Popular Indoor Plants for Tropics

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When gardening is pursued indoors as a hobby, it is known as indoor gardening. Indoor gardening can be a leisure-time pursuit or a main hobby for plant lovers. Indoor gardening may be practiced as a practice of horticulture therapy where therapeutic benefits of indoor plants are exploited to the benefits of inhabitants. When a garden is created indoors, it is called an indoor garden. An indoor garden may created indoors of residential as well as commercial buildings. That is, an indoor garden may be created inside residential buildings like individual houses, private villas, and apartments or inside a commercial establishment such as a hotel, hospital, and a business office.

As mentioned earlier, indoor plants are used to decorate interior spaces of residential as well as commercial buildings. Hence great care must be taken while arranging indoor plants so that aesthetics of interiors must be enhanced to the maximum point. While arranging indoor plants, they may be placed either in suitable combinations or as a single specimen piece. For a large room, group of bold leaved large plants must be placed against a big wall. Single plant specimens are most suitable for small rooms. Tall plants like philodendron and rubber plant are best suited for rooms with horizontal lines whereas tall monstera plants and large ferns are most suitable for rooms done in contemporary style with simple straight lines. Ficus, diffenbachia and dracaena are best suited for traditional rooms with ornamental furniture. Plants with red, pink and orange flowers like amaryllis or chrysanthemum are most suitable plants for rooms with white or light colored background. Plants with bright colored foliage like coleus and caladium may also be suitable for decorating such rooms. White flowered plants are best for rooms with dark background while plants with variegated foliage like caladium may also create similar effect.

As far as placing of ferns are concerned, a group of different varieties of ferns should be grouped together to get the best visual effect while in case of begonias, a group of different varieties of begonias should be grouped together to get the best visual effect. While grouping indoor plants for dark corners of the rooms, height of individual plants must be taken into consideration. Tall plants are arranged at the back; medium tall at the centre; and dwarf trailing ones are arranged at the front. While grouping of plants in centre of a hall or room is concerned, tall plants must be placed at the centre; medium tall plants arranged around tall plants; and dwarf ones along the edge. Best plants for such arrangements are potted chrysanthemums; potted asters; potted coleus and caladium. Best indoor plants for table decorations are plants grown in terrariums and glass cases; plants grown in bottles; bowls; dishes and troughs; and aquarium cases. Indoor plants may also be used for creating miniature landscapes inside the houses. By using suitable combinations of foliage and flowering plants miniature landscapes such as woodland scenes; desert scenes or formal garden scenes can be created.

Indoor plants can be displayed in beautiful combinations on floors; window sills and window ledges; tables and desks; book cases and book shelves; shelves and trolleys; window boxes and planters and on plant stands placed on the floor.

An attractive display of indoor plants may be created by keeping pots inside a beautiful metal or red basket. Color, texture and size of the containers should harmonize with those of the plants and the setting of the room. Living and dining room spaces can be divided with beautiful planters having gorgeous foliage and flowering plants for enhancing overall aesthetics of the room.

Roby Jose Ciju, Horticulturist and Agribusiness Consultant from India; Owner of Agrihortico CPL at http://www.myagrihortico.com/

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Grapevines That Produce the Wine Grape Have a Pedigree

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The grape vine is where it starts if you like wine. Developing the root stock is an industry where science embraces Mother Nature in the finest ways. Cloning, growing and then planting the root stock is raw science that goes to the core of everything; even human existence...DNA. It's the graft above the ground the produces a new clone of a varietal vine that produces the grape that makes the wine.

We see where grapes come from, but where do the vines come from? I've got the answer to this mystery; it's the nursery just like the place you pick out your plants for spring planting. There is a slight difference because it is very high tech. Napa has the oldest grapevine nursery in California.

Nurseries turn out some very prestigious root stock that can have some very impressive pedigrees. Some of vines have pedigree's involving very prestigious root stock. And yes, vineyard owners validate the stock from DNA testing. To support this industry many of California's premier universities offer degrees in viticulture.

Nurseries use cold storage facilities (that's where the dormant grapevines are stored awaiting sale), this will keep the vine fresh and dormant. It would not be unusual for a grapevine nursery to offer about 15 clones of the Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 clones of the Chardonnay and an equal number of Pinot Noir clones. When a vineyard decides to replant, for a number of reasons, these clones are what make a vineyard owner excitable. Two things are critical when it comes to a new planting: 1.The characteristics of the cloned varietal, and 2. the root system. The cloned varietals are breed to influence such things as the ultimate yield or tannins or make for early ripening of the fruit. The root system/stock is important because that is what is dictated by soil conditions and climate where the vines are to be planted.

What is a 'clone'? Well, Junior High biology comes into play here. The root stock is selected that will receive a piece("sprig" to me) of another vine with the desired DNA. What grows is the new vine that will produce the cloned fruit. Grafting is exactly that; slice off a branch of the clone vine you want and cut a notch into the root stock and splice that cloning piece into the root stock and wrap it tightly and put it in the ground for 1 year to grow. That is a very simplistic description, Assuming that grafting happens, then in 1 year that root stock is harvested and put into cold dark storage to make it dormant and until planted in the vineyard. Once in the vineyard it will take 3 years for that new cloned varietal to produce fruit. This is just one of many reason why wine is so precious.

A vine will sell for $3-$4 each and there are about 1,000 vines per acre; sometime 2,000 or more. Right now vineyard owners are cautious in new plantings because of the downturn in the economy.

Vines can live for 150-200 years, so who buys new vines? There are of course new vineyards being planted in such places as Texas, Michigan, NC, Virginia and California; they require new root stock. Then there are new plantings due to old vines producing poor yields. Then there are the ever present ravages of disease. Finally, marketing considerations brought on by the ever changing tastes of the consumer that demands new varietal wines."

Some nurseries in the U.S. are licensed by the European clone developers association called ENTAV. This is the European body that test root stock and genetics, develops new clones and breeds new clones for ever changing vineyard conditions. UC Davis is also the premier institution in California that helps keep new vine heritage on the forefront of evolution.

Steven S. Lay has been in the travel and corporate meetings business for 30 years and is now focused exclusively on small luxury corporate gatherings in Wine Country. More information about his company, Symtrek Partners, is available at http://www.symtrekpartners.com/

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Aronia Berry Juice Health Benefits

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INTRODUCTION

Pucker up and prepare to experience the benefits of the tart Aronia Berry. The term "super food" gets used a lot, but when it comes to these berries and their juice health benefits, the term is well-deserved. These berries are a genuine miracle of nature. Aronia is a low-maintenance and nearly a pest-free crop. It is easy to grow the aronia plant organically because it does not need to be protected against pathogens, pest, and diseases, as a result the fruit does not contain traces of pesticides.

They are 3 times healthier than blueberries. The unique taste of the berry is one of life's unique experiences. Their high antioxidant levels, and high tannin levels make these berries tart. The berries are often made into juice mixed with other juice or made into jelly or other products. Another juice or sweetener is often added to reduce the tart taste

THIS JUICE IS AN ANTIOXIDANT LEADER

First the berry juice is a leading source of antioxidants. Antioxidants as you probably know are composed of a variety of compounds this includes vitamins, enzymes, bio-flavonoids, and peroxidases. Antioxidants break down the free radical molecule neutralizing it. Free radicals formed in your body essentially damage the cells leading to a host of negative effects, including making you age faster and rendering you less able to fight off diseases.

Drinking this juice supplies your body with free radical eliminating compounds that helps get rid of many of them. This helps you slow the process of aging and fend off disease. This claim it is backed up by solid science.

ESSENTIAL ACIDS OFFER DIFFERENT ARONIA BERRY JUICE HEALTH BENEFITS

Constituents within the berry include tannic acid, folic acid, quinic acid, phenolic acids, catechins, ascorbic acid,known as vitamin Cas well as Vitamins B6, B12, and E, minerals, resveratrol, hesperidin and rutin.

The primary organic acids in the berries are: tartaric, natural polyphenolic compounds, antioxidants, malic, and citric. This produces a low pH of 3.3-3.8 inside berries. This in turn hinders bacterial invasion and facilitates transport and storage of aronia berries.

Aronia berry juice is high in tannic acid, or tannins, which is well-known to be an anti-inflammatory agent. The tannins in the berry is what gives aronia berries their astringent taste that most people find objectionable. Aronia berry juice is reported to ease intestinal inflammation, and also inflammation of the joints, or even the skin.

Inflammation causes blood levels of certain proteins to be elevated. Inflammation causes the disruption of normal brain molecules. Inflammatory proteins are thought to possibly be connected to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Let's talk about cancer one of the most dreaded diseases. It is well-known that anyone can get cancer, and so it only makes sense to take any precautions you can to eat and drink as much as practical of the healthy foods which do the most to give you the greatest chance of preventing the start of cancer. The juice fends off cancer in a variety of ways.

It also helps prevent cancer of the stomach and colon because it contains pectin, which is a soluble form of fiber. Aronia berry has a substantial amount of pectin. Pectin is a substance that is needed to thicken jams. It can be added to other fruits that are low in pectin when making jams. Pectin bonds to cholesterol in the stomach and intestine slowing glucose absorption by trapping carbohydrates. The consumption of pectin has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels.

EYE PROTECTION AND ARONIA BERRIES

Amazingly, aronia juice offers some protection for the agonizing condition of macular degeneration of the eyes. This is something for which there is no cure, and which causes blindness. A study found that those who drink high amounts of fruit juices, especially antioxidant rich juices like aronia berry and blueberry juice, have far less chance of developing macular generation as they grow older.

