Cover crops—also known as green manure—can be one of a farmer’s very best friends. Not only is it easy to plant and care for cover crop seed, cover crops can:
· Improve the soil in which they are grown · Prevent weeds from overrunning the land · Help prevent the spread of various diseases and pests · Allow other crops to grow and flourish Regardless of the size of a particular farming operation, these crops can help any other vegetables that farmers might produce. This article will go over the benefits of planting cover crops seed. After that, we will look at a few examples of good, easy-to-grow cover crops. Benefits of Cover Crops As mentioned above, planting the seeds of cover crop can have help farmland in a variety of ways. These include: Conserving Water and Soil The mulch from cover crops allows more water to permeate the soil in which it grows. It also reduces the amount of water that evaporates from the soil’s surface as well as runoff after a rain. Restoring Nutrients and Organic Matter to the Soil By planting cover crop seed and letting cover crops grow and decompose, farmers can add the crops’ organic matter to the soil. This helps build up levels of nutrients like nitrogen, calcium and magnesium within the soil, which other crops can use to grow. Keeping Weeds from Spreading Whenever soil is bare, weeds use it as an opportunity to set up residence. Cover crops keep these interloping plants from sucking up water and nutrients from a farmer are other crops. They do this by taking up space and creating shade, thereby giving weeds less opportunity to take root. Protecting Crops from Pests and Diseases By adding their organic matter to the soil, cover crops help feed microbes that ward off various diseases. Cover crops can also create hospitable environments for insects that feed on pests. Forage Complete can provide farmers with high-quality cover crops like smash mustard and rocket lettuce. By planting alfalfa seed such as these, farmers can break up hard ground, suppress weeds and enrich the soil for future crops. About Forage Complete Forage Complete is a top supplier of cover crop seed, non GMO alfalfa seed and other high-quality forage seed products. By combining innovative genetic technology with thorough research and testing, the company provides farmers with some of the finest seed available anywhere. For additional information, visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/83YBk7
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Alfalfa grazing is a time-honored and highly effective practice. It can be grazed alone or with other crops to feed livestock and preserve the health of the soil.
Alfalfa is an extremely nutritious vegetable. However, some farmers are leery of letting their cattle graze on alfalfa. What is the reason for this? It is because of eating too much alfalfa can cause bloating in cattle. Why is this so bad? This article will review cattle bloat and what people can do to prevent it from occurring. What is so Bad About Cattle Bloating? Cattle actually like eating alfalfa very much. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein and easily digested by cows. However, as a cow’s stomach begins to digest alfalfa, problems begin to arise. When cattle digest food, the first two chambers in their stomach start producing gas. Normally, they can simply release this gas by burping. With alfalfa, cows cannot do this. This is because digesting the legume produces both gas and slimy bubbles. These bubbles prevent the gas from exiting a cow’s body through burping. As gas and slime produced by seed grazing alfalfa increases in the cow’s stomach, pressure starts building up. Over time, that pressure begins to put strain on the cow’s heart and lungs. If the pressure gets bad enough, these organs may stop functioning altogether. The cow could lose its ability to breathe or pump blood through its body. How to Graze Alfalfa and Avoid Cattle Bloating It is still possible for cattle to get the nutritional benefits of grazing alfalfa while avoiding its dangerous side effects. Here are a few tips for feeding cows alfalfa: · Feed cattle before letting them graze on alfalfa. When letting cattle feed on alfalfa for the first time, it is a good idea to fill them up on another feed source. This will help ensure that they do not eat too much. It also give their stomachs time to get used to digesting alfalfa. · Feed alfalfa to cattle gradually. Start by letting cattle graze on alfalfa for about an hour. After that, move them over to another pasture. With each day, allow the cattle to graze on seed grazing alfalfa seed for a little longer until they have grown accustomed to it. · Do not switch between dry and lush alfalfa pastures. The moisture in a lush alfalfa pasture can cause bloat. This can happen even if cows have fed on alfalfa for an extended period of time. Forage Complete provides farmers with organic, high-yielding, non GMO alfalfa seed. It can resist most typical pests and diseases and delivers greater income per acre for dairy and beef producers. About Forage Complete Forage Complete is a top supplier of high-quality alfalfa seed, NuTech seed, cover crop seed and other products. The company delivers some of the finest seeds available anywhere thanks to a combination of comprehensive research and innovative technology. For more information, please visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/SQFNPc Alfalfa is one of the most important and popular forage crops not just in the United States but around the world (outside of North America, it is called “Lucerne”). What makes it so great? Read below to learn about the wonderful properties of this perennial.
