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If you’re wondering how to improve the efficiency of your farm, there are some simple things you can do to help your business grow. There are some key strategies that you should implement to be more organized and increase efficiency in your business. Whether you're looking for small farm management software or large scale, here are some key tips for successful farm management: Farm Management Tips and Tricks for Running a Successful Farm Operation Farm management is the operational aspect of farming. It includes strategic planning and the implementation of decisions about resource usage on your farm. Let's run down the list of things to do today to improve. Identify your goals Good farm management starts with identifying your goals. When setting goals, be ambitious but realistic — this isn't an excuse to set yourself up for failure! If your goal is unrealistic, it is less likely to be achieved, and that is the opposite of motivating. It’s always important to define the problem before starting on a solution. You should also ask yourself: What does success look like? In what ways will this change my life and my farm/business? A good model to follow when setting goals is the SMART method. This means that your goals should be: Specific - Your goal should define the what and why of your desired outcome. Measurable - Your goal will only be meaningful if it can be measured, so make sure you have a way to measure progress toward reaching that goal. Achievable - Your goal should be achievable within a reasonable amount of time. Realistic - Asking yourself whether something is possible helps ensure that it's also reasonable; don't set yourself up for disappointment by setting unrealistic expectations. Time-bound - Many things in life require patience, and both agriculture and farm management are among them. Find out when you expect to accomplish this specific task or meet this particular milestone and mark down the date when you achieved those results either by writing down any related milestones or by placing a calendar reminder on an upcoming date. Another aspect to keep in mind is sustainability. If your goal isn't sustainable, then it will be impossible to measure whether or not you've reached it. Understand your farm and your competition You know the size and location of your farm. After all, you likely live and work there on a daily basis. But what do you know about your competition? Knowing the size, location, and type of farm you're managing as well as your competition will help you better understand your role in the local farm network. Do your research If possible, visit farms in your area that are similar in size, management style and production focus. Look at other producers' websites or social media accounts to see what they're up to. You can also attend trade shows where producers gather together to share information about trends in their industry (or ask them directly). Know the market for your products. Figure out what kind of yield you need in order for your product(s) to be profitable enough for consumers—and then decide whether growing those crops makes sense given their land use requirements versus other options like livestock production or cash crops such as corn or soybeans (which might require less labor). Know the regulations If you're selling a product that has to comply with any regulation, it's important to know what those requirements are. For example, if your farm will produce eggs that go into grocery stores, you'll need to be licensed by the USDA and follow their guidelines for egg production. Farm planning A farm plan is a living document that enables you to identify and prioritize your goals, as well as develop a strategy for achieving those goals. The process of creating the plan is part of the learning process. It helps you determine what needs to be done on your farm and what resources are required to achieve those goals. The more detail you put into it, the more effective it will be in helping guide all aspects of your business operation. A good farm planning tool will include several elements, such as: Information about current conditions on the farm An outline for f uture changes Expectations for profitability Costs involved with completing tasks Labor needs and availability Time estimates associated with various stages in production (e.g., planting crops) Equipment requirements (e.g., tractor or plow) Overall, farm planning is a great way to take a look at the big picture and guide all aspects of your business. It allows you to assess where you are currently at, as well as plan for the future. Invest in a farm management software A farm management software like FarmBrite can help you manage your farming business efficiently and profitably. Farm management software can help you plan better, implement practices quickly and see what works — and what doesn’t. You can even compare results over time to spot trends in productivity and costs to help you make smart decisions about your farm’s future. Most farm management software is easy to use and will help you manage your farm business for maximum efficiency and profit. If you’ve ever wanted to make the most of your land and make better business decisions, try out a farm management software. You’ll know exactly where your profit margins are and how to optimize your business. Crop and livestock planning Another critical component of farm management is crop and livestock planning. Planning helps you to meet your goals, make decisions, implement those decisions, review your decisions and learn from mistakes. Planning includes setting goals for the farm and determining how much to plant or raise based on market conditions and available resources (e.g., land , labor). It also involves evaluating whether the current level of production is adequate for meeting these goals or if more should be produced in order to meet them better. Planning is important because it allows you to: Determine how much to plant or raise based on market conditions and available resources (e.g., land, labor). Evaluate whether the current level of production is adequate for meeting your goals or if more should be produced in order to meet them better. Determine if production goals are being met. Adjust the amount of production based on market conditions and available resources (e.g., land, labor). Identify whether changes in the amount of production would improve your ability to meet your goals. Financial planning As a farmer, you know your land, crops, and animals inside and out. Likewise, it’s important to have a solid grasp on your financial situation. Financial planning is the foundation of all farm management. To successfully manage your farm, you must know how much money is coming in and going out. You must also be aware of how much money you need to cover expenses and how much money can be used for reinvestment and debt payment. Your farm is an important investment, so you should learn how to manage your assets. Learn how to get the most out of the equipment that you have. Farm financial planning is a continuous process that should be done at least annually, but ideally on a monthly basis. It starts with a thorough analysis of your farm’s financial situation and ends with developing and implementing strategies to improve it. A farm financial plan is a document that helps you manage your business and ensure it has a sound financial foundation. It should be prepared by an accountant or financial planner who understands agriculture and can identify the unique aspects of your operation. How do you find the key to successful farm management? By following the above steps you will be on the road to organizing and planning your farm. Of course, farming is a challenging career path, but as you know it is rewarding. There are many ways to farm and many different aspects to take into consideration when operating your farm, including finances, technology, crops and livestock. By implementing practices like farm management software, financial planning, and competitor research, you can optimize your farm business. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and try some of these techniques in your own farm business! Courtney Garrett is a freelance writer and editor traveling the world as a digital nomad. She earned her Bachelor of Animal Science with a specialization in Livestock Science and Management in 2019, and has worked with dairy cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, chickens, and more over the past 10 years. When not writing, she enjoys horseback riding, swimming, and taking walks with her Havanese puppy, Ella.

