Farming Notes – June 2017

Farm Succession is an increasing concern. We know that 98% of U.S. farms are family farms and they are responsible for 85% of total farm production. We also know that the average age of farmers has been increasing steadily and … Continued


Cow farts can now be regulated in California

California Gov. Jerry Brown kept up his assault on climate change Monday, pushing through a law meant to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from dairy farms and landfills. “You know, when Noah wanted to build his ark, most of the people laughed at him?” … Continued


Farming Notes – January 2017 [Duncan Allison]

Trends – At the beginning of a new year I’m starting with an attempt at listing some of the more significant trends in agriculture. My trends focus mainly on crops as I am much less familiar with livestock but many … Continued


Farming Notes for August

Our past president, Duncan Allison, again provides insights into the latest in agricultural advances.   FARMING NOTES AUGUST 2016 Advantages of scale – A recent USDA ERS report makes it clear that the average size of cropland farms has been … Continued


Dick Waybright, Past President, Passes

All of us at the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our own. Dick Waybright was a giant in Pennsylvania agriculture; long-term member and past president of the Society. A … Continued


Eggs? Chickens Come First!

Member Bettsy Mosimann suggested this article from the New York Times regarding the burgeoning egg business for free-range. The market, while still small, is growing fast for pastured eggs, which means that hens live in housing that allows them to … Continued


Farming Notes by Duncan Allison

Past president, Duncan Allison, again illuminates the ag issues – near and far. FARMING NOTES – NOVEMBER 2015 Agriculture continues to be a key driver of the US economy, providing $2 trillion in revenue annually and employing 19 million people. … Continued


Farming Notes – October 2015

                  Our past president, Duncan Allison, continues his series of enlightening articles on a variety of current ag topics.  Enjoy! FARMING NOTES – OCTOBER 2015 Science, Scale, Mechanization and New Technology – … Continued


Ocean Aquaculture

In the past the Society has explored aquaculture as one answer to a sustainable food supply.  We sponsored one of our field trips to a fish farm operation in Delaware.  In this YouTube program featuring one of the Ted talks, and … Continued


Urban Farm Feeds the Soul

Urban farmer, Will Allen, of Milwaukee, looks to feed more than the bodies of the kids who come to his farm. Growing and sharing is what the farm is all about as it feeds some 10,000 people. Allen, who uses … Continued