Many farmers go to their fields and vineyards and see to their despair a huge infestation of snails and slugs. These pests attack the plants when they are just starting to grow. This leads to crops having stunted growth and breaking because the snails and slugs eat them. Most find the easy solution to be to dose their crops in heavy pest killer, eliminating the infestation. However, this can be the wrong move in many ways. Not only is it bad for the environment but it also can harm the soil. Acidity will go way up, or it could also go completely dry and unable to grow healthy produce. The fertility of the soil is deathly harmed by the usage of artificial chemical sprays.

But the solution isn’t that far away...ducks! Ducks are enthusiastic eaters of common snails and slugs. They are a perfect option for pest control because they are natural predators to the unwanted pests. It is not only beneficial to the crops to not be infested but it’s also great for the ducks. Snails are a delightful treat for the ducks, something to differ from their everyday meals of grain and bread. They would be able to roam freely around the vineyard or field, pecking at the pesky slugs along the way. A flock of ducks would be most effective when choosing this way of pest control.

When ducks travel through the field and eat their fill on slugs on snails, they also leave behind scat which fertilizes the soil. This is extremely helpful because it will help the soil and plants recover after the intense infestation. Using animals or other natural ways to help with farming is extremely beneficial for the environment because it is creating a healthy ecosystem. Pesticides are an unnatural way to control infestations because they are pure chemicals. However, by having ducks take care of the slug problem it lets nature take its own course, while still meeting the needs of the farmer and field. The slugs and snails won’t go to waste because they will serve as a tasty snack to the duck flock.

Many duck keepers say that Indian Runner ducks and Khaki Campbell ducks are best for this job because they are natural foragers. Some ducks eat prey from the water, but this breed is talented at finding grubs on land too. When looking to hire a flock it is best to have 24 ducks per 20 hectares of field (or 24 ducks per 2.471 acres). Too many ducks in one spot would create overcrowding and none of the ducks would be inspired the catch pests because they’d be too uncomfortable. However too little ducks would make the pest controlling job take much longer than it needs to be. Ducks will be able to find their way around the field with slight guidance in case they get stuck, but otherwise they have their own sense of direction.

Not only will ducks eat the pests but they also will dig up the snail eggs to prevent any more hatching. They find both the snail and their egg to be a tasty treat. But farmers should keep an eye on their fields when hiring ducks because if the produce is ripe the ducks might try to eat those too. However, snail infestations are most commonly found in vineyards where the grapes are normally too high up for ducks to reach. Having ducks eat the pests is a form of a symbiotic relationship between humans and duck kinds. Hiring ducks as pest control will result in happiness for both humans and ducks alike.

Have you ever wondered why your herding dog isn’t doing the work correctly? Why is that dog exhibiting bad behaviors around the sheep? But wait! That might not be a bad dog! Your herding dog could simply be struggling with...lack of self-esteem! Behaviors such as circling around you when you try to get them to herd the sheep could simply mean that the dog isn’t confident in themselves. With the recent discovery that herding dogs can have low self-esteem has suggested that if the herding dog messes up too much or is subjected to too much yelling and scolding, their self-esteem will plummet. This ends badly because the dog would doubt themselves when herding sheep.

Herding dogs in general are amazing dogs. They are able to herd animals that weigh 100 pounds, almost triple their own weight. They develop many different tactics to get the livestock to move, even when faced with stubborn sheep and cattle. They have also been shown to have great empathy for their herd since they spend so much time by their side. Many people may take the dogs for granted and scold the dog for simple mistakes. This can put stress on the dog, on top of their important job to safeguard the entire herd. It is crucial to consider the dog as a living animal and not a machine made to organize farm animals. Failure to put confidence in your herding dog from the beginning can lead to problems for them.

