RI Mushroom Co.: “Growers and purveyors of exotic mushrooms”

CN-MR-57-3-RI-Mushroom2by Kristen M. Castrataro

Growing in a damp forest understory, emerging from the sides of stately trees, or showing up in brilliant colors on the side of a walking trail, mushrooms are a miracle. Their colors, shapes, and sizes are almost as limitless as their flavors. Golden Oysters brighten the palate, tasting as sunny as they look. Blue Oysters are subtle and mild, a mushroom for people who think they dislike mushrooms. For the best in these, and so much more, the RI Mushroom Company in South Kingstown, RI is the place to go. [Read more…]

Symphony in the sward

CE-MR-44-4-Sward-by-Bishopp-3cby Troy Bishopp

At this time of year many in agriculture are so busy with fieldwork they “can’t see the pasture for the plants” or “the forest for the trees.” However, 20 farmers from Central New York gave pause on a spectacular spring evening to linger with a seasoned “bird whisperer” in an open-air symphony surrounded by an amphitheater of working grasslands and cattle. [Read more…]

Field day showcases demonstration project to measure the benefits of non-toxic fescue

CM-59-3-Fescue-field-day2by Karl H. Kazaks

WEYERS CAVE, VA – In northeastern Augusta County, adjacent to the sinuous Middle River, a long, straight fence line splits a field at Bud Shaver’s Lucky Charm Farms. On either side of the fence you find similar topography and cattle of similar genetics.

Fescue grows on both sides of the fence, thick and green. On one side of the fence, the cattle are grouped together, not moving much, not grazing. The fescue on that side of the fence shows signs of uneven grazing. [Read more…]

Have bees, will travel

CN-42-3-Sells-Beesby Laura Rodley

Pollinators fear not. Master Beekeeper Nancy Mangion has got your back. When you purchase bees from Mangion, owner of Beekeepers’ Warehouse in Woburn MA, she does all she can to make sure the buyer has the knowledge they need to make their bees thrive. She mentors beekeepers from all over New England.

Mangion studied beekeeping at Cornell University, and earned her Master Beekeeper certificate in 2009. “It’s very difficult. There’s only about four of us in the northeast,” she said. [Read more…]

No-till: It’s just so easy

CN-DY-26-3-No-till3The 400 acres of hay ground and 220 acres of corn at Fairfield Dairy Farm in Williamstown, MA are set among sweeping vistas of the Berkshire Hills. The beauty belies the challenges faced by the five generations of the Galusha family who have farmed this rugged land. Jay Galusha, who, with other family members, milks 240 cows, has found a solution with the help of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. [Read more…]