Royal Dairy in Royal City, Washington has a problem that's common to dairy farms. The hundreds of millions of gallons of water used by their dairy and beef cows eventually become wastewater carrying animal waste, nitrates, and other harmful chemicals into the groundwater which … [Read more...] about Earthworms: a natural solution to farms’ wastewater
farming
Oregon project lets farmers test drive electric tractors
American drivers have plenty of options when it comes to electric cars, but what about farmers? The electrification of the agricultural industry is a lucrative and relatively untapped market. However, first, the technology needs to be sold to farmers, many of whom are hesitant … [Read more...] about Oregon project lets farmers test drive electric tractors
Pocket gophers: the only other mammal that farms
Farming has been an integral part of the long story of the development of human society. Some mark the beginning of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent in 8500 BC as the start of human civilization. It’s with this in mind that we think of farming as an entirely human job, but … [Read more...] about Pocket gophers: the only other mammal that farms
AI could identify chickens in distress and improve conditions
We’ve already written before about AI’s potential to improve pigs’ lives by listening to them. Now, scientists have found they can use AI on another barnyard favorite: chickens. Artificial intelligence can help the happiness and well-being of chickens by listening to them and … [Read more...] about AI could identify chickens in distress and improve conditions
This innovative mesh fabric protects crops from even the tiniest insects
Farmers who don’t use insecticides sometimes opt for mesh fabric instead to protect their crops from annoying pests. To make sure that enough sunlight and water reach the crops, the farmers often use meshes with relatively large holes that smaller insects can slip through to get … [Read more...] about This innovative mesh fabric protects crops from even the tiniest insects