By Blake Jackson
The fall season is a busy time for farmers in the Midwest, with harvest, soil sampling, and preparation for the upcoming winter season. In addition to these tasks, there are also a number of conferences and events that farmers can attend to learn about new technologies and practices.
Upcoming Conferences
- ICM Conference: This conference will be held on December 4-5 in Altoona, Iowa. The conference will focus on a variety of topics, including soil health, crop management, and pest control.
- Big Soil Health Conference: This conference will be held on January 17-19 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The conference will focus on regenerative agriculture practices, including biomimicry and soil testing.
- Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference: This conference will be held on December 4-7 in Covington, Kentucky. The conference will focus on a variety of topics, including organic agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and climate change.
Soil Sampling
October and early November are the prime times to get soil sampling tasks taken care of. However, it can be difficult to get accurate results if the soil is dry. This is because the clay components of the soil shrink down and trap minerals between the layers, making it difficult for plant roots and analytical tools to access them.
In addition, fields that have been treated with glyphosate may have lower levels of minerals important to plant growth and immune function. This is because glyphosate is a chelator, which means that it binds to minerals and makes them unavailable to plants.
There is now a field test-accredited microbial product that can degrade glyphosate. This product was developed by a biochemist and microbiologist who used deep sea soil cores and ancient amber to find ancient species of Lactobacillus bacteria. These bacteria can degrade the primary metabolite of glyphosate, known as AMPA or amino-methyl-phosphonic-acid.
Pesticide Residue
Pesticide residue can have a negative impact on both crops and human health. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to minimize exposure.
One way to reduce exposure to pesticide residue is to eat a variety of organic fruits and vegetables. Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, so it is generally lower in pesticide residue.
It is also important to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. This can help to remove some of the pesticide residue. In addition, it is a good idea to avoid eating foods that are high in pesticide residue, such as apples, grapes, and strawberries.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmytro-diedov
Categories: Kentucky, Business