Kamis, 13 Oktober 2011
http://www.agcareers.com
The Importance of Agriculture in Australia
According to the National Farmers Federation, there are 140,704 farms in Australia, with 125,594 of these solely dedicated to agricultural production. It is clear that agriculture is an important factor for the Australian economy and the farmers who work hard to harvest top quality produces should be acknowledged for their efforts. Australian farmers produce almost 93% of Australian daily domestic food supply and agricultural produce account for 60% (in volume) in total agricultural production. Agricultural exports earned the country $27.5 billion in 2007/08.
Agriculture has many important linkages with other segments of the economy and the knock on effects of successful agricultural production boosts many sectors. The employment sector is an obvious beneficiary of a strong agricultural system. Agricultural supports the jobs of 1.6million Australians in farming and relating industries, accounting for 17.2% of the national workforce.
The benefits to Australia from agriculture are not all fiscal. Farmers have also led the sustainability surge, leading primary industries in reducing greenhouse gas by 40% between 1990-2006 and placing an important emphasis on Natural Resource Management, Farmers work relentlessly in areas such as weed prevention, pest, land, soil, natural vegetation and water related issues. Australian Farmers also invest heavily in research and development so that they may be a step ahead of international competitors, get the best from the land and contribute to the economy. According to the NFF, Australian Farmers invest $237 million a year in R&D to enable them to stay a step ahead of international competition.
As NFF president David Crombie states “Australians know the resilient nature of our farmers and value the quality of our farm fresh produce”. Australian farmers make important economic and environmental contributions to Australia and are at the forefront of pioneering new technology and practices to aid their efficiency and competitiveness.
Agriculture in Australia continues to be a driving force creating new jobs, boosting the economy and encouraging innovation.
To recognise the achievements of Australian farmers the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling for nominations under its second annual national Innovation in Agriculture Awards, recognising and encouraging excellence in modern farming. The 2010 Innovation in Agriculture Awards Entry Guide – providing details and examples on each Award, the criteria for entry and guidance on application format, is available from the NFF’s National Congress website at:
http://congress.nff.org.au/awards.html.
Nominations close Monday 31 May 2010.
© 2010 www.agcareers.com
Selasa, 11 Oktober 2011
http://www.buzzle.com/articles
Intensive Farming Types
Intensive farming involves production of high
yield crops in a small area with use of lot of fertilizers and
pesticides. There are different types of modern intensive farming types
that is covered in the following article.
Types of Intensive Farming Techniques
There are different intensive farming techniques. Pre-mordern era of intensive farming included terracing, rice paddies as well as aquacultue (aquafarming). With industrialization, modern intensive farming techniques have been introduced. The techniques help in production of the highest yield at the lowest possible cost. Some of the types of intensive farming are as follows:
Factory Farming
Factory farming involves intensive farming of livestock in confinement. The farm actually functions as a factory for raising animals for meat, milk as well as eggs for commercial use. However, the animals are forever kept in closed confined areas like cages and crates. They are not allowed to carry on with their natural behavior like foraging or exploratory nature. Their life span is reduced considerably due to the poor living conditions in which these animals are kept.
Aquaculture
Cultivation of fish, shellfish, algae, seaweed, etc. under controlled conditions is called aquaculture or aquafarming. This type of intensive farming may also involve use of tanks or systems that help in boosting the production of the aquatic yields. However, over farming is causing extensive damage to the ecosystem as there is increase in completion between the farm animals and the wild animals.
Sustainable Agriculture
The practice of farming that the study of relation between organisms and their environment. This is a biointensive agriculture that causes increase in yield per unit area, yield per energy input, yield per water input, etc. It involves use of intercropping as well as vertical farming.
Management Intensive Rotational Grazing
Managed intensive rotational grazing (MIRG) involves use of ruminant and non-ruminant herds to graze and forage on a portion of pasture, farm or paddock. This helps the vegetation on the field to renew its energy reserves, deepen the root system as well as help in long-term increase of biomass production. The animals in turn obtain the natural nutritional requirements from grazing, eliminating the need for supplemental feed sources.
