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Backyard Biodiversity: Nest boxes for native bees

Many of our native bee species are solitary. In order to ensure that these kinds of bees spend more time in our yards and gardens, it is important to make sure we include places for them to nest.

Drip irrigation system set up in a home garden.

Vegetable Gardening During a Drought

In a drought, getting water to plants is a priority. The following management tips will help you efficiently use water and maximize other gardening practices to achieve a healthy and productive garden.

Series of trophies on display at a 4-H contest.

4-H

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, involving young people in urban, suburban and rural communities. 4-H fosters an innovative, “learn by doing” approach with proven results.

Illustration of a stable fly, horn fly and face fly.

Fly Control Considerations for Cattle on Pasture

Along with being irritants to livestock, horn flies, face flies and stable flies are economically important to producers due to their negative impacts on milk production and calf weaning weights.

vegetables growing in three plastic tubs

Growing Vegetables in Tubs

You can grow lots of vegetables in plastic container gardens. The important things to remember are using a good growing medium and keeping enough water on the plants as they get larger.

Butterfly with white and black wings resting atop a pink flower

4-H Entomology & Bees Project

Interested in learning more about the creatures that make life possible? The entomology project area is just for you!

: Two photos with various plants that are brown, yellow, and/or green. A blue pen is in the foreground of each photo for size reference.

Clock tells the time of the day, not when the job is done. Is that true for weed management?

Common banter at the farm gate implies farmers work long days to get the job finished. However, weed management may improve if spraying stops at a particular time of day.

Dairy employee in winter clothing holding a shovel.

Colder Weather Tips for Midwestern Dairy Farm Employees

Cold and snowy winters are a challenge for dairy workers, especially for those immigrants coming from warmer climates. Informing workers of simple cold weather survival tips is beneficial in improving their quality of life, both at home and the workplace.

Community Gardens: Budget & Fees

In order to have a sustainable project, it is very important to identify all of the expenses that are involved in the operation of your community garden. Are there costs associated with utilizing the site, site preparation (tilling, plowing, soil testing, or soil amendments), on-site resources (hose, fencing, or shared tools), marketing the garden, water usage, or insurance?

A pair of hands wearing garden gloves holding tomatoes. A white text overlay reads "2018 Farm Bill." This image is courtesy of the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Time to Sign up for 2018 Farm Bill

This winter it is time to study up on the Farm Bill elections and make an appointment with the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) in order to put the program in place for the farm. The deadline to make the election is March 15, 2020.