Act boosts farm’s green credentials

Oct 14, 2024
By Farms.com

Energy efficiency gains for organic farm

At Boldly Grown Farm in Skagit Valley, Washington, owners Amy Frye and Jacob Slosberg have made strategic improvements to their farm's energy management with the support of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Their 60-acre certified organic farm, which focuses on robust fall and winter vegetable production, utilized funding from the NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to insulate their packing warehouse effectively.

This project, completed in collaboration with the Skagit Conservation District, was aimed at reducing the energy needed for heating, thus lowering operational costs and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions

The improvements, finalized in October 2023, are pivotal for the farm, which uses diesel-powered heaters to maintain temperatures that prevent their crops from freezing.

Jacob highlighted the project's success, stating, “It is definitely saving us money and energy,” emphasizing the dual benefits of cost reduction and energy conservation.

The upgrade has extended their produce storage capabilities, improving local food distribution and minimizing the environmental impact associated with food transportation.

This initiative is part of Boldly Grown Farm’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible farming practices, underscored by their various certifications, including Organic and Salmon Safe.

With NRCS's support, the farm continues to set an example in climate-smart agriculture and community engagement within the agricultural sector.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.