It’s no secret – modern agricultural systems could use a facelift. Although vast fields of corn and soybeans are a marvel to behold, alternatives to monocultures are increasingly popular among large-scale growers and smallholders alike. In the face of global challenges like natural resource scarcity, ecosystem decline, agricultural pollution, and rising input costs, many growersRead more
Sprinkler irrigation was initially invented for home lawn care and garden water use. Even today, the rhythmic ‘chk-chk-chk’ sound of an impact sprinkler is iconoclastic of hot summer days, green lawns, and children playfully cooling off in lawn sprinklers. But while spray irrigation technology was originally about personal use, it is such helpful technology thatRead more
“How do I increase crop yields sustainably?” In an era when supply chain disruptions, natural resource scarcity, and a growing world population threaten food security, this question has undoubtedly crossed every farmer’s mind. The answer to this question, however, is far from simple. The old logic – adding more fertilizers, more pesticides, more inputs –Read more
In recent times, the accurate and timely traceability of products and activities throughout the supply chain has become a key factor in food and agribusiness. More and more people around the world are demanding proof that food products are safe and of high quality. This often includes traceability, or the ability to track where aRead more
Globally, more irrigated cropland is in demand, driven by rising temperatures and intensified droughts caused by climate change. That demand, combined with new technological advances that make central pivot systems more water and energy-efficient, adaptable, affordable, and easy to use, is driving adoption. And while center pivot irrigation systems are more commonly associated with large-scale farmers, theRead more
Water use in food production is a growing problem in the face of climate change and a rising global population. Water is an increasingly scarce global resource, and agriculture is the biggest consumer of our planet’s finite water resources. Globally, agriculture uses 70% of the world’s fresh water supply and 95% of all water withdrawals in some developing countries.Read more
Humans account for only 0.01% of all life on Earth, yet our impact on the planet is profound. Though unintentional, human activities like transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture generate environmental pollution – a catch-all term that describes various types of introduced contaminants which can disrupt ecosystems, natural processes, and biological life. From air pollution to waterRead more
Flood irrigation is the oldest and most popular irrigation system in the world. Yet flood irrigation is also the most water-intensive method of irrigating crops, an increasing concern as rising temperatures, prolonged drought, and growing populations place more demand on the planet’s finite water resources. Globally, agriculture uses 70% of the planet’s freshwater resources and 95% of theRead more
As more and more consumers scrutinize their spending habits – from the health effects of the food on their plates to the carbon footprint of the clothes they wear – the popularity of the certified organic label continues to soar. Demand for organic products is far outpacing supply, with US farms and ranches nearly doublingRead more
Irrigation systems are a critical component of modern-day farm management optimizing crop quality and yields. Some of the most productive crop-growing regions flourish in deserts thanks to irrigation. For example, Yuma County, Arizona, is geographically part of the Sonoran Desert. Yet Yuma County farmers harvest more than 90% of the U.S. winter lettuce and cruciferous cropsRead more