Behaviors like circling their owner or the herd, clinging close to their owner and shadowing others is a clear sign of lack of confidence. However, this is often misunderstood as the dog just misbehaving and not respecting the farmer. One way to discourage this nervous habit is to lean against a fence or wall to make it impossible for them to circle you. Give the dog plenty of encouragement when they go out to the field and reward them when they successfully complete their task. If you lean back and don’t interact with the herd so much this will give confidence to the dog because they will think of the herd as theirs to command. It is important to put trust in the dog and to not stop them if they make a small mistake. They’ll never learn to repair the mishap on their own if you always call them back.

If the dog is clearly struggling with the herd time after time it may be time to give them a different herd. A more dog-broke herd could give the herding dog confidence because they would be able to take control of the livestock better. If their self-esteem is better after the different herd, they may be able to return to their old one. Increasing the distance or trying to make the work harder for the dog when the dog is already struggling will not make them improve, it will only decrease their confidence more. The dog needs to have stability when they are trying to return to being their proud self.

Giving your dog some challenge can help but be sure to keep it in the dog’s range of ability. Don’t increase the hardships to push your dog to the limits. However staging work for the dog that you know they can complete can increase their confidence because they will have some mini victories. Being a trainer requires immense patience and understanding of the dog. Make sure to accept the dog for all their quirks and harmless habits. Sometimes what you deem a bad behavior may just be lack of confidence for your herding canine. Helping your dog recover their self-esteem will benefit you, the dog and your livestock too.

Lately there have been plenty of incredible advancements in science related to farming - one of which is GMOs or genetically modified organisms. In the case of farms GM plants are made to control what the farmer wants in their field. Scientists modify the DNA of the crop, giving it desired traits that it might not have on its own. Once finished they are released to be grown in large numbers on farm fields. But the question is still here...are we farming or harming the environment with GMOs?

GM crops can be incredibly helpful for farmers because it allows them to select the specific traits for their plants. Selecting traits in domesticated animals and crops has been around for hundreds of years, starting way before the discovery of DNA. Farmers and breeders would find the animals or plants with the traits they want and breed them together until the desired trait was dominant on their farm. The idea isn’t new, however changing the exact DNA strands is a relatively new concept.

These crops are normally used to control the number of pests that grow in farmer’s field. They change the plant’s genes for it to be undesirable for weeds and insects that interfere with its growth. Farmers have been delighted with the discovery because it means more success for their fields. It has also seen too be beneficial because farmers don’t need to use pesticides and weed killers which can harm their soil in large amounts. It also means that their farm is more successful because they can produce many crops without having to worry about interference. The GMO advancement in science is predicted to help farmers gather lots of more revenue, helping them keep up with large corporations.

As with most new discoveries there are supporters and those who are against it. Many have disagreed with this practice, saying it could lead to problems if the plant goes out into the wild. When farmers were using genetically modified crops in their fields, they didn’t realize that it was harming the nearby monarch butterfly population. The pollen from GM corn winded up dusting wild milkweed, the life food for caterpillars. When the caterpillars ate the milkweed the GM pollen made them sick because they weren’t equipped to handle lab-made foods. Their numbers dropped, making many people turn their backs on GMOs.

It is possible that this new science can be beneficial in many ways, however it needs to be tightly controlled. If GM plants are released into the wild it can cause harm to wild plants and animals who aren’t prepared for the modifications that scientists made. If a crop is made to be repellent to certain 'pests’ that means the animal would lose a food source. If the GM crop becomes more common than the natural counterpart the ‘pest’ which relied on it could greatly struggle.

The original purpose for GMOs was to make them last longer without rotting away. The very first GMO was a tomato called ‘FLAVR SAVR’, first approved by the FDA in 1994. Its DNA was changed for it be able to last longer on the vine without going bad. No humans have been known to be harmed from eating genetically modified food and crops since they were first sold in 1995. There isn’t many health concerns related to GMOs as most of them get approved by the FDA.

Some argue that GMOs can actually be more beneficial than harmful to the environment. Modifying the genes of a plant can mean that the farmer doesn’t need to use pesticides because the plant will repel pests on its own. This is significant because pesticides can be very harmful for the environment. They also may not need to use as much water if they change the DNA to not need as much water. They’ll be able to conserve many materials by modifying the plant.

