miami. Robert still works the farm and the stand. He is their most days and seems to enjoy every moment of life. The fruit is delicious. The food is phenomenal — Cuban sandwiches and BBQ to go. Plus, feeding the animals is always fun. The Goats seem to battle the Turtles for the fresh produce. Put this on your list! Tell them Ronnie G sent you and they will take care of you!


Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has hundreds of collectibles. These range from cosmetic options like those for Cal Kestis and BD-1 to resource collectibles for multiple vendors. One type of collector is mentioned in particular Koboh seed pods. And instead of searching through them all yourself, there’s a quick way to view their locations on your holomap. Here is our guide to help you find all seed locations in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
How to reveal all Koboh Seed Pods in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
These are 145 types of Koboh Seed Pods In eat survivors. It goes without saying that finding them all yourself would be an absolutely mind-boggling task. Luckily, there’s a way to make the process a lot easier in the long run: unlocking a Holomap upgrade.
What do seed pods look like in Jedi Survivor?
If you don’t know what you’re looking for, chances are you’ll walk right past Seed Pods. As you play through Koboh, you’ll notice glowing plants with “fireflies” fawn in them. These are seed pods. If you move over them or slash them with your lightsaber, they will be added to your inventory.
Other nearby plants will also reward you with the same types of seeds for that particular plant, but there are also different color variants for seed pods.
You unlock the Garden Plots after rescuing Zee in the first High Republic Chamber/Jedi Temple, after which you gain access to the Rooftop Garden in Pyloon’s Saloon. Later, on the planet Jedha, you will meet an NPC named Pili who will do it Unlock new garden plots to you.
Screenshot of GameSkinny
How to Unlock Seed Pods Holomap Upgrade
From a starting lot you have two that can be unlocked. How to unlock the fourth plot for the holomap upgrade:
- Make sure you’ve bred unique plant species (ie you should see each species categorized by color and rare variants).
- If you think there might be duplicates, try removing them and replanting unique species based on different colors or rarities.
- Have the first three Garden Plots full of plants and wait for them to grow; It should take about 20 to 30 minutes for them to grow.
- Progress further in the campaign so you gain access to other abilities and zones on Koboh, which should also have additional seed types.
Once all three plots have (mostly) unique plants that are fully grown, talk to Pili. Cal will then notice that the fourth garden plot is available. Walk towards it and you will notice a terminal. Cut it with BD-1 to get the Map Upgrade: Seedpods.
Screenshot of GameSkinny
How to reveal all seed locations in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. From this point on, Seed Pods appear as icons on your map. There are other resources and side activities that you can tackle such as: aquarium fish, holotacticsAnd bounty hunter. You can find more tips and tricks in our Star Wars Jedi: Survivor leads hub.
Featured image by GameSkinny.


Apricot and Orange Marmalade by Antichi Sapori Umbri
The warm Mediterranean climate and the rich volcanic soil in southern Italy makes for ideal grown conditions for many fruits and vegetables. While tomatoes and lemons are most commonly thought of, Italy is also renowned for its production of rich, complex-tasting stone fruits like apricots and bright, clean-tasting citrus fruits like oranges.
Upon tasting this jam, Mario was instantly brought back to his youth when his Mamma NIves could be found in family kitchen making the vibrant and sweet, Apricot and Orange Marmellata. A beautiful and bright mixture of apricots and oranges, this jam plays wonderfully on top of toast, spread over creamy soft goat cheese or even as the jewel of your cheesecake or desserts. Its simplicity is what makes it so memorable, reminding us that pure flavors have the ability to transcend. Non-GMO, gluten, and dairy free. A genuine ‘Product of Italy.’ Hand selected and approved by Mario Rizzotti.
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Laying down mulch is one of the best things that you can do to help grow a healthy, vibrant, and efficient garden. It’s why there’s so much interest in the environmental benefits of using mulch in agriculture and landscaping. And best of all, it’s so simple anyone can do it.
At least, that’s how it seems. Yes, it might seem as straightforward as “shovel, dump, spread, and repeat”. Yet many homeowners struggle with laying mulch effectively.
If that describes your situation, here are three key tips to keep in mind.
1. Putting Down Mulch at the Right Time
Putting down mulch depends on more than getting good coverage around the base of your plants. To make the most efficient use of your time and investment, you want to make sure you’re putting down mulch at the best possible time.
In general, there are two optimal times of year to mulch your garden.
Doing it in the spring as seasonal showers roll in encourages the biomatter to start to break down. The nutrients from the decomposing mulch will penetrate the soils, keeping your plants healthy and vibrant. Plus, it will give your landscaping the fresh, clean look that you want throughout the spring and summer.
The other best time of year to mulch is in the autumn, as you prepare for the onset of winter. This will help insulate your plants from the damaging effects of the frosts to come.
It also helps to wait a little while after you’ve put in new plants before you mulch. This will help make sure none of your new additions get buried.
If that all seems like a lot, it’s why many homeowners defer to professionals when it comes to laying mulch. Not only do they know the technique, but they tend to keep an eye on seasonal weather patterns so that can the most optimal use of their work. For an example of these services these companies can provide, check out https://www.heartlandturf.com/leawood/
2. Put Down the Right Amount
When it comes to mulch, there can be too much of a good thing. At the same time, if you’re too stinging you won’t reap the benefits you’re looking for.
You need to find that golden mean, and to do that, you’ll have to do some calculations.
Mulch is usually sold by cubic foot. So to figure out how many cubic feet your flower beds are, and how deep a layer of mulch you plan to lay down.
Measuring your flower beds is self-explanatory, and garden experts recommend laying down 2 to 4 inches of mulch for most plants. So multiply the square footage of your area by the number of inches of mulch plan to put down. Then divide the result by 12 since a cubic foot of mulch will cover 12-square feet with about 1-inch of mulch.
3. Laying Mulch According to What You’re Growing
What you grow in your garden does impact the type of mulch you want to put down.
For vegetables, you need to turn the soil every season. This means heavier mulches made from wood bark and the like may be harder to work with. Opt for a lighter material like grass clipping, leaves, or cover plants like clover.
Further, for trees and flowers, you’ll want to remember to keep mulch about three inches away from the base of the plant to prevent so-called “mulch volcanoes”. These pileups around the base of your plants encourage rot and can become nesting places for mold and pests.
Learning How to Install Mulch for a Healthy Garden
We mentioned that laying mulch seems simple, at first glance. And with the right know-how, it can be as easy as it seems.
These three tips will help you make the most of your resources and maintain a healthy garden and yard year-round. But mulching is only the beginning. For all the tips you need to make your property the envy of the neighborhood, be sure to keep up with all our latest home and decor guides.