ARONIA BERRIES AS A MEMORY AGENT

Another one of thehealth benefits of the juice is memory improvement. Aronia berries and blueberries have been shown to not only increase brain function, but specifically memory. This is creating excitement among the scientific community because it suggests high aronia berry or blueberry/juice diets can play a role in preventing or staving off Alzheimer's disease. Dark purple berries are reported to promote health and anti-aging. The dark purple pigmentation with their high level of antioxidants called anthocyanins and have been reported to promote mental focus, protect the heart and vision, and prevent free-radical damage or oxidative stress.

GROW YOUR OWN

Why not think about adding a few aronia plants? If you want to become more self-sufficient you might want to think about planting some low maintenance Aronia shrubs. Purchase your Aronia berry plants from a reputable farm and nursery. The berries are produced on easy to grow shrubs that have low maintenance and add beauty to your landscape. Nero aronia plants grow about 3 to 4 feet tall and can make a nice hedge as well as being a source of fruit. A few plants could produce all the berries you need for the year. You can freeze those you do not use during the harvest time and have them throughout the year. You could also make juice and freeze it for use later.

SUMMARY

In my view, aronia is one of the best investments in your health. For less than the price of a cup of coffee at Dunkin' Donuts, McCafé at McDonald's or Starbucks you can have an anti-inflammatory, anti-heart disease, anti-cancer, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-diabetes, eye protection, and memory enhancing aronia berry drink that's delicious and healthful. Make some juice from your own home-grown plants and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer for daily use.

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The Milky Bar Kids - Dog + Dairy = Disaster

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Due to previous bad experiences with dogs, we thought it kindest to our new 'girls' (or dairy herd) to keep our dogs tied up on our first official milking day. On foot ourselves, we gently but firmly brought them in - no noisy, smelly vehicle or relentless barkers and heel-nippers for us, as we proceeded to lead them - like over-large lambs to the slaughter, coming to meet their Milkers. And we were confident at this, our second milking, there would be no repeat of the morning's bedlam and mayhem following our exceptional and memorable 'false start'.

Now we were seasoned troopers, and as this second, more educated approach began to near its end, we were almost ready to heave a sigh of relief and congratulate each other loudly on achieving a new world record of 1-1/2 hours only. Well-ll-ll...you know how you shouldn't 'count your chickens before they're hatched'? Hmm-m, well you shouldn't start whipping up a milkshake before you've milked the cow, either.

Disaster loomed, and struck, from a totally unexpected quarter. Our youngest dog wiggled herself loose from her collar and chain, and came to see what Mum and Dad were doing. Gypsy understood she should make a wide detour around these gargantuan beasts, but unfortunately, this took her out onto the dirt road our dairy was close to (for ease of milk pickup).

What she didn't understand was what a road and traffic was, compared to the extra long driveway in to the farmhouse where she had been born and bred, not to mention the care all users had taken to ensure the safety of Mum Candy, and her 8 baby puppies. Admittedly, there was not much traffic on this road, but what there was went fast, and swerved for nothing smaller than a milk-tanker.

And so a truck hit her and sent her helplessly rolling over and over countless times. She was just barely able to painfully and groggily make her way towards us as we came flying out of the dairy, alerted by the truck's horn and the sickening thud.

My husband lifted her into a corner of the milk-room of the dairy and gently placed her on a hastily improvised 'bed' of hessian feed sacks. Then we faced Catch 22...truly, all of that and more. Couldn't leave the cows whilst they were milking, in order to get to the house and summon the Vet. And even if we could, a Vet from where? We didn't even know that yet.

Necessity therefore made the choice for us - just to keep ducking in and out to our darling in the milk-room as often as possible between rows of cows, and finish as quickly as possible. At first Gypsy was semi-comatose, but breathing evenly, though her pulse was rapid (mine was even more so!).

By the time we had finally finished completely, our beloved pet was fully conscious, licking our hands gratefully, profusely and lovingly. She took a little water, but still needed carrying home. Nothing, thankfully was broken and it seemed shock and soreness, and some tearing of the pads on her feet, were responsible for her inability to walk for some hours after her accident.

Apart from bruises and scrapes, Gypsy had survived - and never, for the rest of her long life of 17 years, would she come near enough to a car to suffer possible damage...except to jump on the back of our utility, of course.

Do you wonder that we slept like zombies on the night of our first day's milking? I remember murmuring, before exhaustion won out, "It can only get better from here on....surely!?!".

And it did!

You can read more of our lessons in dairy farming in my other Ezine articles that begin with - The Milky Bar Kids. If you want reading entertainment, you won't be disappointed as you follow our bumbling and humbling steps along our journey to final success. And there are pictures on my 'journal' site of farm stories and thoughts -

Kids at a Milk Bar?

Enjoy!

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How to Get Into the Livestock Export Industry

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Despite the vegetarian movements in many parts of the world, meat lovers are rising in number every day. It has not only turned the attention of agricultural scientists towards sources of meat, but has also given a new dimension to the livestock trade worldwide. Argentina, Brazil and New Zealand, once the hub of milk and meat industry are threatened by rising livestock sectors in other developing world. While the Scandinavian countries are busy in expanding their milk and milk products industry across the world, South Asia is trying to capture the livestock markets of Europe and Middle East. Overall the world food trade balance is tilting fast towards developing world mainly due to the demand of more palatable variety and lesser labor cost inputs. Nevertheless, livestock traders all over the world can change their fortunes by simply carrying out a SWOT analysis of the situation and adjusting accordingly.

While an exporter plans indulging into livestock sector, he must carry out an analysis of various factors in both demand and supply markets, identify the best advertisement mechanism and explore the most promising trade routes. To begin with, understanding and analyzing following is necessary.

a. Consider the size of market before you choose to start your exports. Bigger markets are not necessarily the best places to sell; instead lesser number of competitors should be your preference initially. While it would be difficult to make a niche in a big market, alternatively it will be easier to capture a slot in less competitive area by providing a better variety.

b. Next choose the breed that you want to trade in. People in different areas have different taste preferences and more than anything else people's taste should be the deciding factor for your choice of breed. Do not forget to include breeds resembling with the most wanted one in the list of your supplies. You can not only cut on your supply costs (as generally the other breeds are most likely to be less expensive) but also count them as your reserve in case you don't find the required supplies at some time. This is essential in order to keep the market in grip during your bad days and not to allow your competitors to have a clean sweep.

c. Now find your supply areas. While you choose your suppliers, consider their location, commuting route to your rallying point, flock size and general profile of your suppliers. You cannot afford to accommodate ailing and diseased animals as the results would be disastrous. Your supplier should preferably be certified by Veterinary Department of the state.

d. Locating your collection points can be decided on the basis of above factors. While you may have many collection points in country side as an option, try finding a supplier who could deliver the animals to your place initially. It may be expensive, but will rid you of transportation worries and allows you more time to concentrate on more important things in the initial days of your business. You must recruit workers locally. They are inexpensive and can provide you information which may be helpful for your efficient management.

Although the intricacies of business need a lot more to plan, above mentioned guidance can help in establishing an outline of your working plan. It is always advisable to seek help from livestock ministry (if any in your country/state) and commerce ministry before you launch your business activity. A careful planning and a dedicated work are sure to give you initial success, but it is your strategic vision which is ultimately going to decide your fate in livestock export. Like other businesses, you are strongly advised not to be carried away by the territorial limitations. Modern trade focuses on efficiency and competition, and hence calls for beyond the country's limits thinking; negligence can cause your name a damage that may have long lasting negative repercussions for you.

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Friesian Cows - Facts And Figures

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With the definitive origins of Friesian cows being undetermined, the traces of the breed have been tracked back to Jutland where herds of cows with the characteristic black and white colourations grazed the fields. These Friesians were imported into Holland in the 1700's to replace fallen stock that became victim of floods and disease. This stock was then cross bred with the remaining Dutch cattle to form the beginnings of what is now recognised as Friesians, which became the mainstay of stock in the modern world. However, during the mid-1900's in the United States, the popularity of this breed declined as emphasis was placed on the purity of colour.

The common place breeding of Friesians with Holsteins has resulted in the majority of modern breed being a cross-breed, which is perfectly suited as a grazing animal which is adaptable for a wide range of grassland while exhibiting high levels of lactation over sustained periods. Being selectively bred over hundreds of years, this breed are now the preferred dairy cow in New Zealand and as a result, there are a number of reputable agents that specialise in Friesian cows for sale.

The typical characteristic of these cattle are the two patched colour types, being either white and black or white and red. Being similar size to the Holstein breed, Friesian cows for sale in New Zealand have become the mainstay of the New Zealand dairy industry exhibiting high protein levels, higher fat levels as well elevated lactation levels and frequency. Additionally, they are renown for their ability to calve more frequently, calve more often in their lifetime, require less replacements, have lower cell counts and exceed other breeds in respect to the quality of milk produced. As a result, Friesian cows for sale in New Zealand are noted for their high lifetime yields, high quality and lean meat they deliver as well as the superior milk they produce.

With the need to increase dairy productivity, farmers are coming under increasing pressure to get the most out of their land. The use of fertilisers, feed additives and other performance enhancing methods are now commonplace in an effort to increase lactose production, calving and productivity per acre. The quality of the stock on the farms is one of the key factors in increasing this production, with the ability of the stock to effectively react to these inputs. Friesian cows are renowned for the ability to positively react to these farming investments, and as a result, are always in high demand within the New Zealand dairy industry.