Knowing the weather forecast is critical for farmers and ranchers. The difference between a bountiful harvest and a total crop loss can sometimes come down to a few hours or days difference where frosts or heavy rains can devastate your best-laid plans for planting or harvest. The best weather apps for farmers provide information that helps you plan ahead for planting, harvest, and other farming tasks. They should also include tools to help you monitor current conditions forecast future trends and help you keep your crops, animals, and workers safe. Top Farming Weather Apps These are just a few curated weather apps (in no particular order) that will help farmers and ranchers monitor the weather in real-time so that they can plan ahead and take action when needed. This will hopefully help you to keep your crops, livestock, and workers safe from storms. AccuWeather World Meteorological Organization recognized AccuWeather has been providing accurate forecasts since 1887. It offers an extensive range of weather products and services, including daily, hourly, and 5-day forecasts, as well as severe weather alerts. You can access AccuWeather's free mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, and its website provides live streaming data and maps. Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live Rain Forecast & Storm Alerts The Clime app offers NOAA Weather Radar Live right on your device. Access real-time radar images, severe weather alerts, accurate weather forecasts, and more. Clime's high-resolution radar overlays will help you stay informed about rain, snow, and precipitation. You can also get push notifications about severe weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, freeze warnings, and more) in your saved locations. Farmer's Almanac A classic resource with great historical data. While not exactly an app, the Farmer's Almanac has been a trusted source of weather information for more than 200 years. Its first edition was published in 1792 by Moses Farmer, who wanted to provide farmers with timely weather information. Today, the company publishes a weekly newsletter and produces several different weather forecast products, including a monthly magazine, a daily newspaper, and a smartphone app. It's a great resource for historical weather data. NOAA - The National Climatic Data Historic Climate Data Online While also not really an app, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a great free resource for accessing historical weather data. Using historical data can be a great tool to understand and analyze the impact of climate and weather on your crop production or livestock health. Climate Data Online (CDO) offers free access to The National Climatic Data's archive of global and state historical weather and climate data. This data includes high-quality daily, monthly, seasonal, and yearly measurements that include temperature, precipitation, radar, and wind data. Access the NOAA Climate Data Online (CDO) historic weather data. Storm Radar: Weather Tracker NOAA Hurricane & Tornado Maps Track the most severe weather in real-time. Using a high-definition NOAA radar and tornado tracker you can stay up-to-date and help your farm weather the storm. Use views of the changing weather patterns in your area, including how much rain and wind is coming your way. You can also get real-time weather notifications with incoming rain and lightning strikes based on your GPS location. The Weather Channel If you're looking for a weather app that will help you track local weather trends, check out the Weather Channel app. This free app has features such as hourly forecasts, radar maps, satellite images, and more. It's the #1 weather app on the Apple app store. The Weather Channel app lets you track daily forecasts and receive live radar updates for severe storm alerts & local precipitation. They also offer live Doppler radar maps, and storm watch which can warn you ahead of time of severe weather. WeatherBug An excellent app where severe weather is common. This app has an easy interface and provides forecasts for up to five days out. It also includes a feature called "Weather Alerts" that notifies users when there is a severe weather warning issued for their area. Users can explore the weather us 20 different weather maps, including Doppler radar, future radar, air quality, lightning, precipitation, local temperature, wind chill, and more! They also offer widgets to set up weather alerts you want to see on your home screen. WeatherBug is rated in the top 3 Free weather apps on the Google Play Store. Weather Underground Another popular weather app is the Weather Underground app. It's available for both Android and iOS devices. The app includes a variety of tools, including hourly forecasts, radar maps, and satellite imagery. Weather Underground also offers weather at a microclimate level. Meaning you can get a hyperlocal weather forecast, with current conditions from your closest weather station. They aggregate data from over 250,000 personal weather stations to help provide precise local weather forecasts. You can also get customizable weather alerts from NOAA and more. Plus they offer a storm tracker and Doppler radar technology to help you always be prepared. Farmbrite offers in-app farm weather forecasts and updates. Check out our farm management software free for 14 days.

Not so fast... As a new hemp-based product seems to appear almost daily on U.S. shelves. It has the many asking, what can't we use hemp for? Hemp is being used all over the globe for human consumption as well as our pets, but not livestock. The answer is debated between those who wish to condemn it and those who find hemp to be safe, even beneficial, to people, their pets, and livestock. Hemp's reintroduction into the industrial market has moved it from nowhere to be found to cash crop status in the U.S. in a very short time. Starting in 2014 and increasing at the end of 2018 after it regained its federally legal status in the U.S. Not only do you see hemp growing in demand for its pharmaceutical properties, such as CBD oil, but it has another 50,000 (and growing) uses. Just a few to name a few top sellers are fiber, bio-fuel, textiles, and food - for humans that is. With all these uses it has many people asking what can't this plant do, and with good reason. Those people are finding new uses for hemp every day, from clothing, structural building materials, and protein powder, to pain, anxiety, and muscle spasticity relief for both humans and their pets. But strange as it sounds with so much use for humans and our pets, as of today it is still not approved in the U.S. as an ingredient for use in livestock or animal feed. As of April 2019, no hemp or hemp products have been approved or defined through available regulatory processes for use in animal feed or pet food. Therefore, hemp and hemp products may not be lawfully used in animal feed or pet food at this time within the United States. New studies in the industry are starting to be conducted in the area such as the one that started in 2017 in Colorado. This ongoing study should help us see the positive and negative long-term effects of using hemp in livestock feed. What is Holding Us Back? The hold-up is THC. The Food and Drug Administration views hemp as an altering substance. THC is the psychoactive compound found in hemp. Although it already starts with a very low THC content, .3% or lower as opposed to Cannabis - which is about .5% or higher, the question is how much THC will be transferred into the livestock as they ingest it? At this point, there haven't been enough tests to say for sure what the effect would is - good or bad. However, there are many individuals who already use hemp in their livestock feed and would like to see it become more widely used so they can also sell it as feed. In other countries, they claim that adding hemp to their livestock feed has greatly benefited milk production, digestion/weight gains, and final flavor. The Many Uses For Hemp Feed ​So far we are seeing the benefits of hemp feed cattle in places like Canada, Denmark, and Holland where they have been using hemp oil products for years in their livestock feed with reportedly better health of their cattle and higher milk yields. Which makes many say, why are we waiting so long? Let's take a more in-depth look at the hemp by-product that would be fed to the animals. Hemp grain is the raw materials chopped up and used to extract the seeds and oil, hemp seed meal or hemp seed cake is the by-product of cold pressing the hemp seeds to extract oil. Although the oil is taken out the product what remains still retains a very high amount of omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and other beneficial amino acids. This is ideal for animal feed, and at this point, it is thrown away as a waste product. There has even been one study done on hemp seed cake and the effect of lowering methane emissions in cattle. You read that right. Could we even reduce the carbon footprint of cattle by feeding them hemp? Looking forward, there could be many hemp ingredients like hemp protein seed or oil in our livestock feed, specifically for cattle, swine, poultry, and fish. This could be especially beneficial in industries like aquaculture since fish obtain all their omega-3 fatty acids from their food - usually seaweed. Interestingly, in a study done by NCSU Prestage Department of Poultry Science, chickens which were fed hemp seed cake saw chickens with greater weight than those fed other forms of feed. An important detail of this study was that the researchers found no residual traceable THC levels. This can only lead us to ask more questions about the benefits of hemp to both livestock and humans.  I expect we'll keep seeing a rise in products made with hemp, as well as studies done on it's effects in the coming years. It's exciting to see where hemp will go as it shows itself to be a very versatile industrial crop. Are you a hemp grower? Try Farmbrite free for 14 days for your Hemp Farm.