Though there have been many worthy publications on nut growing the handbook of north american nut trees continues to be one of the most informative and inspirational for those who would grow nuts for profit or for family consumption read more one person found this helpful helpful. Nut trees a valuable resource history of nut trees culture and propagation region and site soil management propagation from seed vegetative propagation pruning mulches herbicides control of mammal and bird damage to trees and seed plant pests basic principles of plant pest control insects and mites diseases labels the trees. Note citations are based on reference standards however formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study the specific requirements or preferences of your reviewing publisher classroom teacher institution or organization should be applied. The northern nut growers have for many years exhibited a laudable enthusiasm for nut trees either for their edible products for timber production or for amenity often for all three and their constant endeavour is to spread the love of nuts abroad in our hearts. The earl g maxwell arboretum is home to a wonderful variety of fruit and nut trees to be sure that everyone can appreciate them please dont pick off of the trees handbook of north american nut trees richard a jaynes editor c r clarence richard 1926 cyt sb401a4 p761961 the improved nut trees of north america and how to
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At Mauna Kea, on the rainy east side of the Big Island, I began to discover how they are crafting tea magic using the philosophies of Natural Farming.
Mauna Kea green tea, Kona, Hawaii
At a dinner party on a beach north of Kona, Hawaii last January, I had a cup of island grown, organic green tea. It was rich and grassy, like a Japanese Sencha, but with sweet and aromatic notes of tropical flowers and ripe island fruits. It turned my idea of USA-grown tea upside down*.
A lovely setting for a seaside feast,Kona, Hawaii
That night on the beach, I was lucky enough to meet Kimberly and Taka Ino, the makers of that memorable cup.
The Inos’ tea farm on the east side of the Big Island
A week later, at their tea farm, Mauna Kea, on the rainy east side of the Big Island, I began to discover how they are crafting tea magic.
Fresh tea harvest. Healthy, vibrant leaves
A few months later, I got to join in the harvest and make my own lot of Hawaii- grown tea.
Mauna Kea green tea
Now, having recently received a shipment of of their spring green tea to share with Firepot’s online community at our Bazaar, I find myself indulging in a cup every morning. It keeps calling me back as if my body innately knows that there is something rare, vibrant and clean about the tea from Mauna Kea…
Mauna Kea tea farm
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the farming of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
Masanobu Fukuoka, The One Straw Revolution
This quote sums up the secret to the Ino’s success. In one word, it is intention. Taka and Kimberly’s intention is to live a life in harmony with nature. So, tea farming, to them, is more of a spiritual path or practice than an occupation. Their land is certified organic, but their ecological practices go much deeper than that certification demands.
The Inos grow tea according to the laws of Natural Farming, a method established by Masanobu Fukuoka that allows an ecosystem to thrive without controlling it with manufactured inputs. Dubbed “do-nothing farming”, Natural Farming requires the farmer to slow down, to be present and to open their senses to understand what the plants need instead of applying prescribed programs of fertilizers and pesticides.
Firing fresh leaf, the “kill-green” stage, when oxidation is halted to make green tea
When showing me how to harvest, fire or roll the tea, Taka says, “listen to what the tea is telling you”. This intense intention elevates the final tea to medicinal levels. He says that “plants grown according to the philosophies of Natural Farming are known to heal cancer patients who can not consume even organic foods grown with organic fertilizers and pesticides… How can tea become an elixir of life when produced with chemicals and greed for high yield?”
Vibrant green tea in the rolling stage
His might be the cleanest green tea you can find anywhere on earth…until I drink it all, you can find it here at our Bazaar.
Mauna Kea 2016 Spring green tea: Dry leaf, steeped leaf, liquor
*Until that day, I had understood USA-grown tea to be inferior in taste than a comparably priced tea from China, Japan, Taiwan or India– it is difficult and expensive to grow tea in the US. We have only just started learning the ancient secrets of cultivating and processing flavorful teas and applying them to our unique climates, soils and social dynamics to develop a true USA tea terroir. Not only do we not have the perfectly tropical climate with regular rainfall and well-drained, acidic soils that tea loves, we also do not have the ancestral knowledge or historical tradition of tea making. Compared to China’s millennia of tea growing and making experience or even East Africa’s 100 or so years, the industry in the US is brand new. On top of that, wages and land prices in the US push up the cost of USA grown tea.


The most effective way to manage stored grain pests is to avoid them. The goal of sanitation is to eliminate insect eggs, pupae, and adults. Never put newly harvested grain into bins containing old grain. Empty the bins of all residual grain, and use shovels, brooms, and industrial vacuums to clear dust, webbing, and fines from around any cracks and crevices, doors, seams, vents, and especially under false floors. Even small amounts of old grain or fines left in the bins can harbor insects that can start a problem. Clean fans, elevators, and other conveyors before new grain is stored. Grain that can harbor insects can collect in places that are difficult to see, such as on the top of stirrers. Once the bins are clean, inspect them and repair any cracks or holes which can allow moisture or insects to enter. Pretreat clean bins with an allowable grain protectant listed for pre-harvest space application. Always check with your organic certification agency before using new materials. Always wear proper safety equipment (e.g., respirator, air helmet) when cleaning and treating bins.
Clean combine headers, augers, conveyor belts and grain transporting equipment. Purge the first few bushels from the combine to remove old grain, and load harvested grain into a clean truck. Maintain weed- and spilled grain-free surroundings around grain storage.


This banana variety is undoubtedly one of the best and tastiest things out there!
The Blue Java is a banana variety which resembles vanilla ice cream in both consistency and taste.
It has a sweet aroma and its name derives from its peel`s blue color when it is unripe.
When ripe, it has a pale yellow or a greenish color.
It goes under several different names: Hawaiian banana in Fiji, ice cream banana in Hawaii, and Cenizo in Central America.
Bananas are tropical fruits, meaning that they don’t do well in cold areas. Most varieties are not able to grow past an average 40 F of temperature and they typically start to die at 28F.
On the other hand, the Blue Java banana is a hardy variety and it keeps growing in relatively low temperatures (20F / -7c)
Want To Grow ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’ On Your Property?
In the U.S, theBlue Java banana is suitable for growing in the USDA’s zones 9b through 11, even though some farmers grow from zones 8 through 11, which are part of the hardiness zones.
There is a zone map available, which allows farmers to know where a plant is likely to thrive the best.
A mature Blue Java tree gets around 15 to 20 feet in height. If you choose to plant a pseudostem, it will take about nine months for the fruits to mature.
On the flip side, you can have trees at different stages of development delivered to your home.
Here are a couple of tips on how to get your Blue Java on track:
- Water is very important! Bananas like rich and warm soil with high moisture. Water the tree often and adequately, but this doesn’t mean that you should do it to the extent of floating.
- Bananas need a lot of fertilizing. Use an NPK fertilizer with nutrients in the ratio of 3:1:6. For a 1-foot tall plant, you need a cup of fertilizer per month. Make sure you fertilize when the weather is warm.
- Spray the fertilizer around the roots and water the particles down in the soil. Add one more cup to the mix for every additional two feet the plant grows.
- Bananas need sunlight to germinate. Constant overcast is not good for germinating plants.
- Prune the secondary shoots around each rhizome, leaving at least one shoot around the plant to boost photosynthesis.
Blue Java Uses
The leaves of Blue Java Banana are wide and strong and can be used in place of parchment paper, aluminum foil, or similar wrappings for cooking.
They can be used for drying, grilling, baking, boiling, and steaming.
As the banana itself tastes like vanilla ice cream, you can consume it in place of the ice cream.
Bananas are low in fat and energy dense foods. A 100-gram banana contains 89 calories, 22.8 grams of carbs, and 0.3 grams of fat.
Bananas are some of the best sources of potassium, a mineral which supports nerve cell response and proper muscles contraction.
Proper potassium intake is critical for proper heart contraction as well as regulated blood pressure levels.
The Blue Java banana can be used in the place of ordinary bananas in every recipe, such as banana oatmeal cookies, banana pancakes, smoothies, banana cakes, and more.


Sarah K. MockJun 23, 2021
Farm (and Other F Words)
The Rise and Fall of the Small Family Farm
New Degree Press 2021
In Farm (and Other F Words): The Rise and Fall of the Small Family Farm (New Degree Press, 2021), Sarah K. Mock seeks to answer “what exactly do we mean by a Good Farm?” She looks at size, income, and age, among other factors that might be metrics of a Good Farm. Using USDA NASS data, farmer interviews, and experience Sarah shares some not so easy to hear perspectives. In this interview, Sarah discusses the systems at play, most working exactly as intended, that are preventing agribusiness from operating as businesses at all. We discuss the lack of mechanisms to remove ineffective or harmful farmers, why more farms don’t grow food (e.g., fruits and vegetables), and whether rich farmers grow food for poor people while poor farmers grow food for rich people. In the last moments of the book, and our interview, Sarah reveals a potential solution – Big Team Farms. What are they? Come find out.