Kelly Livestock is the largest independently owned livestock Company in the Taranaki Region. If you are looking for cattle, dairy cows / herds for sale take a look at Friesian Cows for sale online here: http://www.cows4sale.co.nz/

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Aronia Planting Guide Part VI - Pruning, Pest, Landscaping, Harvesting, and Yields

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Pruning

After establishment, the oldest stems should be pruned to ground in late dormant season. Restrict bush height & increase bushiness by cutting back upright stems.

After berries have dropped or been harvested prune to shape the plant. Pruning the Aronia plants while the plants are young will also encourage branching. The best time to prune is in the late winter or spring before growth starts. By pruning in the early spring just before growth starts. This means there is only a short time before new growth begins and for the wound sealing process to take place. It does not seriously harm plants in the long run to cut plants back so that they may produce a dense growth of new shoots This is called "pollarding". As the plants grow larger prune to thin the plant so all parts of the plant receive sunlight.

Pest

Japanese beetles and other insect pests generally will leave the aronia plants alone. Blueberry Croft farm and nursery has not had problems with Japanese beetles.

For long-term pest management, a good defense against Japanese beetle involves improving the soil in your property so that the beneficial micro organisms that live there are active and numerous. The micro organisms eat Japanese beetle eggs under the grass in around plant roots. Mulching and using aerated compost tea made using worm casting is a good approach to improving your soil and the number of beneficial micro organisms in the soil.

Aronia berries are more resistant to microbial invasion than other fruits.

Aronia berries will provide food for deer; rabbits and songbirds in the fall after the berries are fully ripe if left unpicked. Before they are fully ripe they are so bitter that songbirds will avoid them.

In summary the major pest are as follows

DeerRabbitsSongbirds (in the fall after fruit is ripe)Japanese beetles (usually not a problem)A few maggots from Spotted Wing Drosphila have found in a few berries in some sites. A possible solution is to try putting some traps with molasses, brewer's yeast, etc to try to lower populations around Aronia and other berry plants.

Landscaping

The practice of growing aronia as a landscape plant is increasing. One of the reasons is because it can handle both wet and dry soil in addition to being a very ornamental plant. It is attractive in each season and not effected by most diseases and pests. These are outstanding landscape plants. They have attractive white flowers in the spring and beautiful glossy green leaves all summer long. The dark berries in the fall at the end of the year and are a plus by providing healthy fruit.

Their ability to withstand wet situations makes aronia plants appropriate for growing along the edges of ponds, streams or other similar conditions. Aronia works well as a riverbank stabilizer, or in fields in the path of water runs to control erosion or in any large-scale planting in which a growing mass is needed. Aronia plants are especially useful in roadside ditches or a moist low tract of land that is a natural landscape feature or a human-created one. Consider using the cultivar Nero if you enjoy seeing heavy production of larger and longer lasting black fruits on a more compact plant 3 to 4 feet tall. If youare planning to have a productive plantation with high-quality fruit Nero or the taller growing Viking plants are good choices.

Harvesting

For more than 1/2 to 1 acre mechanical harvesting is more efficient, faster and less costly than hand harvesting.

Aronia fruit stay good for a relative long period of time and can be stored unharmed in the containers even for a few days. "This means they can also be shipped to customers' right after picking without refrigeration. This is a significant opportunity and benefit because it also makes it possible to deliver the fruit harvested from a large area to the processing facility all at the same time.

The processing of fresh aronia is not hard to accomplish. Although the fruit is soft their shock-resistance allows them to be stored for a longer time than other more fragile berries.

Fruit Yields

The second year after planting 2-year-old nursery aronia plants in the field they usually are reported to produce about 2 pound of fruit per plant. The third year after planting in the field they are reported to produce about 10 pounds of fruit per plant. The four to fifth year after planting they are reported to yields about 20 pounds of fruit per plant. Fruit production is reported to be as high as 35 pounds per mature plant. In terms of the growth of aronia plants the saying is "First they sleep, then they creep and then they leap".

At 20 pounds per plant, 1000 plants per acre would be expected to produce 20,000 pounds of berries.

Purchase your pesticide free aronia and blueberries from (Blueberry Croft Farm and Nursery). We understand both the theory and practical applications of growing aronia and blueberries. The farm is a reputable source for quality aronia and blueberry plants. Over 30 varieties of blueberries are grown and sold. Viking aronia plants are available for sale. Purchase your plants and get more information from http://www.blueberrycroft.com/. Get free S/H on orders of $75+. © 2011 May be reproduced in entirety with live link

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Biodynamic Vs Organic In Farming, Agriculture, And Food Production: Yield And Resilience

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This article explores the distinction between organic and biodynamic agriculture. Most people are more familiar with the term "organic", when applied to food or farming, as this term has entered the mainstream. The term "biodynamic" is less familiar, although it is most familiar in the area of wine. Both of these systems of farming aim to promote sustainability by reducing the use of synthetic, chemical inputs which can potentially be harmful to the environment and to human health. However, as this article explains below, biodynamic agriculture goes a lot farther than organics towards achieving this goal.

Both organic and biodynamic have certification systems:

Biodynamic certification is carried out primarily through a single organization, called Demeter International, an umbrella organization that has member organizations in the individual countries where certification is carried out. Because the certification is run by a single organization, biodynamic certification is more standardized globally than organic certification.

Organic certification is run by a variety of different agencies. In most industrialized countries, including the U.S., Canada, the European Union, and Japan, the organic label is defined and regulated by the government. In other countries, organic certification can be carried out by non-profit organizations. Because there are different certifying agencies in different countries, the standards for organic certification differ. However, there are still some basic similarities in common between these different systems.

Biodynamic goes above and beyond organic certification:

The core idea of organic certification boils down to one idea: avoiding the use of synthetic chemical inputs, which can include herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers like ammonia- or nitrate-based fertilizers. In this respect, organic agriculture is defined more in the negative than the positive sense: organic certification specifies what a farmer cannot do, but does less in terms of specifying good or healthy approaches to agriculture. Because organic certification does not specify much more than some restrictions on what farmers cannot do, there are many different ways of realizing organic farming.

Some organic farms stick to the letter of organic certification, following all the requirements and rules, but while maintaining the same fundamental approach of industrialized agriculture, using mass-production of crops in large monocultures, and applying fertilizers and herbicides or pesticides as one does in modern industrial farming, with the only change being the use of mixtures allowed under the organic certification systems. The gains of this sort of approach, from a sustainability standpoint, are minimal.

Biodynamic agriculture, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach. In biodynamic agriculture, the farm is viewed as an ecosystem. Biodynamics, like organics, avoids chemical treatments, but goes even farther, promoting decentralization of production, using cover crops, crop rotation, livestock manure, composting, and open pollination combined with seed saving Each of these practices provides benefits in terms of sustainability, both creating a more positive environmental impact, and increasing the resilience of the farming operation.

The effects and yield of biodynamic agriculture vs conventional organic farming:

There are not many studies comparing biodynamic agriculture to organic-certified factory farming. However, there is a lot of research comparing biodynamic farming to conventional (non-organic) farming, and this research seems to find a common trend, which is that biodynamic farming results in slightly lower crop yields, but greatly increased soil quality and lessened environmental impact. Furthermore, biodynamic operations tend to be much more resilient to disturbances, such as changing environmental conditions or unusual weather or climate fluctuations. This is likely due to the use of ecological principles such as diversification and use of open-pollination and seed saving. And in the case of biodynamic wine, a specific topic that has been studied more, there is some evidence that the biodynamic practices result in greater quality of the grapes.

In summary:

Biodynamic agriculture goes above and beyond organic agriculture in embracing ecological principles. Biodynamic certification is more standardized than organic certification. Biodynamic farming results in lower crop yields, but greater resilience in the face of changing conditions, and a more positive impact on the environment.

Alex Zorach is the founder and editor-in-chief of RateTea, an online community where anyone can rate and review teas, with a searchable database of teas and herbal teas, classified by brand, style, and region. RateTea has a wealth of information about tea, health, sustainability, and related topics. Visit RateTea to learn more about organic tea production, or to read about other topics pertaining to tea production.

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Keeping Livestock Cool During Extreme Heat

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Having animals to care for in an environment that is becoming hotter can be extremely taxing. The National Weather Service has said that more than 1,000 heat records have been set or tied this last summer across the nation! Excessive heat warnings have been issued for much of the Central and Eastern United States through the summer months with temperatures having been forecast above 100 degrees, combined with humidity that could make it feel as hot as 115!

Veterinarians say farmers should do what they can to keep their animals out of direct sunlight and provide them with water - both inside and out. Although shade trees help livestock, and so does a breeze - provided there is one, keeping animals cool beyond these natural measures will be critical for farmers and handlers.

Large-scale farms, which face additional challenges with some animals housed in close quarters and unable to naturally cool off can typically use fans and water misting systems to keep animals from overheating during the peak hours of the daytime temperatures. Here's a few general tips to help keep your livestock cool when the mercury rises:

Try to choose heritage breed livestock that are better suited to your climate, less prone to illness, stress are just hardier in general.Shade is critical. Always make sure your pastures have adequate shade. There needs to be enough that your entire herd can lounge comfortably!Make sure all your animals have access to cool water and are sufficiently hydrated.Grass is cooler than dirt - animals on pasture remain cooler than ones in feedlots.Make sure pigs/hogs have mud wallows or water to cool down in as they do not use sweat as a cooling mechanism like other mammals.Make sure that caged or penned animals have plenty of ventilation.Rabbits are extremely susceptible to heat - frozen bottles of water or ice packs in their cages or runs can help significantly.When livestock are trying to metabolize their core temperature is increased - so feeding animals in the morning or evening is better than during the hottest part of the day.Provide pastured livestock with appropriate minerals to compensate for what they lose.Avoid working livestock or moving herds during the heat of the day.

