The 25 Most Innovative Ag-Tech Startups.

The 25 Most Innovative Ag-Tech Startups. “The ag tech space right now is in a very unique position. You can’t ignore the fundamentals,” says vice president of Business Development at AgTech Accelerator Corp., Corey Huck. “You have to produce a lot more crop on limited acres, and 70% of fresh water is already being used in agriculture. We have to do more with less at the end of the day and the only way you can do that is with technology.” From irrigation hardware engineered to beat the drought to biotechnology startups cultivating future cash crops,

The Next Agricultural Revolution: Smart Farming.

The Next Agricultural Revolution: Smart Farming. Seasoned farmers, young entrepreneurs and conscious consumers are working together to create local food systems that are both sustainable and humane. These passionate people are finding fresh ways to bring local and nutritious food back onto the table. The localization of food systems is perhaps the most radical step we can take toward creating more sustainable and just communities around the world.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.In developing countries like Nigeria, while rural farmers account for the greater part of the population, they also tend to lack access to basic knowledge and information that would help them achieve maximum agricultural yield. In a bid to solve this problem 27-year-old Nasir Yammama created Verdant AgriTech – a social enterprise created to support rural farmers with mobile technologies for sustainable farming and improved food production. Verdant offers personalized agricultural information and market intelligence to crop farmers in Nigeria through a mobile application that acts as an all-round companion for the farmer from the pre-planting period to harvest and beyond. Using low-end phones, SMS and voice services, rural farmers can easily interact with the system.

Oil And Farming A Boon For Insurers.

Oil And Farming A Boon For Insurers. John D. Rockefeller said the secret of success is to “get up early, work late and strike oil.” Uganda has struck oil; around 6.5 billion barrels are scheduled for commercial production in 2020. This drive towards production, which government estimates will attract investment of up to $8 billion, has raised the prospect of increased demand for auxiliary services, including insurance. Insurers needed to work closer with farmers to understand different crop varieties and planting windows in order to reduce commercial premium rates. Corn is covered as high as 23.9% versus a 10% average affordable to farmers, more

10 Great DIY Gift Ideas for Shelter Animals.

10 Great DIY Gift Ideas for Shelter Animals. Adopt Me Bandanas Wearing colorful bandanas is a great way for shelter pets to get noticed by potential adopters. Adding “Adopt Me” with fabric markers makes an even bigger impact. These gifts are easy to make and could very well help shelter pets find new homes. Instructions for making a bandana for rescue dogs at pethelpful.com reminds readers to use washable cotton or cotton blend fabrics for this project.

No-sew Pet Beds A no-sew pet bed is a great gift idea for shelter dogs and cats. The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, IL offers instructions on how to make these beds using just fleece, a ruler and scissors. Shelters often use towels and blankets for the animals in their care but according to the Anti-Cruelty Society, homemade pet beds are the most comfortable for shelter animals.

6 Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids.

6 Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids.Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and rectum, which may be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms like itching, bleeding and pain. Hemorrhoids can have many causes, such as straining to pass bowel movements, obesity, extended periods of sitting on a toilet, pregnancy, anal intercourse and a low-fiber diet. They are rarely dangerous, but always visit your doctor to confirm if you have hemorrhoids and rule out anything more serious. The following natural remedies can help to quickly heal a flair-up and prevent a relapse. 1. EAT ENOUGH FIBER Research has shown that increasing your fiber intake will help lessen bleeding, pain and itching from hemorrhoids. Fiber helps to soften stool and increase its bulk, which makes it easier to pass and reduces straining. For adults younger than 50 years old, the Institute of Medicine recommends your daily intake of fiber should be 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women. If you’re over 50, it drops to 30 grams for men and 21 grams for women.

Effective fly control on a dairy farm.

Effective fly control on a dairy farm.When a dairy operation becomes infested with flies, herd health, comfort, productivity and the bottom line can take a severe hit.Flies can have a serious economic impact on dairy operations by interfering with cow health and profitability. Flies spread disease causing bacteria and other organisms that can lead to infections and lost productivity, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars in losses each year. For the most effective control of these costly pests, a comprehensive integrated pest management programme built around effective fly control products should be administered.