Water
Gills Onions adds to its sustainable power initiative
Gills Onions' sustainability efforts have garnered national attention. The Oxnard, Calif., farm is documenting what it does and working with outside groups to track the data ¬- for internal use, to continue to improve, and... more »
Supplemental lighting guidelines for greenhouses
High-intensity supplemental lighting can increase photosynthesis and plant quality of crops during periods of dark weather. However, until recently, the definition of "dark" weather was ambiguous and subjective. Research at several U.S. universities has generated... more »
Roller-crimper can aid no-till vegetable system
Utilizing cover crops is a common practice for many vegetable producers, due to the numerous benefits of reducing soil erosion, scavenging nutrients, suppressing weeds and improving soil structure and organic matter. Planting no-till into killed... more »
Get farm market advice from jolly old England
Do you feel you've run out of new ideas for your farm market? Have you been a regular on the U.S. and Canadian farm market bus tours, and in some ways feel like you aren't... more »
Fighting for water in Imperial Valley
Southern California's Imperial Valley produces about 80 percent of the nation's winter vegetables. But years of drought, and a population boom in the Southwest, now threaten the water supply in the desert region - and... more »
Upbeat first assessment of California water supply
The rainy season isn't over yet, but California farmers already have reasons to be optimistic about the 2011 harvest. San Francisco ChronicleTo read more, click here. more »
Report targets waste in ag water use
A state expert says small changes in irrigation practices could yield significant water savings. Los Angeles TimesTo read more, click here. more »
Wind energy pays for itself – eventually
Windmills used to be a sign of farming, especially on the plains, where they were used to power pumps to bring water up from wells for homes, crops and animals. Today's modern windmill spins a... more »
Southwestern water outlook getting grimmer
California and the entire southwestern U.S. must drastically reduce water use to prevent harm to urban areas, agriculture and wildlife, according to scientific studies published Tuesday. North County TimesTo read more, click here. more »
Satellite data addresses needs of California growers
With the capability to provide valuable information about individual farm fields, vineyards and orchards, NASA satellites soon will provide California growers in the San Joaquin Valley with important information about crop growth, irrigation demands and... more »