From the above information related to intensive farming types, you can understand that it helps produce high yields than one would do so normally. Animals are kept in smaller spaces, thus reducing the requirement for more energy, food as well as space. This helps the farmer cut down on his cost of production and increase his profit. Also, animals are allowed to move less and their activity level decreases considerably. This helps them build up extra meat and fat, thus increasing higher yield of meat and meat products. Similarly, crops are grown in smaller lands. Mechanical help increases the rate of production as well as crop yield. Thus, profit margin increases for the farmer.
However, intensive farming causes considerable chances in the biology of the land mass as well as water bodies. Use of pesticides tends to kill other useful plants and beneficial insects. These chemical fertilizers and pesticides pollute the soil as well as water sources, causing harmful effects on animals, plants as well as humans. As the chemical fertilizers and pesticides are non-biodegradable, they tend to accumulate in the soil, rendering it as infertile after a few years. Even if intensive farming helps save on costs, it requires use of intensive labor. Thus, one has to pay for a large workforce that cuts down the profit margin considerably.
Even though the modern intensive farming types help increase the production of crops and animals, they lead to considerable effects on the natural environment. The only advantage for intensive farming is that the cost of green vegetables as well as milk and meat products reduces considerably, helping people who cannot afford costly food products.
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Pupuk Organik
Bahan baku hasil dari
pengolahan belum dapat disebut pupuk organik. Untuk dapat diolah menjadi
pupuk organik maka harus diberikan pengolahan lebih lanjut.
Pengolahannnya adalah mencampur dengan bahan-bahan lainnya, misalkan
cocopeat yang mempunyai C lebih tinggi, sehingga menghasilkan C/N ratio
yang lebih baik.. Kemudian nutrisinya juga ditambah untuk menghasilkan
kandungan yang lebih baik bisa dengan fish meal, blood and bone dan
lain-lainya.
Setelah
menjadi pupuk kemudian dikemas dengan ukuran yang dikehendaki oleh
pasar,umumnya ukuran 20 kg atau ukuran 40 kg. Pengguna pupuk organik ini
cukup banyak jika dijual dengan harga yang wajar.
Harga
jual per karung Rp, 10.000,-/ 20 kg, untuk Partai mendapatkan discount
pembelian. Kami dapat melayani dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia.
Pengolahan Daur Ulang
Dari hasil
pengolahan sampah, juga dihasilkan plastik dengan berbagai jenis. Ada 6
jenis plastik yang sangat laku di pasaran meliputi HD,PE, HDPE, PP dan
beberapa jenis lainnya. Plastik-plastik tersebut jika dilakukan
pengolahan yang meliputi sortir berdasarkan jenisnya lalu kemudian
berdasarkan warnanya maka sudah ada penampungnya
Tetapi jika diolah hingga lebih
lanjut ,maka harga jual dari produk daur ulang tersebut menjadi lebih
tinggi. Untuk plastik yang sudah dirobek , dicuci dan dikeringkan bisa
mempunyai harga dari Rp. 2.000,-
per kg hingga Rp, 6.000,- per kg
tegantung dari jenisnya.
per kg hingga Rp, 6.000,- per kg
tegantung dari jenisnya.
Hasil akhir dari daur ulang
plastik, berupa biji plastik yang digunakan oleh industri dengan mutu
yang lebih rendah. Ember hitam untuk bangunan contohnya, gagang sapu,
pengki dan lain-lainnya. Industri daur ulang ini secara terpisah dan
serius harus dikembangkan karena selain dapat memberikan lapangan
pekerjaan, juga dapat mengatasi problem lingkungan. Selain plastik
lembaran, maka plastik lainnya seperti botol aqua, botol shampo maupun
botol lainnya dapat diproses daur ulang dengan teknis yang berbeda.
Kendala yang
dihadapai adalah network sudah ada sulit ditembus oleh pemain baru, dan
pabrik pengolahan yang besar hanya berada di beberapa kota besar
seperti Surabaya, Jakarta, Bandung dan Medan. Mengatasinya adalah dengan
menggunakan pengepresan hingga 5:1 untuk menghemat biaya transportasi.
Tetapi dalam mengelola bisnis tidak harus cepat putus asa, semua itu
dapat diatasi melalui pehitungan dan inovasi yang
lebih baik.
