Blog - Kerr Center

President’s Note: The Importance of Long-Term Research Trials for Sustainable Agriculture

The Kerr Center’s work with elderberries helps illustrate the importance of long-term research trials for sustainable agriculture.

Soil Health Partnership Releases Cover Crop Planting Report

A new Soil Health Partnership Report shows that farmers are using diverse strategies to plant a range of cover crop species.

Southern SARE Accepting Professional Development Program Grant Applications

The Call for Pre-proposals for the Southern SARE Professional Development Program Grant is now open. The Professional Development Program (PDP) provides funding to agricultural professionals to train Cooperative Extension agents, USDA field personnel, and other…

Storm Damage!

A wave of storms last Saturday night knocked out power to the Kerr Center headquarters and damaged trees around the ranch.

President’s Note: Native Plant Landscaping at the Kerr Center Office

Landscaping with native plants at the Kerr Center office has taught us to have patience! The landscape takes time to naturalize and attract pollinators.

Biopesticides for Strawberry Plasticulture in High Tunnels

Education / Horticulture Program Manager Karlee Pruitt’s master’s thesis project tested biopesticides in high-tunnel plasticulture strawberries.

Agroforestry Boosts Pollinator Numbers, Research Shows

Agroforestry practices could double the number of insect pollinators helping farmers produce food, new research has demonstrated.

Young Farmers Racial Equity Toolkit

The National Young Farmers Coalition has published a Young Farmers Racial Equity Toolkit, available free from the organization’s website.

Basics of Organic Farming: Free Online Course

Basics of Organic Farming is a self-directed online course designed for beginning, current, and transitioning organic farmers.

FDA Relaxes FSMA Produce Safety Rule Exemption During COVID-19

The FDA has relaxed the Produce Safety Rule exemption included in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), effective until the COVID-19 emergency ends.