Cover crops have been used for many years to maintain soil vs growing a crop for sale. They are grown mainly for the benefit of the soil rather than the crop yield. Cover crops are commonly used for weed management, reducing soil erosion, helping build and improve soil fertility and also soil quality, helping reduce crop diseases and pests, and promoting biodiversity. Let's jump right in and see which cover crops are the best to grow and why. How Cover Crops Reduce Soil Erosion Vegetation plays a vital role in controlling erosion by: Shielding the soil surface from the impact of rainfall. Holds soil in place. Prevents crust formation. Improves the soil’s capacity to absorb water. Slows the velocity of runoff. Soaks up water between storms through the plants. Types of Cover Crops Soil type, depth, water-holding capacity, and fertility all affect plant growth. Depending on the crop you intend on planting you can increase fertility by growing legumes and incorporating them at the proper time in order to provide nitrogen. If you have clay or if water penetration is poor in your soil, cover crops with fibrous root systems, such as cereals, can be grown to improve the physical structure of the soil. Types of Grasses/Grains Rye Wheat Barley Oats Legume Varieties Alfalfa Red clover Fava Vetch Cowpeas Brassicas Radish Turnip Rapeseed Arugula Mustard Broadleaf Cover Crops Spinach Flax Marigold Buckwheat Planting Cover Crops Plant your cover crop strategically in the fall so that in will grow faster than the weeds in the spring.  Maximum effects are achieved by planting early in the fall or in the late summer into a prepared seedbed followed by irrigation to increase germination, early growth, and soil cover. Cover Crop Seedbed Preparation Regardless of the cover crop species selected, soil preparation for planting is relatively standard. Preparing a well-granulated, soft, friable, and moist seedbed generally works well for virtually any cover crop species. No-Till versus Till Whether to till or not is an important consideration when choosing a cover crop strategy. Preventing soil erosion and saving fuel are two benefits of the no-till management strategy. Another benefit is firm footing in wet weather, which can make a tremendous difference, especially if your area receives a high volume of rain. Growers also often report fewer insect and mite pest problems in no-till areas. What is no-till? No-till planting refers to planting primary crops into actively growing cover crops. This practice can be used when planting a grain crop. The other type of no-till planting involves planting into a bed where the cover crop was killed 2 or 3 weeks before planting. Seeding Cover Crops Cover crop seed can be planted with a drill or a broadcast seeder. Drills place the seed with much more precision than broadcast seeders but either can be used.  Watering after seeding helps ensure successful germination and establishment of the crop. Once germinated, many cover crop species can survive drought fairly well. Mowing Cover Crops Mowing the cover crop can improve cover crop establishment and performance. Mowing removes taller weeds that can shade the cover crop. Mowing also encourages the growth of shoots from the crown of the plant, spreading, and flowering. Many cover crop species are pasture forages that respond well to grazing. Green Manure From Annual Cover Crops Green manure cover crops are typically planted from roughly September to early December or into the spring. They consist of winter annual grasses, legumes, or flowering plants. If the green manure is used to add nitrogen, legumes are used alone or in combination with non-legumes, usually cereals. These plants store nitrogen in their roots and are tilled/mulched into the soil to decompose and add nutrients to the soil. How Much Nitrogen For Cover Crops Research indicates that legume cover crops can fix from 50 to 200 pounds per planted acre of nitrogen. The amount of fixation depends on the cover crop species, soil pH, soil temperature, soil moisture, soil nitrogen status, and inoculation. Microorganism Benefits Although invisible to the naked eye, soil microorganisms are an important part of your soil, and are a potentially valuable asset to your next harvest. The value lies in the role they play in the decomposition of organic matter, improvement of soil structure, cycling of nutrients, and as a living reservoir of nutrients. The microbial community is most beneficial to the grower when it is diverse, abundant, and active. Microbial populations play active and passive roles in soil fertility and should be taken into consideration to improve soil health. The Best Cover Crops At the end of the day, we could go on and on about cover crops and the numerous benefits of planting them. The best one for your farm will depend on your soil, your environment, your budget, and many other factors. There is no universal cover crop for all agricultural operations. The choice of cover crop systems depends largely on the benefits you hope to gain from the cover crop. Cover crops should be chosen for their suitability for a production system and the style of farming that the manager wishes to use. The cover crop’s physical stature, water use, and ease of establishment/maintenance are only a few reasons why they should be chosen carefully. That being said, there are a tremendous amount of cover crops to choose from. Start small and experiment to determine which type will most benefit you.

Whether you’re growing acres of crops or a small kitchen garden, fertilizer is an important part of making sure your plants are healthy and productive. Making your own fertilizer is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and customize the amount of nutrients your plants need to thrive. Read on to learn how you can use organic matter like compost and livestock bedding to make your own fertilizer on-farm. Why is fertilizer important? Fertilizer is a mixture of different types of nutrients that you feed your plants. It's important to understand what these nutrients are and how they work together, so you can choose the right fertilizer for your crops. Fertilizer is also known as plant food, and it's an essential part of growing healthy crops. Without fertilizer, plants don’t have enough energy to grow and be as productive as possible. Your plants won't be as healthy. You can purchase pre-mixed fertilizer from your local farm supply store, but this comes with predetermined nutrient amounts. The benefit of making your own fertilizer is that you can customize how much of each nutrient is included, making it ideal for your crops and soil. What nutrients are in fertilizer? The five main ingredients in fertilizers are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium and magnesium. These elements make up more than 90% of plant material by weight. Nitrogen is a gas that plants use to grow. Phosphorous helps plants grow new roots and leaves. Potassium helps plants grow strong stems and roots. Fertilizer recipes vary depending on the type of plant you are growing; some fertilizers are made specifically for tomatoes or fruit trees, for example. Fertilizer recipes also vary based on whether you are using organic or non-organic ingredients. How to determine the ratio of nutrients The ratio of nutrients in fertilizer varies depending on what kind of plant you're feeding and its needs. The ratio can also be determined by a soil test, which will tell you what nutrients your crops need. If you have sandy soil or live in an area with alkaline water (which is common), then the pH may be out of balance and will require additional adjustments before adding any fertilizer. The best way to determine what your crops need is by testing the soil. There are many different kinds of soil tests, but most will provide you with a list of nutrients that are either in excess or deficient in your soil. From there, you can adjust your fertilizer ratio based on those results. Can compost be used as fertilizer? Compost is a great source of nutrients for your plants. Compost is made up of organic matter, such as leaves and livestock bedding, that has been broken down by beneficial microbes into nutrients that can be absorbed by plants. These microbes also help break down organic matter in the soil, which helps retain moisture and nutrients. Adding compost to your crop acreage will give you healthy soil with more microorganisms than just plain dirt would have. Compost can be used as a mulch, a soil amendment and even a fertilizer. It is easy to make your own compost or purchase it from local garden centers. Composting is also an effective way to reduce waste and save money! If you're looking for something simple and easy, try mixing up some compost or worm castings with water into a liquid solution before applying it directly onto the soil around your plants. Ingredients to make your own fertilizer If you don’t have a compost pile, there are other ways to make your own fertilizer. Below are the most common ingredients in fertilizer. You can purchase these from your local farm supply store, or order them online. In some cases, you can even find them on your farm. By purchasing them separately, you can choose how much of each nutrient goes into your fertilizer. This will help you to customize your fertilizer to your soil type and crops. 1. Urea Urea is a nitrogen-rich compound that's produced by bacteria, and can be used as a fertilizer. It's also the main ingredient in many fertilizers. Urea comes from urine that has been filtered through the kidneys and excreted from the body. easy way to add urea to your fertilizer is by adding used livestock bedding to your compost pile. You can also purchase urea from your local farm supply store. 2. Ammonia sulfate Ammonia sulfate is a mixture of ammonia and sulfuric acid. It's used to make ammonium sulfate fertilizers, which are used on crops such as corn, wheat and potatoes. Ammonia sulfate is produced by reacting ammonia with sulfuric acid. This reaction produces water as well as ammonium sulfate crystals that can be filtered out from the solution and dried in an oven. Ammonia sulfate is also known as "salt cake" or "salt petre". It's a liquid fertilizer that has been used since ancient times for its ability to increase crop yields greatly when applied correctly - especially when mixed with other ingredients like animal manure or composted plant matter. 3. Solid Super phosphate Solid super phosphate is a fertilizer made from ground rock phosphate. It's good for crops that need more phosphorus, such as corn, wheat and alfalfa. To make solid super phosphate: Add 80 pounds of ground rock phosphate to a 5-gallon bucket (about 2.5 gallons) of water. Mix well until all of the powder has dissolved in the water. Pour this solution into another bucket and add another gallon of water to make sure there are no lumps left behind in your mixture. 4. Potassium chloride Potassium chloride is a mineral salt that can be used to make fertilizer. This form of potassium is often used in the manufacture of potassium nitrate, potassium permanganate, and potassium chlorate. 5. Granular lime (optional) Granular lime is a good option if you want to add a small amount of calcium and magnesium to your soil. It can be used in addition to bone meal or rock phosphate, or on its own if you don't have those materials available. The amount of granular lime you need will depend on what kind of soil you have, how much nitrogen your plants are getting from other sources (like manure), and whether they need extra calcium or not. How to make your own fertilizer Now that you know the ingredients needed to make your own fertilizer, the next step is to mix together the correct amounts of each nutrient. The best way to know how much of each nutrient is ideal for your crops is to have your soil tested. This will let you know which nutrients your soil has in excess and is deficient in, so you can tailor your fertilizer to suit your specific situation. When you’re ready to mix together your ingredients, you’ll want to add water to the mixture and apply them to your fields using a tractor or other type of machinery. Here is a calculator to find the ratios you need. Conclusion When you're growing crops or gardening, the work doesn't stop at planting. You also need to keep your plants healthy by making sure they get all the nutrients they need. Making your own fertilizer on-farm is an easy way to save money, reduce waste, and customize nutrients to your plants’ needs. It is a great way to recycle used livestock bedding and manure, as well. Farmbrite is an all-in-one farm software that can help you keep track of your soil samples, soil ratios and many other helpful items on your farm. Try us free for 14 days.