HASIL DARI RECYCLE PLASTIK AND PAPER
1. HDPE sudah cuci dan press
2. PP bersih sudah press
3. Recycle paper berbagai jenis.
4. HDPE CACAH SIAP UNTUK GRANULE
DICARI MITRA KERJA PENAMPUNGAN
HASIL DAUR ULANG 
email : info@mittran-group.com
Jl. Rambutan No.51 - Raya Hankam
Jatimurni - Pondok Melati - Bekasi 17431
Mobile : +62811991332
Telp. (021) 84592981, 84597219, Fax. (021) 84592981
All Rights Reserved.
email : info@mittran-group.com
Jl. Rambutan No.51 - Raya Hankam
Jatimurni - Pondok Melati - Bekasi 17431
Mobile : +62811991332
Telp. (021) 84592981, 84597219, Fax. (021) 84592981
All Rights Reserved.
Selasa, 02 Agustus 2011
New Urban Agriculture Manager promotes city farming and community gardens
New Urban Agriculture Manager promotes city farming and community gardens
Tara Tracy has been named the Urban Agriculture Manager at the Delaware Center for Horticulture, following a rigorous national search by the nonprofit based in Wilmington's Trolley Square neighborhood.
As head of Urban Agriculture, Tracy is responsible for developing and implementing food production and community gardening programs, including: TheDCH's Urban Farm at 12th & Brandywine on Wilmington's northeast side, the greater Wilmington area's Urban Farm Coalition; and 23 community gardens in New Castle County. With a BS in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Maine at Orono and a Master's Certificate in Geographic Information Technology with a soil science concentration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, the Certified Professional Soil Scientist has three decades of professional experience in farm planning, land preservation, and environmental policy with government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations.
Tracy says she is thrilled to be managing the program.
"TheDCH is Delaware's leading horticultural organization," she said, "and this position fulfills my commitment to and passion for the close connection that locally grown food can create between people and their environment."
In her new position, Tracy says it is a priority to make the fruits and vegetables produced at the Urban Farm available in more community venues. In addition, promoting greater Wilmington's network of farmers and community gardeners - and others who aspire to produce their own food - is important, she said, so that the locally grown, organic movement continues to grow, literally and figuratively.
© Copyright 2011, Cecil Whig, Elkton, MD. Powered by Blox CMS from TownNews.com.
Tara Tracy has been named the Urban Agriculture Manager at the Delaware Center for Horticulture, following a rigorous national search by the nonprofit based in Wilmington's Trolley Square neighborhood.
As head of Urban Agriculture, Tracy is responsible for developing and implementing food production and community gardening programs, including: TheDCH's Urban Farm at 12th & Brandywine on Wilmington's northeast side, the greater Wilmington area's Urban Farm Coalition; and 23 community gardens in New Castle County. With a BS in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Maine at Orono and a Master's Certificate in Geographic Information Technology with a soil science concentration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, the Certified Professional Soil Scientist has three decades of professional experience in farm planning, land preservation, and environmental policy with government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations.
Tracy says she is thrilled to be managing the program.
"TheDCH is Delaware's leading horticultural organization," she said, "and this position fulfills my commitment to and passion for the close connection that locally grown food can create between people and their environment."
In her new position, Tracy says it is a priority to make the fruits and vegetables produced at the Urban Farm available in more community venues. In addition, promoting greater Wilmington's network of farmers and community gardeners - and others who aspire to produce their own food - is important, she said, so that the locally grown, organic movement continues to grow, literally and figuratively.
© Copyright 2011, Cecil Whig, Elkton, MD. Powered by Blox CMS from TownNews.com.
Minggu, 24 Juli 2011
City Farming
City farming produces an economic return from the unused or underutilized space that exists in many cities
Intensive methods of small-scale food production are potentially more efficient than the traditional farming methods used in rural areas.
City farming is critically important for making city more sustainable and less dependent on important supplies.
There is a huge demand for leafy vegetables as they accompany he tradtional maize porridge (ugla) as vitamin supplement.
Green spaces are maintained in otherwise completely built up areas
Open spaces are not encroached on easily but are respected by city dwellers. This helps to prevent the spread of unplanned squatter houses. Productive open spaces can serve as place-markers for alternative future uses.
A production site will hardly be turned into haphazard public dumpsites.
Home food production in city communities is more likely to supply needed nutrients (essential vitamins and considerable protein and calories) than the existing market system since he variety of food for sale is often limited and quality and freshness may be impaired
Many new migrants to cities come from farming areas and alread possess agricultural skills.
City food production activities can employ poor city residents generating incoome and fostering a sense of achievement and hope.
