Growers given go-ahead to add salt to their mushrooms.

Growers given go-ahead to add salt to their mushrooms. While adding a little salt to enhance the flavour of mushrooms is common in cooking, mushroom growers are now able to add salt to their crops to help with the control of a range of fungal diseases. The European Commission (EC) has approved the use of salt (sodium chloride) under its basic substance programme. It joins a list of 16 other everyday substances – including vinegar, sucrose, sunflower oil and whey – that arable and horticultural growers are now authorized to use to control a variety of pests, weeds and diseases. Other unconventional plant protection products currently being reviewed for basic substance approval include soap and skimmed milk. Growers given go-ahead to add salt to their mushrooms.

An agronomic approach to pest management.

An agronomic approach to pest management. Preparation is an essential part of effective disease and insect management. The presence of water on leaves, high humidity levels, temperature changes and decreased air flow can lead to favorable conditions for a variety of diseases. And even the most rigorous sanitation program and careful scouting can't exclude all insects. However, by incorporating an agronomic program as part of your overall production plan, you can be better prepared for the coming season. In this webinar, you'll learn: 1)Just what is an "agronomic program".2) How to properly rotate pest control products by mode of action. 3)How to manage resistance during production. 4)How you can save time, money and resources. An agronomic approach to pest ,watch

How to grow lettuce, tomatoes with LED LIGHTS.

How to grow lettuce, tomatoes with LED LIGHTS. LED lighting technology is being used by more and more growers because of benefits that include faster growth, more flowering and improved coloration. Learn how LEDs can improve growth of lettuce, leafy greens, herbs and high-wire tomatoes and cucumbers. In this webinar, you’ll learn: 1)The benefits of adding supplemental light to your edible crop growing area. 2)Factors to consider when comparing LED to high-pressure sodium. 3)The effect of LED blue and red spectrum on crop growth. Watch

Free webinar to get you started with LED lighting.

Free webinar to get you started with LED lighting.With the 2018 growing season fast approaching, now is a good time to set up a small trial of LED lighting. If you’re not sure how or why to go about a trial, join us for this webinar to hear how other growers have initiated their first trial with LEDs and what they learned in the process. In this webinar, you’ll learn: 1) The importance of comparative lighting scenarios—how to track and measure.2)How LED lighting may impact crop inputs and other operational factors.3)Why LED lighting isn’t “one size fits all”. 4)Results from growers that have conducted trials under Philips LED. Register

Agribusiness: Tapping into the leadership skills and talents of farming women.

        Tapping into the leadership skills and  talents of farming women.

Women involved in farm business have an extraordinary set of skills – from organizing workflows in complex, ever-changing environments and managing diverse teams to budgeting, cost control and financial forecasting. 

The success of many farms strongly depends on the women who are doing the books, coordinating farm administration and contributing to strategic management decisions.

 In fact, farm business women have many of the skills and capabilities needed in wider leadership roles in industry and the community. 

 A new project coordinated by Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) and Growcom aims to tap into the talents and capabilities of farming women – and encourage them to strengthen their confidence as business leaders and bring their skills, ideas and passion to other places.

      Tapping into the leadership skills and  talents of farming women.

Developments in application technology for soil fumigation.

Developments in application technology for soil fumigation.Soil fumigants can be used to control plant pests pre-sowing or pre-planting. They aim to reduce very significantly the populations of nematodes (microscopic worms), soil-borne fungi and weeds whose development can cause major yield reduction or even the destruction of the crop. The application of these substances aims to provide a uniform treatment on a volume of soil in which these pests damage the crop. Very careful attention must be paid to the details of how the fumigation is done in order to guarantee excellent control of the targeted organisms and complete safety for workers and other persons close to the treated area, whilst also limiting the impact the product could have on our environment. Developments in application technology for soil fumigation.

Happy cows make more nutritious milk .

Happy cows make more nutritious milk. Daily infusions with a chemical commonly associated with feelings of happiness were shown to increase calcium levels in the blood of Holstein cows and the milk of Jersey cows that had just given birth. The results, published in the Journal of Endocrinology, could lead to a better understanding of how to improve the health of dairy cows, and keep the milk flowing. Demand is high for milk rich in calcium: there is more calcium in the human body than any other mineral, and in the West dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are primary sources of calcium. But this demand can take its toll on milk-producing cows: roughly 5-10% of the North American dairy cow population suffers from hypocalcaemia -- in which calcium levels are low. The risk of this disease is particularly high immediately before and after cows give birth.Happy cows make more nutritious milk .