Farm Progress

New crop types can bring added income, but that’s not the only reason some farmers take on diversification

Willie Vogt

October 21, 2022

In this week’s Around Farm Progress podcast the discussions revolve around alternative crops. And not all the talk is about a new income stream, there are other reasons to take on diverse plantings.

First up, John Hart, Southeast Farm Press, shares what he learned recently about work in North Carolina to explore the potential of sesame as a crop. This versatile, small seed is used for more than the tops of hamburger buns. Hart shares insight on why the state is exploring the crop, what the alternative crop offers to the market and the opportunity for a new income source for growers. And the crop, added to a rotation, can help break pest and potential disease cycles too.

Then we turn our attention to a little diversification that could have a significant community impact – the milpa garden. Jennifer M. Latzke, Kansas Farmer, discusses this concept of taking a small plot of land and planting a variety of crops which provide food for the local community.

This is about giving back, and milpa gardens are gaining attention among many communities. For the farmer who uses that plot for the garden, there are soil health benefits, but it’s also a way for a farmer to connect to the local community. Give it a listen.

If this is the first time you've listened to the podcast, please ‘like’ and ‘subscribe.’ If you want to use another podcast source you can listen (and subscribe) on Apple, Amazon Music and Spotify.

More podcasts and coverage

Beyond Around Farm Progress we've got more podcasts to share. Check out all our podcast links at FarmProgress.com/farm-progress-podcasts to keep up on not only Around Farm Progress but daily updates from Max Armstrong, and more.

And if you want quick access to top news from Farm Progress, sign up for our mobile text service by texting FARM to 20505. Note that there may be a text or data cost for using the service.

The podcast Around Farm Progress goes live online by 3 p.m. Central time each Friday and will engage editors from around the country as well as experts in our industry. You can listen to this week's episode above or subscribe using your favorite podcast service just search "Around Farm Progress" and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Farmers are getting their information in new ways. Farm Progress is a leader in reaching them as needed. From top magazines around the country to one of the first agriculture-focused mobile apps from Farm Futures, to the leading television presence with This Week in Agribusiness, the company covers all media for agriculture.

Comments or questions? Just send a note to [email protected].

Read more about:

Around Farm Progress

About the Author(s)

Willie Vogt

Willie Vogt has been covering agricultural technology for more than 40 years, with most of that time as editorial director for Farm Progress. He is passionate about helping farmers better understand how technology can help them succeed, when appropriately applied.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like