Benefits at Micro Level
Creative Pleasure
Highly tasty, nutritious, fresh vegetables and fruits.
Good Health
Eco-friendly, pollution free environment.
Optimal use of available space.
Recycling organic waste.
Reduces stress and brings peace and tranquility.
Benefits at Macro level
Waste management: Decreases urban waste management costs.
Environment: Improves urban environment
Economic: Increases economic and entrepreneurial activity in the city.
Powered by Pixel Web Ware
Intensive methods of small-scale food production are potentially more efficient than the traditional farming methods used in rural areas.
City farming is critically important for making city more sustainable and less dependent on important supplies.
There is a huge demand for leafy vegetables as they accompany he tradtional maize porridge (ugla) as vitamin supplement.
Green spaces are maintained in otherwise completely built up areas
Open spaces are not encroached on easily but are respected by city dwellers. This helps to prevent the spread of unplanned squatter houses. Productive open spaces can serve as place-markers for alternative future uses.
A production site will hardly be turned into haphazard public dumpsites.
Home food production in city communities is more likely to supply needed nutrients (essential vitamins and considerable protein and calories) than the existing market system since he variety of food for sale is often limited and quality and freshness may be impaired
Many new migrants to cities come from farming areas and alread possess agricultural skills.
City food production activities can employ poor city residents generating incoome and fostering a sense of achievement and hope.
Benefits at Micro Level
Creative Pleasure
Highly tasty, nutritious, fresh vegetables and fruits.
Good Health
Eco-friendly, pollution free environment.
Optimal use of available space.
Recycling organic waste.
Reduces stress and brings peace and tranquility.
Benefits at Macro level
Waste management: Decreases urban waste management costs.
Environment: Improves urban environment
Economic: Increases economic and entrepreneurial activity in the city.
Powered by Pixel Web Ware
Farming's big business, say Valley FCC pros
It's not all heirloom tomatoes, alpacas and farm markets; getting into agriculture takes money and solid planning
By Lexi Bainas, Citizen July 22, 2011
Farm Credit Canada.
If the name sounds familiar, it should.
They've been around for 50 years across the country and have had an office in the Cowichan Valley since 1998.
FCC is a federal crown corporation that offers financing for farmers, all the way from small operations just starting up to massive agri-businesses that have been around for generations.
The Citizen talked to FCC's relationship managers Barry Remus and Pat Durose at their office at 202-2700 Beverly St. in Duncan about financing, farming, and related subjects.
Remus and Durose both have long histories in farming and are proud of their corporation's traditional ties to one of Canada's most important communities.
FCC's roots are deep, according to Remus.
"When the Second World War veterans started to come back in 1945, the [federal government of the day] set up the Veterans Land Act. It helped veterans who wanted to buy a house or a farm or a business. The Veterans Land Act would actually lend them money at a good rate to do so, to get them started. It created employment when all the soldiers came back. Then, in 1961, the Farm Credit Corporation actually took over the Veterans Land Act and administered the portfolio and turned it more towards the direction it's taking today," he said.
FCC is national, with offices strategically placed throughout Canada and offers services to all kinds of farmers, not only those producing primary products like dairy and berries or chickens but also those working in areas that include processing, like vineyards and cheese plants, said Durose.
Prior to the late 1990s, FCC would send an account manager over from Abbotsford to handle Valley accounts and queries.
"He'd come over once a month or so and do a blitz, handling enquiries. But since October 1998 our doors have been open here," she said.
Remus said the Cowichan Valley office has grown from there.
"Even though it may seem that there's a lot of consolidation in agriculture and farms are getting larger, there are a lot of small operations starting out with five or 10 acres, which could be market gardens or whatever offering higher value crops. If you've been watching the farmers' market downtown, you'll remember there wasn't that much volume of product at the start but when you look at it today, you can buy almost anything there from homemade bread and baked goods to jams and produce. It's exciting," he said.
Vancouver Island is somewhat unique because there are many small parcels of land that can be farmed and the price of land itself here is also a factor, he said, agreeing that some of the Valley's farmland could also be described as the most appealing residential land in all of Canada.
Can farming pay enough to pay that price?
