Perennial Wheat

Perennial wheat, if it can be realised in an economically viable form, offers a range of advantages that makes a certain amount of yield loss compared to annual wheats acceptable. They would be much deeper-rooted than their annual relatives, preventing water and nutrient leakage into water tables. It wouldn't need to be resown, so could deliver savings on fuel, fertiliser and labour and it would form a permanent ground cover, reducing erosion.

Planting Trees Anywhere

Planting trees in heavily compacted soil is not easy, but it can be done if you follow some basic tips. In this video Matt Kilby of Trees for Earth explains the right way to plant a tree on a swale, especially if it's located in a fairly inhospitable landscape, and how to make sure that the trees you plant have a high success rate. Note, this video was made at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms who are hosting a Land Restoration field day 1st November.

Veteran Tree Group

A veteran tree can be defined as: 'a tree that is of interest biologically, culturally or aesthetically because of its age, size or condition.' They are keystone organisms forming the framework that supports the web of interactions making up the fabric of a wider ecosystem. The Veteran Tree Group (VTG) is a group of passionate people committed to ensuring the long term future of veteran and ancient trees in Australia through raising public awareness of their importance, providing public access to and encouraging the application of world's best conservation practice and increasing people's enjoyment of old trees.

Kudzu - Weed or Remedy?

Its been described as the vine that ate the south (US) - but in the countries of origin it was used for medicinal purposes. Scientists are now discovering that that might well be true. Isoflavones found in kudzu root could improve a host of problems associated with metabolic syndrome. For example, it normalizes blood pressure, lowers high cholesterol and stabilizes blood glucose. One particular isoflavone called puerarin that is found only in kudzu appears to have the strongest beneficial effect on health. [Its fascinating how remedy weeds pop up where they are most needed!]

Sludge as Fertiliser

Leftover sludge from water treatment plants contains human waste, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and whatever else washes into the sewer system. It's also used as fertiliser, which concerns some experts. Sludge at water treatment plants is tested periodically for more than a dozen heavy metals, like arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury and lead, as well as two organic contaminants: dioxins and furans - but pharmaceuticals and many other substances are not.

Synthetic Nitrogen Bad for Soil

Heavy use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser not only burns away soil carbon, but reduces organic nitrogen levels in the soil and thus increases farmers' reliance on bought-in fertiliser. Soil nitrogen depletion increased at depth because, the researchers suggested, activity around dense plant roots had helped slow the decline in upper levels.

Dust Storm Blooms

Nutrient-rich topsoil from the recent dust storms led to a tripling in the number of microscopic plants, or phytoplankton, in the upper layers of water. It's also been calculated that this invisible explosion in photosynthetic life in Sydney Harbour and Tasman Sea would have soaked up an amount of carbon dioxide equivalent to a month's emissions from the Munmorah Power Station on the Central Coast. This natural dust experiment is being used as "vindication" for a controversial plan to nourish the ocean artificially with nitrogen-containing urea. [but I thought urea required energy to make first??]

From Exhaust to Soil

Mr Lewis has spent the best part of a decade developing and refining a system that pipes tractor exhaust emissions through a condenser and into the pneumatic system of air seeders, which then injects the carbon and nitrogen-rich emissions into the ground with the seed. 'What is generally considered as pollution is in fact prime soil food.' The exhaust gases are believed to stimulate microbial activity and root growth, allowing the plants to more efficiently extract nutrient and moisture from the soil. [I wonder if heavy metal accumulation is a problem?]

The first Australian to pick up the Canadian technology calculates his $20,000 investment in BioAgtive exhaust fertilisation technology has saved him $510,000 in fertiliser over the past two years.

Adopt a Farmer Fighting Greenhouse

When you buy Australian Farm Soil Credits you: 1. Encourage Australian farmers to extract more CO2 from the air and store it is the soil. 2. Reward Australian farmers for protecting the farmland ecology and our waterways. 3. Boost farm family incomes and strengthen rural communities. [This site is a wealth of information on soil carbon - the whys, hows and whats - get all your city friends checking this idea out, and why not consider becoming a soil carbon farmer yourself?]

Soil Bacteria and Parkinson's

Scientists found one variation of one soil bacteria that makes a chemical that killed off newer cells in the brain that are needed to control movement. Parkinson's disease is caused by the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain. It also appears people in rural areas get the disease more often.  Much more study is needed before any conclusions can be drawn though.

Healthy Foods are Still Sick

Leafy greens, tomatoes and berries: They're packed with vitamins and showcased by nutritionists as healthful foods that Americans should eat regularly. They are also among the 10 foods most likely to make you sick. The foods flagged in the report were contaminated by bacteria, from E.coli O157:H7 in spinach to scombrotoxin in tuna.