One of the best things I did last year was treat myself to a class on perennial edible greens. The class was given by Jenn Evans at the Haiku `Aina Permaculture Initiative (HAPI) in Haiku. Jenn did a superb job of introducing us to seven plants, their cultivation and nutritional value. Afterward the students in the class prepared and ate a meal together in the open air kitchen, using the plants we had just learned about and harvested. Jenn also put together a great packet of info on the plants (that I am drawing on for this post). Ingenius class! Beautiful day! I left the class feeling high on life, and I'm still excited just thinking about it.
To my knowledge, none of the plants we learned about are to be found in Costco or Safeway, and most of them don't even make it to the shelves of our natural foods stores -- at least not yet. But they are all widely cultivated in the tropical Pacific, Asia, Africa and beyond. Go to places where many people live closer to the land, like Fiji, the Phillipines, or even the Caribbean isles, and the locals will recognize some of these plants as old friends. They will likely have their own local names and recipes for the plants as well.
What's so exciting about perennial greens?
They're nutritious. It is common knowledge by now that dark green plants like spinach, kale, chard and collards are nutritious. The plants we learned about in the workshop hold their own nutritionally, and in some cases even exceed the more mainstream greens in vitamin and mineral content. Most have medicinal uses as well.
Eat them raw or cooked. Most of the perennial greens described here -- with one exception -- don't even need to be cooked. Just break out your inner ape, pluck the leaves right off the stem, and commence masticating.
They're perennial. Once the plants are established, as long as their basic needs are met they do not need to be replanted each year. Likewise, the harvest is year-round.
They are easy to get started. Most of the plants covered here can be grown from cuttings, rather than needing to start and nurture delicate seedlings.
They are hearty. The familiar grocery store greens are temperate climate plants with largely Mediterranean origins, and even in Hawaii's upcountry locations it can be a challenge to keep insect pests away. Here in the tropics, the perennial greens do not need to be pampered and fussed with like their temperate cousins, being more pest-resistant. Full disclosure -- for an A.D.D. gardener like me, it is possible to kill these plants by not watering them, letting them get overgrown by other plants, etc.
They like it hot. When the heat of summer rolls around, chances are that the kale or spinach in your garden aren't holding up so well. That's where bele or Malabar spinach come in. Keep them moist and the heat is no problem.
- Okinawan spinach (Gynura crepioides). This beauty is native to southeast Asia. The low-lying shrub's leaves are dark green above, and a satiny purple below. Great for salads, smoothies, or stir-fries, the leaves have been shown to decrease cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar. Known to be high in the super antioxidant proanthocyanidins (as are grape skins and seeds), this plant is also valued for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- Bele/Edible Hibiscus (Abelmoschus manihot). A quick-growing shrub with large shiny leaves that can be cooked or used for raw wraps. Like okra, the leaves are mucilaginous, especially the larger ones -- kind of slimy in the mouth. On the other hand, it is nutritionally superior to spinach, and is high in lutein -- good for your eyes. If you are a raw foodie, a bele wrap with avo, tomato, sprouts, etc is a sight to behold and celebrate -- so radiant, so green…
- Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella). This one is technically a "perennial red", since the maple-like leaves and stems are a deep maroon color. On this fairly spindly shrub, both the leaves and flowers are edible. The leaves add color and a splash of tartness to a salad. They can also be used to make a pink 'lemonade', as is done in Central America -- one of many such cold drinks or refrescos. But this plant is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Sweet potato leaf (Ipomea batatas) This is a great one -- tasty and so easy to grow. The greens can be found in a few small island produce markets, and usually some of the plants have enough vine that they can be saved as starts for your garden. Seriously, no need to buy a sweet potato plant in a pot. Just buy a bag of greens, eat the leaves, and plant the stems. In a few weeks you will have more greens, and eventually you may even end up with some sweet potatoes.
- Malabar spinach (Basella rubra or alba). A lovely red-stemmed vine best grown on a trellis. Its slightly fleshy leaves are high in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and manganese. Use it as you would spinach, raw or cooked. Like bele, it is also mucilaginous, but less so if not cooked for too long.
- Katuk (Sauropus androgynus). One of the most popular veggies in southeast Asia, katuk also grows well in Hawaii as a medium size shrub (6'-8' tall). Highly nutritious, katuk's leaves are 5% or more protein by weight, and a 100g serving has more vitamin C than an orange. The tender young shoots are sold as 'tropical asparagus'. Or if you prefer a literal translation of the scientific name, just ask for some 'gender-neutral lizard's foot".
- Chaya or Tree Spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius). Unlike the others, this plant actually grows to tree-size, 12' or more. Also unlike the others, the leaves may have stinging hairs, the irritating sap is to be avoided, and the leaves need to be boiled for 15 minutes to remove a toxin. That being said, how many trees do you know of that have edible leaves? Chaya is native to Mexico's Yucatan region, and can also tolerate drought better than the other plants in the list.
Beyond all the info learned at the greens workshop, the camaraderie was fine. There is something wonderful and life-affirming about getting together with others who share their zest for life and plants.
Jenn even sent us home with starts for the different plants! We all helped out with the harvest, labeling, etc. Then at the end we scattered off to our respective homes, and the plants continued to spread around the island and the planet.
Growing these plants makes so much more sense than almost anything else I can think of. For someone who lives in a rural area in the tropics, or someone who survives into the future and comes across this article, growing these plants may well seem like common sense: What's the big deal? What are you getting so excited about? Of course people cultivate their own greens. But in these times, it is a curiously marginal activity.
So far, I have solidly incorporated four of these plants into my diet. I'm loving the color and flavor of Okinawan spinach and cranberry hibiscus in my salads. I've been having sweet potato leaf or edible hibiscus with eggs in the morning, or as a side anytime.
A few of these plants can be found at the Upcountry Farmers Market, Rowena's produce in Kahului, or smalll Filipino markets around the island.
Much mahalo to Kumu Jenn and my new photosynthetic friends.


On-farm compost solutions
Welcome to the future of soil management. We have a range of on-farm compost solutions to help you get the balance back in your soil and manage your on-farm waste.
Camperdown Compost has been providing on-farm composting programs for:
- mixed farming
for more than 15 years.
Over this time, our research has shown the benefits of using our biological soil solutions including improved overall animal health, higher quality yields through improved soil structure, reduced input costs, disease and pest reduction.
This is because we are adding diversity in biology and out-competing pathogen organisms. In addition, we are releasing tied-up nutrient which leads to healthier plants.
Our research over the past 15 years has shown us that most agricultural soils are depleted in biological life, both in diversity and numbers.
The main problem with depleted numbers and species of biology, apart from a reduction in productivity, is in the area of disease control. Research has shown that adequate numbers of beneficial biology can suppress disease causing organisms. Some of the methods of achieving this are:
- Use exudates to reduce food supply for pathogens
- Production of anti-bodies, inhibitory compounds and toxins to prevent pathogen growth
- Occupy infection sites on plant surfaces so pathogens cannot bridge cell walls and infect the cell
In fact, adequate beneficial biology is probably the only long term, sustainable method of disease suppression in soils. The use of fungicides are the only short term fix, leaving a sterile environment, ripe for re-infection.
We begin with a soil test to determine what is lacking and what is required. This gives a benchmark to start from. We are aiming to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and unlock the nutrients in the soil to stimulate root growth and disease protection. This creates a good environment for stubble and other trash to break down. The organic matter then becomes nutrient for the following season’s crop.
Why use compost?
- To protect against pathogens
- To retain nutrients in the soil, so they don’t leach from the root zone
- To cycle nutrients into plant available forms
- To improve uptake of soil or foliar nutrients
- To break down pollutants in the soil, on and above ground surfaces or around the roots
Contact us () or phone 03 5593 3737 now for an on-farm assessment to see what we can to do improve the health of your soil.
Sandy soil is a common problem in south west Victoria, listen to Camperdown Compost director Tony Evans explain how applying compost to sandy soils can improve soil structure and productivity.


A soil pH test, or more accurately a pH meter, can be a valuable tool for organic gardeners. The most important thing to learn about the environment of your soil is its pH level. High levels of acid or basic in the soil can lead to a variety of problems for your plants, including disease, fungal infections, and drought.
It’s important to know what your soil pH sensor level is so you can avoid these problems. A soil pH meter is a good investment to make if you plan to be a serious gardener. This inexpensive and simple tool can be used as a part of your soil testing system. There are other tools available, but these three make soil testing fast and easy.
In the past, soil testing needed to be done manually with the help of an experienced soil scientist. Fortunately, there are many soil testing kits available today. The best soil pH sensor is the one that can read both the acid and alkaline content of your soil. It should also have a display that will show you the reading of the soil in various pH ranges.
The most expensive soil pH tester on the market is the instrument that uses a sensor to determine soil pH in seconds. This kit comes with several soil testing strips and a soil sample. After plugging the soil sample into the system, the reader of the kit displays the reading right away. It is a good idea to have someone test the soil before using the kit. Most kits have a safety mechanism that stops the reading from being too high or too low. Be sure to check the expiration date on the kit.
If you’re looking for a soil pH sensor that is inexpensive, then look for one that has a rechargeable battery. These sensors are not only much less expensive than the ones that use batteries, but they don’t require a separate testing strip. If you’re going to be testing the soil in more than one location, consider a soil pH probe kit. These work great because they can be moved around from place to place.
Before you purchase any type of soil pH testing kit, be sure to research the brand and model number. You want to make sure that you are getting the best value for the money. There are so many different brands and models available. Some research can even help you find deals and coupons online. Make sure to keep an eye out for sales and discounts on soil testing supplies and soil pH probes.
Once you’ve purchased a soil pH sensor and the test strips, you’ll need to store them in a dry location. Keep in mind that soil pH changes constantly, especially as it is being Cultivated. Soils exposed to water are more likely to change. Keep the sensor and the testing strips in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. The soil should also be free of soil-borne bacteria and mold.
If your soil pH needs monitoring often, or if you are just curious, there are several options for doing so. A simple way to test the pH level of your soil is to add a small amount of potassium hydroxide. This oxidizes the potassium in your soil, which in turn will react with oxygen in the soil to form a higher concentration of potassium in the soil. Or, you can purchase a soil testing kit and do the testing yourself. Most kits come with a small amount of potassium hydroxide to test for pH balance.