"I think that is a challenge that agriculture producers are faced with all across Canada. They try and establish an agriculture business in a rural residential area in competition with rural residents who don't look for production off the land to pay all their mortgages and bills. Basically, we [FCC] fill that gap. The nice thing about Vancouver Island is that we can grow 230-240 different agricultural crops whereas in the rest of Canada they're curtailed.
"Some areas can only collectively grow five or 10 crops plus livestock. People on the prairies aren't growing truffles or things like that; those are high value crops that are paying for high value land." Remus said.
Vancouver Island is a unique area. There are lots of different eco-systems. One person can grow something here and another person two miles down the road can't grow it, he said, adding that on the Island, the Cowichan Valley is one of three main pockets of agricultural land. The others are the Saanich peninsula and the Comox Valley; there's also a little area in the Parksville/Coombs region.
Both Durose and Remus said that agriculture is huge here in the Cowichan Valley and that knowing where food comes from is becoming more and more important to local residents.
Remus pointed out that films like Nick Versteeg's Island on the Edge have enhanced consumer support of agriculture on Vancouver Island by showing how little food supply is actually available here, if the offshore supplies ceased.
People are even looking at producing older varieties of fruits and vegetables on smaller farms and finding interest among buyers.
Remus said there are two sides to that and both can benefit.
"There is a reason for their popularity at markets. A lot of the heritage varieties were bred for taste, rather than shelf life. And nowadays, many varieties grown in big farms are bred for volume production to help pay for the price of land."
This is opening a window for a different kind of agriculture, for smaller operators, options that are even increasing on the prairies along with places like the Cowichan Valley.
So, how do clients find their way to FCC?
Durose said a lot of it is word-of-mouth. Everyone in the industry knows about the corporation. "We understand agriculture. We understand their business and we have access to resources."
Think tanks at FCC cover subjects like the beef industry, the poultry industry, and what's happening in wineries. There's a knowledge base there, and it's community-based within that special group, she said.
The Internet and booths at agricultural conferences, trade shows and other events also spread the word.
People trying to get into agriculture for the first time learn, while doing their due diligence, preparing a business plan, researching and talking to farmers in the area, that Farm Credit is around and helpful, Remus said.
"That's all we specialize in. Once you have a large enough critical mass, you can learn by experience. When you finance as much of agriculture as we do, you create your own understanding within the industry. There are other financial institutions that finance agriculture but it's our total focus and we believe we have an understanding of the area."
Durose agreed.
"We're known. We cater to our people, work from a farming perspective."
Still, one of the biggest challenges is helping people who've never been involved in farming before.
"It's because the market value of land and the amount of capital involved is so large. But we do offer some different programs. We have a transition program in which the vendor will carry some of the funding but we'll guarantee the funding to the vendor. That lets the new farmer start with enough equity. We have a number of different programs for people in different situations. But, at the end of the day, we're like all financial institutions: we lend out money and we expect to get it paid back," Remus said.
Are people able to move into agriculture in the Cowichan Valley if they want to?
It depends on the industry, according to Remus.
"Some industries are a lot easier. If people have the drive to do something, they will get there. It used to be that if you couldn't get a job, you could always go back to the farm," he said. "Well, those days are gone in agriculture. Now, it needs passion and drive."
Durose emphasized that there is plenty of planning needed, too.
Anyone who wants to get into farming really has to set it up like a business, with a business plan that shows where they are now, where they hope to be in five years time and how they are going to make that happen.
The Cowichan Valley is also attracting families or couples who want a career change and see farming as a viable opportunity.
"The capitalization, all the management strategies and techniques to be successful are no different than any other business out there. Agriculture's changing as fast as any other industry out there."
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By Lexi Bainas, Citizen July 22, 2011
Farm Credit Canada.
If the name sounds familiar, it should.
They've been around for 50 years across the country and have had an office in the Cowichan Valley since 1998.
FCC is a federal crown corporation that offers financing for farmers, all the way from small operations just starting up to massive agri-businesses that have been around for generations.
The Citizen talked to FCC's relationship managers Barry Remus and Pat Durose at their office at 202-2700 Beverly St. in Duncan about financing, farming, and related subjects.
Remus and Durose both have long histories in farming and are proud of their corporation's traditional ties to one of Canada's most important communities.
FCC's roots are deep, according to Remus.
