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  1. jack

    How does no-till farming work exactly?

    It makes sense when you explain it in this way, and I think that the idea here is to minimize soil disturbance so that more water gets infiltrated. There are other benefits like soil retention in organic matter and nutrient cycling, among others.
  2. jack

    Farmers' role in the Paris agreement

    I don't see how large-scale farmers can adopt the no-till method. It suits smaller farms on sloping terrains. I understand that the Paris agreement targets to reduce carbon emissions. In this case, it will be hard to have measures that cut across all countries, regardless of industrialization...
  3. jack

    Common farming myths

    Have you come across articles claiming chemicals are the biggest threat to food safety? However, meat or produce can get contaminated by harmful bacteria like listeria or salmonella, parasites, or viruses. Biological contaminants are a more common food safety issue. What else do you find debatable?
  4. jack

    How does no-till farming work exactly?

    No-till farming, direct tilling, or zero tillage all refer to the same thing. This agricultural technique involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage. In most cases, it applies to sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain.
  5. jack

    Take risk or play it safe?

    As farmers, we are always playing it safe year in, year out. We may not notice it, but every farmer targets a crop with potentially high returns. You can go with what you anticipate will be in short supply soon.
  6. jack

    Growing mushrooms

    I believe that starting small can help. Get as much information about mushroom farming as you can, study the market, and prepare cost estimates. I agree with @The Rutherford Family about growing them indoors.
  7. jack

    Average age of farmers

    Some publications put the figure at 34, whereas others report it as 60. I believe that more young people are getting into farming, and we also have experienced large-scale farmers. Should we first agree on who a farmer is? Can those who work on other people's farms for wages be part of this...
  8. jack

    Best milk goats

    You have to consider factors like milk fat content, temperament, and so on, apart from average milk production. Nigerian dwarf, Saanen, LaMancha, or Nubian are some of the recommended breeds.
  9. jack

    Vaccine priority for ag workers?

    Is it only me or, the COVID-19 vaccine hype has slowed down a bit this year? When the companies announced the vaccine trials, every person was excited and looking forward to the roll-outs. Now almost everyone is unsure about the mechanisms to be used!
  10. jack

    How many fish in a 1-acre pond?

    For a warm-water pond, you can stock 1,000 to 1,500 bluegills, 50 to 200 catfish, and 50 to 100 bass per acre. I agree with @Urban Homestead that you should start small and advance gradually.
  11. jack

    Long-term investment

    I am appalled about these statistics, which can discourage any new person from venturing further. Farming ought to be profitable and economically sustainable. However, there are many things that farmers contend with, including the hidden costs of intensive agriculture.
  12. jack

    Making money from a small farm

    What is your definition of a small farm? I define it as anything less or equal to 1-acre. I have thought of breeding tilapia or other fish, raising worms to sell as bait, growing medicinal mushrooms or gourmet, or renting it for gatherings or meetings. Which option is most sustainable?
  13. jack

    Rainwater storage systems

    How do you store rainwater? Storage on free standing plastic tanks requires no excavation and can work on any topography. When should a farmer choose an underground storage system? Above ground tanks can get damaged by animals and are bulky.
  14. jack

    Equipment mechanic

    If you have some experience, you can let him work under your supervision. Alternatively, if a more experienced mechanic is available, he can work under them. You may eventually end up hiring him and get a valuable addition to the farm.
  15. jack

    Renting land

    Purchasing land is more expensive than renting, but it depends on what you want to achieve. If you buy land, it may take you time to recoup the initial investment. Renting is cheaper and has a faster rate of return.
  16. jack

    Peeling a boiled egg

    I use this method, but at times, the shells don't come off quickly. For how long should you boil eggs, and how for how many minutes should they remain in cold water?
  17. jack

    Power washing

    When winter is around the corner, we give priority to structures that house livestock. We check for rusty or broken equipment and either clean, repair, or get rid of them. A review of the roof will involve checking for leaks and also cleaning out the gutters.
  18. jack

    Anything better than Muck?

    I also like Muck boots, but as you say, they could outgrow them in a year. Cheaper alternatives include Grubs Waterproof Boots, Dunlop Wellies, Dress and Style Rubber Boots, and Kamik Hunter Boots.
  19. jack

    Farming as a lucrative business

    Labor is not an expense to overlook, as it can make or break your operation. The system that a farmer goes for should be flexible and efficient. Overall, this cost depends on the experience of the farmer and the sales method in use.
  20. jack

    Laws and regulations

    Do you stay updated regarding the laws and regulations that apply to your farming activities? These change from time to time, so it helps to check with your State and EPA regional office regularly. Do you think getting legal consultation in such matters helps?
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