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*These three plants that grew in my basement. Those who have been following me for a long time know that after the New Year, Estonia was hit by a cold wave, when the temperature dropped below -25 degrees for several days. Of course, there was a significant thaw in Estonia before the New Year, which

The inspiration to write came from one follower and what I consider to be a catastrophic situation for winter crops in Western and Southern Estonia. My small information gathering has revealed that over 90% of winter rapeseed and over 80% of winter barley fields have been destroyed. Additionally, there have been signals of poor winter

While my previous post talked about the difficult financial situation in agriculture, I wouldn’t be a farmer if I threw in the towel at the first sign of trouble. To alleviate the current situation, I’m trying to find solutions to generate income and reduce costs. I have joined eAgronom’s carbon program, where I am trying

If you’re experiencing depression or other mental health concerns, seek help from professionals! I was inspired to write by a recent question from a salesman who didn’t even come to sell me tractors and farming tools, “How do you feel mentally?”. Such questions are not often asked or have they been asked at all?! As

According to Statistics Estonia, the average gross salary in Estonia was €887 in 2012, and in 2023, it will be in the range of €1868. A rise of 110%. A loaf of bread, whose main component is wheat flour, cost €0.44 in 2012, and in 2024, the same product costs €0.95. A rise of 110%.

Preface – After New Year’s, the temperature dropped steadily for several days and nights to -25 degrees Celsius. The snow cover on the rapeseed was only 2-5cm thick. Winter rapeseed is considered quite sensitive to cold, and temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius can be fatal to the plant (growth heap). My winter rapeseed

As I don’t have animals (manure), mineral fertilizers serve as my primary source of plant nutrients. Impressions from the “Northern Roots” forum suggests that plants can obtain necessary nutrients from the soil’s existing supply, eliminating the need for additional fertilization. Can I reach that goal of sustainable agriculture? Perhaps someday, but the year 2024 will

St. Anthony’s Day has passed, and half of winter is over. It’s time to prepare more seriously for the new season. Winter Little snow was followed by a -25°C cold snap on winter crop fields in early 2024. Temperatures fluctuate significantly – one day it’s -20, and the next day it’s thawing. Thaws turn the

This year I planted two varieties: The sowing was done using the Horsch Focus. Why? I believe that my own Horsch Pronto wouldn’t handle winter barley straw well; the seeds would end up in the straw instead of the soil, meaning the beginning of crop growth would already be compromised. In August, the start of

The farmer’s greatest fear is the loss of winter crops, which can occur for various reasons: Why do farmers fear the failure of winter crops? Winter crops spend a long time in the field (e.g., winter rapeseed – 365 days, winter wheat – 330 days), maximizing the use of available moisture and nutrients. Spring crops

Basics at first Plowing – Soil cultivation depth from 20cm. The most intensive way to cultivate the land. Plowing has been practiced for about as long as agriculture itself has existed. Despite the millennia, plowing has remained essentially the same – before a new sowing, the soil is turned over, meaning the lower layer of

When spring crops experience below freezing temperatures, the sap in the plant cells freezes, cells burst, and the plant dies. Winter crops on the other hand: What I see is the most important when growing winter crops in Estonia In my opinion, the most crucial factor is the sowing time, and it overshadows everything else

Weather Forecast and Why It’s So Important for Farmers I’ll explain a bit about the weather forecast and its importance for a farmer.Essentially, the planning of almost all agricultural activities is based on the weather forecast.Estonian meteorologists have stated that they can accurately predict the weather for the next couple of days; for 7-10 days,

I have been active on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/farmer.tonis/) for some time now, but since the character limit for posts is restricted there, and I enjoy writing, I decided that alongside Instagram, I should also have a website to blog and elaborate on my thoughts. Why am I doing this? I have been professionally involved in cereal