Good for People & Animals Alike Alfalfa was introduced to the Americas by the Spanish back in the 1500s. They had already believed for centuries that it made a more effective feed for horses than grasses did. The Spanish were right. Alfalfa is rich in protein and calcium. It also has such vitamins as: • Vitamin B Family • Vitamin C • Vitamin D • Vitamin E Alfalfa’s nutritional value makes it a great addition to the diet of both humans and animals. Today, it is still frequently used for seed grazing with sheep, cattle and other livestock. Farmers can also use alfalfa to feed rabbits and chickens. It is worth noting, however, that eating large amounts of raw alfalfa seed can harm people on different medications and with various health conditions. Consult a doctor to determine whether alfalfa is safe to consume. Good for Soil Too Alfalfa is not only good for people and animals. It can help nourish the soil in which it grows too. Growing alfalfa can increase the level of nitrogen in a soil. This can make it an excellent cover crop seed, since other plants can use the nitrogen that alfalfa leaves behind. Organic farmers frequently use alfalfa as a kind of “green manure.” Alfalfa can grow in a wide range of climates. It helps that it does not require a lot of water. In fact, too much moisture can cause mold to grow on it. Alfalfa fares best in areas with the following characteristics: • Typically gets a high level of sunshine • Has soil with good drainage (i.e. moderate moisture level) • Has soil with a pH level of 6.8-7.5 In the US, alfalfa grows mainly in western and northern states like California and Idaho. Growing the plant in the South has proven difficult over the years due to pests like the alfalfa weevil as well as unaccommodating soils. However, some southern farmers have persisted and succeeded in growing it. Forage Complete is a first-rate source of non GMO alfalfa seed. The company’s wide variety of seed grazing Alfalfa seed can resist major diseases, perform well in several soil types and deliver high forage yields. About Forage Complete Forage Complete is a top supplier of Nutech seed as well as organic forage seed products and cover crops. By combining innovative genetic technology with intense research and testing, Forage Complete delivers the finest seeds available anywhere. For more information, please visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/SZSHcB Famously known as “The Forage Queen,” alfalfa is one of the most important forage crops in the world. The United States produces more alfalfa than any other country in the world and the top states in terms of overall production are California, Idaho, and Montana. In addition to its value for cattle grazing, hay and silage, alfalfa is very beneficial to organic farming operations as a cover crop and green manure.It reduces expenditures on nitrogen-based fertilizers since, in comparison to other crops—particularly legumes—alfalfa organically introduces higher levels of nitrogen into the soil. Alfalfa is an important crop because of its high biomass production and without the need for supplemental irrigation. As an animal feed, alfalfa is an outstanding staple for horses, cattle (dairy and beef), sheep, chickens, turkeys and other animals. It acts as a rich source of essential vitamins (A, E, K, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and U), minerals (calcium, potassium, manganese, sulfur, and chlorine) and proteins. Alfalfa also holds important acids which are rich in nutrients and fibers. Alfalfa naturally and effectively controls pests and weeds and, thus, requires fewer pesticides and herbicides in comparison to other crops.It is often planted to improve the general health of the soil and overall cropping system.Alfalfa’s unique root structure helps to minimize or prevent harmful soil erosion due to wind, rain, and irrigation. Top farming operations across the country trust Forage Complete for their alfalfa seed and other organic products including specialty grasses, oats, clover and corn.Forage Complete adheres to some of the highest standards for quality and excellence in the industry. Asan exclusive retailer for NuTech Seed, the comprehensive line of seeds supplied by Forage Complete provides the ultimate in cropping flexibility without compromising performance and yields. About Forage Complete: Forage Complete is a top supplier of cover crop seed and a wide variety of organic forage seed products. With innovative genetic technology and extensive research and testing, Forage Complete delivers some of the finest seed available anywhere. For additional information, visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/t7TBDp Organic farming is sustainable, profitable and healthy. Organic food gives consumers a nutritious and ethical alternative to the products of industrial agriculture. Organic farming involves using natural fertilizers such as cover crops (also known as “green manure”) and compost manure. Farmers also use techniques like companion planting, mixed planting, crop rotation and biological pest control to produce the best crops. Cover crop seed helps nurture soil in a variety of ways. The biggest benefits of using green manure or cover crops include: • Inhibits soil erosion by water and wind – When a piece of farmland is left bare, it is vulnerable to water and wind erosion. The roots of cover crops hold the soil in place and keep it from getting washed or blown away. They protect the rich topsoil and prevent the compaction of the soil underneath. • They add organic matter to the soil - The matter from organic crops