Exchange Strawberry Sugar with Stevia

The world has gone mad! The idea is to replace natural strawberry sugar with a stevia derivative (Reb B) to create low-calorie dried fruit. The first stage of the process involves the ultrasonic removal of the sugars present in strawberries, followed by ultrasonic incorporation of a stevia powder composed of 10% stevia and 90% maltodextrin. [Gosh, just eat the strawberry straight from the strawberry patch and be done with it!]

The Cost of Growing Junk Food

Last year, Ontario farmers planted 2.4 million acres of soybeans and just over 2 million acres of corn. That's nearly half of all cropland in the province, a near-colonization of Ontario farms by the soy and corn industry. "We're paying too little for our food. We're losing farmers like soil erosion. They're being lost to factory farms. What we're doing is screwing the land and screwing the farmers. It's almost a crime. We've got cheaper food and we've become fatter. We've got pollution closing beaches. We have built ourselves a mini hell and food is part of that problem."

Is it Organic?

''Currently all scientists can do is test for what should not be there (e.g. chemical pesticide residues)'' But new methods are being developed in New Zealand where a technique known as stable isotope analysis which analyses the elemental carbon and nitrogen found in vegetables in order to try and find out whether produce has been grown using organic methods or synthetic fertilisers. Synthetic nitrogen (from synthetic fertilisers) is primarily made from light nitrogen, whereas recycled nitrogen (such as composts or animal manure) contains heavier nitrogen atoms.

Natural Tomato Flavour?

I get the distinct impression that these 6 new 'natural' tomato flavours for use in the processed food industry has nothing to do with tomatoes...what do you think? Is the word 'natural' used because it tastes like the natural thing, despite it's unnatural ingredients??

Food Defence Plans

US food processors and manufacturers are being urged to implement defense plans to protect products from deliberate contamination by terrorists or disgruntled employees. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said it would be sending letters out this month to processors and manufacturers who said they lacked a plan when asked in a survey in 2008.

Argument for GM Wheat

What an absolutely bizarre argument! Apparently we need GM wheat because existing wheat is not competitive with other GM crops. What happened to market forces? If the market doesn't have enough wheat, don't the economists tell us the market will pay more for it? Given that wheat makes up most of a westerners diet, it is unlikely to disappear from lack of competition - but if it does, it may actually bode well for human health!

GM Contamination

Contaminated canola seed had fallen from trucks alongside the Riverina Highway, leading to an issue with GM canola volunteers this season. The volunteers would soon be past the stage where they could be effectively controlled with herbicide and needed to be removed shortly before their seeds matured. "They say GM is supposed to be about choice, so what about our choice to stay GM-free?"

GM Crops are Different

Two recent decisions out of the Northern District of California are the first-time acknowledgement by any federal entity of a difference between GM and non-GM crops. Unlike Japan, Europe or even Russia, the United States has never passed legislation on GM crops. Ideally some would like the United States to adapt a system similar to those being developed in Europe: required labeling of GM products, liability moved off organic farmers onto seed corporations and scientific evidence that gene flow can be minimized.

Monsanto Insiders Regulate the Food Chain

When President Obama took office, many Americans welcomed what was supposed to be an era of much needed change not only for the economy but also for the food industry and U.S. health care system. But interestingly the background of many of those who have been appointed to head up this change have strong links with Monsanto - why?

Crops Shed Pesticides

Scientists may have found a way to help crops shed toxic pesticides long before they end up on dinner tables around the globe. The idea involves dousing agricultural crops with a naturally occurring plant hormone that seems to boost the ability of the plants to remove pesticide residue in their cells.

Fish Farm Insights

I just love Cyndi O'Meara's down-to-earth style of explaining health and food. She recently investigated the farmed fish industry and steps you through many of the unnerving practices which are so not natural. In the process she found herself questioning her own consumption of fish.

Civilisation is Fragile, Not Earth

Forget about protecting the Earth. It's the underpinnings of our civilisation that climate change most endangers. The Earth, it turns out, is not at all fragile; it has survived an ancient oxygen pollution crisis, asteroid hits, and other shattering catastrophes. Our powerful civilization, on the other hand, is profoundly vulnerable.

The Greening of Arabia

Abu Dhabi holds massive reserves of oil, about 8% of what's left. It sits in the middle of a harsh, barren desert, sweltering in searing heat. It has no clean water, its sea is polluted and there is no topsoil, just a covering of sand. You would have to wonder what damage global warming could possibly inflict on it. Yet it is here that the world's first serious eco-city is being built. Eschewing the international corporate modernism which has become the signature style of the Emirates, the architects have looked back to the traditional cities of the Middle East.

