Posts Tagged: livestock

Mosquito resources from UC IPM

UC IPM (Integrated Pest Management) has a collection of resources to help educate the public and water treatment professionals about mosquitoes. Some species of mosquitoes found in California have the potential to transmit microorganisms that can cause disease to people, pets, and livestock.

While mosquitoes are best managed on an area-wide basis by public agencies organized specifically for this purpose, the combined actions of individuals can greatly improve larger mosquito control efforts.  And because some areas of our state do not have organized public mosquito management programs, the individual actions of residents are all the more important.

Main mosquito subjects found at UC IPM are:

• Mosquitoes Pest Notes
• Mosquitoes Quick Tip
• Managing Mosquitoes on the Farm
• Managing Mosquitoes in Surface-Flow Constructed Treatment Wetlands
• Managing Mosquitoes in Stormwater Treatment Devices
• West Nile Virus and related mosquito information and links

The Mosquitoes Quick Tip resource is available in Spanish.

 

Wildfire preparedness for farmers, ranchers and growers

The Ventura County Fire Department’s, Ready Set Go! Wildfire preparedness for farmers, ranchers and growers is an interesting and informative resource designed to help the agricultural community prepare for wildfire.

Agricultural production areas are often located right next to, or very close by highly flammable natural vegetation areas. In addition, many supplies and materials typically found in agriculture are particularly susceptible to flames or wind-driven embers.

The Ready Set Go! publication can help our food producers protect their property, homes and livelihood from the threat of fire.

Topics include:                                                       

• Defensible space and embers
• Orchards and groves
• Farmers, ranchers and growers
• Rangeland and livestock operations
• Livestock and row crops
• Wildfire resources for farmers, ranchers and growers
• Checklist
  

  Agricultural production areas are often located right next to, or very close by highly flammable natural vegetation areas. Resources are available to help growers prepare for wildfire.

Start2Farm.gov

Funded through the USDA and National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Start2Farm and the Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program were created in partnership with the National Agricultural Library and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Both programs were developed to assist people those new to farming or ranching, and those who have less than 10 years of experience.

General topics of resources and programs include:

• Learn How – Develop the know-how to run your farm or ranch business
• Find Financing – Find funding opportunities to help finance your farm or ranch business
• Locate Services – Find assistance with legal and technical requirements of farming
• Get Connected – Build relationships and connect with others

While the website is a little challenging to navigate, the resources are fabulous.

Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) Learning Center

Dedicated to advancing innovation in sustainable agriculture, SARE has many resources and learning opportunities available. At their Learning Center website you will find links to handbooks, bulletins, online courses, fact sheets, videos, newsletters, and more. Hardcopy resources can be ordered through the SARE WebStore. All online resources are available at no cost.

Topics include:

• Animal Production
• Community Development
• Crop Production
• Economic/Marketing
• Education & Training
• Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy
• For consumers
• Integrated Systems
• Natural Resources/Environment
• Pest Management
• Quality of Life
• Soil Management
• Specialty Crops
• Value Added Products
  

  SARE has a wide assortment of free online resources designed to educate food producers and consumers.

 

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)

The NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project provides “high value information and technical assistance to farmers, rancher, Extension agents, educators, and others” throughout the United States.

Founded in 1976, this nonprofit organization works to “promote self-reliance and sustainable lifestyles through wise use of appropriate technology. Its programs deal with sustainable and renewable energy, energy conservation, resource-efficient housing, sustainable community development, and sustainable agriculture.” These resources are available in Spanish.

Their information is organized under 14 topic areas:

• What is sustainable agriculture?
• Education
• Energy alternatives
• Beginning farmer
• Field crops
• Horticultural crops
• Livestock & pasture
• Local food systems
• Marketing, business & risk management
• Organic farming
• Pest management
• Soils & compost
• Water management
• Other resources

A variety of funding opportunities are available.

 

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