enhances the soil in which it is planted. It provides the soil with essential nutrients, maintains its moisture and stimulates the microorganisms living within it. • They aerate the soil- The roots of cover crops support the soil’s structure. The pores made by cover crops’ roots allow aeration of the soil and moisture percolation. The roots also create a passage through which essential microorganisms can move into the soil. • They suppress the growth of weeds - Cover crops are sometimes called "living mulches" because of their tendency to suppress the growth of weeds. The leaves of cover crops act as a shade which prevents weeds from photosynthesizing. Also, their roots give weeds less room to grow and fewer nutrients. • They add nitrogen to the soil - Cover crops provide the soil with nutrients like nitrogen which are essential for plant growth. Legumes like clover are a perfect example: Their root nodules contain certain bacteria which help maintain the level of nitrogen in soil. This extra nitrogen will nourish the crops which are planted after the cover crop. • They maintain the soil’s moisture - Cover crops cover the soil and prevent water inside it from evaporating. Also, their roots provide moisture to the soil layer underneath the topsoil. To give soils all the benefits listed above, farmers need high-quality cover crops from a reliable source. Forage Complete offers the best cover crops, including sweet mustard, rocket lettuce and alfalfa seed. The company delivers the superior genetics standards in the seed industry. About Forage Complete: Forage Complete is a top supplier of NuTech seed as well as organic forage seed products and cover crops. With innovative genetic technology and intense research and testing, Forage Complete delivers the finest seeds available anywhere. For more information, please visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/Mzw1s7 The farming industry is currently at a crossroads. Farmers across the globe are weighing the pros and cons of continuing with conventional farming methods—including genetically-engineered crops, chemical-based fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and a general disregard for environmental effects—and those of transitioning to organic systems. Some believe that, from a supply-standpoint, it is important to stick with traditional methods that can feed more people. An increasing number of scientists and experts, however, understand that a shift to organic farming is essential from health, environmental and sustainability perspectives.
Research shows that organized farming has existed since around 8,500 BC, when humans started to grow barley, wheat, lentils and other crops. Until this time, people survived by hunting animals and gathering plants. Though the fundamental processes—cultivate, plant, grow and harvest—has remained, farming has gone through innumerable transformations…for better or for worse. For example, it is an undeniable fact that chemical-based fertilizers have led to today’s higher yields but, when long-term effects on consumers’ health and soil, water and other environmental components are factored, it becomes clear that a price has been paid. Most consumers now understand how the chemicals in fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can affect their health. In 1970’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” Joni Mitchell sang “Hey farmer, farmer, put away that DDT now; Give me spots on my apples but leave me the birds and the bees.” This lyric perfectly sums up how many feel about chemicals on their food, that they are willing to accept imperfections in exchange for a healthier world around them. Chemicals rapidly deteriorate soil quality, pollute the underground water supply, diminish production quality and reduce overall nutritional value. With environmental concern at an all-time high, humankind cannot afford to stick to the traditional farming practices of farming which exploit the soil, water and greater environment. Farmers interested in reversing the environmental effects of conventional farming techniques often choose to plant organic alfalfa and cover crops. Each introduces unique benefits such as water retention, protection from wind and water erosion, improved nutritional value, suppression of weeds and pests and more. Farmers everywhere know that the market’s finest alfalfa, corn, cover and other crops are available exclusively from Forage Complete. Forage Complete is committed to amalgamating the latest developments in technology and genetics with some of the industry’s highest quality standards to bring superior seeds to its valued partners. Its varieties of specialized alfalfa seeds, for example, are ideal for both seed grazingand hay production. About Forage Complete: Forage Complete takes great pride in being among the top suppliers of organic seed products. From seed grazing alfalfa seed and clover to corn and Bokito radish, it supplies a wide range of sustainable agriculture seeds and related products. In addition to its signature line of high-quality seed products, Forage Complete is the exclusive retailer of NuTech seeds in Washington, Utah, Idaho and Oregon. For more information, visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/qz93hd Alfalfa is commonly referred to as “Queen of the Forages” and is the fourth most widely grown crop in the US. Alfalfa is preferred by many farmers because it is comparatively easy to grow and thrives in a variety of climates and soil types. It is also a valuable component of successful sustainable agricultural programs around the world.
