soil health

A new USDA survey says cover crops are more popular than first thought.  Growers who responded to the survey say they’re using cover crops on 40% of their cropland in 2022.  Successful Farming says that hints at a sizable increase from the 15.4 million acres of cover ...

A new report from Farm Journal shows farmer perspectives and concerns on pathways and barriers to participating in carbon markets.  A majority of farmers surveyed revealed significant concerns about overcoming technical and financial roadblocks to having success in the carbon markets.  Produce...

Biome Makers, a global ag tech leader in soil health analysis, recently received a $1.6 million grant from the European Union, to help answer the need for strong solutions around soil biology in agriculture.  The EU recognizes the importance of BeCrop, the company’s soil intelligence technology, and the environmental and socioeconomic impact it has on farmers.  The grant wil...

Soil compaction is an important topic to consider after the rush of the fall harvest.  Grayson Catania with Case IH, said soil compaction is a leading cause of crop yield reduction.   “Compacted soil really acts like a brick underneath the surface of your fields.  It's likely going ...

The Department of Agriculture plans to invest $8 million to support and expand carbon monitoring in soils.  The investment also supports the assessment of how climate-smart practices affect carbon sequestration.  The investment is part of USDA's efforts to build out a national soil carbon monitoring network, which was kicked off with soil carbon monitoring on Conservation Reserve Program acres in

Researchers at the University of Idaho’s are working with a Kirkland, WA-based company to develop a robot that can weed farmland.  Jae Hyeon Ryu, an associate professor with U of I’s Department of Soil and Water Systems, said the robot was conceptualized to help farmers combat a dwindling workforce of humans.   "Farmers are...

The University of Idaho's CAFE project took a big step forward this week.  On Tuesday, the Idaho Board of Land Commissioners approved the U of I’s request to purchase land central to the school’s Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment.   In Nove...

Broadband, soil health, and rail service are all topics before the House Ag Committee this week as the House returns from summer recess.  Broadband and soil health practices are before the full Ag panel, while rail service is in front of a pair of House subcommittees, though broadband, part of the Farm Bill, is probably the highest-profile of the three issues.  Congres...

Many wheat growers enjoyed a strong 2022.  Dan Pehan says it's a good idea to use some of those profits to improve the farm and operation for years to come.   Pacific Northwest Ag Network: Soil Health With Monty's: Investing In Your Future on Apple Podcasts   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

As we focus on your Soil Health, Dan Pehan talks about post harvest residue management and how Monty's can help growers wrap up 2022 and start 2023 in the right direction.   Pacific Northwest Ag Network: Soil Health: Post Harvest Residue Management on Apple Podcasts   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...