We've already talked about how small farms can get into trouble but what about getting funding to start or expand your farm? If you're ready to get started and need a bit of help to get you there, finding a funding option may help. How do you get funding for your small farm, you ask? Whether you grow vegetables for market, fresh cut flowers, fruits, berries or raise livestock for milk or meat having access to capital is a critical part of any farm business. Keep reading to learn about some common funding avenues and potential approaches that might work for your farm. In this article we're going to talk about some of the key ways to find funding for your farm and review the different farm financing options, including farm loans, farm credit services, grants and more... 1. Finding Farm Loans Commercial farm loans are a common way to finance your farm and can typically be sourced from a credit union, local bank, private funding or from the USDA Farm Loan Program. Here are some examples of common commercial farm loans: Operation Loans to purchase livestock, equipment or seed. Farm Ownership Loans can be used to purchase or expand a farm or ranch. Micro-loans are small loans, often with less paper work and used to meet the needs of small and beginning farmers or specialty operations. Emergency Loans can help farmers and ranchers recover from losses due to drought, flooding or other natural disasters. It's a good idea to shop around to try and find the best rate and financing options. Traditional commercial lenders (credit unions and banks) can take some time to review and approve loans so be sure to allow plenty of time for approval. There are also some private farm lending companies that are working to provide innovative solutions to support financing needs for farmers and ranchers and can provide quicker approval and more flexibility than traditional lenders. For example: Steward offers flexible business loans and expert support services to farms and food producers looking to expand their operations. By financing businesses practicing regenerative agriculture, Steward strives to preserve natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, improve soil health, increase biodiversity, protect water quality, promote fair wages, expand opportunities for underserved communities, and increase the number of producers working towards meeting society’s food needs without compromising the planet’s ecosystems and natural resources. Steward offers: Flexible Farm Loans—Financing to individual agricultural businesses for equipment, infrastructure improvements, land acquisition, working capital, or marketing. Terms vary per project, but commonly range from 36-60 months, 5-10% interest, with 3-6 month deferment periods. Steward Regenerative Capital—Short-term bridge loans designed to provide a diverse collection of farmers and food producers with swift access to the capital so they can keep growing. Funding can mean being able to take advantage of time-sensitive opportunities like securing land, urgent equipment repairs, or buying livestock at auction. Participating lenders earn fixed 4.5% interest on a short 9-month term. Steward currently supports US based producers and focusses mostly on regenerative agriculture. Visit gosteward.com to learn more. 2. Small Business Loans for farms There are many small business loans that are structured for various types of business, including farms. If you have some collateral to put up for the loan then a small business loan from the SBA might be a good option. You may not have to put up collateral but instead have to give a personal guarantee (which is a legal promise to repay the loan). This is a more traditional funding option but it isn't for everyone. 3. Crowdfunding for Farms Crowdfunding has become a popular way finance new products, companies, movies and other initiatives, why not your next agriculture project? Crowdfunding is sourcing various amounts of capital from a large number of individuals to finance a new business venture. You make use of your network and the network of the people you know through social media sharing, crowd funding websites and getting the words out about your venture. You can be creative in how you structure the return of funds. Maybe it's just a t-shirt or a discount on items or maybe you pay back all the loans as they came in. Whatever way to structure it this way is very fluid and feels very community funded. So, if you have a lot of friends, neighbors, or a large family that want to support your efforts then crowd funding might be a great option for you. You can also check out some popular crowdfunding site like kickstarter or goFundMe. There are also a variety of farm focussed crowdfunding sites, including AcreTrader, FarmTogether, and FarmlandLP . 4. Find Farm Grants If you are great at research, writing and have some time on your hands, a grant might be a great option for you. There is a lot of research and time needed to invest in this route of financing. The great thing about this option though is that you don't have to pay it back. The downside of grants is that there is the potential that you won't get awarded the funds. So, you should definitely have a backup plan. 5. Microloans for farming A microloan is an alternative funding option for those who don't need a whole lot of capital to get started. Just as the names suggests they are smaller loans. According the the USDA Farm Loans program, "Micro-loans are a type of Operating or Farm Ownership Loan. They’re designed to meet the needs of small and beginning farmers, or for non-traditional and specialty operations by easing some of the requirements and offering less paperwork." Micro-loans typically have a maximum loan limit, usually of about $50,000 USD. But can be used to support a variety of things on the farm, including: Making a down payment on a farm Building, repairing, or improving farm buildings Financing soil and water conservation projects Fencing and trellising Purchasing Hoop houses Bees and/or bee-keeping equipment Milking and pasteurization equipment Purchasing livestock, seed, fertilizer or other materials essential to the operation Paying for utilities, land rents, family living expenses, and other materials essential to the operation Installing or expanding irrigation Compliance costs, such as GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), GHP (Good Handling Practices), and Organic certification costs Marketing and distribution costs, for example fees for selling through Farmers’ Markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations Like any loan, yo qualify for these types of loans your financial institution will evaluate your ability to repay the loan, but often the application and approval process are more simpler. Visit the USDA Farm loan micro-loan site to learn more. 6. Bootstrap your Farm Getting funding is a hot topic and it seems that all the cool kids are doing it but it might not be for you. Maybe you don't want to start your farm business in debt (that's wise) or maybe you don't have great credit or collateral. Whatever the reason you can find alternatives to borrowing a lot of money. Bootstrapping is just using your own capital to start your farm. That could be through working a second job and your partner(s) run the farm or vice-versa. Maybe you live on farm and work part-time for the farm or the other job. This is a great way to start out in farming without starting out in debt. Truthfully, many farmers are bootstrapping their farms even when they are bringing in a profit. Other options to invest in your business If you don't mind using your own capital to secure a loan then these options might be for you. If you have a home and don't mind using it for collateral you could use a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) or use a personal or small business credit card to fund your farm business. I put these last because these are putting your in a difficult place if you don't get a great start on your farm. They often come with a higher interest rate and therefore a higher risk to you. 7. Start a CSA One other financing option that can be a great fit for many growers is to start a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs have been around for years. They allow members to pay in advances, often at the start of the season, and in turn receive produce, meat or flowers through the growing season. This method allows farmers to sell CSA shares to community members to help cover seed, material, labor and other growing costs through the season. Check out this article from the Farm Bureau to learn more about starting a CSA Summary So there are a few funding options for you to look into. It really comes down to your risk tolerance and your specific situation. Below are some other links to find other information as you start your farm. As always, we wish you the best of luck in your agricultural venture and Happy Farming! Additional Resources for Farm Funding, Grants, Lending and Financing: Crowd funding success Keys to success in Value-Added Agriculture (PDF) Agriculture alternatives Organic cost share program Finding micro-loan funding Value added producer grants Steward Farm Loans USDA Farm Loans Program USDA Farm Load Discovery Tool Ambrook Farm Funding Search Worldwide Farm Funding Options US funding US grants and loans UK Funding for small businesses Finding funding in the EU Farm grants in Canada Farm funding in Canada Finding farm funding in Africa Latin American farm grants More Latin American & Caribbean farm grants If you would like information on how to plan, manage and scale your farm business by keeping better records and have visibility into your farm profits take a look at Farmbrite!

