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White Heads

By Jochum Wiersma
 
Is not the reincarnation of the Detroit rock due the White Stripes but a phenomenon that often can be seen this time of year in wheat fields are they are starting to ripen.  The causes of these premature ripened heads are varied and a diagnostic key can be found here.
 
People of commented that especially the wheat stem maggot is more prevalent this year and my travels to the different field trials across the state confirm this. The seemingly high numbers of wheat stem maggot may be related to the mild winter conditions.  Several insect pests that overwinter in Minnesota have had comparatively high and early populations this year.
 
Incidence will generally be worse along field edges and taper off as you walk further into the field.
 

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Lessons in Winter Farming + Certifying Naturally Grown + Work Life Balance w/ Broadfork Farm

Video: Lessons in Winter Farming + Certifying Naturally Grown + Work Life Balance w/ Broadfork Farm

We cover: we are chatting with Dan Gangon of Broadfork Farm in Virginia. I saw Dan and his partner Janet speak at the VABF conference a few years back and I just loved how down to earth they were about the ups and downs of winter farming, farming in general, and work life balance, which is a lot of what we chat about today. We are also gonna be talking about how and why they certify as Certified Naturally Grown, and how that label has worked for them.