"When the Second World War veterans started to come back in 1945, the [federal government of the day] set up the Veterans Land Act. It helped veterans who wanted to buy a house or a farm or a business. The Veterans Land Act would actually lend them money at a good rate to do so, to get them started. It created employment when all the soldiers came back. Then, in 1961, the Farm Credit Corporation actually took over the Veterans Land Act and administered the portfolio and turned it more towards the direction it's taking today," he said.
FCC is national, with offices strategically placed throughout Canada and offers services to all kinds of farmers, not only those producing primary products like dairy and berries or chickens but also those working in areas that include processing, like vineyards and cheese plants, said Durose.
Prior to the late 1990s, FCC would send an account manager over from Abbotsford to handle Valley accounts and queries.
"He'd come over once a month or so and do a blitz, handling enquiries. But since October 1998 our doors have been open here," she said.
Remus said the Cowichan Valley office has grown from there.
"Even though it may seem that there's a lot of consolidation in agriculture and farms are getting larger, there are a lot of small operations starting out with five or 10 acres, which could be market gardens or whatever offering higher value crops. If you've been watching the farmers' market downtown, you'll remember there wasn't that much volume of product at the start but when you look at it today, you can buy almost anything there from homemade bread and baked goods to jams and produce. It's exciting," he said.
Vancouver Island is somewhat unique because there are many small parcels of land that can be farmed and the price of land itself here is also a factor, he said, agreeing that some of the Valley's farmland could also be described as the most appealing residential land in all of Canada.
Can farming pay enough to pay that price?
"I think that is a challenge that agriculture producers are faced with all across Canada. They try and establish an agriculture business in a rural residential area in competition with rural residents who don't look for production off the land to pay all their mortgages and bills. Basically, we [FCC] fill that gap. The nice thing about Vancouver Island is that we can grow 230-240 different agricultural crops whereas in the rest of Canada they're curtailed.
"Some areas can only collectively grow five or 10 crops plus livestock. People on the prairies aren't growing truffles or things like that; those are high value crops that are paying for high value land." Remus said.
Vancouver Island is a unique area. There are lots of different eco-systems. One person can grow something here and another person two miles down the road can't grow it, he said, adding that on the Island, the Cowichan Valley is one of three main pockets of agricultural land. The others are the Saanich peninsula and the Comox Valley; there's also a little area in the Parksville/Coombs region.
Both Durose and Remus said that agriculture is huge here in the Cowichan Valley and that knowing where food comes from is becoming more and more important to local residents.
Remus pointed out that films like Nick Versteeg's Island on the Edge have enhanced consumer support of agriculture on Vancouver Island by showing how little food supply is actually available here, if the offshore supplies ceased.
People are even looking at producing older varieties of fruits and vegetables on smaller farms and finding interest among buyers.
Remus said there are two sides to that and both can benefit.
"There is a reason for their popularity at markets. A lot of the heritage varieties were bred for taste, rather than shelf life. And nowadays, many varieties grown in big farms are bred for volume production to help pay for the price of land."
This is opening a window for a different kind of agriculture, for smaller operators, options that are even increasing on the prairies along with places like the Cowichan Valley.
So, how do clients find their way to FCC?
Durose said a lot of it is word-of-mouth. Everyone in the industry knows about the corporation. "We understand agriculture. We understand their business and we have access to resources."
Think tanks at FCC cover subjects like the beef industry, the poultry industry, and what's happening in wineries. There's a knowledge base there, and it's community-based within that special group, she said.
The Internet and booths at agricultural conferences, trade shows and other events also spread the word.
People trying to get into agriculture for the first time learn, while doing their due diligence, preparing a business plan, researching and talking to farmers in the area, that Farm Credit is around and helpful, Remus said.
"That's all we specialize in. Once you have a large enough critical mass, you can learn by experience. When you finance as much of agriculture as we do, you create your own understanding within the industry. There are other financial institutions that finance agriculture but it's our total focus and we believe we have an understanding of the area."
Durose agreed.
"We're known. We cater to our people, work from a farming perspective."
Still, one of the biggest challenges is helping people who've never been involved in farming before.
"It's because the market value of land and the amount of capital involved is so large. But we do offer some different programs. We have a transition program in which the vendor will carry some of the funding but we'll guarantee the funding to the vendor. That lets the new farmer start with enough equity. We have a number of different programs for people in different situations. But, at the end of the day, we're like all financial institutions: we lend out money and we expect to get it paid back," Remus said.