Farming in the Cloud
By Michael Fiorito, MDS
Companies like Microsoft are working with organizations around the world to implement innovative sustainability programs. Close to home, I worked with NYC based Rainforest Alliance to pioneer a sustainability program that expands their business model.
Rainforest Alliance certifies cocoa, coffee, and tea farms that maintain sustainable practices. To meet the Rainforest Alliance Certification, a farm must demonstrate, for example, that their trees are grown under native canopies and that they use natural pest control over chemicals, among other best practices.
The Rainforest Alliance Certification system works, owing to their sophisticated cloud-based platform. Using a ecosystem of secure cloud technologies, Rainforest Alliance tracks and helps ensure that the agricultural products purchased along the supply chain from farm to table are responsibly and sustainably produced.
Go Green Go!
Rainforest Alliance is a not for profit organization but there is no doubt a lot of competition in the field. The benefits are realized by the farmers and their communities, helping them save money and produce better yields. Not to mention the ecological benefits all of our children will enjoy. For the complete article click here.
Rainforest Alliance is now piloting machine learning models to proactively audit their farms, manage risk and maintain the consistency of their supply chain.
As you can imagine, the possibilities are endless for organizations like Rainforest Alliance and others.
The Azure cloud is the touchstone of all our data integration and integral to our Rainforest Alliance Certification System
Microsoft Can Transform the Way You Work
MSFT is more powerful than ever, learn how it increases collaboration and productivity by sheduling a demo today!


Tas Feed Testing Services is a Tasmanian owned and operated feed testing laboratory. This service was developed in 2016 as a partner facility to Tas Feed Testing Services existing grain storage facilities and stockfeed mill. The team at Tas Feed Testing Services are experienced in feed and ration analysis and are committed to ensuring that stockfeed producers and purchasers can be certain of feed quality.
Tas Feed Testing Services offers local and personal service to sellers and purchasers of stockfeed. Whether it is providing analysis of pasture, conserved fodder or in-house manufactured stockfeed, end users can rest assured that Tas Feed Testing Services is providing a cost and time effective feed testing service to Tasmanian Farmers.
Laboratory testing of stock feed sources is a necessary step in determining the actual quality and nutritional value of stockfeed being offered to stock or considered for purchase. Tas Feed Testing Services offer a local feed testing service within Tasmania.


Teaien was created to give new life to an item we use once and immediately throw away, the tea bag. This project is an alternative to the traditional tea bag created to help promote seed diversity, local and personal gardening, as well as reducing kitchen waste.
The six varieties of tea are presented in a cherry finger-jointed box which was hand-stitched to avoid using glue or fasteners.
The organic cotton cover was stitched onto the box using the same technique as the joints and a loop was sewn into the end to hold a metal weight to keep the cover closed and tidy.
Inside are tea bags with tags made of handmade seed paper which can be planted to grow the corresponding variety of herbal tea.
Each box contains two bags of each variety of tea which can be identified with by the colour of the stamped leaf on the tags. Steeping information and information on planting the tea bags once they are used can be found on the included card.


Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor and a distinctive taste best described as meaty. These mushrooms have large caps measuring 1 – 5 inches, and vary in color from light to dark brown. They exhibit a lacey white trim around the edges of the mushroom cap quite often.
Shiitake mushroom’s, scientific name Lentinula edodes is native to the mountain regions of Japan, Korea and China, where they grow on fallen logs. People throughout East Asia, collect wild shiitakes from fallen logs for both food and medicine. People have been cultivating Shiitake mushrooms in China for 1,000 to 1,200 years.
Cultivation methods later spread to Japan, with samurai warriors controlling most of the production for the aristocracy. The name was derived from the Japanese word shii for the hardwood tree species that the mushrooms commonly grew on, and take the Japanese word for mushroom.
Shiitake mushrooms are the third most cultivated mushroom, worldwide. Their popularity is continually growing in the United States, and more producers are raising the “Prima Donna” of mushroom. Raising Shiitake mushrooms is more labor intensive and takes between two to five months of incubating before they are ready to begin fruiting. China still produces about 80 to 90 percent of the shiitake, worldwide.


Images Available Upon Request
For more information contact:
Manager, Brand Marketing
Manager, Brand Marketing
Broadhead + Co
Broadhead + Co
Entirely New AGCO Experience Awaits Growers at Fall Farm Shows
Experience a Tractor Revolution road show heads to Farm Progress and Husker Harvest Shows
DULUTH, GA (Aug. 11, 2009) — Growers attending the Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days this fall are in for many big surprises from AGCO Corporation. In 2009, AGCO is totally departing from the usual and expected rows of equipment to focus on the company's innovative, new tractor lines, providing growers with an entirely new experience as the AGCO Experience a Tractor Revolution road show takes center stage.
"This is a bold and innovative departure from the traditional farm show exhibit and is a fitting way for AGCO to showcase the technology behind the next generation of row crop tractors," says Jason Hoult, marketing manager for high horsepower tractors. "It isn't your typical farm show display, and it fits with the new technology that AGCO is developing."
For growers visiting the farm show circuit this fall, the AGCO lot will be a must-see. From interactive displays to daily live tractor demonstrations, presentations on new technologies such as AGCO's e3 technology and just-for-fun activities, there will be something for everyone.
"The new high horsepower tractors from Challenger, Massey Ferguson and AGCO Tractors are truly innovative and something every grower should see and experience," says Todd Stucke, vice president, professional producer marketing. "Having the Experience a Tractor Revolution road show appear at the fall farm shows is a way to offer an up close, in depth, firsthand look at each new row crop tractor and the technology they provide." New harvesting, hay, tillage and application equipment also will debut at the shows, and with product demonstrations, interactive displays and activities, there will be something for everyone.
The Experience a Tractor Revolution tour features a 53-foot mobile display trailer housing an interactive presentation that details the creation of the Challenger® MT600C Series, Massey Ferguson® 8600 Series and AGCO® Tractors DT Series tractors from farmer-directed concepts to the final product. This centerpiece will be surrounded by displays from each of the tractor lines. Demonstrations of the tractors in action will take place throughout the day in an outdoor arena complete with a professional announcer for a fun, rodeo-style approach to the events.
"The Tractor Revolution road show is an eye-opening experience. It demonstrates the new technologies AGCO has invested in to develop the best tractors on the market, and it confirms the support and commitment the company has to our customers and our dealers," Hoult says.
Inside the Revolution Exhibit
Within the trailer, growers may view a virtual build of the tractor, watching it come together, from the chassis through the engine, transmission, rear axle, cab and sheet metal. A video explains the history of the AGCO SISU POWER® 8.4L diesel engines which power the 205 to 275 PTO horsepower tractors and then shows the engines being built in the company's factory in Finland.
"We can't take every customer to our factory, but we can bring the factory to them through the video," Hoult relates.
The Tractor Revolution road show also gives growers an up-close and personal view of the new heavy-duty continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fully functioning transmission is enclosed in a glass showcase allowing growers to watch it work as they put the transmission through its paces and experience the infinite speed control which is delivered without shifting, jerking or a delay in traction or power. New exclusive technology allows the customer to automatically set both engine speed and transmission ratio for maximum productivity and efficiency with just the push of a button.
Growers also learn about the industry's newest clean-air technology – e3 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology – first introduced to agriculture by AGCO in 2009 as the most effective method of meeting current and future EPA emission-control requirements which are slated for 2011 and 2014. A display demonstrates how the technology treats exhaust after it passes through the engine to meet clean-air requirements while maintaining the engine's full power and actually improving fuel efficiency up to 15 percent compared to competitive technologies.
Simulated trip in fully functioning cab
Each visitor to the Tractor Revolution road show also has the opportunity to sit in the cab of the tractor and experience what it is like to operate the machine in the field.
The final presentation details the operation of the tractors' optional guidance, automated machine management, field data management and precision farming technologies.
"These tractors not only provide growers with the features they've requested relative to power, ease of operation, ISOBUS compatibility and comfort, but by partnering with Topcon, we are able to equip the tractors with technologies growers can use to do a better job of managing their operations today and into the future," Hoult adds.
For more information on the new tractors available from AGCO, Challenger and Massey Ferguson visit your local dealer or http://www.newfromchallenger.com/, www.masseyferguson.com/8600 or http://www.agcoiron.com/.
# # #
AGCO, Your Agriculture Company, (NYSE: AGCO) was founded in 1990 and offers a full product line of tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment, implements, and related replacement parts. AGCO agricultural products are sold under the core brands of Challenger®, Fendt®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®, and are distributed globally through more than 2,800 independent dealers and distributors, in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. AGCO is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA. In 2008, AGCO had net sales of $8.4 billion. Please visit our website at http://www.agcocorp.com/.
e3 and AGCO SISU POWER are global trademarks of AGCO Corporation. AGCO®, Challenger® and Massey Ferguson® are worldwide brands of AGCO Corporation.
4205 River Green Parkway, Duluth, GA 30096-2563 USA
Telephone: 770-813-9200 http://www.agcoiron.com/


