Insect pests get a lot of attention because we see the damage they cause. Less obvious are beneficial insects that provide “biocontrol” of insect pests. These include predators that kill or disable their prey quickly and parasitoids that kill pests more slowly. Predators include lady beetles, ground...

The National Bison Association announced on July 1 the annual kickoff to July Bison Month, encouraging consumers to add this uniquely American, delicious, humanely raised, supremely healthy protein to their regular diets. The population of American bison once exceeded 30 million animals across North...

Many gardeners are reporting damage lately from two pests, the fourlined plant bug and slugs. The plant bug causes minor cosmetic damage, but slugs can be quite destructive if left unchecked. The fourlined plant bug feeds on mint, basil, sage and Shasta daisies. This little insect causes sunken brow...

American Farmland Trust (AFT) recently kicked off the 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration™ (AFMC) – a significant milestone to celebrate the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the U.S. as voted on by the public. Since 2008, AFMC has highlighted the key role farmers market...

The decision to move is a very personal choice that is typically reached after considering a number of variables. Career opportunities, a better climate, superior schools or a desire to be closer to family compel millions of people to move each year, and those factors underscore how unique each indi...

One of the Grange’s core values is good stewardship of the earth and resources. Another is enjoying a good potluck. This summer, take the challenge to marry the two by organizing a sustainable potluck. This can be a rewarding way to promote environmentally friendly practices and potentially bring yo...

Thanks to social media and the growing popularity of self-sufficiency, canning and preserving is enjoying a renewal of interest. To me this is amusing because we’ve always been fans of this sort of activity. For over 50 years, Mom was an ambitious preserver of all things grown on our farm (and often...

June being National Dairy Month conjures up all of the delicious foods that we enjoy that fall into the dairy category: cheese, ice cream, whipped cream, cream cheese. The list is extensive – but one of the mainstays in everyone’s kitchen is butter. Butter has an interesting and varied history over ...

Homeowners have many options at their disposal if they want to improve their homes. A focus on the exterior can be a promising and rewarding way to direct renovation dollars. Curb appeal has a significant impact on how a home is viewed. Manicured landscapes, updated windows and doors and well-lit la...