As business people we are all working to innovate in our market. We do the hard work day in and day out but often we can work smarter by innovating. We can do this by finding a niche in our market, serving our customers the best we can, and working smart, growing our business and feeling a sense of accomplishment from these tasks. We can all learn from each other as we go about these tasks. The business sector and the farming industry are not that different from each other. They both are usually pretty passionate about what they're doing, they both have a product to sell and they both have to be smart, innovate and work hard to succeed. The difference between the business sector and the farming sector is that one them works outside everyday. The tools might be different between these two occupations but bottom line application is the same - they are both businesses that are working to succeed.  Being adaptable and innovating in your market is an important step in your business strategy. The market changes and we need to adapt with it. Perfect example, Avocados weren't a superfood 10 years ago. (We didn't even know what a superfood was 10 years ago.) Finding these new markets is the challenge to any business, we just happen to be talking specifically about farming. Here are seven ideas to help your kickstart your farm business 1. Find a need or market First you have to find a need. Use complaints or difficulties in the market to find this need. You might see this challenge first-hand, or maybe you have heard of a specific difficulty from someone else. Whatever problem you find, this is what you try to solve. (No fresh greens in the stores in this town, no local beef in this restaurant, etc.) 2. Learn about what farm products are in demand Once you learn about a market then you can ask your customers more. Find out all your can about this product. Find out its uses and ways to market it. Find out about the production of the product and the costs. What problems does it have? How can you solve them? This is where your brand identify comes from. Do your research, have fun, put your special spin on the product! 3. Network with other farmers Go to the lead producers in this space and see what they are doing. Talk to them about the problems they face, the solutions they have found and the costs associated with this. You will get a very clear picture of what you need to do. You don't have to necessarily copy what they're doing but you can see what makes sense for your business and how you might do it differently or even better. 4. Secure funding for your farm business This one is tricky especially for small farms. So be cautious with this one. If the idea is to grow, sometimes you have to purchase items to make that growth. Don't be afraid of spending money to make money but be clear about the economics of the purchases. Keep track of your finances and expenses so you can see where your money is going. I can't stress this enough. It's why we started Farmbrite. We want you to succeed and grow in your farm business and knowing where your making money is key. Learn more about finding funding for your farm business. 5. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty I don't hear as much complaining about doing the work with farmers as with other types of start-ups. Doing the work is the fun part for farmers that's why they're doing it in the first place. The business side of things is the tedious part for farmers. (But that part is important too- so don't discount that just because it's uncomfortable.) Don't forget to do your work and then work on your business too. 6. Plan and be prepared for mistakes If you're not failing, you're not growing. You're probably going to mess up and have some loss at some point.  It means you're trying. The trick is, to see it and learn from those losses. Track your progress  - good or bad -  make changes and adapt.  Another important part of this is explore new ways to grow every year. The market is constantly changing so each year you should be taking a look at how you can innovate and grow in a different way. How has the market changed? 7. Be optimistic but realistic Making tough choices is part of being in business. If something isn't working it might be time to cut your losses and discontinue. One farmer I knew had a passion for wool and so they had sheep. They didn't have a large enough property for more than 20 sheep. Without finding more property they couldn't make a profit. They had to make a decision to either keep the sheep and get more land, or sell the sheep and find a different way to use the land they had. There's nothing wrong with making a different choice once you start. Sometimes to make these hard decisions you have to take the emotion out of the equation. Do a Pro's and Con's list and see where you end up. These don't have to be overnight decisions, but be realistic in your approach to your business. So there are seven ways to innovate and find a unique space to sell in your farm business. I hope this helps you find a smart way to sell in your market.  Thanks for reading and happy farming!

Trying to figure out how many plants you can grow in your garden can be tricky to calculate. Don't worry we've got you covered. Using this free plant spacing calculator you can figure out your plant spacing, coverage and quantity in a matter of seconds. Not only will it save you a headache trying to calculate this on your own, but will also save you time and money on your next planting. How to calculate plant spacing and coverage Simply enter the size of the location that you're planting - by length and width and choose your planting pattern. Then enter the spacing between plants (you can find this on most seed packets). Easy as that! If you're looking to improve your farm planning, management, tracking, sales and report checkout how Farmbrite can help.