Are people able to move into agriculture in the Cowichan Valley if they want to?
It depends on the industry, according to Remus.
"Some industries are a lot easier. If people have the drive to do something, they will get there. It used to be that if you couldn't get a job, you could always go back to the farm," he said. "Well, those days are gone in agriculture. Now, it needs passion and drive."
Durose emphasized that there is plenty of planning needed, too.
Anyone who wants to get into farming really has to set it up like a business, with a business plan that shows where they are now, where they hope to be in five years time and how they are going to make that happen.
The Cowichan Valley is also attracting families or couples who want a career change and see farming as a viable opportunity.
"The capitalization, all the management strategies and techniques to be successful are no different than any other business out there. Agriculture's changing as fast as any other industry out there."
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Jumat, 15 Juli 2011
http://www.tomsrivernjonline.com
County touts environmental friendliness of Toms River facilities
By Toms River, NJ on Jul 14 2011
Filed under: Toms River Community, Toms River Politics
TOMS RIVER – From the lawns outside the historic Ocean County Courthouse on Washington Street to the plantings around the Ocean County Administration Building, the county’s Department of Buildings and Grounds takes an environmentally friendly approach in maintaining county properties.
“With attention focused on the use of fertilizer and its affects on our waterways and environment, we conducted a review of how Ocean County maintains its many properties throughout the county,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Buildings and Grounds. “Not only are we in compliance with recently passed legislation but we have been taking an environmentally friendly approach in maintaining our properties for many years prior to its passage.”
The legislation, signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Chris Christie, establishes statewide fertilizer standards, restricts the amount of nitrogen used along with fertilizer content.
“While this law outlines the dos and don’ts for the proper fertilization of properties, I am confident that in Ocean County we have been doing the right thing for the environment for many years,” Vicari said, noting the county implemented an Integrated Pest Management Program a decade ago.
“Our buildings and grounds staff are always looking at new and innovative ways to take care of the land around county facilities,” he said.
While groundskeepers still use pesticides and fertilizers to control pest populations, the current approach puts an emphasis on using products that are providing the nutrients plants need and not harming the environment.
“We now employ a variety of strategies including bi-weekly monitoring, rather than applications based on the calendar,” Vicari said. “By finding problems sooner, it makes control easier and less costly.”
Organic in nature, products used by the County for fertilizing lawns and for pre-emergent weed control are in compliance with the new legislation.
“We have been using these products long before the legislation was signed into law,” Vicari said. “This Board has always made an effort to be environmentally proactive and our groundskeepers have helped substantially in those efforts.”
Composted poultry manure, rock phosphate, sulfate of potash, ammonium sulfate and methylenc urea make up the county’s fertilizer, which encourages a buildup of a carbon foundation in the soil that allows for the reduction of excess fertilizer.
“The soil first approach improves biological activity, with a healthy soil, you will have healthy lawns and trees,” Vicari said.
Also, for the last decade, Ocean County has used corn gluten for weed control. The corn gluten acts as a non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical-based weed and feed products.
“This is yet another example of an organic and yet effective way of staying green and reducing our use of chemical based products to achieve our goals,” Vicari said.
He added another step taken by groundskeepers is to monitor watering.
“While we cannot control the amount of rain or humidity, we can use irrigation practices more effectively, reducing water cost by watering only when needed,” Vicari said.
In addition, the county uses biological controls like the Brachymeric Intermedia wasp to help in the control of gypsy moths.
“When we use less pesticides, natural predators are encouraged to do their job the natural way,” Vicari said.
The county also is taking steps to begin planting disease and insect-resistant varieties of trees and plants.
“Ocean County will continue to be proactive in maintaining its grounds,” Vicari said. “I want to commend Joseph LaManna and George Stryker, who lead our groundskeeping staff for their dedication to keeping the county green without reliance on harmful products. With more than 135 facilities throughout the county it is important we lead by example and we are doing just that.”
Short URL: http://www.tomsrivernjonline.com/?p=1609
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By Toms River, NJ on Jul 14 2011
Filed under: Toms River Community, Toms River Politics
TOMS RIVER – From the lawns outside the historic Ocean County Courthouse on Washington Street to the plantings around the Ocean County Administration Building, the county’s Department of Buildings and Grounds takes an environmentally friendly approach in maintaining county properties.