Considering the staggering amount of livestock that can be lost in serious heatwave conditions - having an Environmental Alarm and Control System to monitor environmental conditions, offer alarm notifications, alarm history reviews, and remote control capabilities can be essential for many farmers and handlers.

Whether monitoring temperature, humidity levels, unauthorized entry, water seepage, power or HVAC system failure, Environmental Alarm and Control Systems have been used and trusted on large scale farms and hobby farms alike for years. These units keep watch around the clock - calling you with reports in the event of a problem. You can also call in to the units any time for a status report.

Considering the cost of significant loses - it only makes sense to have precautionary measures in place. The weather should never be under estimated - always be prepared. Most importantly, whether you do it personally or use modern techno keep an eye on your livestock for signs that the heat is becoming overwhelming. Despite the fact that we'd rather sit in the AC or the pool, it is important to regularly check on our livestock!

Renée Laurin
Absolute Automation Inc.
http://www.absoluteautomation.com/

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Benefits Of Using Tractors In Modern Farming And Agriculture

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A tractor is a farming vehicle traditionally used to mechanise agricultural tasks such as tillage. However, the tractor has come a long way since its humble beginning as a steam engine on wheels during the early 19th century. Today, tractors are used for ploughing, tilling and planting fields. Modern tractors can be used for a variety of tasks including routine lawn care, landscape maintenance, moving or spreading fertiliser and clearing bushes.

Whether you own a small farm or would simply like to work on your lawn and garden, you will find that using a tractor will make these chores easier for you. In this article, we discuss the top advantages of using tractors to mechanise your farming, gardening or even excavating tasks.

Wide Range

There is a wide range of tractors available today, each suitable for a specific task. If you need to work on a large garden or an extensive area of field or pasture, a subcompact or compact tractor will fit heavy duty landscaping jobs and tasks like digging, hauling or ploughing. A subcompact tractor is a smaller version of a compact tractor. It has the power and versatility to perform a large range of gardening tasks including mowing, moving mulch and tilling gardens. A compact tractor is a smaller version of the utility tractor and is ideal for landscaping tasks. Subcompact and compact tractors have a horsepower that ranges from 15hp to 40hp.

If you have a small farm and need to mechanise more complex farming tasks, then you will need a utility tractor. Utility tractors come in different models and offer a horsepower that ranges from 45hp to 110hp. Utility tractors are also known as diesel tractors because diesel is typically used to fuel these large tractors. There is also a wide range of farming implements that can be attached to utility tractors to help you accomplish a variety of tough jobs on the farm.

Versatility

Tractors are now designed and manufactured to be versatile so that a single tractor can perform a wide range of tasks. For instance, a compact tractor can accomplish tasks that range from gardening to simple farming jobs. You can also attach implements to a compact tractor such as front loaders or back hoes to perform an even wider range of jobs.

Power and durability

Tractors are also typically designed to run over rough terrain and pull extremely heavy loads. The engine generates a large amount of force to get the tractor to run and perform its tasks, making it effective in tough farming or landscape tasks. Modern tractors also come with cast iron front axles for extra strength and durability, so you can rely on your tractor to perform under tough conditions.

Ease of transmission and operation

You might find a manual transmission on a tractor difficult to use, but features of modern tractors such as powershift transmission and hydrostatic transmission make operation much easier. Powershift transmission facilitates smooth shifting through 8 gears in low range and 8 gears in high range while hydrostatic transmission allows for effortless changes in direction. Modern tractors also provide power steering to make turning much easier. Some more advanced models are also able to reduce operator fatigue with exclusive shift controls and an automatically responsive transmission.

Ease of installing gardening and farming implements

A variety of gardening and farming implements including a front end loader attachment or a back hoe can be installed on to a tractor, so that it can perform a wider range of tasks. A tractor may have three-point hitches and a power take-off or PTO. A three-point hitch attaches an implement, secures it in place and also lifts and lowers the implement. The PTO is a shaft that goes from the tractor to the implement and transfers the tractor's engine power to it. Gardening and farming implements are considered heavy equipment so make sure you have the appropriate knowledge and training before you install and use it.

This article was written by Tom Jerrat for Boya Equipment. Boya Equipment is the leading Kubota and Schaffer Loaders dealership in Perth, Australia. They also provide machines including tractors, loaders, generators, mowers and utility vehicles. Please visit boyaequip.com.au for more information.

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Planning and Building a Chain Link Fence

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Chain Link Fencing for Farming and Land Management

The use of different fence types to control one's farm and livestock venture should be regarded closely. A fence design that is both intelligently and practically thought out will support ongoing farm activities and circumvent future obstacles that could result from an ill-conceived layout. Chain link fencing is used to secure and separate livestock, maintain pasture boundaries and most importantly, protect livestock from predators and thieves.

Chain link or wire fencing is an economical fencing fashioned from galvanized, coated steel wire that is linked into a diamond or zig-zag pattern by hooking the neighboring wires to each other. This process is called weaving or spiraling; the galvanizing of the steel wire helps ward off corrosion, though a chain link fence will eventually rust if it stands long enough. This construction yields a crumple-proof barrier that requires an immense effort to compromise, though it can still be cut with a pair of heavy-duty steel cutters. In the farming industry, a chain link fence is also popularly called a chicken wire fence.

Chain link fences are purchased in rolls from three to twelve feet tall; a fifty foot length is also standard for delivery and mobility. Such segments can be acquired for inexpensive amounts, less than four or five hundred dollars on average, and less for large purchases. A small fee can be added to any section for added slats for privacy, though many individuals eliminate this charge by doing it on-site, post-installation. Single person fence gates can run as little as fifty dollars, while a double-gate to accommodate a vehicle can range from five hundred to one thousand dollars. If an underestimation has occurred, the acquisition of more fence sections is a non-issue.

Wire fencing is widely used and itself is utilized in different permutations. An electric fence is used more as an offensive measure than a defensive one. Electricity is always a surefire deterrent against predators, vandals and thieves. Livestock train very quickly when it comes to the avoidance of the hot wiring. Electric fences can also be independently facilitated so that the entire farm or land perimeter is not necessarily always electrified. Additionally, the uppermost fence beam can be topped with hot wires or barbed wire to also deter the aforementioned threats, but certain larger predators - members of the large cat, wolf and bear family - have more of an instinctive drive to hunt and kill and may still penetrate the defense.

How to make a chain link fence is less important than where to make a chain link fence. Since chain link sections are easily raised and gated or extended to lengthen and secure parcels or land or livestock area, areas should be predesignated for free roaming, breeding, catching and movement - the latter is usually facilitated through alleyways or narrow areas between pens typically ten or twelve feet wide. Again, where to lay the perimeter is as important as how to make a chain link fence, and use of satellite perfectly demonstrates this. A satellite overview can reveal hilly and flat areas and potential watercourse ways better than any other method short of borrowing a low-flying aircraft and taking blurry photographs.

For decades, chain link fencing has proved itself to be an ever-reliable economical and practical resource for farming and land management. Chain link fencing is in and of itself a concept that promotes commerce and progression within the farm and land industries. Thanks to perimeter planning with free satellite imagery resources wire fence installation and maintenance has never been easier.

http://www.costmyfence.com/ is a free online resource that allows farmers and land managers to plan, estimate and budget for their fences. Simply mark out your fence's boundary on the online imagery, click on print and a full plan showing pole distances, fence runs and build lists is provided. Chain link fencing costs are also provided.

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6 Ways to Recruit Talent in the Agriculture Industry

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A major agriculture company recently complained to me that they had over 3000 jobs to fill in the Midwest and they could not find trained talent who were willing to take these jobs.

I know this might sound crazy if you are someone looking for a job or if you are in an industry where you are laying people off rather than having jobs to fill. However the media doesn't report on the jobs that are available they are more likely to report on the loss of jobs in America.

As a consultant and trainer in the agriculture industry (I grew up on a working farm so I have first hand knowledge of the mentality of agriculture people) I told the CEO on the phone that they had a PR problem. Interestingly about two weeks later there was news media coverage on CNN about jobs available in the agriculture industry.

There are a number of reasons why recruiting and retention is a challenge in the agriculture industry such as younger generations like Generation Y (those in their 20's) are shying away from labor jobs and are more attracted to technological fields and that Generation X (those in their 30's) do not want to be away from their families for long periods of time and thirdly that Zoomers (Baby boomers 50 and to about 28) are retiring.

But these reasons do not have to be seen as a negative when looking to recruit and retain specifically for the agriculture industry, rather there is an opportunity to focus and 'sell' the positives to each of the demographics so that we are providing custom lifestyle values that will entice talent to the industry.

Here are 6 ways to recruit in the agriculture industry:

#1- Build your recruitment campaigns around the values of each of the generations. For example driving a tractor today is very different than it used to be. Today's equipment is tricked out with the latest technology- users can access the web, use auto functions and have increased safety. This needs to be communicated to Generation Y's who can accept repetitive work tasks (like driving a tractor) if they are told about the positives. They can access Facebook or they can work mornings and afternoon and evenings free or some days they will be working 14 hours but they can work in a season and make as much money as they might make in a year at another job.

#2- Look at the communities and what they offer younger generations and families. Recently in Entrepreneur magazine (October 2011) there was an article about two Generation X agriculture employees who found that there was nothing for them to do outside of work in their small town, nor were their family activities that appealed to today's tech savvy kids. They set out to create weekly Wii and X Box championship gatherings and they set up a Web Cafe for brainstorming and sharing tech resources. An opportunity for an agriculture company is to find ways to add value and enhance the communities where they employ workers.