Staehly Tree Farm was started in 1985 as a choose and cut Christmas tree farm in East Haddam. The farm was originally owned by the Diamond Family and dates back to the 1700s.
In 2014 Staehly Tree Farm added on a winery, with a primary focus on high-quality fruit (non-grape) wines.
The farm has grown and expanded since then with the addition of a 20-acre parcel in 2016 (Protz Family Farm) that has been planted as a pick your own and cider apple orchard.
Our original orchards date back to the 1950s when Emil Staehly came to East Haddam from Colchester. A long-time sweet cider producer, his knowledge was passed to his son and grandson who both started Staehly Farm Winery
Kevin Staehly, a graduate of the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, was spoiled with delicious ciders from across the Northwest and, returning home, saw an opportunity in recapturing his grandfather's trade and the heritage of the area in a New England style hard cider.
The future is looking bright for Yankee Cider Company and Staehly Farm & Winery!
Our pick you own apple and cider apple orchard should be producing by 2023, but in the meantime our original orchard provides plenty of fruit for producing our ciders.
Renovations to the original barn at Protz Family Farm on Petticoat Lane, East Haddam, was completed in August 2019 and is the present home of Yankee Cider Co., Connecticut's first farm cidery tap room.


Quick birds in low light June 6, 2014, was a cloudy day here in Ritto City. Photographing young swallows in the car port in poor light was a challenge. It was sunny when I previously photographed them on June 2nd (Young Swallows Feeding). Here are some of the photos in a small gallery. This time […]
Five Young Swallows In mid-April I reported on swallows building a nest in my car port. After six weeks, five voracious young swallows are growing in the nest. Video On June 2, 2014, I made a short video and took some photos of the young swallows. I tried to capture feeding scenes as the adults […]
The barley fields here in Ritto have turned from green to golden brown. It seems a little early this year, but we have had mid-summer temperatures of over 30 degrees. It is only the end of May, but outdoors and indoors it feels like the end of July.
http://youtu.be/WIphWd3AQzY Cormorants, egrets, and herons actively feed on fish in Yasugawa near Shinjo-cho, Moriyama, Shiga, Japan. This area, just downstream from where Shiga Prefectural Route 48 crosses the river, teems with life. It is not yet “developed” for ground golf or other recreational activities, although many people walk nearby. In late spring and summer quite […]
http://youtu.be/zGh_d2CyX88 Egrets feast on earthworms as a farmer cultivates a flooded field in preparation for rice planting. At the end of April local farmers prepare for rice planting by flooding the fields and cultivating the soil. Rice seedlings are planted in early May. I have seen this preparation and planting many times over the years, […]


- Piece/Pieces Piece/Pieces Piece/Pieces
- Grading machine
- 1 T/hr
- 5 Horsepower (HP)
- PLC Control
- 2700X3750X2100 Millimeter (mm)
- Galvanized Steel
- 1 year
We offer an exclusive range ofGrain Pre-Cleaner, made available in a varied range of models as per the capacity, power, and aspiration requirements.
- Corrosion resistance
- Easy to use
- Low maintenance
* Paddy cleaner is used for cleaning the free flowing granular material like Rice, Wheat, Barley, Maize etc.
* Paddy is fed into the hopper where material is evenly distributed by feed roller and drop through the controlled valve on the top sieve and after falling the material on top screen paddy is subjected to aspiration which drains off chaff, straw, deceased/ waist grains, dustor other foreign particles.
* In the Paddy Cleaner the under size is collected in bags through self cleaning spouts.
- DIMENSION: 2700X3750X2100 mm
- POWER: 5(Blower)+2 HP MAIN MOTOR =7 HP (415 V )
- FAN SIZE:-2.5X 7 FIT.
- CAPACITY: 1 to 3 tph
- 5 Per Month
- All India


SOYBEAN SERIES - SF2
Flexible platform specially designed for soybean harvesting that allows a perfect float over any type of ground.
Net cutting widths: 3.75 m (12.5 ft), 4.42 m (14.5 ft) or 5.35 m (17.6 ft).
The platform can be mounted on any combine brand or model just by replacing the attachment to the conveyor channel.
The SF2 platform features sensors that automatically control the cutterbar float during the operation, thus allowing to maintain a constant minimum cut height (25 mm – 1”) all across the bar.
Large feeding screw (610 mm – 24”) features retractile fingers all across the bar, this guarantees a regular feeding flow.
Long divider points can separate the most tangled beans. Supplied with quick-release hooks, they are easily folded for transportation.
Reel drive is powered by an hydraulic system independent from that of the combine. This allows the operator to simply regulate the reel RPM directly from the driving seat.
Optional: to harvest grain, barley or other products, the platform’s flexibility device can be blocked for rigid operation and the divider points can be replaced with shorter ones specific for the type of product to be harvested.


In recent times, agriculture and technology have advanced rapidly. The way farmers used to work has and will continue to change tremendously.
Modern or smart agriculture as we call it, is driven by continuous advancements in digitals tools and data by collaborating with farmers and researchers across both the public and private sector.
From being able to produce food grain using proper irrigation, chemical fertilizers to making use of tractors followed by harvesting equipments and air seeding technology – it all leads to improved quality of food and fiber and enables farmers to utilize scientific data and technology to improve crop yields and keep themselves up-to-date with cutting edge methods of farming. Modern agriculture is going far beyond one’s expectation, providing us with only the best, making the life of our farmers easier and their business more profitable.
Barthelemy Advisors help you to meet these challenges and to map them so that you will come up with the right solutions, in time and within your budget.


Описание на русском языке
Мод оживляет фермеров в игре Кенши — теперь фермеры фактически работают на ферме, поливают и собирают урожай, используют колодец для получения воды, реагируют на хищников и т.д.
Description in English
Slight overhaul of how Holy Farms work in order to hopefully lessen River Raptor aggression towards player farms. By giving them another target that actually fights back.
The farmers now actually work the farm, watering and harvesting crops, using the well to get water, etc. They will usually «pretend» work if there is no work available for them, but as soon as some becomes available they should go do it instead.All that has been fixed in vanilla now.
Farmers now also react to Raptors eating their crops, their responses vary based on personality and some random chance. Some attack, some flee, etc. But all sound the alarm, which brings me to the thrid change…
There are now guards garrisoned in the farms. They wander around, stand in front of doors, the usual. They will respond to the alarm being sounded, and will attack any raptors they see eating crops or fighting with a farmer.
Requires an import or new game to function.
Steam ID: 909774705.