“With attention focused on the use of fertilizer and its affects on our waterways and environment, we conducted a review of how Ocean County maintains its many properties throughout the county,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Buildings and Grounds. “Not only are we in compliance with recently passed legislation but we have been taking an environmentally friendly approach in maintaining our properties for many years prior to its passage.”
The legislation, signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Chris Christie, establishes statewide fertilizer standards, restricts the amount of nitrogen used along with fertilizer content.
“While this law outlines the dos and don’ts for the proper fertilization of properties, I am confident that in Ocean County we have been doing the right thing for the environment for many years,” Vicari said, noting the county implemented an Integrated Pest Management Program a decade ago.
“Our buildings and grounds staff are always looking at new and innovative ways to take care of the land around county facilities,” he said.
While groundskeepers still use pesticides and fertilizers to control pest populations, the current approach puts an emphasis on using products that are providing the nutrients plants need and not harming the environment.
“We now employ a variety of strategies including bi-weekly monitoring, rather than applications based on the calendar,” Vicari said. “By finding problems sooner, it makes control easier and less costly.”
Organic in nature, products used by the County for fertilizing lawns and for pre-emergent weed control are in compliance with the new legislation.
“We have been using these products long before the legislation was signed into law,” Vicari said. “This Board has always made an effort to be environmentally proactive and our groundskeepers have helped substantially in those efforts.”
Composted poultry manure, rock phosphate, sulfate of potash, ammonium sulfate and methylenc urea make up the county’s fertilizer, which encourages a buildup of a carbon foundation in the soil that allows for the reduction of excess fertilizer.
“The soil first approach improves biological activity, with a healthy soil, you will have healthy lawns and trees,” Vicari said.
Also, for the last decade, Ocean County has used corn gluten for weed control. The corn gluten acts as a non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical-based weed and feed products.
“This is yet another example of an organic and yet effective way of staying green and reducing our use of chemical based products to achieve our goals,” Vicari said.
He added another step taken by groundskeepers is to monitor watering.
“While we cannot control the amount of rain or humidity, we can use irrigation practices more effectively, reducing water cost by watering only when needed,” Vicari said.
In addition, the county uses biological controls like the Brachymeric Intermedia wasp to help in the control of gypsy moths.
“When we use less pesticides, natural predators are encouraged to do their job the natural way,” Vicari said.
The county also is taking steps to begin planting disease and insect-resistant varieties of trees and plants.
“Ocean County will continue to be proactive in maintaining its grounds,” Vicari said. “I want to commend Joseph LaManna and George Stryker, who lead our groundskeeping staff for their dedication to keeping the county green without reliance on harmful products. With more than 135 facilities throughout the county it is important we lead by example and we are doing just that.”
Short URL: http://www.tomsrivernjonline.com/?p=1609
Support Our Local Sponsors
Recent Posts
Toms River Little League 11 year old all-stars improve to 3-0
Toms River Little League knocked out of tournament by Holbrook
Swimming to resume this weekend at Manahawkin Lake
New bridge project announced for Holiday City at Berkeley
County unveils energy efficient upgrades at township facilities
Shore News Network
Jackson Township News News from Jackson Township
Ocean County News Ocean County Regional News
Toms River SEO & Marketing SEO, Marketing, Press Release and Media services for Toms River businesses.
What to Do In New Jersey New Jersey’s #1 guide to family fun and entertainment
Recent Comments
John green on 26 arrested in underage drinking operation in New Brunswick
kat on Six hour stand off with police ends in suicide in Toms River
gLORIA on Joyce, Tedeschi hit two home runs as Toms River defeats Jackson 11-3
Tammy Wernoch on Toms River American All-Star team defeats #1 seed Manchester
Shawn leonard on Little League Final Four to face off in Jackson Sunday
Photo Gallery
Picture15 Toms River Little League knocked out of tournament by Holbrook
Picture7 New bridge project announced for Holiday City at Berkeley
Picture4 Family fun at the New Egypt Speedway
Picture40 Little League Report: Brick advances to final. Toms River to play Holbrook Thursday
Picture28 Joyce, Tedeschi hit two home runs as Toms River defeats Jackson 11-3
District 18 Little League Tournament Scoreboard: July 9, 2011
Toms River News
Headline News
Regional News
Jersey Shore
About
Our Services
Submit News
Advertise
RSS
Log in | Designed by Gabfire themes
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