Climate Change AND Land Use

There is fear that we are neglecting another, equally inconvenient truth: that we now face a global crisis in land use and agriculture that could undermine the health, security, and sustainability of our civilization. Our use of land, particularly for agriculture, is absolutely essential to the success of the human race.  Without a highly efficient, productive, and resilient agricultural system, our society would collapse almost overnight.

Ground Truthing Using a Plane

From his Cessna, Bruce Gordon provides politicians, reporters and others with an eye-opening view of an American West increasingly fractured by energy and resource development. A sense of scale is central to Gordon's mission, what he has dubbed "conservation flying."

Climate Policy Bust

The science is falling apart faster than the policy. Evidence is appearing not merely of major flaws in the computer models on which apocalyptic scenarios are based, but of blunders in the numbers behind the history of global temperatures.

When is Australian Not Australian?

Australia's labelling laws are deceptive and do not tell consumers just what they are buying and where products are sourced. This ultimately costs Australians jobs. For example, Bushells Australia's Favourite Tea - is owned by Unilever and imported from Malaysia.

But making changes is not so easy as a Senate inquiry is discovering. For example cheese made in Australia today is made with imported rennet yet under the new legislation cheese made in Australia from 100% Australian milk could not be labelled ‘Australian cheddar'...

What's New...

It's a product re-launch from Bionutrient Solutions - Ignition is row support for spring planted crops. It is a liquid injection package which provides for the high nutrient needs of rapid early growth. Ignition addresses the issues of sustained nutrient availability to crops planted into alkaline red and black soils. It is a unique combination of nutrients with biological components in a soluble Carbon base.

And Bionutrient Solutions is offering 20% off the retail price until 15th October! Check out the trial results in a crop last year.  Ignition 06/10/2009,18:46 694.42 Kb

Fully Composted Organic Fertiliser

I have just followed a link to Enviroganics - based in Queensland. I was particularly impressed with their claim of having a range of fully composted fertilisers - its true, many organic fertilisers on the market are not fully composted, which can eventually lead to problems after prolonged use. Check them out, they work with gardeners through to broadacre croppers.

FARM Newsletter

Ian Moss of F.A.R.M has published his latest newsletter which gives some cropping insights and summaries, but also has a great collection of links to varied agricultural topics - like cover cropping, soil carbon etc. Well worth a browse.

Don't Murray the Mary

The campaign to save the Mary River in SE Queensland is reaching a critical point. An Instant Activists Pack has been put together to help get the message across - just add signatures. If interested, please feel free to express your concerns using one of the methods suggested.  Instant Activism Pack 09 12/10/2009,02:39 377.28 Kb

WA Organic Roadshow

Features a talk and field tour with Duncan Harris of Harris Organic Wines. The vineyard provides informed consumers with a high quality alternative to "commercial style" wines. An interest in permaculture has shaped his philosophy and his own small vineyard, where the emphasis is on traditional production methods for best quality vintages. There will be other speakers too. Swan Valley 14th November.

Soil Carbon Farming Conference

Just another reminder that the Soil Carbon Farming Conference will be on in Orange 4th - 5th November. The line up of speakers is very impressive and this year includes speakers talking about the link between food and health!

Biological Agriculture Information Day

Presented by Ludwig Mueller from Agrivision with a focus on how landholders can help build the soil and get the nutrient balance right. Ludwig will be using a suite of local case studies. Krambach 23rd October.  Biological Agriculture Day 12/10/2009,18:16 167.92 Kb

Inverell Young Farmers Forum

This is an invitation from the NSW Farmers Association to all young farmers in the north west and New England and covers the socio-economic effects on young farmers. This event is a great opportunity for young farmers to get involved in addressing the issues which impact their future in farming. Inverell 28th October.  Inverell Young Farmers Forum 12/10/2009,16:39 104.25 Kb

MDU Resource Management Competition

The 2009 winners are John and Jenny Gamper of Delungra, who were also recently named 2009 Primary Producers Award winners too. MDU will be hosting a field day on their place which uses native grasses and rotational grazing on 23rd October; and Greg Chappell will be guest speaker - a biological pasturalist from Glen Innes talking about ‘Soil Health from a landholder's perspective & the use of Compost'.  MDU Field Day 09 12/10/2009,23:48 152.00 Kb

Compost and Compost Tea Workshop

A practical workshop on how to hydrate, enhance and heal your soils by understanding the soil food web and how to make biologically active Aerated Compost Tea. This workshop focuses on practical techniques of applying compost and compost teas for small, medium and larger-scale farming, grazing and forestry operations. Mudgee 26th - 28th November.

