Here are this week’s top stories from Farm and Dairy:
1. You don’t need a root cellar to store food
The term “root cellar” may sound like a thing of the past, or maybe it’s even unheard of by people who live in a basement-less home. Even if you don’t have a root cellar, you can still store food during the winter months.
There are three alternatives to root cellar storage: indoor, in-place and buried container food storage systems. All three of these methods will serve the purposes of storing your garden’s bounty, and each one offers specific conditions for various types of vegetables.
2. Partners plan greenhouses on Chicago rooftop
The world’s largest rooftop greenhouse should be open by spring 2015.
The greenhouse — measuring a total of 75,000 square feet — will be built on top of the Method manufacturing plant in Chicago. It will be able to produce up to 1 million pounds of produce in a year. The produce would be distributed to area farmers markets, retailers, grocery stores and community organizations.
3. Ohio CAUV tax rates: What goes up, must go up some more
Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) property tax estimates have taken a sharp increase since the last time they were calculated three years ago — up to as much as 300 percent.
CAUV lets farmland owners have their parcels taxed according to their agricultural value instead of their full market value. Though the CAUV calculation formula is designed to protect farmers and their land value, but many farmers are left to struggle.
4. Part I: Interstate pipelines planned in Ohio
Eastern Ohio has seen a surge in shale gas and oil production over the last few years, and now they will see pipelines crossing the state.
Several interstate pipelines have been planned by various companies. The pipelines will cross many Ohio counties and will transport gas through Michigan and to a hub in Ontario, Canada. Overall, 38,000 miles of pipeline are planned to be refitted or newly constructed in the next 10 years.
5. Building a compost bin for backyard recycling
Now that it’s fall and there isn’t much left to do in the garden or yard, take time to build a compost bin.
There are various structures to choose from when building a compost bin, so it’s easy to pick a model that fits your budget and your needs. And, the materials that you’ll need to add to your compost bin are items already found in your kitchen and yard. Once spring rolls around, use your compost to promote healthy soil and plants.
