Yonder In The Pawpaw Patch

Chuck Zimmerman

KSU Picture - Pawpaw FruitHow many of you know about the Pawpaw? It’s a native American fruit. I can’t say I’ve had any experience with it. Apparently there are efforts to bring it “back.” I don’t know from where but after reading about it I’d sure like to try some.

Audio, Farming, University

A-Mazing Family Fun At Geisler Farms

Chuck Zimmerman

Geisler Farms CornmazeThis is a-mazing. And a really cool corn maze. Darrell Geisler is not only a corn grower but now he’s into agritourism. The eight-acre maze provides a rural adventure for visitors. “As our area becomes more urban, we wanted to provide a place for our neighbors to experience the farm and understand agriculture’s impact on our local economy since we are just 14 miles northeast of Des Moines,” Geisler said. “Plus, the corn maze has made it easier for my daughter and son-in-law to get involved in the family business. My daughter designed the corn maze, which maps out a scarecrow, barn, field and sponsor logos, including NK® Brand Seeds.”

Agribusiness, Farming

United Nations of Horticulture

Chuck Zimmerman

I thought you might be interested in this story in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, about east coast farmers planting “ethnic” veggies like, n’goyo, njilu, ichiban, habanero peppers, callalou, gboma, fufu and egusi. They apparently can’t grow them fast enough to satisfy the demand for immigrants from other countries!

Farming

Farmers Getting High Speed Internet Access

Chuck Zimmerman

Thanks to the USDA Rural Development Broadband program more and more rural communities are getting access! Listen to my interview with Gill Gonzalez, Undersecretary for Rural Development with USDA as he talks about the loan program that’s helping bring broadband to the countryside. Listen here: ZimmBlog Podcast

Audio, Farming, Internet