#3- Look for industries with similar values when recruiting- with many military workers returning home they are an ideal talent resource. Those who have worked in the military are typically disciplined, willing to work hard and are used to being away from family for periods of time.

#4- An obvious yet underused recruitment tool is referral incentives. Your existing talent pool is the perfect place to solicit for more workers that are exactly like them. Encourage your employees to use social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Linked In to reach out to their circles of influence to engage and invite their peers to join the agriculture industry.

#5- Use media more vigorously- You Tube is the 2nd highest search engine on the Internet- research shows that we are all drawn to video as a communication tool more than any other medium. Create modern, edgy and values focused video to tell your agriculture company story and to engage and invite talent to apply for jobs in your company. Video tape your happy workers of all ages and have them tell their story as to why they love the agriculture industry. Every one of your websites should have engaging video on your home page and on your recruitment pages.

#6- Once you have recruited you need to make sure you retain them. Most generation Y's will only stick around with any employer for a maximum of three years. Rather than see this as disloyal- see it as an opportunity to keep them for as long as you can. Positive on boarding strategies are crucial to increase retention as are recognition, rewards and good leadership. If companies are not focused on retention strategies then they will find themselves constantly recruiting because of high turnover.

It is an exciting time for the agriculture industry in 2011 and beyond- it's a great problem to have so many jobs available that other industries would love to have!

In order to recruit and retain for the agriculture industry we need to integrate what has worked in the past with new strategies that include technology, modifying hours and the way we work and matching what workers want with what your company can provide.

Cheryl is the President of Synthesis at Work Inc. and an internationally renowned keynote speaker. She provides practical tools and creative strategies for CEO's and their leaders to increase leadership skill that helps to recruit and retain top talent. Cheryl has worked in the agriculture industry for a number of years and grew up on a working farm in Saskatchewan Canada. http://www.cherylcran.com/

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Vertical Farming and 21st Century Social Paradigm Shift

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How vertical farms illustrate the emerging post-scarcity societal architecture

A very optimistic story emerges when one looks at statistics concerning material activity of historically influential countries in the world today.

COUNTRY_________AGRICULTURE______INDUSTRY__________SERVICES
__________________(GDP %)(Occupation%)____(GDP %) (OCP%)_____(GDP %) (OCP%)
United States_______1.1%____0.7%_________22.1%__20.3%_________76.8 %_79.1%
China_____________10.2%___38.1%________46.9%__27.8%__________43%__34.1%
Germany___________2.4%____0.9%_________29.7%__27.8%_________67.8%_73.1%
UK_______________0.7%___1.4%_________21.8%__18.2%_________77.5%_80.4%
Japan_____________1.4%____3.9%_________24.9%__26.2%_________73.8%__69.8%
Russia____________4%______10%__________36.8%__31.9%_________59.1%_58.1%

As can be seen, vast majority of humanity are being gradually liberated from heavy toil and will be allowed to dedicate their lives to self-actualization. Dramatic rise in individuals dedicated solely to self improvement will regionalize, nationalize, and then globalize the same atmosphere of creativity, other centered activism, and solidarity that only existed on elite college campuses in the past. Currently, middle and even some lower class youths throughout the world are approaching the same level of psychic development as existed among their brethren in Ivy League schools in the 1960s. This time around they have superior numbers within their age group and the silent minority will either have to zip it or secede.

In 20th century, there used to be a 1-2 generation developmental lag between the various classes but the speed with which this lag is closing is accelerating. For example, we can see how people partying it up in places like Bushwick are rather similar to children of the rich in the 1920s when it comes to mannerisms, diversity of tastes, sexual exploration, and relationship patterns. There is even emulation of the hideous decadent art that results from disenchantment with hedonism, lack of societal vision from above, and inability to deal with nihilism (just visit most galleries in NYC you'll see). The rate at which musical and party trends from underground venues in trend setting cities find their way to small cities around the world is rapidly becoming exponential.

The Internet allows the type of autodidactic learning that the leisurely aristocrats of old could only dream about. Since the brain can only develop so much, we'll increasingly see individuals from below the social hierarchy catch up and even overshoot those on top. Dramatically increased resource sharing will then have to be made to preserve social stability. New institutional frameworks (to streamline the budding noocracy) will emerge. Rising mass popularity of events like TED conferences are a hint of things to come. Conversely, if you're a pessimist watch this (UK and US will show other key nations what mistakes to avoid in the transition).

Agricultural Sector

Efficiency of American agricultural sector is incredible considering how much is left over for the export market. Once the biggest companies within this sector are taken over and properly managed by the public, they'll be able to provide oceans of high quality organic food at virtually zero cost while continuing to need less and less workers to operate. One need not even mention the reform of currently homicidal subsidies to not grow. Eventually, after sufficient automation, the global farmer population will dip to less than 1% of 7-9 billion humans (not counting amateurish micro-industry hobby farmers).
Current popular trend of grass roots farm redecentralization and localism is the product of the economic crisis and decades of inefficiency within suburban living (that requires very long energy expensive transport and chemical saturation to mummify/preserve the food). Such decentralization can be accomplished from the top down with competent management. For instance, central regional or national governments can tackle such classic corporate villains like Monsanto and Dole Food Company by:

1) Having their various headquarters raided simultaneously and all their physical and financial assets frozen
2) All their employees kept in place, wages increased, cooperative profit/product sharing introduced, and flatter directly democratic worker management introduced (to maintain technical talent)
3) Splitting key hyperindustrialized mega farms into however many parts are desired, mass constructing new smaller farms near or within the cities, and putting the smaller farms under local city, county, or state management (see below)

Rather than most people fleeing the cities to escape oppression and becoming farmers (ex: Rome well into its decline), we'll eventually see large entities taking advantage of economies of scale and rapidly mass constructing vertical farms to localize food deep inside the urban zones. Skyscraper farms will be a service and a fixture under local popular control the way police stations and libraries are. One must remember that current agricultural tech is so advanced that it allows us to easily feed a population of 50 billion humans. In effect, food is and will be recognized as a "too cheap to meter" utility and its delivery will be akin to the post office.

Industrial Sector

Similarly, heavy industry leaders like Germany and Japan continue to export highest quality infrastructural components while their actual sectors "shrink". In reality of course (as agri monopolists show) a sector can and does expand greatly while requiring less operators (brief hiring boosts from inventions like cotton gin notwithstanding). A good illustration is North Korea whose industrial sector is vast majority of its economy, is even higher than China, yet is laughable in its production. Meanwhile leaders like Tokyo and Berlin are increasingly paying attention to robotic development. Success will be measured in ability of making bigger and bigger objects while requiring less primate caloric expenditures. For instance, if it used to take say, 10,000 primates to make 1 jumbo jet airplane, in the future 5,000 primates should be able to construct a super jumbo spaceship. Once again, the public must provide the guidance to this process.

We can now see that agricultural sector is about to be reclassified since its destiny is to be fully integrated into the industrial sector. The fascistic corporate kleptocracy that English speakers live under has given a bad name to industrialized farming the way North Korea gives bad name to socialism. One just has to compare the quality of product that highly mechanized Swedish farms make to food in a local Wall Mart. As mentioned above, high tech factories churning out hyper clean and organic food product within efficient 3 dimensional space is something to be embraced. No need to revert to subsistence peasant digging in the dirt to get quality food in the 21st century (I can't believe I actually had to type that sentence).

Now is a good time to clarify a prior article titled Post-industrial Society=Beyond Idiocy. The point of the article was not to deny that we're headed towards a civilization where less people are involved in industrial production. The point was to counter the current pathetic Western neo-Luddite anti industrial outlook that is emerging. As mentioned above, as majority of the young intelligentsia today are becoming similar (in psychology and ability) to the leaders of 1960s social movements, they are partially re-embracing the hatred of "large scary dirty factories". As they are about to re-discover Marxism (by some other name, possibly within the Zeitgeist movement framework or its spin offs), there is a danger of further slow down in heavy industry development and even rougher transition within Western space. One just has to look at how these people killed the nuclear industry in North America. In a decent society, political leaders calling for infrastructural stagnation would be impeached.

Instead of thinking "hey lets replace 100 dirty factories making 100,000 tractors with 5 mega high tech fission reactor powered modular factories mass producing 500,000 super large terraforming electrical tractors that are recharged by an underground 21st century standard power line hooked into fission/fusion reactor grid" they are thinking "lets replace 100 dirty factories with our homemade bike production facility and lets ride around on a solar powered bike and grow our own food and make our own clothing, look we're insane". Industrial progress = mass production = taking say, a half a million dollar car, inviting NASA to make it crash proof, making it electric, and then stamping it out on automated assembly lines in such numbers as to lower the price to 10 grand.

We can't allow this type of neo-luddite outlook to infect our politics for a second time since the result would be a sustainable high tech reservation existing in a supposed "equilibrium with nature" (whatever that means). The ultra rich would love a bunch of dorm style facebook cities where the youthful citizens exert their newly released creative energies to make/trade art and toys for the rich to amuse themselves with (as they gently direct, spy on everybody, and continue to live as before laughing it up in safety as the Swedish oligarchy does currently). Lets leave the practice of artificially created scarcity in the 20th century.

We're familiar with a phrase "don't put this or that on a pedestal". This must especially apply to nature. The so called "resource scarcity" and "energy shortages" are completely dependent on the level of technology within heavy industry. Primitive people 2,000 years ago also had fears of overpopulation and resource shortages. With sufficiently advanced technology and energy sources, we can literally create new nature where it hasn't existed before (Sahara desert turned into a rainforest) and colonize it with biodiversity. Minerals from deeper in the earth can be brought via powerful laser drilling, ocean floor can be tapped, asteroids brought into orbit and mined, etc. Yes it'd be big "scary" heavy machines but just as with farming, they can be hyper clean and not only compatible with a more humane civilization but essential to bring it about.

