Farm sunset

The challenges climate change poses to agriculture

Climate change poses an array of challenges. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that the impacts of climate change on various sectors of society are interrelated, a connection that mirrors the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The human health crisis that arose during the pandemic affected all aspects of life, as illnesses limited worker productivity, thus affecting the global supply chain, including the availability of food.

Midnight

Pet of the Week

Midnight is a handsome black feline, born in September of 2022. He is very friendly and affectionate. He is a silly boy who loves to lay in the sink and get comfy on a cat tree. This big boy, along with all other animals at Schuyler County Humane Society (SCHS) will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before adoption. You can meet Midnight and all pets at Schuyler County Humane Society, 17000 County Farm Road in Rushville. Visitor hours are Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon, and Sundays from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. You can also make an appointment by calling (217) 322-2220. Applications are available online at https://schuylerhs.com/adopt/application/

Softball

Lady Bluejays flying high

The PORTA-AC Central softball team continued their impressive play, moving to 8-2 on the season with three wins in four games last week. The Lady Bluejays won a tight one, 4 to 2 on the road at Taylorville last Wednesday. They played host to Rochester, Warrenburg-Latham, and Liberty in the Bluejays Spring Slam at the University of Illinois-Springfield on Saturday. They lost 5-0 to the Rockets but knocked off the Cardinals 8 to 0 and the Eagles 17 to 4.  

Planting

Common sustainable agriculture practices

The concept of sustainability varies by industry. Within the agricultural industry, sustainability is a multifaceted concept that has become increasingly popular in recent decades.

According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, sustainable agriculture seeks to increase profitable farm income, promote environmental stewardship, enhance quality of life for farm families and communities, and increase production for human food and fiber needs. In an attempt to reach those goals, farmers who embrace sustainable agriculture may look to various practices.

Young Farmer picking apples

How to get more young people involved in agriculture

The agricultural industry will undergo exciting changes as it looks to overcome developing challenges in the decades ahead. Technology will continue to play a pivotal role in the agricultural sector, making agriculture an evolving and exciting career path for young professionals.

Technology on Farms

Understanding smart farm automation

Modern agriculture looks little like the early days of farming. All aspects of farming have been modified by the access farmers now have to technologies to meet the demands of their work and the pressure a growing population places on farmers to produce quality food.

A container vessel traverses the Mississippi River near New Orleans. Water levels on the Mighty Mississippi recovered in recent weeks, which triggered the removal of draft restrictions. Photo by Daniel Grant

Mississippi River drought over, but situation still shaky

The drought that plagued the Mississippi River basin since 2022 and resulted in ag shipment delays and higher transportation costs is officially over.

“I’m happy to report there are no draft restrictions on the Mississippi River for the third week and we do not have dredges operating for low water,” Brigadier General Kimberly Peeples, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division, said last month. “The Dredges POTTER, HURLEY and JADWIN have completed dredging operations and are on a 72-hour response if needed.”

Tips for safer farming practices

Tractor accidents, grain entrapment and injuries from ornery livestock are just some of the dangers agricultural workers face every day. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. 

In 2016, the agricultural industry had a rate of 21.4 deaths per 100,000 workers, and each day agricultural workers experienced 100 non-fatal, lost-work-time injuries.

Commercial fruit and vegetable growers – Fall to spring cover crop update

Fall Cover Crop Mixtures

With spring weather pushing growth, our cover crops are also taking off as well.  I had some early fall planted spring oats, crimson clover, and rapeseed (25/6/2 lb/A, respectively) in a few areas including some planted after potato harvest last year. The oats winter killed as expected, however, the rapeseed and crimson clover have about 8-10 inches of growth now. This area is rotated with potatoes and cover crops; half the area was just plowed for planting with the cover remaining for the season on the other side. I will probably interseed some other cover crops as this mixture starts to peak for some extended cover over the season.

Front row (L-R): Brooklyn Beck, Maggie Parlier, Lindy Parlier, Mylee Tracy, Sophya Ogden Back row (L-r): Rilyn Waid, Addison Rohn, Rhiannon Lovekamp, Gabby Myers, Raye Greenstreet, Lucie Dion Coaches: Ty Gebhardt, Assistants: Kristy Gebhardt and Dean Werries

Lady Trojans low on numbers, not expectations

Despite having just thirteen players and one senior Triopia-Meredosia-Virginia Head Softball Coach Ty Gebhardt likes what he has going on with this year’s Lady Trojan squad. Along with Assistant Coaches Kristy Gebhardt, Dean Werries, and Jeff Bennett, he will have to replace some very talented players from last year’s 15-12 team, but he feels as though he has plenty of talent to do so.