Climate Systems Solutions’ Post

US-based friends ~ Consider signing this petition. 🙏🏼🍃 “Congress did a great thing in the 2008 Farm Bill when it created the Conservation Stewardship Program. At its height, 72 million acres were enrolled—about 7 percent of all working lands in the U.S., including crop, forest, pasture and range land. But, this doesn’t reflect the true potential of the program, as more than three-quarters of qualified farmers get shut out of the Conservation Stewardship Program every year. The Conservation Stewardship Program zeroes in on the best way to draw excess carbon dioxide down from the atmosphere: helping farmers and ranchers improve soil health. Congress got back on the right track with the Conservation Stewardship Act when they passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that reversed the 2018 Farm Bill’s reductions in CSP funding. IRA investments in the Conservation Stewardship Program could increase the amount of carbon stored in working lands by about 70 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent per year by 2030. Agriculture is responsible for 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with emissions in the range of 700 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent per year. So, we’re talking 10 percent of 10 percent or 1 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. It seems small, but that’s the equivalent of taking about 16 million cars off the road. If that figure were quadrupled, which it easily could be given that 4 times as many farmers have tried to enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program, it would reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 4 percent—the same as taking 64 million cars off the road. Increasing Conservation Stewardship Program spending is worth it just for the climate, but higher soil carbon also increases yields and makes food more nutritious. Congress should quadruple funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program in the new Farm Bill, and while it’s at it, Congress should tighten up eligibility requirements. Right now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is rewarding greenhouse gas polluting industrial farmers for what Bayer and the other agrochemical companies market as “precision agriculture.” What it amounts to is adjusting the nozzles on their pesticide sprayers and fertilizer applicators to make sure they use the “right” amount—with no promise they’ll use any less! Conservation Stewardship Program money shouldn’t go to nozzle adjustment. Send this letter to your congressperson with a simple click— https://lnkd.in/ghnve3YT (Letter, petition & text from the Organic Consumers Association)

The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans, yet every talking point mentioned in the "improve Freshwater Farm Plans" announcement made today is a match to core considerations of the existing Freshwater Farm Plans programme. ✅ "enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm and catchment" - existing farm plans specifically allow farmers and certifiers to agree the best actions for their specific context. ✅ "using property and catchment specific farm plans makes sense because they can be used to identify environmental risks and plan practical on-farm actions to manage those risks" - this is the definition of a current FWFP ✅ "farm plans should be able to highlight the work that many farmers and growers are already doing" - existing actions are included and encouraged already ✅ "many in the sector would like existing environmental programmes to be recognised" - discussions with industry on this have been underway for some time The only new idea mentioned, is enabling catchment groups to play more of a leadership role (yes, to that!). Add in a few words about "reduced cost" and a hint about reducing the number of farms requiring them, and it all makes for a compelling announcement - for industry and farmers alike. Wouldn't it be great if we could take an iterative improvement approach to policy and implementation - rather than throwing the baby out with the degraded freshwater. Is the existing FWFP programme perfect? Absolutely not. It's a very small step in the right direction for improving our freshwater. But millions and millions of dollars, and several years, have been spent getting to this point. Pausing the programme and tarting up existing ideas as fresh thinking, not only wastes even more time in our race to the bottom with freshwater management, it also means bloating the cost of this policy even further. I would love to believe that reworking Freshwater Farm Plans will result in meaningful change. I suspect the reality is more time and money spent, programme stagnation and eventual shelving of this policy. Best case? Any changes made water this policy down further. It seems highly unlikely freshwater outcomes will come first. Am I wrong? https://lnkd.in/gTqe7Ckm

Hello LinkedIn Community! Dreaming of starting your own farm? 🌱🚜 Whether you're eyeing a sprawling cornfield or envisioning a thriving catfish pond, the journey to a successful farm begins with a solid foundation and effective management practices. **1. Planning and Research** Before planting your first seed or stocking your first fish, dive into research. Understand your soil, climate, and market demands. Planning is key to preventing costly mistakes down the line. **2. Choosing the Right Location** Your farm’s location can make or break your venture. Consider factors like soil quality, water availability, and accessibility to markets. A strategic location sets the stage for a flourishing farm. **3. Building Infrastructure** Invest in essential infrastructure—irrigation systems, storage facilities, and reliable fencing. These are the backbone of your farm, ensuring efficiency and protection. **4. Sustainable Practices** Adopt sustainable farming practices from day one. Not only do they protect the environment, but they also enhance productivity and profitability in the long run. Think crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and water conservation. **5. Effective Management** Here’s where the magic happens! Effective farm management involves planning, monitoring, and adapting. Track your expenses, yields, and market trends. Use this data to make informed decisions that drive growth and success. **Why Management Matters:** - **Maximized Productivity**: Efficient management ensures that every resource—time, money, labor—is used effectively. - **Risk Mitigation**: Good management practices help identify and mitigate risks before they become major issues. - **Sustainable Growth**: With proper management, your farm can achieve sustainable growth, balancing short-term gains with long-term health. **Let’s Connect!** Feeling inspired but need guidance on where to start? I’m Kenechukwu Nwobodo , passionate about helping aspiring farmers set up and manage their farms effectively. With years of experience in farm management, I offer tailored advice that turns your farming dreams into reality. 🎯 **Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation!** Whether you have a specific question or need a comprehensive plan, I’m here to help. Let's chat about your goals and how we can achieve them together. 📩 **How to Reach Out:** - Comment below with your interest. - Send me a direct message here on LinkedIn. Starting a farm is an exciting journey filled with opportunities. With the right guidance and effective management practices, you can build a thriving and sustainable farm. Let's make it happen! #FarmSetup #Agriculture #FarmManagement #SustainableFarming #Consultation #KenechukwuAnthonyNwobodo