Conclusion

Vertical farms are a symbol of this emerging dynamic since they create a synergistic unity between city and country and various labor types. It appears that the future will not only have fusion of agriculture, industry, and services on a macro level but that this process would allow individuals resources ("art supplies") to become their own individualized micro producers. More on that later.

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Going, Going, Gone - Finally

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"Wake up love. It's Sale Day - at last." Despite the late night and sporadic sleep, interrupted by nightmares of things forgotten - things going wrong - there was an instant wakefulness, a mental standing to attention.

We've all heard of Father Christmas 'making a list and checking it twice'...well-ll...we had made countless lists and checked them all a heap more times than just twice, and still I fretted about oversights.

All of our sale items sorted and cleaned; tentatively priced; moved here and moved there, and sometimes moved back to the first position again; until finally all were in their 'order of sale'...check.

Advertising of the Clearing Sale in the local paper and other rural newspapers further afield, a few weeks ago, and again last week....check.

Catering organized (local Red Cross)...check.

Agent's signs up on roads leading to our place - and on our property itself...check.

And yet, after all that prior organization, there were still a myriad of items to be moved out of sheds, garage and our home itself - all those things that couldn't be outdoors until the day itself in case of unfriendly weather. Just when we'd thought we were SO organized, and had been congratulating ourselves on all our planning and hard work - these last minute chores deteriorated into a serious scramble.

Although the sale was not due to start until 10am, the first of the potential buyers (or was that just 'lookers'?), started to arrive before 8am, whilst we were still flat out in the midst of all this final 'shuffling' and arranging. Politely, but in vain, we tried to encourage them to go for a wander down the rows of farm machinery and 'stuff', so we could get these last items in place (without side-stepping and/or tripping over an alarmingly fast-growing number of parents - and kids...and their toys!).

Some of the earliest and most inquisitive fossickers start poking around in boxes, even as you are carrying them out...whilst other more unscrupulous types change the contents of some boxes to include and/or exclude unwanted items. This can prove disastrous for the first 're-arranger', as the same action is repeated by others, sometimes several times over - until the final boxes bear no resemblance whatsoever to their original, (vendor-packed) content. Karma, maybe?

In the last hour or so before the action begins, the crowd swells to amazing proportions as the designated 'parking paddock' fills with all manner of farm vehicles and trailers, until it looks like a major auto-yard. And each side of your road in both directions - AND up your driveway, all but blocking it. They are everywhere...like measles. But it is, after all, a good sign - the numbers should make for spirited bidding...you hope!

"SALE-O...SALE-O", the auctioneer shouts, and as the crowds draw close around the starting point - the tray top of countless boxes and other unlikely containers of farm sundries, at last, the Clearing Sale begins. And I can take a short break and a sit down with a cuppa...inside my house...blissfully alone for just a short reprieve - far from the 'madding crowd'.

All too soon, it was necessary to be present - hovering around the outskirts, trying to keep an unobtrusive eye on other potential disaster areas, particularly of the type involving vehicles and machinery with working parts. Imagine the horror of the engine that is extremely difficult to 'fire up' or won't even start at all. Especially after being described confidently by the auctioneer, - "goes like a possum up a gumtree" - or perhaps, 'runs on the smell of an oily rag".

So how is it possible for there to be a problem? In a word - SABOTAGE! A seemingly innocent but close examination of an engine by a dodgy buyer, can result in a rotor being removed from the distributor - or turning the ignition key on and off repeatedly (without actually starting the motor), floods the firing chamber, causing great difficulty in starting next time (when the auctioneer's offsider cheerfully tries it). Simply and speedily achieved - and the end result, of course is a decrease in value, so that the saboteur will pay considerably less - maybe even get the 'bargain of the day' - for what appears to be a faulty or unreliable vehicle or piece of machinery. Lucky for the buyer - diabolical for the vendor.

We are told that today's Clearing Sales commonly expect to include actual theft in the 'normal' agenda. The creativity of these thieves makes you wonder what levels of success they could achieve honestly, instead of hurting their fellow-farmer. Thankfully, the majority of would-be buyers are a happy, friendly and supportive group - as evidenced by their willingness to help each other to gather their purchases at the end of the sale.

In the meantime, the large buying group move along with the auctioneer and his assistants in a reasonably quiet fashion, compared to his loud voice chanting - "...do I hear 20, 20, 20?...or 15?...come on, someone must have 15?...OH, COME ON!...10, surely 10? This is an insult!". And then the prices can go all the way up again, as the bidding starts in earnest.

It's a bitter-sweet time for the vendor, as the sale progresses. The amount many items get 'knocked down' for surprise you - both happily and regretfully. On the day, at that particular moment - it's anybody's guess where the interest and the bidding will start...and eventually stop. This would be true of all auctions, but a Clearing Sale moves along at a 'bone-rattling' pace.

After all those weeks of planning and preparation - it's suddenly all over. The auctioneer has ended (somewhat hoarsely) with his thanks and last instructions about attending the temporary 'office' to finalise payments - and requesting a patient and orderly collection of purchases. For some considerable time after this, bedlam ensues as queues form at the 'office' and then traffic jams of all manner of farm vehicles, trucks and trailers bank up between the long lines of goods, to collect their purchases, many previously gathered together into motley heaps.

There is much dust, and maneuvering of vehicles, and barking of dogs, and shouted directions for backing up to the chosen 'heap'. More often than not, the finest traditions of mateship are witnessed, as farmers pitch in and heave together to lift and man-handle that heavy load that one man can't manage... up onto the back of that ute...or trailer. 'She'll be right, mate" would be the most common phrase heard at this time. And over to one side will be a couple of low-loader semi-trailers, ready and able to be hired to take home the large machinery - and maybe another with a large crane for lifting oversized and over-weighty items.

At last, the final items have been collected, and the last vehicle drives away. The silence is deafening until the birds remember to sing again, and the sheep and cows in the paddocks to discuss the day. Most shocking is the huge barren space where first of all so much farm gear has been lined up for days and weeks - and then covered in all those people and their vehicles.

Once again, that bitter-sweet feeling engulfs you. Sad to think of all that 'stash', once upon a time your treasures - now no longer absolutely necessary...now no longer yours - and yet...when you come to pack up the rest, how much easier it will be. And suddenly, you lift your head and straighten your back, and stop looking over your shoulder.

It's time to look forward, to the future...and it's all good.

© 2011 Christine Larsen All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Many years ago when we worked on the farm in my story Farmers? Are You Serious? we were on our 'L' plates - only just beginning our very own farming career, owning nothing of farm equipment ourselves...and so, we would frequent Clearing Sales far and wide to build up our 'stash'. This particular article about aspects of these farm sales relates to a time some 18 years later, when it was finally our turn to have our own Clearing sale, preparatory to moving on to a different farming enterprise. If this last story has whet your appetite for more information on the various aspects and atmosphere of the Farm Clearing Sale, please enjoy my other articles starting with the prefix - 'Going, Going...Gone - '

And if you want to get the true 'flavour and atmosphere' of the whole Farm Clearing Sale picture, have a look at my Squidoo lens - The Farmer Needs a Wife I particularly love the fantastic YouTube video of an auction in the USA - not Australian - but so true to reality...just listen to that auctioneer! I have also written a section about the long-suffering Farmer's Wife's extra duties involved in these sales - whether 'Home or Away'.

Enjoy!

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Investing in Poultry Farming in Uganda

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So you want to do business in Uganda by investing in poultry farming and "Mavi ya kuku"?

For start, I am not abusing anyone like Uganda's Col. Kahinda Otafire and his, shall I call them "famous euphemisms" including the "Mavi ya Kuku" statement. For the uninitiated, "Mavi ya kuku" is a Swahili word to refer to chicken droppings and when you deal with chicken you will have to literally get your feet deep in chicken s%*t (literally) but I will tell you about these are money makers later on. I present my analysis on investment in the poultry sub sector in Uganda.

FIRST THE CONS (of Course)

1. Too many so called "chicken experts"

The beauty about chicken farming is that almost every Ugandan knows something about it; oh some part of it anyway, almost every "Kampala person" who has gone to their village for Christmas has most likely received a gift of a chicken and likewise those of you who are "traditionalist men" know that in your home you are the only one entitled to eat "nkoko nkulu". The "Nkoko Nkulu" is the chicken gizzard and it is traditionally served to the head of the house or in many instances to a special visitor (usually male) as a sign of respect and special welcome to that household.

Ugandans know this all because chicken are an integral part of the DNA of Ugandan life. Despite this, having almost every one with knowledge of some form of chicken farming can however also be the worst enemy for the potential investor especially if you are looking to do it on a commercial basis. You see while every "Tom, Dick and Oryem" will claim they have experience in chicken farming, most of it is with indigenous chicken farming which is not the same as commercial farming, the aim of this article.

Local Ugandan chicken for example produce only 40 eggs a year (just over 1 egg a month!) compared to exotic chicken (like the shaver brown variety) which produce about 300 eggs a year (that's almost one egg a day!)

If you don't get the right person and choose to listen to every "Tom, Dick and Amerit", next thing you know your entire stock has been wiped out by coccidiosis.