Health

Health Claims Rejected

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected around 2/3rds of the health claims submitted to them by functional and supplement food industry.  Given all the money and effort spent putting these dossiers together, this seems a bizarre situation. The meaning of life under a highly restrictive health claims regime certainly seems to have come into focus. 

Do Not Kill a Fever

Suppressing fevers can increase rapid viral replication, resulting in a berserk effort by an overwhelmed immune system to fight back. This is known as a cytokine storm, which can have disastrous results. [The body knows what it is doing - let it do it]

BPA in Cash Receipts

Carbonless copy papers (now used for most credit card receipts) and the thermal imaging papers that are spat out by most modern cash registers rely on BPA. It's argued that when it comes to BPA in the urban environment, "the biggest exposures, in my opinion, will be these cash register receipts." Once on the fingers, BPA can be transferred to foods and perhaps absorbed directly through the skin.

Hep B Vaccine and Autism

A new study has shown that giving Hepatitis B vaccine to newborn baby boys more than triples their risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.

Can Vitamin D Prevent Cancer?

While there is still a lot that is not known, what is known through up-to-date research is truly remarkable - and its about prevention, not treatment. But possibly the most profound thing is that it is free - straight from the sun! But the message is not getting out. But educating has become the purpose of this breast cancer survivor and her retired physicist husband. They are pulling all the scientists on Vitamin D together to bring the message out about its benefits for cancer and so many other diseases.

Vitamin D Halves Colon Cancer

This study comes as a timely follow on from above. Higher blood levels of vitamin D may double survival rates of colorectal cancer patients, according to a new study. What's more, high levels of the vitamin were associated with an overall mortality level 40 percent lower than people with the lowest average levels.

Curious Naval Swine Flu Quarantine

A group of Navy ships is under quarantine after several dozen sailors and Marines on board tested positive for swine flu - which sounds innocent enough, but is it the information leaking from the marine wives that puts the cat among the pigeons. Of the 347 man crew that were vaccinated, 333 have H1N1 flu symptoms. I wonder if this information can be or will be verified? Personally it seems highly probable that all the crew would have been vaccinated before setting sail...so the story has some basis I suspect.

FDA Admits to Conflict of Interest

After receiving what an FDA report described as "extreme," "unusual" and persistent pressure from four congressmen, agency managers overruled the scientists and approved a device for sale in December. All four legislators made their inquiries within a few months of receiving significant campaign contributions from the manufacturer.

Cartoon

Miscellaneous

Wheeling and dealing behind the public eye... A mining company owned by Goldman Sachs and two private equity funds is in line to get a $3 million earmark for work at a rare earth elements mine in Mountain Pass, Calif. - raising questions as to why Congress would take on some of the risk for a bailed-out investment giant that's already making a profit. [As Bob Dylan so eloquently put it - steal a little they put you in jail, steal a lot and they make you a hero]

Events

The calendar is playing up, so most of the links below are directed back to other websites where possible or to a contact email address. If there are no links, look to the related article above.  

* Biological Agriculture Information Day - Krambach NSW 23rd October 2009.

* MDU Resource Management Competition - Delungra NSW 23rd October 2009.

* Inverell Young Farmers Forum - Inverell NSW 28th October 2009.

* Land Restoration Field Day - Bungendore NSW 1st November 2009. 

* Soil Carbon Farming Conference - Orange NSW 4th - 5th November 2009.

* WA Organic Roadshow - Swan Valley WA 14th November 2009.

* Compost and Compost Tea Workshop - Mudgee NSW 26th - 28th November 2009. 

Postscript

So after landing my new job as a Bunnings greeter, a good find for many retirees.....I lasted less than a day.....

About two hours into my first day on the job a very loud, unattractive, mean-acting woman walked into the store with her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance. 

As I had  been instructed, I said pleasantly, 'Good morning and welcome to Bunnings. Nice children you have there. Are they twins?'  

The ugly woman stopped yelling long enough to say, 'Hell no, they ain't twins.  The oldest one's 9, and the other one's 7. Why the hell would you think they're twins? Are you blind, or just stupid?'

So I replied, 'I'm neither blind nor stupid, Ma'am, I just couldn't believe someone 
slept with you twice. Have a good day and thank you for shopping at Bunnings.' 

My supervisor said I probably wasn't cut out for this line of work.