When Will Feeding Our Livestock Become Just as Important as Feeding Ourselves?

I feel like you’re the type of person who makes conscious decisions about what you eat. Sure, you may indulge in the occasional creamy puff of whatever, or greasy nachos (ahem…girl’s gotta have a guilty pleasure). But for the most part, those of us who are deeply engaged with growing food for the masses, are […]

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Factors to Consider Before Expanding Your Greenhouse Operation

Thinking of expanding your greenhouse’s footprint? Yeah, I bet you are. More greenhouse means more growing space, thus more product, which should mean more revenue. But do the numbers always add up so easily? No, is the quick answer. There are a lot of factors to consider before you get all giddy about a larger […]

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Aquaponics: Eat Your Greens and Enjoy Your Fish, Too

Aquaponics. Sounds like a perfect way to create a balanced diet: Lettuce, fish, throw in some chips, a nibble of chocolate and I’m game. But aquaponics is so much more than good eats. It’s a method to help feed the masses within a close-looped system that utilizes a fraction of the energy required of a […]

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5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Greenhouse Operation

While I’m a self-proclaimed, learn-from-my-own-mistakes, kind of gal, I wouldn’t want to test my luck with a commercial greenhouse operation. I’m betting you wouldn’t either. Everyone wants to know what not to do. In part three of our four-part series featuring Fox Greenhouses from Dallas Center, Iowa, Matt Fox humbly shares what you really want […]

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Tapping Into Your Local Market: Ways to Build Relationships and Your Greenhouse Operation

For years I’ve been telling anyone who would listen: “We need to get back to doing business on a hand-shake.” Embrace the honest-to-goodness partnerships our grandfathers’ grandfather built his farm on while cultivating respect and neighborly loyalty. Throw the contracts out the window, trust your gut, and start being real with people. Stop shaking your […]

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Innovators Calling Attention to Urban Agriculture — In a Big Way

We love sharing urban ag goodness. It’s a celebratory moment for all when we hear news such as Whole Foods building a rooftop greenhouse and partnership with Gotham Greens. And how The Farmery is creating their own version of what grocery shopping should look like. Both fascinating and exciting for our industry. In our latest Urban […]

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8 Grow Tips From a Cold Climate, Hydroponic, Greenhouse Tomato Grower

While every greenhouse operation has its struggles, northern regions are burdened with environmental elements that could make or break a business, in one season. Read how Matt Fox, owner and founder of Fox Greenhouses located on a Century Farm in Dallas Center, Iowa, combats the weather and turns a nice profit in a shorter growing season […]

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A Love Affair With Agriculture – No Therapist Required

Randy Butts, owner of Eden Farms Inc., spent 10 years working as an engineer before he finally listened to his heart and made the decision to do what he really wanted to do: Become a grower. Quick question….. Seriously though. Do you love your job? Take a cue from Randy and start following your dreams. […]

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So You Want to Be a Successful Greenhouse Grower? Read This First

Most of us have had the dream or are dreaming right now (because you wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t) about owning your own greenhouse. Dreaming about taking early morning walks through the peaceful rows of hydroponic modules filled with crisp greens. Savoring the taste of the freshest tomato ever, because you just pulled it […]

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Supplemental Greenhouse Lighting: Are You Using the Right Kind of Light?

Much like selecting the lights for your Christmas tree based on size, shape, and color to create the perfect, nostalgic effect; selecting the appropriate supplemental lighting for your greenhouse, must also take the same care. Well…..okay. Maybe you’re not quite the holiday fanatic I am (Did I mention Christmas too soon?) But the bottom line […]

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On Our Urban Ag Radar: Freedom Farms Makes Farming Cool Again; Verdura Designs for Eating; Bright Agrotech Starts Blogging

The Farm Kings Make Me Want to Move to Pennsylvania – Today There are a lot of things I’m envious about at Freedom Farms, run by a family of Kings. Let’s start with Lisa: single mother of 10 kids (nine boys, one girl) and every one of those kids adore the heck out of her. […]

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On Our Urban Ag Radar: Hydroponic Vending Machines; Oasis Grower Solutions for Anxious Growers; Living Within a Vertical Farm

The image that stopped me dead in my internet-surfing tracks: A hydroponic lettuce vending machine.   This brilliant machine can be found in Japan. It’s brilliant. Brilliant. Let’s move these in next to the vending machines in our schools, workplaces and hospitals. (I’d say “replace” the candy vending machines, but a girl needs some chocolate […]

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Three Produce Companies with Packaging That Looks So Good, You’d Eat It

I’ll admit it: I judge a book by its cover. I can’t help it. I’m simply visually stimulated. I suspect most women are  — at least I know several who were oohhhing….and…..ahhhing….over this UK campaign to plant more flowers.   If you’ve got a moment, press start. The site is beautifully designed, complete with soothing […]

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On Our Urban Ag Radar: Substrates for Strawberries, Brooklyn Grange Gets Growing and a Texas-Style Steward’s Dinner

Who doesn’t love a good strawberry? If not for a fresh-from-the-garden boozy strawberry lemonade, I don’t know how I’d make it through a hot and humid Iowa summer. I’m sure Riococo knows exactly what I’m talking about. Look at these gorgeous “fields” of strawberries flourishing in Riococo coir substrates. Learn more about Riococo’s growing products, including […]

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