2. Market and Distribution bottlenecks

Uganda is still very much a "localised retail" based sector for the chicken/poultry sector. You may for example have to sell your eggs shop by shop or to neighbouring towns as there may not be many "super markets" or "whole sale buyers" who provide a ready market to absorb the produce and therefore you may have to rely on middlemen coming from far.This in itself gives rise to price extortion from these middlemen. These bottlenecks are because there is to date no formalised large scale transport distribution network to get your produce from the poultry producing area (mainly Northern and Eastern Uganda) to the key market (mainly Central Uganda). Furthermore our transport network is not well developed given the state of roads. You will therefore early on have to establish the market and distribution logistics for your produce as this can affect your profit.

3. Cost of feed

Chicken feed is perhaps one of the most important aspects to ensure profitability of your poultry business. It has been estimated as costing between 60 and 70% of the total cost of production. You must ensure you get the best quality feed as of course this means you will have healthy chicken (and good quality eggs).

The high feed situation is pretty serious in Uganda and from recent news(August and October 2011) many Ugandan poultry farmers are being driven out of business and so before you invest, you need to consider this very carefully. This high feed price is being driven by increase in prices of maize bran. Maize bran composition is about 52% of chicken feed. Coupled with high Maize bran prices is that fact that fish stocks in Uganda are seeming being depleted quickly (fish is about 10-20% of the chicken feed composition).

4. Disease

I touched upon this briefly when I earlier on mentioned coccidiosis. There are however other chicken diseases like New Castle disease which can wipe out the entire poultry stock. I have however not ranked this risk at the top of the CONS because any serious investor will hire a competent and suitably experienced farm manager to prevent disease threats and also have access to a good veterinary officer/doctor and this should further reduce this threat.

5. Cost of capital

Sustainable commercial chicken farming requires a fair amount of capital particularly because layers take about 17 weeks before they start producing eggs and so for this period there is no income. The investor will therefore need to provide working capital for this period of about 4 months before he can expect any revenue. This working capital includes the key cost of chicken feed.

From my estimates (I will come to that later on) you need about Shs 26m as start up capital for a 1000 chicken farm(shaver brown variety). I will deal with the details in the section below.

AND NOW THE PROS

1. Chicken are here to stay

Chicken have been around a long time and in the developed world chicken is cheaper than beef. The reverse is true in Uganda and chicken is usually reserved for special days (like when I had passed my P.7 PLE exams and was admitted to the school of my first choice). In Uganda, this is however going to change especially as our population grows and more people come out of poverty. Recent studies show that we have increased egg consumption by 28% and chicken consumption by 60% between 2000 and 2006.

Ugandan girls really love Chicken (and chips)! [This last statement is "tongue in cheek" in reference to the fact that many a Ugandan man seeking to impress a girl, perhaps a Univeristy student will often buy her Chips and Chicken from the many "takeaways"in urban areas especially around Kampala and its suburbs including the popular takeways in Wandegeya which is in the proximity of Makerere University.]

I can further expect that with the continued East African community expanding and us working towards regional integration, there will remain continued demand for eggs and chicken.

2. Excellent profitability return on capital

Despite the several articles speaking about the cost of chicken feed crippling the industry I believe this industry sector still offers some of the best returns on investment. From my estimates below, it has a return on investment of 1.09 years! I set out my estimates below. The estimates are based on a sustainable investment of 1000 layers of the shaver brown variety. All figures are in Uganda Shillings. The exchange rate at November 2011 is about I USD = Shs 2,700

Summary 1: Starting capital

A: Fixed costs(one off)
1. Chicken coop and related items: Shs 3,450,000
2. Electricity and water(connection): Shs 1,000,000
3. Legal and other start up costs: Shs 700,000
4. Training: Shs 42,000
Sub total: Shs 5,192,000

B: First 4 months(week 1-17)
1. Day old chicks (1000 of them): Shs 4,500,000
2. Chicken feed(starter): 13,043,836
3. Other incidentary costs: 220,000
Sub total: Shs 17,763,836

C: Labour (week 1-17)
1. Farm supervisor: Shs 800,000 (200k per month)
2. Farm manager: Shs 1,200,000 (300k per month)
3. Farm hands: Shs 720,000 (Estimated at 3 hands each earning 60k per month)
4. Vet office Shs 90,000 for 3 visits.
Sub total: 2,810,000

D: Contingency(10%): 2,576,584

TOTAL START UP: 28,342,419

Summary 2: Profitability and Return on Investment

REVENUE (for 8 months)
The revenue is estimated on 1,000 hens with a mortality rate of 7% hence 930 hens net. It is estimated that each hen lays 292 eggs per year. This is pro rated over an 8 month period to comprise of the first financial period (as 4 months are in which the chicken are maturing). In Uganda, eggs are sold in trays of 30. It is estimated at August 2011 that each egg cost Shs 300 thereby meaning a tray costs Shs 9,000

On basis of above, Revenue over the period will be:

1000 hens less 7% mortality: 930 hens * 292 eggs each =271,560 eggs = 9,052 trays
Each tray is Shs 9,000 hence 9,052 *9000 = Shs 81,468,000 per year (or 292 days over an annual period that the hens lay)

Pro rating the annual revenue to the 8 months is revenue of Shs 54,834,231

COSTS (Monthly for 8 months)
1. Chicken feed: 24,261,534. This is estimated on a hen consuming about 37kg per year.
At August 2011, layer feed (which chicken feed on for most part of 17 week growth) cost Shs 75,000 per 70 kg bag. On the basis of the above, a chicken consumes about Shs 108.7 worth of feed per day.

The total cost over the 8 months is therefore Shs. 24,261,534

2. Transport to market:Shs 5,400,000 (estimated at Shs 15,000 daily)

3. Labour (on same basis as labour costs in first 4 months but for 8 months): Shs 10,940,000

4. Utilities (water and electricity): 720,000

5. Miscellaneous: 1,800,000

Sub total: Shs43,121,534

Operating profit: Shs 11,712,697

Other income:
1. Sale of chicken(after their productivity cycle ends): 6,510,000. I am assuming each chicken will be sold for Shs 7,000 the market price in August 2011.

2. Less: Costs to market: 200,000

3. Chicken droppings: 8,035,510
(estimated on 11479 kg of droppings produced on basis of this being 1/3 of feed intake). Each kg being sold at Shs 700.

NET Profit(incl other income): Shs 26,058,207

Return on capital: 1.09 years.

As you can see from above, In 1 year you can expect to recoup your cost! I don't think there is anything more to say about this sector but for those who are, well there is a third reason this is good.

4. Social responsibility advantages

Charities and other NGOs recognise the impact poultry farming has on the rural communities especially on women and several studies show that this is the next social revolution.

SUMMARISING AND THE FINAL WORD

First the numbers

On the basis of my analysis:

* Capital investment (A): Shs 28,342,419
* Revenue per year (including other revenue): Shs 69,179,741
* Profit per year (revenue (including WIFI) and excluding all expenses) (B) is Shs 26,058,207
* Return on capital (years to get capital back or A/B) is 1.09 years

Now the basics you must get right before investing.

* Working capital. Like I said at the start, for about 4 months you will be sustaining this business without any income at all, you need to therefore secure the necessary funds especially for chicken feed. You cannot compromise on the quality of feed or quantity when there are cash flow shortages as this will ultimately affect the quality of eggs and chicken.

* Agriculture support and training. This is a sector that the government, NGOS, donors have put in a considerable amount of money and so there is no excuse for not using support facilities right from NAADS to district support projects, NGO supported projects, even many of the day old chick suppliers provide courses.

* Market/distribution network. There are significant bottlenecks in Uganda and it is well and good to develop capacity for 1000 birds but if you cannot get them to the market then that's a waste. It will therefore be critical that wherever you choose to locate your farm you consider how you will get it to the market.

* Land. Now you will notice I havent considered the cost of land in this analysis. The reasons are multifold. When I considered this business venture and from my research, an investor can get the land for "free" in return for for example hiring local people, from relatives in rural areas and the like.

I therefore didn't consider it to be a major issue. Besides chicken don't usually require a lot of land and if necessary this land can be "leased" cheaply in many rural areas in Uganda. Of course you should not choose to encroach on the land at Mabira forest or perhaps in a wetland because then my "friend" Col Otafire may ask you if you are a frog!

FINAL WORD

Like I have said, this sector is going nowhere and there will continue to be demand for agriculture prodcuts. Furthermore with the developed world becoming more willing to pay for "organic" products, Ugandan poultry will continue to be highly valued.

I had promised to highlight about "Mavi ya Kuku" in more detail and you will notice that in my revenue analysis, this sh%*t really does bring in money because as the agriculture sector continues to expand and as fertilisers continue to be more expensive, farmers will look to alternatives. Chicken droppings may be that future and so yes, "Mavi ya Kuku" together with "Nkoko Nkulu" are our future!

As a chartered accountant with over 8 years of audit experience with various clients in Uganda, The Bahamas and currently the United Kingdom I have dealt with several sectors including banking and financial services, manufacturing, public sector/Donor funds, entertainment and Agriculture which has given me the inside knowledge of several businesses and their performance.

These writings are my observations and research on investing/ doing business in various sectors in Uganda. You can read more about me and these business series including this article at my website: http://investinginuganda.yolasite.com/the-sector-analysis.php.

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Aeroponics in Outer Space

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AppId is over the quota

Aeroponics provides a clean, efficient, and rapid method of food production. Crops can be planted without soil and harvested year-round. In aeroponics, plants roots are suspended in air, periodically sprayed with a nutrient rich water based solution and then allowed to drain. By alternating wet and dry cycles, the roots are kept moist but also exposed to an abundant supply of oxygen leading to much faster growth than traditional gardening methods. Aeroponics systems reduce water and fertilizer usage by over 90% and by avoiding exposure to soil-born diseases eliminate pesticide usage altogether.