There are many different stances on GMOs, as with most new inventions. While there has been evidence that they can wreak havoc on wild ecosystems they may be able to benefit the environment as well. If farmers and scientists are able to keep the GMOs in complete control while growing them, they may be able to help. By modifying the plant’s genes farmers can stop using pesticides and can conserve water. But as the debate goes on the questions still stands - is using GMOs farming or harming?

Produce, fruits and flowers aren’t the only ones to look out for as the season of spring comes along! Herbs and pollinators also have designated seasons which can be helpful to know about to grow and spot them. May is the month of Spring, a season full of life and new beginnings for animals and plants alike. It’s the perfect season to start a garden or a field!

Most farms struggle with pest problems which plague their fields intensely. Many resort to using pesticides, harsh chemicals which kill all unwanted bugs. But recent studies have come out stating that the use of these chemicals can be extremely harmful for ecosystems and the environment. Dillner Farm may still have a pest problem, but they choose not to use pesticides because they know the danger they pose for the environment. Instead, they eliminate their pests naturally. They believe in using natural ways to farm, meaning they don’t use GMOs since they aren’t aiming to store their food for long periods of time. They sell it fresh.

They use the Integrated Pest Management system which is when they get bugs that eat their pests to rid the unwanted ones from the fields. This is beneficial because it creates a cohesive ecosystem on the farm, a great way to help the environment. They also do crop rotations to prevent pests. Crop rotations is when farmers use the same field but plant different crops in it than before. This method is beneficial for controlling pests because their food source is gone, forcing them to go somewhere else. Some rotations can take dozens of crops to complete, but it’s worth it because this method greatly improves soil health.

Dillner Farm is a small farm believing in not using pesticides. Instead, they find creative ways to keep their fields pest free. Not only do their methods rid their crops of pests, but they also help make a healthy ecosystem and increase soil fertility. Their produce is fresh and doesn’t use GMOs. Supporting this small farm is a great way to encourage others to use their pesticide-free strategies. They are located at 80 Oak Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Let’s visit Dillner Farm!

Everyone has struggles when first trying to grow pretty flowers or produce. The soil may be unfertile, the weather may be horrible, and the plants just might not grow right. Many people have questions when they first start out. They want a successful garden. but how to do that? Well, the answer may not be that far away…pollinators! However, some may have trouble attracting pollinators to their garden. Bees and monarch butterfly populations have been dwindling for years. Making sure pollinators find your flowers and produce won’t just be beneficial for you, it could help the environment as well!

Recent studies have shown that pollinator populations are dwindling. Over the years it has become apparent that bees and Monarch Butterflies are dropping in numbers. These humble creatures are vital for growing crops and gardens. One of three bites of food we eat can be traced back to the hard work of pollinators. A study at Cornell University showed that animals like bees contribute at least 29 billion dollars’ worth to the U. S’s food supply each year. But what can we do to give back?

Many plants rely solely on pollinators to spread their seeds and help grow their fruit. They have evolved specifically for bees and butterflies to be attracted to them, using nectar and sweet smells. Bees particularly are drawn to flowers when they have bright petals or UV light on them. The humidity and texture of the surroundings can also affect how bees would choose their flower. Bees are most attracted to open shaped flowers with plentiful nectar when looking for a plant. When possible, planting flowers in open spaces can also increase the pollinators interest. Bees are hard at work all day; they prefer easy to reach pollen sources.

Hummingbirds also play an important role in pollinating crops and flowers. But without the right requirements if may be hard to attract them to your garden. 25% of bird pollinators depend on special flowers for their survival. It is important to add diversity to your gardens to ensure that all local bird and animal populations stay in full bloom. These birds are most interested in tube shaped flowers because it is best for their long beak.

