What Is Sprinkler System

These channels, which don't necessarily have to be large or permanent, are designed to provide an outlet for puddles of water to drain to a more appropriate—and less troublesome—location.

The problem with residual sprays is they're actually more toxic to fly predators than they are to house or stable flies. A combination of farm-management techniques and fly-control products can help reduce fly populations on your farm.

When getting to know your unique site, be sure to consult as many local sources and field guides that are at your disposal. Wild farming takes the pressure off you, the farmer, and lets nature take control of your farm's production.

Don't burn Christmas trees in your fireplace or wood stove, as their sap releases creosote that can build up on chimney walls and ignite. History Of The Christmas Tree Tradition While putting evergreen trees in a home during the winter season is considered...

Those resources may include sample contracts and a host of other materials that you didn't even know you needed. Depending on your personality and farming style, an agricultural cooperative can be an empowering way to grow your farm or make it run more...

Granted, building up soil structure through adding organic matter via crop residues, cover crops and topically applied materials is not a fast process, but farmers worldwide are finding that as they pursue this course, soil structure improves, diversity...

Plastic twine resists weathering, insects and rodents better than natural-fiber twines. Make your hay harvest last with these tips for efficient hay storage. Use strong, sturdy tarps free of holes or rips.

Does your woodlot have a lot of paper birch trees? A good first step is to meet with a local naturalist or forester to walk through your woods. Is the soil sandy or clay? Fallen logs or timber might be useful for cultivating oyster or shiitake mushrooms.

Harrowing will do even more to this end—remember, pigs tend to choose “toilet” areas where manure will be concentrated, and because one hog can produce up to 80 pounds of manure per day, disseminating this fertilizer is a big step toward healthy...

In contrast to more common agricultural ventures, many see the rise of aquaculture as a contemporary phenomenon. “The most important thing is pond maintenance” says Nat, “the animals take care of themselves.” Pond Ph Crisis One year Nat recalls...

Use this visual diagram of an aquaculture pond to consider the best way to build your operation. Tags hobby farm Then pick up the November/December 2011 issue of Hobby Farms for more complete information on starting an aquaculture operation with catfish...

Because there are close to 60 species of oak trees in the U.S., and one tree can produce thousands of acorns in a year, the nut is an invaluable supplemental feed source for pig farmers watching their pennies.

Radishes Radishes might be the perfect intercrop. Seed your corn as soon as the soil is warm enough. Generally, I will sow it with our green onion transplants so that immediately after the green onions are pulled, the turnips can take over the bed for...

“Practice crop rotation,” you're told time and again by fellow farmers, magazine articles and extension materials. If you are using a walk-behind tractor or rototiller only, this is less of a concern.

In 1928, Demeter International was formed in Europe to support Steiner's methods. Everything that comes out of the farm cycles back into it, one way or another. Preparation 503 is created by stuffing chamomile blossoms into the small intestine of a cow,...

Once you have a sacrifice area constructed and you establish a plan for using it during very wet or very dry seasons, you should see positive changes to your pastures and forage health.

But for farmers committed to it, the economic and environmental benefits are tremendous. The well-cared-for trees are easier to remove without damaging equipment or other trees. The system maximizes the use of the land while helping conserve the natural...

“Our farm was organic when we bought it, so it was only a matter of researching and deciding on which certifier we wanted to go with. This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of Hobby Farms magazine.

Farmers without access to this machinery can still set up a small-scale composting system that can be managed by manpower. “The [storage] spot must be compacted and sealed so that rainfall landing on the pile cannot leach pollutants into the soil and...

Their roots anchor the soil, and the vertical stalks and dried leaves buffer the harsh wind. Birds and small seed-eating rodents are also designed to make the most of the fall harvest.

Forty-two species call American grasslands home, from smaller birds, like the Eastern meadowlark and Henslow's sparrow, to larger ones, including the ring-necked pheasant and the sharptail grouse.

I've found the easiest and most effective way is with a hard-bristled brush, some dish soap and a hose. The most common cleanliness issue with water troughs is algae, and some of it can even be dangerous for your animals.

It was more than their conversational brilliance that made me long for a bovine presence in my life—I wanted buckets of fresh milk and grass-finished steak on the dining table whenever possible, and the distinct challenge of effectively pasturing large-scale...

Some of the horse-farm-management software available today includes: Stable Secretary The Jockey Club Information Systems' Horse Farm ManagementSystem Paddock Pro Equine Genie There are many more, too, each with its own layout and features, so talk to...

If you're combining vertical and horizontal gardening systems, put your vertical structures on the north side of the garden, so your ground-level growing space won't be shaded. These plants tend to have a short lifespan and aren't suitable for going vertical.

It's great for field work and riding or showing. However, they are sterile by nature, so they can never be bred. However, there may be many reasons we might not act on our interest in farming with draft horses.

Working the land might be your main passion, but by keeping accurate records of your planting and husbandry activities, you can keep tabs on the farm and plan for the future. Production Records In addition to tracking dates and dollar amounts, Kent Wolfe,...