River Friendly Farm Tip of the Month

Pollinators are many different types of creatures that most flowering plants rely on to produce fruit and seeds.  Pollinators include honeybees, bumble bees, flies, beetles, butterflies and more.  Pollinators are essential for the production of many of the crops we grow for food. To see a bumble bee hard at work click here.

To learn more about pollinators and their value visit the Pollinator Factsheet produced by the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

The following are some tips to help protect these important creatures:
1. Grow a variety of bee-friendly flowers that bloom from spring through fall.
2. Protect and provide bee nests and caterpillar host plants.
3. Avoid using pesticides, especially insecticides.
4. Talk to your neighbors about the importance of pollinators and their habitat.

With these core principles, pollinators can be protected throughout our communities! And remember, by protecting pollinators we protect the future of agricultural productivity(and our food sources).

For information or ideas about protecting pollinators visit the xerces society or contact me about local programs providing cost-share to enhance pollinator habitat on your property.

Happy Spring!

Spring is almost here! Spring for some farmers means time to spread manure.  Manure can be a valuable resource, providing plants with necessary nutrients and adding organic matter to the soil.  Care should be taken to avoid under application resulting in poor plant performance or over application resulting in negative environmental impacts.  Knowing the nutrient value of the manure being spread and calibrating your spreader, coupled with recent soil tests will help ensure the proper amount of manure is applied.  Below are links to a video and some fact sheets that can help.  If you have questions give me a call.

Manure Sampling & Analysis Factsheet

Manure Spreader Calibration Techniques Factsheet

Manure Spreader Calibration Video

Education
Rutgers University 2009
B.S. in Plant Science
Entomology Minor

From the Author’s Desk
Over many years I have had the fortunate experience of traveling and hiking throughout the United States. These experiences germinated a passion within me to better understand the cycle of life and our place within that cycle. Over the years I have noticed that there seems to be a disconnect between us as human beings and our environment around us. I hope with my background in science and business coupled with my passion for our environment that I will be able to help bridge this disconnect. I believe that in working with the Agricultural community I will be able to help local farmers find a way to run successful, sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses.

Patrick Natale

Agricultural Outreach Specialist