Image courtesy of BCS America Pros, Cons, and where to Buy One That Suits Your Needs If you’re a small-scale farmer or gardener in the United States, you probably understand how walking behind tractors can ease your work. And of course, that is the most valuable information you should have about farm machinery. That said, it is important to know a thing or two about usage, pros, cons, and overall rating of walk-behind tractors to be confident and knowledgeable when making sales or purchasing decisions. And that is exactly what we will discuss in this article. We will also touch on where to buy walking tractors. What are Walk-Behind Tractors? As the name suggests, a walk-behind tractor is a piece of farm machinery whose operator walks behind it. It differs from the normal tractor in that it is relatively smaller in size and has a single axle. Based on people’s viewpoint walk-behind tractors are also referred to as walking tractors, mechanical ox, two-wheel tractors, single axle tractors, hand-held tractors, and many other names. Nonetheless, walking tractors are powered by diesel or gasoline engines and work by pulling or pushing different types of implements just like big tractors do. Most of these tractors have front engines which are perfectly balanced by the implement trailing behind the two wheels. Notably, some models of walking tractors have been modified to contain a rider seat. Origin of Two-Wheel Tractors Walking tractors are believed to have found their way into the United States from Europe between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Indeed, Gravely Brand was the first US-owned farm equipment manufacturer to develop a walk-behind tractor in 1911. Unfortunately, farming policies at that time seemed to favor large-scale farming. So, companies that had started developing walking tractors in the United States were forced to stop due to their low demand. For instance, Gravely Brand (now Ariens co.) stopped manufacturing some models of two-wheel tractors in the 1970s while John Deere &company exited the business in 2012. But there are many companies that still make them and are widely available. Today, many Americans want to be self-reliant. The USDA the farming policies have also been amended to accommodate small-scale farmers and gardeners. As a result, walking tractors are becoming more popular in the United States. 9 Main Features of Modern Walk Behind Tractors A variety of attachments As earlier mentioned, walking tractors work with a broad range of attachments. A hitch enables you to change the implement attached to the two-wheel tractor. However, these hitches are not uniform, particularly for PTO-powered attachments. But that should not give you a headache either, because there are adapters that enable pairing. Essentially, a buyer should specify the model, size, power, and weight of the tractor when ordering for implements. This way, the dealer will provide the appropriate adapters. You can as well check the compatibility guide provided on the manufacturer/dealer’s website. Multi speed gearbox Most modern two-wheel tractors have a multi-speed gearbox. For example, BCS 750 model has three gear transmissions (3 forward, 3 reverse) while the 722 has two (2 forward and 2 reverse). In addition, some models have transport gear which makes the tractor a much faster equipment than you might anticipate. An option to add weight Walk-behind tractors stand out for causing minimal soil compaction which leads to higher water infiltration rate and boosted plant root growth. However, their lightweight may turn into a drawback where machine balance, deep cultivation, and traction are required. Fortunately, some models allow the operator to add weight. The commonly available weights for two-wheel tractors include iron wheel weights, form-filled tires, and wheel-mounted weights. You should note that some of the weights are difficult to add to the machine. Besides, the added weight makes it hard to get on track after slipping in a trench or depression. Track width and tire adjustment options Some tractors especially those meant for plowing between crop rows have adjustable track widths. This is because the spacing between crop rows may fluctuate. Basically, track width adjustment is achieved by using an axle add-on or by disconnecting the wheel hubs and relocating them. You can change the size of your tractor tires as well. Indeed, large tire sizes rise up low-lying tractors and improve bottom clearance. In addition, larger tires make the tractor easily maneuverable on depressions and furrows. However, you should note that adjusting your wheel or tire size will impact your tractor's ground speed. For example, replacing your 20-inch tires with 25-inch tires increases the ground speed by 25 percent. This might affect the implements you attach to the walking tractor and their operation as well. Lockable Differential Most modern-day walk-behind tractors have differential lock features. A differential refers to a mechanical component of a car, truck, or other vehicle that splits the power from the engine and allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. The traditional technique for making automobiles used open differential which allowed wheels to rotate independently and at different speeds. The main limitation of an open differential is that a wheel can lose traction and affect the impact movement of the whole tractor. This is common in the worst types of terrains and on roads covered by snow. The differential lock in modernized two-wheel tractors eliminates low traction and slippage common with an open differential. This allows you to lock the differential when working on the field and open it when turning. You can as well turn the tractor without unlocking the differential but with a lot of difficulties. Power Take Off (PTO) The conventional way of attaching implements to the tractor is by the use of bolts. But the process of screwing the bolts is tedious and time-consuming. Most modern two-wheel tractors especially those from Ferrari, Ariens, BCS, Pasquali, and Grillo use power take-off devices to transfer energy from the engine to the mounted implement. PTO powered walking tractors are highly versatile and can perform a wide range of functions including plowing, mowing, rototilling, snow blowing, and many more. Some PTO two-wheel tractor models such as the BCS are fitted with a hitch which simplifies the process of attaching and detaching different implements. You can also save money on a quick hitch if you only utilize your tractor for one function each season, such as rototilling. Nevertheless, if you utilize multiple output implements or rather change them frequently, you could perhaps take this feature into account. It saves a lot of time. Reversible handlebars A unique and useful feature of modernized walk-behind tractors is a reversible pair of handlebars that allow the user to walk on either side of the implement when working on the field. Reversing the handlebars takes a couple of minutes, based on the tractor model, and the swiveling grips can lock in a place 15 degrees off-center in either style, permitting you to stroll off to one edge of a cultivated bed, out of a bush you're brush-cutting, and so on. Offset Handlebar Positioning With the current walking tractors, you can offset the handlebars to the left or right. This enables you to drive the tractor more safely especially near fences and under overgrown vegetation. Furthermore, you can avoid stepping on already cultivated soil with offset positioning. Handlebar Height Adjustment Present-day two-wheel tractors have a feature to regulate handlebar height. This not only eases day-to-day field applications but also allows you to lift, slide, or shift the machine when required. This feature also lets people of all heights work with a tractor without machine strain. Which Functions Do Walk-Behind Tractors Perform? Two-wheel tractors usually perform all duties and functions that full-size tractors do though on small scale. They can be used for plowing, tilling, mowing, digging, and many other farm activities that big farm machines do. These tractors are designed to be attached to a variety of farm implements including diggers, plows, tillers, and mowers. The ease of operating a walk-behind tractor Operating a two-wheel tractor for the first time might be scary. But if you contain your fears, you’ll realize that walking tractors are super easy to use. The adjustable handlebars are a game changer for modern-day walk-behind tractors. Before you start your tractor, check on the level of fuel, the pressure of the tires, and the general condition of the equipment. Nonetheless, it is essential though not mandatory that you have a little mechanical experience with trucks, cars, or motorbikes. This is because you have to understand the clutch control, gear levers, brakes, PTO, engine stop lever, etc. Either way, new machines come with an operation manual that you can use to operate the tractor. How do you maintain a two-wheel tractor? A new walk-behind tractor will come with an engine maintenance manual. Please ensure you read and follow the instruction given therein. Other routine maintenance practices include: checking the engine oil level and topping up, Checking the engine oil and water and topping up where appropriate Inspecting the nuts/bolts and tightening the loose ones. Ensuring the tires have the required pressure Greasing the gear ball and lubricating linkages· You can keep track of your maintenance of your walk behind tractor or your other farm equipment in Farmbrite. There you can schedule tasks, track maintenance, hours used, store records and receipts, and even find manuals online. Try for free for 14 days. Pros and Cons of Walk-Behind Tractors So, why should choose to buy the small two-wheel tractor over the full-size tractors that have more horsepower? Well, buying farm equipment is informed by the scale of land to be cultivated as well as the cost-effectiveness of the machine. That said, walk-behind tractors have their own share of benefits. First, they are cost-effective, especially for small farmlands (at most 20 acres) which don’t require high horsepower tractors. Secondly, walking tractors can be attached to a variety of farm implements ranging from mowers to hay ballers, rototillers to plows. In addition, walk-behind tractors are lightweight, last long, and are easy to work with in rough and sloppy terrains. They require little skill and training to operate as compared to mid-size and full-size tractors. Further, walking tractors are appropriate for minimum tillage and reduced soil compaction. Limitations of Two-Wheel Tractors The primary challenge of walking tractors is speed. Unlike other farm machinery, walk-behind tractors are designed to run slowly in tandem with the steps of their operators. Moreover, operating a walking tractor is an exhausting physical exercise that leads to body fatigue. Cost of two-wheel tractors Walk-behind tractors vary in price depending on the size of the model. For instance, the price of a 5 to 16-horsepower walk-behind tractor ranges from $1,500 to $6,500 respectively. Normally, large models have high horsepower and operate more sets of attachments. Additionally, you will have to purchase the implements which cost between $150 and $3,000, with a few expectations exceeding the range. Further, you might opt for used walking tractors which cost way cheaper