There are many flowers that may look nice in a garden but aren’t as welcoming for some pollinators. If double petals are the only type in the flower collection it is unlikely for bees to be interested. These types of flowers are harder for bees to access, and they won’t stick around if those are the only option. Adding different shapes and colors of flowers to a garden will be sure to get more pollinators interested. Like humans, they enjoy variety when they’re buzzing around.

It is also important to keep in mind the times of year that pollinators are most active. Growing flowers that bloom at different seasons is important to ensure that all pollinators will have food. Queen bumble bees, Mourning Cloak Butterflies and Blue Orchard Bees are most active during spring. Meanwhile species like Worker Bumble Bees, Monarch Butterflies and Worker Honeybees pollinate most often from spring to fall. If the only source of nearby flowers is withered away by the time one of these pollinators wake up it could be disastrous for them.

Maintaining a garden or field that encourages pollinators can greatly help restore these decreasing populations. And it’s always joyful to see these buzzing and humming animals in your backyard or on the farm. Different pollinators require different diverse flowers and plants for food. Acknowledging these needs can lead to thriving bird and bee populations throughout the world. With these tips gardeners and farmers alike can create welcoming spaces for these hardworking pollinators.

When thinking of smart animals most would say dolphins, elephants, and chimpanzees. But what if a common farm animal was part of that list as well? Recent studies have shown that we’ve been underestimated these mud loving creatures. Their brains could be more capable than were first assumed to be when they were domesticated for farms. Many studies have been conducted to see just how smart pigs are. (work on)

Pigs have strong memories and can remember complex things for long periods of time. One study in the University of California conducted an experiment on memory for pigs. They offered the same pig a cereal box over and over. Eventually the pig grew bored of seeing the box. However, when the scientists gave the pig a choice between a spoon and the cereal the pig chose the new object. This shows that these animals have the ability to retain information and recognize objects.

They aren’t only able to distinguish between objects, they can also tell apart individuals. This shows that pigs have high social intelligence. Pigs have also been shown to have emotional intelligence. Scientists have discovered that they can feel emotions like happiness, sadness, anxiety, excitement and fear. Their diverse intelligences allow them to understand verbal or non-verbal commands and to play basic games. The cognition of an animal is decided by the extent they are able to remember past experiences and learn from them, think through problems and make educated guesses about future events. All of which pigs have been shown to succeed in.

Another study was conducted where a group of pigs were placed in a crate for 4 hours, then another crate for only 30 minutes. When faced with the choice between the two crates the pigs chose the one which lasted the shorter amount of time. The scientists whom conducted the experiment thought it was because they were held in the crate for a shorter amount of time. This means that they can perceive the passage of time. This is an interesting discovery because it shows that pigs may be discomforted if they are kept in uncomfortable enclosures for long periods of time. It also shows their ability to learn from the past.

Some researchers compare the intelligence of pigs to that of dogs. A study was done to examine the independent and problems solving abilities of pigs and dogs. The goal was to turn over a bowl for a treat. The dogs were mostly successful although they did struggle with independent thinking. They asked the nearby humans for help when they couldn’t figure out the tough puzzle, even if they did know it in the end. However the pigs generally preserved with the challenge, showing they are independent thinkers when it comes to problem solving.

“Pigs possess complex ethological traits” said Dr. Lori Marino, an animal activist who is the president of a cooperation studying animal’s brains. Pigs have strong cognitive abilities such as emotional intelligence, social intelligence, problem solving and independent thinking. We’ve all been underestimating these oinking buddies of the mud. With this new information people can start to see pigs in a new light.

I wanted to highlight all about plants and animals in this issue. The season of spring is bursting with new life and new possibilities. I love to write about new solutions from problems like ducks eating slugs and new science in farming. Even when the world is full of complex issues sometimes its nice to settle down with a brand new newspaper issue and read about fascinating pigs! Sometimes all you need is a good read about herding dogs or bumblebees. I feel excited for people to utilize the information that is in the May issue. Keep up your hard work and goat get ‘em!