These benefits, along with the great reduction in weight that is achieved by eliminating dirt and significantly reducing the amount of water required for plant growth, are reasons this high-tech method of food production has attracted the interest and support of NASA. On of the hurdles to be cleared for long distance space travel and even colonies on the Moon or nearby planets is finding a means for crews to manage self- sustaining supplies of food and oxygen.

Through aeroponics, this goal becomes a realistic possibility and humans and plants can become best friends in deep space. Humans consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Plants return the favor by consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Humans can use edible parts of plants for nourishment, while human waste and inedible plant matter can be converted into the nutrient solution used in aeroponics for plant growth. The plants consume the nutrients and return clean water to the system. So aeroponics is a potential source of food, fresh oxygen, clean drinking water and together with humans can create a closed and self-sustaining ecological system.

While aeroponics has not yet been used in long distance space travel, like many other aspects of NASA's technological research, spin-off designs are now being used in commercial agricultural applications for food production. This technology is used to relieve hunger in parts of the world with limited access to arable land and to enable city dwellers to grow their own supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Aeroponics has also led to advances in cloning of plants from cuttings. Numerous plants which were previously considered difficult, or impossible, to propagate from cuttings can now be replicated simply from a single stem. This is a boon to green houses attempting to propagate their best specimens. With a basic aeroponics setup, any interested individual can now clone plants. Finally, crops can also be grown in half the time required by traditional agricultural methods and require far less labor to harvest.

Whether in outer space or on Earth, aeroponics has the potential to become an enabling technology in providing the essentials for human life.

To read more about aeroponics click on the following links Aeroponics Systems and Aeroponics Designs

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GM Foods - Could the Debate Get Any Louder?

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AppId is over the quota

It is absolutely amazing the animosity over GM crops, and it is incredible the level of conspiratorial debris out there online, as the coordinator for a think tank which happens to operate online, I am blown away by it all, literally. In fact, I should by a wind farm to harvest all this genetically modified hot air some day.

The other day, I was discussing Genetically Modified foods with an acquaintance, Mark is a seed specialist, and futurist thinker with many innovations, he stated that;

"GM foods are a complicated issue, they offer many solutions to modern day problems but they also come with their own complications. Growing a high yield crop of corn that can survive the harsh environment is undoubtedly progress. The downside to GM foods is that they can pass their modified genes on to the local plant varieties, given enough time the effects of this could be detrimental to the local ecosystem as a whole. With proper planning and segregation of these crops the idea could still work."

Well, it is an issue, terminator seeds do prevent some of this, but there are issues and a case study with sunflower seeds in the wild causing havoc. However, genetically modified crops can very much help us with things like the Ug99 fungus and such issues as producing drought resistant crops, just as soil bacteria root research is immensely wise. I mostly worry about crop species variations, and inadvertently reducing down to one type of rice, corn, wheat, or soybean. Diversification is important, and very wise, which is why I like projects such as the millennium seed vault idea - just in case.

Now then, what about, and Mark and I talked about this also, the challenges in certain regions where they've obviously out-populated their food resources? We need to have a way for those regions with abundant food production to assist, that makes sense. Still, with the challenge of let's say starving Africans, Haitians, or Indians - the procreation rates are too high, and as we feed more people or "give" them more food, they continue to up-step their procreation rates.

What can we do to fix this problem, on that our very giving of food to feed the poor is currently exacerbating said problem?

I believe people should be able to choose if they wish to eat genetically modified crops in this case, as they can either take the free food and aid, or die of starvation, but there is a catch, if you take the food, that food aid will be fortified with supplements slowing down the chances or percentage of reproduction, thus, reducing the number of off-springs so that you do not exacerbate the problem by creating an environment where healthy humans have nothing better to do but reproduce because we made it possible by feeding them in the first place.

Many believe that procreation is a human right. Okay, sure one can say that, and I would submit to you that they have the choice, it just comes with serious ramifications, if you decide to take free food. This is such a contentious and heated argument, that I will merely leave you with this thought, and let you decide. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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Pig Farming - Animal Welfare Is Paramount

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AppId is over the quota

Back in 1965 a Technical Committee was convened to report on animal welfare issues arising from intensive farming systems. The committee produced the Bramble Report, which defined the first 'animal rights', enshrined in 'Bramble's Five Freedoms': these stated that animals should have the freedom to "stand up, lie down, turn around, groom themselves and stretch their limbs". Out of this committee came the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, from which in 1979 the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) was formed by the British Government. FAWC have developed the so-called 'five freedoms', on which the proper welfare of farm animals from farm to abattoir is based. These 'freedoms', or 'animal welfare needs' now cover the treatment of domestic pets as well as farm animals.

There is a scientifically proven link between the welfare levels of an animal's upbringing and meat quality, also, obviously a poorly kept animal won't be as productive as a fit and healthy one, and will cost the producer money (now, there's surely a big incentive to get your animal's welfare right?!).

Let's look at the freedoms that an animal should enjoy under law - and should enjoy anyway if you want to produce good quality food from your farm.

Freedom from hunger and thirst - a proper diet, including fresh water. Animal nutrition is so well researched that there can be no excuse for feeding any animal other than with a diet with the right balance of nutrients for it's growth / productivity. My dog is gluten intolerant, and she is very active and also fussy - dog dieticians have come up with a range of solutions for her; similarly my pregnant sow needs a different diet from my lactating sow, and a 10 kilo pig needs a different balance of nutrients to a 100 kilo animal. Oh, and always check your drinkers are working, in the same way as you'll have made sure the dog's water bowl is kept topped up.
Freedom from discomfort - somewhere suitable to live. The animal needs an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area. For the pig farmer this means giving outdoor sows somewhere to shelter from the sunshine (they can get sunburn) and to wallow (having no sweat glands means that getting covered in mud is not only fun, but cooling). Pigs need somewhere comfortable to rest and sleep - plenty of fresh, clean, dry straw is ideal, whatever size of pig we are considering.
Freedom for pain, injury or disease - protection from, and treatment of, illness and injury. This can be achieved through prevention, rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment - for the pig farmer this means two things: excellent stockmanship and a great vet. The former comes through experience and training, the latter is an essential part of your 'team'. Find a vet that knows pigs, have him/her on your unit four times a year to check your stock and their environment over. Well-designed accommodation and handling facilities will help minimise disease challenges and injuries.
Freedom to express normal behaviour or, 'the ability to express normal behaviour' as the 'welfare needs' defines it. For a pig this means being able to root around and explore their environment: difficult on a concrete base (unless there's a good quantity of straw), and impossible on slats. A pig needs sufficient space, proper facilities and the company of other pigs. The space requirements are laid down in Government regulations, and there is a requirement under law to provide pigs with some form of environmental enrichment - 'manipulable materials', such as cardboard cartons or softwood 'toys'.
Freedom from fear and distress - for any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals. This ensures conditions and levels of care that avoid mental suffering. Pigs in particular have social needs and a relatively high level of intelligence. A strange pig introduced into a group will often be killed, or die of stress related conditions - a lone pig will get lonely

Andrew is a qualified teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL), a farmer with twenty years agricultural experience, and worked for fifteen years in the global automotive industry.

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Choosing The Type of Fish For an Aquaponics System

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AppId is over the quota

There are so many species of fish which can be raised in an aquaponics system. It depends on the territory because not all species of fish are allowed to be grown in some places. The regulations of the concerned area should be preferred before choosing the species of fish for food production system. The rules and regulations of the area are made on the basis of the climate of that particular area because the survival of the fishes is closely related to the climate. If a symbiotic environment is not given to the aquaponics system, the growth or survival of the fishes and plants is not possible.

To decide the best species of fish, the following must be considered,

1. What do you expect from your system?
If you expect to eat fish from your food production system, you need to grow the edible species of fish which provide protein, and that can live longer compared to other species. On the other hand, if you don't want to eat the fish grown in the system, you need not to grow edible fish. Ornamental fishes can be grown.

2. Availability of type of fish
The species of fish, available in the area have great importance because to stock the system with fish the farmer should buy the easily available species of fish.

There are thousand of species of fish which are able to grow in the aquatic system. Some popular species are:

Goldfish
This species of fish makes a remarkable addition to the system. Goldfish is bred in a fish tank in most areas but generally, they can be bred in a covered tank of plant within the fish tank.

Barramundi
An exceptional type of fish which is crispy in taste and is usually grown during hot weather. So, in the warmer month of the year it is recommended by the experience farmers.

Catfish
There are several types of catfish in the world that can be easily raised in an aquaponics. The Channel catfish are the famous fish among farmers in the United States of America and also in Australia because of its availability. They grow rapidly if a symbiotic environment is provided.

Carp
In many parts of Asia, carp species are grown because it is well suited for aquaponics cultivation. But, it has become a noxious pest to the native environment and waterways due to its reproductive capabilities and tough nature.

Jade Perch
It is an Australian fish. The quality of it's rapid growth and having the best level of omega 3 oil differentiates it from all other species of fish. It's omnivorous diet and warm water is considered the basic requirements for it.

Koi
It is a species of carp, but known as KOI. It is famous in most of the Asian communities.

Silver perch
Silver perch is an Australian fish that is capable of growing rapidly under a variety of circumstances. They eat green scarps happily.

Murray cod
It is a magnificent kind of fish known as native Australian fish. It is also known for rapid growing and able to grow well in an aquaponics culture.

Tilapia
It is the best cultured fish all around the world and is the most popular specy to grow in aquaponics.

Trout
Trout is a type of fish which is very famous due to its amazing taste. It grows well in cooler water.

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