Are you tired of using mediocre garden knives that just don’t cut it? Look no further than the hori hori knife!
This versatile tool has been a favorite among gardeners for its ability to dig, slice, and weed with ease. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes a great hori hori knife and share our top picks for the best ones out there. Get ready to upgrade your gardening game!
Top 10 Best Hori Hori Garden Knife in 2023
- QUALITY: Made in Japan with the finest stainless steel.
- EASY MEASUREMENT: Inch markings on the blade will ensure your plants and bulbs are planted at just the right depth.
- MULTI-USE: Both serrated and straight edge blades, and is a fantastic gardening, landscaping, and camping tool.
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Heavy duty hori knife and hand tool ideal for a variety of gardening tasks like weeding, planting, splitting, transplanting, and more to encourage overall plant health and appearance
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Dual-edged knife with precision-ground edge designed for multi-purpose cutting; Serrated blade edge for sawing through thick growth; Forked tip for efficient weeding; Easy-to-read measurements help determine plant depth; SoftGrip handle boosts comfort and reduces fatigue
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade stays sharp through heavy use and provides excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars garden hand tools are built to last
- Wonderfully Versatile: Hori Hori garden knife for every job in the garden, use it for digging, transplanting, sawing, cutting, removing, dividing, and even measuring soil depth for planting.
- Multifunction Blade: Features a sharp edge for slicing and a serrated edge for cutting tough roots. The curved blade and depth measurement in inches make planting a breeze. The cord-cutting edge also acts as a bottle opener. With so many uses, this knife is a good pick for a range of outdoor activities, including gardening, fishing, and camping.
- Premium Material: Full length 12.1 inches, 7 inches blade. Made of high-grade stainless steel with rust-proof blades that extend into a full tang for superb strength. The garden knife is sturdy and will hold up under intense work.
- 【Quality Selection of Materials】Japanese garden knife has wear-resistant and sharp characteristics,Using 8cr14mov steel,Composite material fused to the handle,4 sets of rivets to hold the handle and blade together,Gardening knife handle non-slip beaded natural surface,Will not deform or crack or wear,can be used in any environment.
- 【Multi-purpose design】Japanese gardening knife with Knife edge+serration two types of cutting,Help you cut thick and thin roots spreading underground faster,Get your plants out of the soil quickly,Remove shallow fibrous weeds,Cut off mulch bags and protect your hands.
- 【Well-Made】 Hori-Hori gardening knife Delivering quality performance,Whether used in hard clay soils or in the messy soil containing gravel in BBG quarries,Garden knifes of the blades remain sharp with no signs of deformation and break quickly and recover from the surrounding soil for young saplings.
- High Polished 440 Stainless Steel Blade - The blade made from High polished 440 Stainless Steel is rust-proof, break-resistant and durable.
- Measure Soil with Ease - The blade has a straight edge and a serrated edge, making it easy to saw through tough roots. Easily cuts into soil, with a depth scale marked on one side, so you know exactly how deep you're digging.
- Ergonomic And Durable Handle - Long-lasting full tang handle kept in place by 3 metal rivets. The handle made with a 5-inch sturdy hardwood fits well in your hands. And it allows you to maintain a firm grip even for long hours of use.
- Double-Edged Blade: The stainless steel 7" blade increases the overall strength and reliability of the WORKPRO hori-hori knife. Make sure the blade will stay intact when used for heavy gardening tasks. This soil blade has two distinct edges, one side is sharp and serrated, better suited for cutting large roots, wood, and more. On the other side is a sharp blade that easily cuts through vegetables, ropes, twigs, and more.
- 6” Measuring Tool: Large, easy-to-read markings and graduations in inches & millimeters on the blade help you effectively measure out soil when replanting your favorite seedlings or cuttings at the proper depth.
- Comfortable Handle: The handle of this hori hori garden knife is made of TRP, ergonomic grip design, comfortable and non-slip. The top of the handle is designed with a hole, which can be hung for easy storage.
- PREMIUM QUALITY & DESIGN. Take your gardening skills to the next level with Black Iron's Hori-Hori Garden Knife. It features a beveled edge for slicing and a serrated edge for cutting through tough roots, and a sturdy ergonomic handle for better grip and ease of use.
- DURABLE & MULTIPURPOSE. Accomplish a wide variety of gardening tasks such as cutting, digging, weeding, pruning, and planting bulbs easily with this powerful gardening tool. It features a 7 inch blade and is made of 100% stainless steel that is rust-resistant and and helps tackle the toughest garden jobs
- MEASURE SOIL WITH EASE with this gardening knife's easy to read depth measurements in both millimeters and inches, making planting seeds and bulbs a breeze.
- MULTIPURPOSE - Use it for digging, cutting, harvesting, pruning, landscaping, weeding, slicing, planting and more
- RELIABILITY - Gardening knife is made from high quality stainless steel with rust-proof blade which extends into a stable, long-lasting full tang handle kept in place by 3 metal rivets
- SAFETY - Hori Hori garden tool has a protective handguard to prevent hand slippage while in use
- SERRATED, MULTI-PURPOSE GARDEN TOOL for digging, cutting & transplanting
- HARDENED STAINLESS STEEL for added strength, durability and rust resistance
- ANTI-BLISTER COMFORTGEL GRIP for lasting comfort and reduced fatigue
- Stainless Steel: Our garden knife features a durable 4CR13 stainless steel double-edged blade with both straight and serrated edges, securely fastened through the tang for an optimum strength weeding tool
- Versatile Garden Tools: The ambidextrous use of walnut handle gardening hand tools with a flat pommel base are designed for left and right-handed users. The Hori Hori Ultimate handle features a smooth, comfortable grip
- Advanced Yard Tools: Our concave blade has been designed with 1-inch markings to enhance your user experience and make measuring a breeze. The precise markings make the perfect weed-puller tool
The Hori Hori garden knife is an incredibly versatile tool that can be used for a variety of gardening tasks. From weeding, to transplanting, to cutting through roots and stems, the Hori Hori will become your go-to tool when tackling any outdoor project.
With so many different types of blades available on the market today, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase in order to find the right one for you.
We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision when selecting the best hori hori garden knife for your needs.
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Learn about Pollinator Conservation with Susan Chan and enjoy a great dinner after a day on the Carden Alvar.
Susan Chan manages the Native Pollinator Program at Farms at Work, which promotes sustainable farming in central Ontario. She holds degrees in agriculture, environmental biology, and education and is dedicated to integrating principles of environmental sustainability and respect for the natural world into the fields of agriculture and education. She teaches in the sustainable agriculture programs at Fleming college and Trent University. Susan is also a beekeeper and is an executive member of the Central Ontario Beekeepers Association. She is the author of A Landowner’s Guide to Pollination and Pollinators in Ontario, to be published by the Peterborough Stewardship Council. Her previous Carden festival event on pollinators fascinated and delighted participants.
Get ready for a delicious dinner after a day on the Carden Alvar…you have the option of roast beef, potatoes and salad OR vegetarian lasagna. We’ll have a assortment of goodies as well as Kawartha Dairy ice cream for dessert.


CS+CPSC students build skills inside and outside the classroom. You’ll be among the first to analyze robotics-enabled soil and field measurements, predict weather and climate impacts on food supplies, and accelerate plant improvement through the simultaneous analysis of genetics, environment, and management.
- Develop deep knowledge and essential skills to thrive in groups of all kinds
- Address everyday and grand challenges in whatever path you pursue
- You’ll be at the forefront of research and innovation
- Fill a crucial gap in the agriculture sector
Department: Crop Sciences
Make an Impact
Combine a strong technical background with crop sciences expertise powerful enough to change the world.Earn your degree in a supportive environment where you’ll receive the personalized attention that nurtures big dreams… for big impact.


