Farms Branching Out: Agroforestry Exchange

Mar 04, 2024

Those in attendance took part in a lively discussion about different approaches for land management and possible solutions for the many barriers that farmers and landowners face. Feedback from participants about the most interesting Agroforestry topics will be used to structure future agroforestry events in the area.

Olivia Kingery, farmer and owner of Pileated Farms in Chatham, MI had the following to say after attending the event: “Agroforestry is the future not just of agriculture, but of living in coexistence with our surrounding environment. It’s important for all generations to slow down to learn more about the practices we need to implement to save the earth.”

This Exchange was the first for the Michigan team of researchers and Extension professionals who have recently been funded by the USDA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help support the implementation of agroforestry practices by small and medium-sized farms. With partners in both Ohio and Wisconsin, the team expects to have more events just like this one across the region. If you are interested in participating in future events, or to host an Agroforestry Exchange on your farm, contact Project Manager, Amanda Curton, at curtonam@msu.edu.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.