than new machines. However, used two-wheel tractors can be hard to find because these machines often serve their owners efficiently if well maintained. Where to buy walk-behind tractors If you want to buy a walk-behind tractor, you should consider searching for brick-and-mortar dealer shops, auction centers, online listings, and trade magazines. We recommend that you buy the tractor from a seller or dealer who is readily accessible to provide technical guidance and spare parts. In addition, you should know the implements that comes with the tractor and the expectation of the seller before you conclude the transaction. Farm Equipment Dealers Farm equipment dealers are the best option if want to buy new walk-behind tractors or slightly used models. They provide crucial information and guidance about the most recent models in certain brands. Besides, you can walk into the dealer’s shop and request to test drive the tractor you want to buy. What’s more, they have spare parts and can offer attractive business deals if you choose to acquire a two-wheel tractor from their shops. If you don't have a dealer close by, you can do much of your research online. BCS is a well known distributor of walk behind tractors and have many models to choose from. Buying from Auctioneers Auction centers are a good place to purchase used farm equipment. However, you should have your finances ready because bidding at an auction shop has strict timelines. Also, you should be careful with the lawsuit that may befall you after purchasing from auction centers. So, ensure you document the transaction properly to be on the right side of the law. Lastly, you will hardly find new farm machinery under auction and if lucky to get one, you might lack the spare parts or useful information and instructions about operation and maintenance. Trade journals Trade journals commonly known as trade magazines are a tried-and-true method of locating new and used walking tractors for sale. They work like modern-day online listings and marketplaces but with less visual convenience like photos, PDFs, and videos. So, reading farm machinery trade publications can be a good way to find listed walk-behind tractors. Their main drawback is that they might not give detailed information about the machine or even show you all other models available. Moreover, their readership continues to shrink making them less appealing to many sellers. Online listing and Marketplaces Online listings and marketplaces are the simplest way to find the right two-wheel tractor. They are designed to simplify your online search by allowing you to filter by model, condition, drive type, location, engine performance, and features to find a tractor that meets all of your requirements. The shopping experience on an online platform is similar to that of a trade publication, but you are given the option of emailing or calling the seller. Some online marketplaces allow you to post a wanted ad and wait for sellers to contact you with options.

Since the end of slavery in America in 1865 Black farmers have generously fed and supported their communities. Over the past 158 years Black farmers have consistently contributed key innovations that have helped to advance modern agriculture. Today, we want to celebrate some major innovations and contributions that Black farmers have made to advance modern agriculture. Regenerative Farming Practices While working as a professor at Tuskegee Institute, George Washington Carver developed techniques to improve soils depleted by repeat plantings of cotton (a nitrogen depleting crop). Carver, an agricultural scientist, inventor, and educator developed crop rotation methods that encouraged farmers to alternate cotton plantings with the plantings of corn or legumes (like peanuts - a great source for naturally adding nitrogen back into the the soil). This early regenerative practice not only helped to improve soils depleted by cotton, but also increased farm productivity and created more diversity of crops produced by southern farmers. This technique of alternating crop rotations to regenerate soil health is still a core practice of regenerative farming techniques today and provides a sustainable and environmental solution to synthetic fertilizers. Composting In addition to the development of crop rotation techniques to support regenerative soils, Professor George Washington Carver advocated for the use of compost as a way to reintroduce organic matter and nutrients into the soil. Through his experiments, Dr Carver demonstrated that adding composting material to soils he was able to dramatically increase the productivity of farms compared with previous methods. Today, the use of compost is a critical practice for organic farming and is an excellent alternative to the use of synthetic fertilizers. Automated Seed Planters On October 14, 1834, Henry Blair, born a free man in 1807 was the 2nd African American to be issued a United States patent. Even without a formal education, Blair was a successful farmer in Montgomery County, Maryland and he is credited for 2 patented inventions; a corn planter and a cotton planter. Henry's inventions were described as a very simple, but ingenious machines. They were horse driven and the machine would automatically open the furrow, drop seeds at proper intervals, cover the seed and level the soil. This allowed farmers to plant as rapidly as a horse can draw a plough across the field. He believed his machine could save the labor of eight men. His innovative planters were some of the earliest automated precision planting machines ever. Refrigerated Transportation System Frederick McKinley Jones, he become a talented mechanic through his mechanical work on a farm in Minnesota. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War I, Jones returned to work on the farm. While working there Jones educated himself in electronics, radio transmitters and synced motion picture projectors (syncing the sound and pictures). Jones went on to design and patent a portable air cooling system that allowed trucks to transport perishable foods. The system was installed in trucks, boats, planes, and trains and helped to improve the worldwide trade. Jones and partner Joseph A. Numero founded the U.S. Thermo Control Company (later known as Thermo King), which saw massive growth during World War II. His company and inventions helped to preserve blood, medicine and food - saving countless lives. Sustainable Farming Practices In 1987, Dr Booker T. Whatley, an author, horticulturist and Tuskegee University professor, published his book "How To Make $100,000 Farming 25 Acres". In the book Whatley explores key tenants of farming that help to minimize unnecessary costs, reduce waste and maximize income for small scale farmers. While building on the regenerative approaches developed and taught by George Washington Carver, Whatley has helped to guide future generations of small scale farmers to success and sustainability. Whatley passionately advocated for “smaller and smarter” farms, building on Carver's ideas to “Take care of the waste on the farm and turn it into useful channels.” These pioneers in small scale, highly productive regenerative farms continue to enable new generations of farmers to start in and succeed in agriculture. Dr. Whatley's 10 Commandments. Thy small farm shalt: Provide year-round, daily cash flow. Be a pick-your-own operation. Have a guaranteed market with a Clientele Membership Club. Provide year-round, full-time employment. Be located on a hard-surfaced road within a radius of 40 miles of a population center of at least 50,000, with well-drained soil and an excellent source of water. Produce only what they clients demand—and nothing else! Shun middle-men and middle-women like the plague, for they are a curse upon thee. Consist of compatible, complementary crop components that earn a minimum of $3,000 per acre annually. Be 'weatherproof', at least as far as possible with both drip and sprinkler irrigation. Be covered by a minimum of $250,000 worth ($1 million is better) of liability insurance. Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) & U-PICK Today Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) have become more common-place and provide for a way for local communities to connect with and support their community farmers, but this wasn't always the way. Booker T. Whatley advocated for the concept in the 1960s, calling it a Clientele Membership Club. Members of the club would prepay for a membership fee, which supported the farmer's costs and in return they would receive fresh produce which they would pick themselves (U-PICK). The model helped to ensure that the farm had a consistent and reliable cash flow and the U-PICK model reduced the time and labor costs needed to harvest. U-PICK Models have been popular throughout history, but didn't really pick up until the 1950s, helped by farming innovators and advocates like Booker T. Whatley. He believed that visits to the local farm could be a way to enrich customer's lives and provide an enjoyable excursion from city life. He also believed that farmers' markets were too much work for small farmers. Thanks in part to Whatley today customers have more opportunities to connect with and support their local farmer through CSAs and U-PICKs. Dr. Whatley's work continues to inspire new generations of farmers with sustainable techniques like the U-PICK and CSA farming models. There are many other black innovators and farmers that are not mentioned here and we celebrate them as well. Home Gardens and Addressing Food Insecurity Having enough food is a basic need all of us have but having access to enough food is something that has been a struggle for some black individuals through the time that they have been in the U.S. In the Antebellum South on plantations, slaves built what were called, slave gardens. These were gardens that they could grow food and medicine for their families and communities. After working very long days in the fields they would come home and tend their own gardens. Thomas Jefferson wrote about the resilience of the gardens of his own slaves on Monticello. These innovations are just a small narrative of the long history of Black Farmers being innovative and resilient in their communities. Supporting Black Farmers If you're interested in supported Black farmers, we'd encourage you to check out these great resources and organizations to find support or support a local black farmer in your community: National Black Farmers Association Black Urban Farmers Association Black Farmers Network Black Farmers in America (1865-2000) Black Farmers in America NPR Story Black Urban Growers Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.) The National Black Food and Justice Alliance Soil Generation While Farmbrite is not a nonprofit, we support organizations that are committed to reducing hunger, improving access to fresh food, improve sustainable & regenerative agricultural practices while strengthening their communities through sustainable agriculture. If you're part of an agricultural organization working to eliminate food deserts or reduce hunger, an urban community farm serving under privileged or minority communities or a community food hub that provide free or discounted food to their communities we'd love to support your mission, learn more about our free community program. Written by Farmbrite's staff writers and farmers. Thanks for reading!

