Perspective: Mercury rising? Agriculture and climate change
As the fervor over many controversial ag topics thaws, climate change seems to be getting catapulted to the lead of the social discussion.
As the fervor over many controversial ag topics thaws, climate change seems to be getting catapulted to the lead of the social discussion.
On the pest management front in agriculture, we often want to encourage steamy insect sex — though not actually in a way the critters can follow through.
I just hit a milestone: my 30th anniversary as a lettuce grower [raucous applause?]. First as a young tyke at the family farm, and later in the wondrous, climate controlled college greenhouse. The latter was hydroponic, far removed from my conventional rearing. Fortunately, the experience I had amassed in the field was easily “convertible” into […]
Eating insects is a plausible approach to food sustainability — a way to constructively talk about averting the dreary future predicted in sci-fi novels.
I’m a steadfast ‘80s kid. The greatest decade, bar none. Anything remotely associated with the era adorns the walls of my mancave: Max Headroom, Scarface, Star Trek (TNG), Saturday morning cartoon memorabilia, and ‘80s starlets. And of course, music. Remember New Kids on the Block — and their throngs of adoring (usually female) fans with […]
The diversity and benefits of insects is staggering, which is why it’s so sad when the media falls victim to poor science reporting.
God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.” Genesis 1:29 My mother had the above embroidered and framed as a reminder — not only of her farm upbringing, but […]
Funny how one fortuitous event can not only renew your resolve, but reorient you on a totally unexpected path. I found my calling as a plant doctor.
During harvest season, don’t let divisive, phony phrases like “factory farming” sully your perceptions of honest farmers on the job.
With just a few exceptions, plants are the energetic envy of the world. No “higher” organisms are graced with the gift of photosynthesis — seemingly making sugars from scratch. But all these textbook praises about self-sufficiency are being charitable. While plants may be the consummate carb loaders, they’re also freeloaders. They can’t conjure up everything […]