Good morning/afternoon/evening,Here are some post-harvest management tips: Post-Harvest Management Tips for Sub-Saharan Africa and global community: 1. Utilize Shade Nets: Invest in shade nets or protective coverings to shield crops from direct exposure to the intense tropical sun. This will help reduce the detrimental effects of heat and UV radiation on the quality and shelf-life of harvested produce. 2. Implement Protective Coverings: Explore the use of various protective coverings, such as canopies, tarps, or storage structures, to create shaded areas for post-harvest handling and storage. This will help maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels to preserve the freshness and quality of the crops. 3. Improve Storage Facilities: Assess the current storage facilities and consider upgrading or constructing new structures that provide adequate shade and controlled environmental conditions. This could include the use of insulated storage rooms, evaporative cooling systems, or other innovative technologies to extend the shelf-life of stored produce. 4. Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage farmers to adopt sustainable post-harvest management practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power) to power storage and cooling facilities, thereby reducing the environmental impact and operating costs. 5. Provide Training and Education: Offer comprehensive training programs for farmers, cooperatives, and local communities on best practices for post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation. This will empower them to implement effective strategies to minimize losses and maintain the quality of their produce. 6. Encourage Collaborative Efforts: Foster partnerships and collaborations among farmers, government agencies, and research institutions to develop and disseminate innovative, context-specific solutions to address the challenges posed by exposure to tropical sun and lack of shading. By implementing these tips, farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa can effectively reduce post-harvest losses, extend the shelf-life of their crops, and contribute to improved food security and local economic development.

In our operation, we've historically steered away from “C” quality farms. But today, we're asking if there's an opportunity in those types of tracts we haven't seen before. A “C” quality farm isn't just one factor. It combines several elements: - Soil types - Drainage - Drainage outlets - Property shape & size (farmability) One reason we’ve avoided these tracts is that they don’t fit with the large-scale equipment model from the '90s (which still has a place today). As I recall, we installed a monster spotlight (think of the bulbs used to light up Jack Trice Stadium) on our planter tractor with the idea of running it day and night. This doubled our productivity! The play then (and still somewhat today) was to invest in tractor and equipment technology, then spread those costs over more acres. This reduced operational expenses, letting us offer better returns to landowners while maintaining our profit margin. Odd-shaped farms or those with undrained wet spots were out of the picture since they didn't allow us to apply the large-scale equipment efficiency model we embraced 25 years ago. But today, market incentives have shifted. The large-scale model still works, but it’s been widely adopted, leaving fewer opportunities. Today, square/uniform farms come with a premium, or we're forced to look farther afield. Both scenarios reduce any potential margin gain. But enter stage left, sustainability — specifically, its dollar value. The USDA's Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant is starting to bring real money into sustainable practices like no-till, cover crops and other initiatives. Pivot Bio's N-Ovator Program cuts the cost of nitrogen products to half that of synthetic alternatives and provides growers in-season nitrogen with similar outcomes. Both of these initiatives generate value from large, publicly traded corporations, offering real value to those who adopt them. And though it has yet to mature, the carbon market and the 45z tax credit hold potential value. So, we asked ourselves: What if we apply a different model to a sub-section of our operation? For instance, to combat the inefficiencies of a farm with 15 corners, let's make only key passes: plant, spray, harvest. If we adopt no-till or reduced tillage, we’ll qualify for sustainability programs. If we add cover crops to promote natural drainage, that could open up even more sustainability funding. My peers who focus on “A” and “B” tracts might argue that these fields won't be fit to plant until 20 days after theirs. I’d counter that, while that’s true, planting at the end of our normal window and harvesting at the start essentially extends our season and spreads out fixed costs. We’ve handled grain, hedged and merchandised for years. We know how to source and apply inputs. Both still apply in a “C” farm model. We tenant farmers have a few ways to improve margins. Generating revenue from our machinery line is one of them. But it’s not the only one.