Our planet is facing unprecedented challenges today, and the way we grow food is often part of the problem. But, while most sustainable farming techniques focus only on minimizing harm, one methodology goes further by leaving the land in better shape after each growing season. This farming philosophy, known as regenerative agriculture, offers real hope for a more sustainable future. It’s easier than you think to implement regenerative farming strategies into your own operation. Here’s what you need to know to get started. What is Regenerative Agriculture? The regenerative farming movement got its start in the 1980s when organic agriculture experts at the Rodale Institute coined the term to refer to holistic farming practices that prioritize building healthy soil. The four basic principles of regenerative agriculture include the following: Promote a biodiversity of plants and animals Decrease tilling (or eliminate it entirely) Reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and other external inputs Graze livestock according to regenerative management standards At its core, this agricultural approach views soil health as the foundation of a thriving planet. Regenerative farm techniques offer many ecosystem benefits, including promoting biodiversity, improving the water cycle, and sequestering carbon to combat climate change. Five Ways to Incorporate Regenerative Principles on Your Property No matter what scale you operate on, there are ways to follow regenerative agriculture principles on your property. Here are five ideas for inspiration. 1. Prioritize Crop Diversity Biodiversity is a primary principle of regenerative farming. Fields that support a variety of crops better mimic the growing conditions in the natural world and develop healthier soil biomes because of it. Consider skipping the conventional monoculture planting strategy and instead incorporate multiple species into each garden bed through intercropping, companion planting, and seasonal crop rotation. Ideally, you want a mix of perennial and annual crops growing together at different root depths. 2. Integrate Livestock Into Cropland Modern farming sees plants and animals as two separate categories of food production—regenerative agriculture works to bring them back together. This better mimics the natural world and the mutually beneficial relationships that exist between them. Best of all, bringing animals and cropland together eliminates many of the problems associated with both by optimizing nutrient cycling between them. Manure is a primary source of pollution with conventional livestock operations, but it provides in-field fertility in a regenerative farming system. Consider putting sheep or goats out to pasture after taking in your hay harvest or to graze on your cover crops when it’s time to till them in. Not only will these herd animals produce natural fertilizer to the fields, but their grazing can stimulate the plants to grow faster. 3. Create a Conservation Buffer Natural habitat space is shrinking worldwide at alarming rates. Make your property part of the solution with a conservation buffer. These small strips of land are strategically placed throughout rural properties to act as a barrier between fields and natural spaces. Conservation buffers work to slow down erosion and stop the spread of nutrients and chemical runoff from the farm to surrounding ecosystems. You can plant these strips with native plants to create habitat space for beneficial species, and you’ll promote biodiversity both in the soil and above it for healthier land in the long run. 4. Experiment with Silvopasture Go one step further with livestock on your property by incorporating them into a silvopasture management system. This is the process of keeping grazing animals within a managed woodlot or orchard for the benefit of both. Farmers get the benefit of managing a profitable tree operation, and the animals enjoy the shade, wind protection, and diversified diet that natural foraging allows them. Over the long run, a well-managed silvopasture builds up soil and reduces energy and expense for feeding your livestock. Continual grazing also keeps brushy growth down so the woods stay more pleasant for people to walk in. On my own property, I frequently graze my American Guinea hogs under apple and nut trees. This heritage pig breed thrives on pasture and makes quick work of any windfalls from the orchard. Others create silvopasture by planting perennial ryegrass within their woods to support a herd of goats. 5. Build Soil with Biochar Wildfires are a natural ecological process, and you can reap the rewards for soil health on your property by making and using biochar. This natural soil amendment has been used for thousands of years in the Amazon. It can enhance crop yields, enrich the soil, and improve water retention by increasing the ground’s carbon content and creating habitat space for beneficial microorganisms. Make your own through a controlled burn of woody brush. Pile up woody debris in a shallow pit or burn barrel, and let it burn uninhibited until the smoke thins. Toss soil on top to restrict the air supply and make the pile smolder. Let things burn down until the wood is thoroughly charred before wetting the wood to put out the fire. Once cooled, break up the large pieces until the char fits through a garden soil sieve. You’ll need to “charge” the biochar before spreading it in your fields to ensure it absorbs nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Strategies vary, but one method is to mix it 50:50 with grass clippings before covering and leaving it undisturbed for at least three months. Experiment with Regenerative Farming Today A farming business is only as strong as the foundation it’s built on. Look for ways to incorporate regenerative farming principles into your property management plan, and you’ll reap the rewards of healthier soil. There are other ways to optimize your farm operation. Here at Farmbrite, we offer software designed to help you manage your entire agriculture business. This comprehensive management system will improve farm performance and sustainability, highlight inefficiencies to reduce wasted time and resources, and help you increase production and sales for better success in the long run. Additional regenerative farming resources: Kiss The Ground Rodale Institute Savory Institute Soil Health Academy Regeneration International Author Bio: Lydia Noyes is a freelance writer and hobby farmer in West Michigan. She writes about food, farming, health, and wellness topics related to the planet and people within it. When not tied to her computer, you’ll find Lydia weeding, reading, or chasing after her ever-growing flock of chickens. Curious about what Farmbrite can do for you? Schedule a free 30-minute demo to see how it can help integrate regenerative practices into your farm operation.