In the latest post on The Dirt, Dr. Chad Hutchinson takes a closer look at soil disturbance in potato production and why the conversation requires more nuance. From seedbed preparation and planting, moving soil is often unavoidable. The better question is whether each pass supports strong crop and soil recovery afterward.
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Up to 58 per cent of all the food produced in Canada is lost or wasted each year. Think about that: nearly two of every three potatoes you grow get chucked. If you are like most farmers I know – strong and honorable people who are proud to be part of feeding the world – knowing that so much of your effort is wasted is nothing short of offensive.
Sustainability is one of the more commonly misunderstood concepts in agriculture today. At times agricultural success, especially higher productivity, is put at odds with ‘sustainability’. This is not necessary, and here’s why.
In the dynamic landscape of modern agriculture, the responsible use of chemicals has become paramount to ensure robust crop yields and the well-being of ecosystems, farmers, and consumers. This is where the concept of product stewardship takes center stage.
As the global director of potato research and market support for TriCal Group, Hutchinson is a master of soil health and disease suppression. He is the industry’s leaders in research and isn't shy. He is often a speaker at potato-related educational opportunities, like Potato Expo.
You’d be hard pressed to look anywhere in agriculture today without running into the word ‘sustainability’. The whole industry is pressing forward on sustainability…but what does sustainability really mean? How do we define sustainability’s goals?
Chad Hutchinson is pleased to discuss soil microbes and sustainability with Joy Youwakim, an agroecology scientist at Biome Makers, an independent, third-party genomics company that specializes in DNA sequencing of agricultural soil samples.
There is a lot of talk about sustainability and regeneration in agriculture these days. But what do those terms really mean? If you ask five people, you might get five different definitions. But for Josh Mays, Director of Agronomy for TriEst Ag Group, it all starts with profitability.
“Organic has its place, but it’s really important to define what organic is — and what it isn’t — especially in the context of sustainable ag. Organic has rules and limits, but it doesn’t necessarily always translate to maximum actual regenerative impact.”
Navigating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and responsible pesticide management exemplify our commitment to fostering a world where humans and wildlife thrive in harmony, embodying the shared vision of growers, conservationists, policymakers, and communities alike.
Chloropicrin has been used as an agricultural product for soil-borne pest suppression in specialty crops throughout the world for over 60 years. It is a bio-nutritional soil fumigant that breaks down into elements that are naturally utilized by plants: carbon, chlorine, nitrogen, and oxygen.
One gram of soil can hold more than 50,000 species of microbes, all living, breathing, interacting and impacting our soil, land, and air. Swiss researcher Mark Anthony recently calculated that soil is home to 59% of Earth’s total life, the most biodiverse habitat on Earth!
Farmers are hungry for tangible ways to increase their sustainable efforts while maintaining economically viable yields. A lot of voices are calling for farming reform. However, feel good soundbites don’t feed the world. Potato producers are keen for real solutions.
In modern agriculture, the efficient use of resources is paramount. Growers seek ways to optimize water and fertilizers while maintaining or enhancing crop yields. By applying TELONE™ before planting roots can develop without the hindrance of pests.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) recently reported the results of a study conducted in Stanislaus County on air concentrations of three soil fumigants. No measurements exceeded 4% of the regulatory threshold, meaning there was no impact from the application of these fumigants.
There has been outrageous weather in parts of our nation this year. “Bomb cyclones” were dropping hsnow and unleashing winds. Historically huge snowstorms paralyzed all transportation and interfered with daily tasks. Cold-paralyzed iguanas were falling from trees in Florida!
Make every drop count with smart irrigation.
Efficient water management helps growers improve crop performance, reduce operating costs, and conserve valuable resources. Learn why smart irrigation is becoming an essential strategy for today’s farms.
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently shared a fact sheet titled "PFAS and Specialty Crops: What Growers Should Know". It covers several commonly asked questions and breaks down what PFAS are and how they affect the ag industry.
Every successful orchard starts long before the first tree goes into the ground. The decisions growers make during the pre-plant phase have lasting impacts on tree establishment, productivity, and profitability for years—even decades—to come.
In the latest article on The Dirt, Dr. Chad Hutchinson explores why harvest results do not tell the full story. Two fields may achieve similar yields while requiring very different levels of water, fertilizer, fuel, and crop protection.
In the latest post on The Dirt, Dr. Chad Hutchinson takes a closer look at soil disturbance in potato production and why the conversation requires more nuance. From seedbed preparation and planting, moving soil is often unavoidable. The better question is whether each pass supports strong crop and soil recovery afterward.
In a recent op-ed in West Coast Nut Magazine, Renee Pinel, of Western Plant Health (WPH), puts long-standing claims about California agriculture to the test. Narratives have shaped public perception and fueled regulatory scrutiny at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and legislative activity.
In Episode 1 of our Soil Health Series, we explore the foundations of healthy soil and explain how its physical, chemical, and biological components work together to support plant growth, soil health, microbiology, crop performance, and yield.