My fellow farmers! What do you understand about farm resources? Why do they matter? And what farm resources do we need to consider? This is going to be our topic for discussion this week. But why?” you might ask. Because… farm resources are the backbone of every successful farming venture. Before we jump right into today's discussion, share this post because it's going to help our fellow farmers. What Are Farm Resources? Farm resources are the assets and inputs that contribute to the successful production of crops and livestock. These include natural elements like soil and water, human labor and expertise, financial capital, and physical assets like equipment and buildings. By effectively managing these resources, farmers can enhance productivity and sustainability. How do you think these resources can be effectively managed? While we keep this discussion for another day, let's go through the importance of assessing farm resources and the types of resources. Here you go: Importance of Farm Resources 🌾Optimization: Understanding your resources allows you to use them more efficiently. For example, knowing the nutrient content of your soil helps you apply the right amount of fertilizer, avoiding waste and saving costs. 🌱Sustainability: Proper resource management ensures long-term productivity and environmental health. Techniques like crop rotation and water conservation can maintain soil fertility and reduce erosion. 🌾Profitability: By identifying and addressing resource gaps or inefficiencies, you can improve your farm's profitability. 🌱Risk Management: Knowing your resources helps you anticipate and mitigate risks. For instance, understanding local climate patterns can guide you in selecting appropriate crops and farming practices. Four Main Types of Farm Resources Every Farmer Has Access To 🌾Natural Resources: 1️⃣Soil: The foundation of farming. Healthy soil supports plant growth and maximizes yield. Regular soil testing can reveal its pH level, nutrient content, and texture, guiding you in improving soil health. 2️⃣Water 3️⃣Climate 🌱Human Resources: 1️⃣Labor 2️⃣Management 🌾Financial Resources: 1️⃣Budgeting: Creating and maintaining a farm budget helps track income and expenses, ensuring financial stability. 2️⃣Funding: Access to loans, grants, and subsidies can provide the capital needed for investments in infrastructure and technology. 🌱Physical Resources: 1️⃣Land 2️⃣Equipment and Machinery 3️⃣Infrastructure We believe you now understand these resources and why it's important to have a deep knowledge about them. Stay tuned! Before we say goodbye… Subscribe to our Newsletter, where we offer resources, tools, and support to help you succeed. Sign up to receive exclusive content, expert tips, and special offers tailored for African farmers. Subscribe Now! https://bitly.ws/Z8XJ #AgricultureInAfrica #FarmersUnite #MicronutrientsMatter #GrowWithUs #SustainableFarming

Good morning/afternoon/evening,Here are some post-harvest management tips: Post-Harvest Management Tips for Sub-Saharan Africa and global community: 1. Utilize Shade Nets: Invest in shade nets or protective coverings to shield crops from direct exposure to the intense tropical sun. This will help reduce the detrimental effects of heat and UV radiation on the quality and shelf-life of harvested produce. 2. Implement Protective Coverings: Explore the use of various protective coverings, such as canopies, tarps, or storage structures, to create shaded areas for post-harvest handling and storage. This will help maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels to preserve the freshness and quality of the crops. 3. Improve Storage Facilities: Assess the current storage facilities and consider upgrading or constructing new structures that provide adequate shade and controlled environmental conditions. This could include the use of insulated storage rooms, evaporative cooling systems, or other innovative technologies to extend the shelf-life of stored produce. 4. Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage farmers to adopt sustainable post-harvest management practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power) to power storage and cooling facilities, thereby reducing the environmental impact and operating costs. 5. Provide Training and Education: Offer comprehensive training programs for farmers, cooperatives, and local communities on best practices for post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation. This will empower them to implement effective strategies to minimize losses and maintain the quality of their produce. 6. Encourage Collaborative Efforts: Foster partnerships and collaborations among farmers, government agencies, and research institutions to develop and disseminate innovative, context-specific solutions to address the challenges posed by exposure to tropical sun and lack of shading. By implementing these tips, farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa can effectively reduce post-harvest losses, extend the shelf-life of their crops, and contribute to improved food security and local economic development.

The Regenerative Agriculture Finance Program (RAF) has seen significant growth in its second year! After a successful pilot in 2022, the RAF expanded in 2023, supporting 81 farmers with $41 million in loans. The program continues to offer interest payment rebates to farmers for sustainable practices and is now offering additional funding opportunities through partnerships with Field to Market, PepsiCo and ADM.   Read more here: https://www.edf.org/Z6at