VILMORIN & CIE : SALES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
来源: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 08 十一月 2016 11:40:44 America/New_York
STRONG GROWTH IN SALES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2016-2017: 232 MILLION EUROS (+11.3% ON A LIKE-FOR-LIKE BASIS)
CONFIRMATION OF OBJECTIVES FOR 2016-2017
Vilmorin & Cie's consolidated sales for the first quarter of 2016-2017, closing on September 30, 2016, corresponding to revenue from ordinary activities, stood at 232 million Euros, an increase of 10.6% with current data and 11.3% on a like-for-like basis, after restatement for currency translation and scope.
In millions of Euros 2015-2016 2016-2017 Variation
with current data
on a like-for-like basis
Sales at the end of the first quarter 209.8 232.0 +10.6% +11.3% Vegetable seeds 122.1 138.2 +13.3% +12.3% Field seeds 79.4 85.4 +7.5% +11.0% Garden products and holdings 8.3 8.3 +0.2% +0.7%
Consolidated financial information is established in compliance with the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) reference, as adopted by the European Union on September 30, 2016.
The activity of the company Genica Research (United States, Vegetable seeds), acquired in February 2016, has not been restated for the impact of scope for fiscal year 2016-2017, since the American activities of the company have been integrated into HM.CLAUSE and its European activities into Vilmorin-MKS, both Vegetable seeds Business Units.
AN EXTREMELY DYNAMIC FIRST QUARTER for 2016-2017, WITH STRONG PROGRESSION BOTH FOR THE VEGETABLE SEEDS AND FIELD SEEDS ACTIVITIEs
VEGETABLE SEEDS DIVISION:
AN EXCELLENT FIRST QUARTER, FOLLOWING ON FROM THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR
Sales for the Vegetable seeds division came to 138.2 million Euros, an increase of 13.3% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Restated for the impact of currency translation, this increase was 12.3%.
During the course of the first quarter, the Vegetable seeds division once again accomplished a commercial performance of the highest quality. Growth in business, the level of which is promising for the three Business Units: HM.CLAUSE, Hazera and Vilmorin-MKS, was achieved in all the geographical zones. The progression was particularly marked in certain key territories, especially in North America and Latin America. Asia also posted a very significant increase in business, with sustained development in China, in particular for carrot, and in India.
At the beginning of this fiscal year, all the strategic crops progressed well, with remarkable performances for carrot, tomato, watermelon, pepper and bean in particular.
The Vegetable seeds activity gained more market shares, fully benefitting from the global dynamic market.
FIELD SEEDS DIVISION:
A HIGH QUALITY START TO THE FISCAL YEAR, DRIVEN BY A VERY GOOD performance IN SOUTH AMERICA
Sales for the Field seeds division for the first quarter came to 85.4 million Euros up 7.5% with current data and 11% on a like-for like basis.
In Europe, the commercial campaign for rapeseed this year resulted in an important surge in business, benefitting from a positive market trend, as hybrid seeds continued to be adopted. This progression was particularly marked in Central Europe and Germany, where market share gains were significant. Vilmorin & Cie is thus confirming its position as a top-rate European player.
The first part of the commercial campaign for straw cereals seeds (wheat and barley) showed a sharp drop in sales, in a market affected by the reduction in the use of certified seeds, particularly in France, and in spite of the fine performances in certain Central European countries.
As for the previous fiscal year, sales of forage seeds and amenity grasses slipped. Sales for this product line that completes the commercial line-up in Europe, fell back particularly in France in a difficult environment for agricultural markets.
In South America, the first corn campaign in Brazil (safra) posted very strong progression, both in volume and in value, in a context of significant increases in cultivated acreage for this crop. Order books for the second corn campaign (safrinha) are also looking good.
For the coming commercial spring campaign, procurement of corn seeds is nearly complete, both in Europe and North America, and according to the latest estimates, is globally in line with production plans objectives.
OUTLOOK FOR 2016-2017: CONFIRMATION OF OBJECTIVEs FOR DYNAMIC BUSINESS GROWTH AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE CURRENT OPERATING MARGIN
Sales for the first quarter in recent years have represented on average almost 15% of sales for the year.
Fiscal year 2016-2017 should continue to be affected by the temporary pressure on agricultural prices, and marked by the consolidation operations currently taking place in the agrochemicals sector.
In this context, and on the basis of business figures at the end of this first quarter, Vilmorin & Cie can confirm its objectives in terms of sales and current operating margin for fiscal year 2016-2017. These objectives correspond to an increase in consolidated sales of 5% on a like-for-like basis, and a current operating margin rate at the same level as in 2015-2016, including gross research investment of more than 240 million Euros.
PREPARATION OF THE JOINT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016
The preparatory documents for the Joint Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 9, 2016 can be consulted in French on the company's website (www.vilmorin.info, section "Publications", then "Information réglementée", type "Assemblée Générale - documents préparatoires et de suivi 2016") or requested from the Corporate Finance Department.
You can consult the presentation of sales at the end of the first quarter 2016-2017 on the website www.vilmorin.info, on the home page.
COMING DISCLOSURES AND EVENTS:
Friday November 18 and Saturday November 19, 2016: Actionaria Fair in Paris
Friday December 9, 2016: Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in Paris
Tuesday December 13, 2016: detachment of the dividends
Thursday December 15, 2016: payment of the dividends
Wednesday February 15, 2017(1): sales and results for the first semester
Tuesday April 25, 2017(1): sales at the end of the third quarter
Monday July 31, 2017(1): sales for the fiscal year
Wednesday October 18, 2017(1): results for the fiscal year
(1) Disclosure after trading on the Paris stock market.
FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION:
Chief Financial Officer
Head of Financial Communication and Investor Relations
Financial Communication Officer and Individual Shareholder Relations
Tel: + 33 (0)4 73 63 44 85
Vilmorin & Cie, the 4th largest seed company in the world, develops vegetable and field seeds with high added value, contributing to meeting global food requirements.
Accompanied by its reference shareholder Limagrain, an international agricultural cooperative group, Vilmorin & Cie's strategy for growth relies on sustained investments in research and international development to durably strengthen its market shares on promising world markets.
True to its vision of sustainable development, Vilmorin & Cie ensures its achievements fully respect its three founding values: progress, at the heart of its beliefs and its mission, perseverance, inherent to farming and the seeds business, and cooperation, in the fields of science, industry and commerce.
For further information: www.vilmorin.infoThis announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: VILMORIN & CIE via Globenewswire


- …lemongrass can be replaced by lemon peel and a pinch of freshly ground ginger?
- …lemongrass as a spice is used in Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Indian cooking, where it is added to soups, poached fish and poultry dishes?
- …lemongrass goes well with coconut and coriander?
- …lemongrass strengthen the organism, is effective against headache and has antiseptic and anti-rheumatic properties?
- …lemongrass repels insects, especially mosquitoes?
- …in 2006 a research team at the University of Israel discovered that ingesting lemongrass triggers programmed suicide in cancer cells?
- …lemongrass is an ingredient in many tea blends, essential oils and bath salts?
- …lemongrass as a spice consists of fresh or dried, whole or ground stems of the Cymbopogon citratesplant?
Hot and sour prawn soup
1 200 ml chicken broth
4 tablespoons fresh chopped coriander leaves
1 fresh, hot, green chili pepper
3 stalks lemongrass
lemon or lime peel
2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
500 g frozen prawns
chopped onion leaves and coriander leaves for garnish, salt
Clean and chop chili pepper, chop lemongrass stalks into 2.5 cm long pieces, and in a pot, mix all ingredients except prawns. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, so that all the flavors combine. Strain and set aside solids. Add thawed prawns to liquid, boil 2 minutes, to heat prawns thoroughly. Finished soup is poured into soup bowls, and garnished with chopped onion leaves and coriander.
Lemongrass comes from Southeast Asia and was known in ancient Egypt over three thousand years ago. Besides Asia, lemongrass is currently cultivated in Africa, south America, Australia, Florida and California. Lemongrass is also easy to grow at home. A broken-off stalk easily takes root in a glass of water. As soon as roots appear, the stalk must be planted in a large pot, because it will soon expand. The lower stems and young shoots are used in cooking and add a pleasant, bracing but fleeting aromatic taste to many Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian dishes. Lemongrass may also be used dried or ground, but in Europe it can even be purchased fresh under the name seréh.