A sample of alfalfa’s many benefits include: Soil Protection Alfalfa is a deep-rooted crop (often up to twelve inches below the surface) and, as it grows, forms a dense canopy covering the soil. These traits help hold the valuable topsoil intact and prevent it from being carried away by water erosion and wind, thereby reducing runoff. Its natural canopy also helps to suppress the growth of a variety of weeds. Nitrogen Balance Bacteria growing on the roots of alfalfa biologically balance the nitrogen content in soil without the application of supplemental fertilizers. Additionally, because alfalfa plants remain in the ground for several years—unlike most other crops, which are plowed under after a single harvest and year—nitrogen also remains in the soil year after year and further reduces the need for fertilizers during future crop-cycles. Attract “Good Bugs” “Good bugs” are those whose diet primarily consists of detrimental pests that can devastate gardens and fields. Alfalfa is proven to attract a diversity of these helpful insects which help to control bugs and pests that can spread diseases and ravage entire crops. Additionally, this minimizes or eliminates the need for the introduction of pesticides. Efficient Water Use Though alfalfa traditionally uses more irrigation water than other crops due to its long growing season and deep root system, it produces a surprisingly high yield of dry matter in proportion to the amount of water required. Deep roots make possible its efficient water usage and storage, particularly beneficial during dry or drought periods. Forage Complete recognizes that alfalfa’s unique benefits are maximized when it is grown organically, without artificial chemicals or fertilizers to affect its natural qualities. Forage Complete is committed to supplying the market’s finest organic alfalfa seed—whether for seed grazing or hay production—as well as corn, timothy and various specialized cover crops and forage seeds. Each of these is non-GMO, 100% organic and undergoes continuous and rigorous testing and verifications to ensure a healthy and plentiful yield. About Forage Complete: Forage Complete proudly supplies the best organic seed products—from Bokito radish and clover to corn and seed grazing alfalfa seed—available anywhere. Forage Complete is widely recognized for its role in the development of sustainable agricultural practices and for incorporating the latest genetic research into every seed it sells. For additional information, please visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/Ea8wWT Could organic farming really be the solution to our intensifying global food system challenges? An increasing number of individuals—from farmers and consumers to scientists and international supply organizations—are realizing that organic farming provides both the health and environmental benefits necessary to help usher in an exciting new era of farming. Critics, however, purport that any benefits of organic farming are grossly exaggerated, that it leads to lower-yielding crops and involves higher operating costs and, thus, cannot sustain the world's food supply. Time will tell whether organic farming becomes more mainstream but, in the meantime, it brings up these important questions:
How does organic farming benefit the environment? The fundamental attribute of organic farming is that it does not involve the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which are essential in conventional mass farming methods. Over time, these chemical-based fertilizers not only diminish the soil’s nutritional content but also pollute the groundwater. Organic farming methods, on the other hand, keep the soil composition intact. The green manure—which is not animal feces but actually specific plant varieties grown and turned back into the soil—involved in organic practices is widely known to reintroduce lost nutrients back into the soil. Specialized suppliers such as NuTech Seed help ensure that farmers have access to top-quality organic seeds. In addition to NuTech seed, specially developed cover crops and forage crops make organic farming easier and, therefore, encourage farmers to adopt methods that provide long-term environmental benefits. How does organic food taste? Several scientific studies have found that, in addition to being healthier, organic food products often actually taste better than non-organics. Strict consumers of organic products agree, preferring the natural taste of foods that are grown and processed without chemicals. Others notice no difference in taste between organic and non-organic foods so, given the health and other benefits of organics, will always choose them. Is organic food more nutritious? The answer to this question is a resounding “yes.” When all components—from seeds to fertilizers to pesticides—are natural, the final product is guaranteed to be more nutritious. Organic farming benefits from the use of green manure or compost, which act as biological fertilizers. It also involves the planting of cover crops and forage crops such as alfalfa to help attract and maintain a sufficient population of beneficial insects and enhance the soil’s nutritional value. Is organic food safer? The amount of chemicals and pesticides currently used in conventional farming methods is dangerously high. Non-organic fruits and vegetables, for example, are traditionally treated with multiple applications of chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers prior to production followed by multiple layers of chemical-based cleansers and waxes prior