Monday, December 15, 2025
The Dirt on Conservation

The Dirt on Conservation

As beneficial as soil is, even we conservationists have a hard time extolling its virtues when spring rains turn farms to mud and the cows are standing in it up to their knees.

As 2011 ends and we look ahead at what might be the big issue for agriculture in 2012, I think the big issue will be on farm nutrient management.

2011 will certainly be remembered for a long time as one of the wettest on record. I can't cite any "official" data, but we've had at least 12 more inches of rain this year than our average.

Do you ever get in a rut? I don't mean like in your field or yard. The "rut" I'm talking about Webster describes as "a usual or fixed practice, a monotonous routine."

It's hunting season. Depending on your perspective, you imagine hunting as wearing camouflage, being in the woods in the early morning hours and waiting...

When I took a part-time position with the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, little did I know what a learning experience it would be.

Do you recognize the habitat or habitats your property holds?

H.E.L.P. is an acronym for Higher Education Learning Partnership. This type of organization is more commonly known as a P-16 (Preschool-Bachelor's Degree) Council.

For rural neighbors, maintaining a positive relationship and mutual respect for one another could be one of the most important aspects in an ever-changing environment.

The word "lasagna" brings mouth-watering thoughts of baked pasta noodles layered in tomato sauce, fresh garlic, meat, and melted cheese. But in the world of gardening and composting, "lasagna gardening" is far from tasty. It gets its name from the layers created on Mother Nature's giant sheet pan.