What is Floral Soil Solutions?
What are their goals and hopes for the future of their products?
How does this change the playing field for floral foam and organic floral products for the future?
We had the pleasure to attend the Floral Soil Solutions Webinar December 9th with the CEO/Founder Mikey Blake and moderated by Outdoor Living Expert, Debra Prinzing. It was great to be invited to see where this product is going and what their future plans are for the floral industry and organic, natural products. Floral Soil Solution is the new kid on the block that is developing 100% natural plant based floral soil, hard foam and containers. This is not the first time that someone has brought a product such as this to the industry but this is the first time it’s near perfect.
100% Plant Based
USDA Certified Organic & Biobased
Able to Propagate Seed and Plant
Safe enough to eat
Design for the next life first
Restorative after disposal
Circular Life Cycle
What That All Means
Nontoxic – Human, Environmental and Global recognized to only contain plant products.
100% Plant Based – Created out of coconut husk and renewable plant extracts
USDA Certified Organic and Biobased – 100% Naturally based, Meets all EPA requirements
100% Traceable – You can follow the life the produce from start to finish to start again with a Circular Life Cycle or a IERE Life Cycle Assessment from start of product extraction to recycling and waste management.
Propragatable – Seeds and plants can be planted into the product and grow from it.
Natural Dry Flower Foam – To create silk, artificial and permanent botanical arrangements. Mickey and her team are working on this product to be 100% naturally based and on the same lines of their new floral soil.
Our Final Thoughts
Competition – In a part of the industry that has a strong floral foam oligopoly, it’s refreshing to see a new kid on the block bring something new to the stage of floral containers and foam. I will always use Smithers-Oasis and Chrysal because they have other great products but as the world is always looking for the next best thing I think it’s time for this new floral soil to come into the industry and impress us.
Organic and Biobased – Knowing florists that have respiratory issues and other major health issues, the use of Black Carbons, Barium Sulfates, and Formaldehyde on any level used in floral foams makes us weary. Not only does it give the industry a healthier option, it also pushes the other floral industry providers to up their game in make our industry cleaner and healthier.
What’s Not to Love – Floral Soil Solutions has a Design Competition running right now to showcase you the designers and to let the industry not just experience this new product but also play with it to help them find what you the designer think needs to be changed or adjusted. We can’t wait to get our paws on some here at floral today to see what it’s like! This product can also be used in the industry for more than just designing, so you can try planting in them to see how your willow or seeds grow.So what do you think of this new soil? You can always check out the Floral Soil Solutions website to see floral designs and a ton more information on what this interesting company is up to. We look forward to trying the soil out and are intrigued by their under-development containers. Are you looking forward to what Floral Soil Solutions is doing? Till Next Time,


OUR IMPORT PRODUCTS
We also import fruits and vegetables that are not readily locally available. In this respect, we have identified reliable suppliers in Ecuador, Philippines, South Africa, Egypt, USA, Chile and Peru who produce high-quality Grapes, Oranges, Fresh Black Grapes, Fresh Kiwi and Apples. Extra care is taken right from planting, harvesting, storage and shipping to ensure that all our customers in Kenya get the freshest produce.
We are always ready to help our customers with both quality produce and service. No request by our loyal customers will be turned down – regardless of the urgency we are here to satisfy. Our exceptional business model provides our customers with the finest quality products and the best in customer service. We are dedicated to your satisfaction. Special orders are available to meet your urgent or unique requests.
Grape is one of our main products which we have available all year from different countries. We import grapes depend on the season mainly from USA, South Africa. We import many different varieties including Red Glob, Autumn Royal, and Crimson, Black and White.
The Company also offers high-quality Fresh Orange. The variety of Fresh Orange made available by us can be consumed as a juice or be used for its juice. We offer Fresh Orange at the best prices in the market.
FRESH BLACK GRAPES
We are one of the reputed Fresh Black Grapes Suppliers & Importers in Kenya. Black Grape is one of the popular varieties of Grapes all over the world. Ripe Black Grapes have a very sweet and lingering taste. They are extremely delicious in flavour and we are capable of meeting the bulk requirements of Fresh Black Grapes at the market leading prices.
We are importers and suppliers of quality Kiwi fruit in Kenya. Kiwis are small fruits that pack a lot of flavour and plenty of health benefits. Their green flesh is sweet and tangy. It's also full of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium. They also have a lot of antioxidants and are a good source of fibre.
Our Company is one of Kenya’s leading fresh apple importer and distributor, since inception in the year 2011; we have constantly strived to deliver fresh & quality apple produce from farm to table. We have a network of importers, packers, distributors, agents & merchants to ensure that a wide variety of fresh produce is available all year round to all our customers within East Africa and beyond.


A properly designed and professionally installed sprinkler system is a great way to keep your yard maintained. With our sprinkler system design and installation services, you'll know your yard is getting the proper amount of water it needs to stay green and healthy, without excessive watering.
Maintenance and Repairs
A broken sprinkler system not only destroys the appearance of your property, it also wastes the money spent on an unreasonably high water bill. Our experts can provide you with the regular sprinkler maintenance and repairs your system needs to function properly and provide your property with the right amount of water.


School Garden Program
School gardens have an impact on students, without a doubt. Studies have shown that students who participate in school gardens score higher across all subject areas. Students show an increase in their self-esteem, sense of responsibility and ability to work with groups. Finally, garden program participants have a more positive attitude toward vegetables and an increase in their willingness to try them and make better food choices.
Want to see this kind of impact at your school? Smart Sprout can help, from creating a physical design for your garden and recommending plant choices to supplying the curriculum. We offer consulting for those just beginning to plan their program to help you make smarter choices right from the beginning.
Contact us about our school garden program services:
- School garden design
- Program consulting and sustainability measures
- Garden curriculum
- Program extension activities and tips
- Program assessment procedures
- Coaching for teachers on curriculum integration of gardens
- Training for volunteers on safety, maintenance and class assistance


Did you know that Lancaster County is home toÂ 425,336 acres of farmland spread out overÂ 5,462 farms? According to the Lancaster Farmland Trust, “Lancaster Countyâ€™s farmland and the industry it supports provide more than 51,000 jobs and contribute more than $4 billion to our local economy each year.”
On June 3, 2017, the Trust will host the Pedal to Preserve, a bike ride to raise money in support of the Trust’s conservation work. The event included three marked routes allowing participants to choose between 6, 20, and 51 mile rides through Lancaster County’s pastoral countryside.
The Trust was established in 1985 and its mission is to “preserve and steward the beautiful, productive farmland of Lancaster County that reflects our heritage, supports our economy, protects our environment, nourishes our health, and enhances our quality of life.” The Trust website explains that:
Land conservation offers many benefits to the community, including attracting jobs, enhancing property values, safeguarding a valuable way of life for future generations, ensuring an adequate, fresh food supply, and protecting the quality of the environment.
To learn more about preserving Lancaster County’s farmland, and to sign up for this years, Pedal to Preserve, visit the Trust’s website here.


SHENANDOAH VALLEY ORGANIC
Founded in 2014
Corwin Heatwole, Founder and CEO
Shenandoah Valley Organic is a branded and private label organic meat company that prides itself on treating farmers with dignity and respect, as well as having the highest standards for raising animals. Each of their animals are humanely raised on an organic diet free from animal byproducts and antibiotics, and each of their packaged products can be traced back to the farm where that animal was raised.
Shenandoah Valley Organic’s Farmer Focus business model allows farmers to be true partners: receiving fair compensation for their hard work and having the freedom to make decisions for their own businesses. Contracted farmers own their own chickens, funding the chick placement and feed for the entire life-cycle of each flock before selling the chickens to Shenandoah Valley Organic at a premium price-per-pound. Shenandoah Valley Organic then uses the purchasing volume of its group of farmers to negotiate feed and chick prices. This allows their business model to function efficiently while verifying traceability for chick and feed sourcing from consolidated contractors, and preserves the integrity of generational family farms by ensuring they are sustainable and profitable for the next generation.
Our investment in Shenandoah Valley Organic was driven by their Farmer Focus model for meat production. Through their deep commitment to farmers, animals, and environmental stewardship, Shenandoah Valley Organic produces high-quality, clean label, organic products, providing a healthy source of nutrition through the most humane, clean, and safe processes possible, all while providing greater economics to the farmer and protecting generational family farms.


Zucchini is one of those things you love to see in your garden and at the stands, but after a few weeks you become over whelmed with how many you are seeing. Here is another great idea on how to use the green or the yellow zucchini that you and your family will love.
Here on the farm fresh green beans are the only kind my son will eat. He hates every other kind of green bean. Now you add bacon to anything and it tastes amazing, but to fresh green beans that is a whole new level of love.