to being displayed at a supermarket. The end result is an apple or carrot which is unhealthy and very likely unsafe. Because organic food products contain only naturally-produced fertilizers and finishing agent and are free of chemicals which have been proven harmful, they are undoubtedly safer than foods produced through conventional farming methods. Farmers around the globe are evolving toward organic practices to enhance yields without compromising the quality of soil or food output. For these farmers who have committed to sustainable practices, Forage Complete is a top source of organic seeds, cutting-edge genetic research and individualized support. Organic products and cover crops supplied by Forage Complete have been proven to dramatically increase production of tasty, healthy and safe food products. Along with its line of top-quality organic seeds and related products, Forage Complete is an exclusive retailer of industry-leading NuTech Seed. Its website features an online library of research findings and informative articles related to new and improved organic farming techniques. About Forage Complete: Forage Complete is an organic farmer’s most comprehensive and trusted resource for products, research and support. From seed grazing alfalfa seed and other specially-developed NuTech seeds, Forage Complete offers a complete range of organic products. Its aim is to support and promote organic farming methods and the use of non-GMO seeds in the farming process. For more information, visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/XwnzjA With the introduction and development of organic farming, each process—from preparing soil to planting and harvesting—has completely changed. Organic farming is a pesticide-free production method, ensuring food safety without compromising on overall quality. Pesticides are chemicals that, when applied to plants, kill potentially-damaging pests such as aphids, rodents, fruit flies, bacteria and more. Organic farming involves the use of a specialized variety of high-yield seeds which do not attract pests and, thus, do not require the use of pesticides. These organic crops do need artificial fertilizers to enhance their growth but this is accomplished without the harmful chemicals used in traditional fertilizers that negatively affect the safety and quality of the crop and soil. High-quality alfalfa, soybean and similar organic seeds have contributed to the rise in popularity of organic farming. Increasingly, farmers are transitioning toward organic farming as a means of providing pure and nutrient-rich food. Organic farming not only aids by keeping the crops natural and chemical-free, but also by maintaining the quality of soil through the reduction of pesticides and fertilizers. There are numerous varieties of high-yield organic seeds available on the market but one well-known seed supplier is NuTech Seed. NuTech Seed offers hybrid sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and alfalfa seeds. The company has become an industry leader by offering premier seed products to customers through partnerships with exclusive dealers across the country. The use of high-quality hybrid seeds has increased the yield potential of crops over the years. NuTech Seed offers some of the best seed products currently on the market. It all starts with NuTech Seed’s top-performing genetics that, combined with industry-leading seed treatments, maximize the production potential of every acre. Because of superior hybrid seed producers such as NuTech Seed, agricultural output has dramatically increased year after year, while the soil composition and quality has remained unchanged. The remarkable uniformity in hybrid seeds is a result of the dynamic processing performed by NuTech Seed, resulting in terrific yields for farmers everywhere. Simply purchasing organic or hybrid seeds, though, is not enough for farmers. It is also imperative that they acquire necessary and timely information regarding the growing process, from cultivation to planting and through harvesting. For example, hybrid organic alfalfa and corn seeds are available in different varieties, depending upon their maturity. Farmers must have a mastery of the maturity patterns of seeds in order to make informed decisions, particularly with regard to harvesting crops at the right time to obtain the highest yield. While there are many seed providers in the Pacific Northwest, few can match the quality standards of seeds offered by Forage Complete. Forage Complete is committed to offering the best quality seeds to its customers at fair prices. The company works hard to educate farmers on the best organic seed products—alfalfa, corn, soybeans, sunflowers and more—available for their specific needs and goals. Forage Complete is proud to be an exclusive dealer of premium seed products from NuTech Seed and also provides a wide range of high-quality seed products for other suppliers. Customers can find Forage Complete’s entire catalog on its website, along with articles, research findings and related valuable information tailored for the use of its alfalfa, corn and other such organic and hybrid seeds. About Forage Complete Forage Complete is a leading seed products supplier in the Pacific Northwest, as well as Idaho and Nevada. The company also provides important information about seed grazing alfalfa seed, along with an extensive offering of organic and hybrid seed products. For more information about Forage Complete, visit Foragecomplete.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/zoudTx |