1.   We lose 1% of our topsoil every year because of erosion.  Ever heard of the Dust Bowl?  Read the book “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse?

2.  Contour Plowing

3.  -Contour Plowing: prevents erosion from heavy rains by planting crops according to the way the ground lays

4. Terracing

5.   Terracing: prevents erosion from heavy rains on steep hills and slopes by cutting the land into steps Terracing

6.   Windbreaks: planting trees or shrubs between crops to keep the wind from eroding the soil Windbreaks

7.   Crop rotation: plant different crops in the same field each year so nutrients aren’t depleted Crop Rotation

8.   Cover crops: crops planted between harvests to replace nutrients in the soil and prevent erosion Cover Crops

9.  No-till Farming  No-till Farming: a farmer harvests a crop without turning over the soil.

10.   You and your tablemates have inherited 100 acres of land to farm on! You can all strike it rich as long as your crops grow and are good quality to sell. You have 2 fields that are flat and 2 that are hilly and steep. You must design your fields so that the soil doesn’t erode and so that the soil remains healthy for years to come.  Your team must also advertise your farm so people will come to buy your crops. Put on your overalls!

11.   1. Make a list of crops you’re going to plant and sell.  2. Decide what types of farming you will use to plant your crops on the hills (2 types) and what types you will use to plant your crops in the flat fields (2 types). Also keep in mind some types of farming to keep your soil healthy (1 type). Sketch your fields and farm.  3. Advertising. Discuss how you’re going to get people to come. What’s your slogan ? What’s the name of your farm? What makes your farm better than others? What’s your business card look like? Are you doing a billboard, commercial, or newspaper ad? Ready, set, plan!

12.   1. Draw a bird’s eye view of what your farm’s 4 fields look like; 2 hills- 2 flat (remember, you’re using different methods to plant crops so each one will look different according to the method). Label each field (the method used and crop).  2. Make 1 business card (on a notecard) to pass out to customers with your farm name and important information.  3. Using PowerPoint, create a billboard, write a commercial, OR write an ad for the newspaper that tells potential customers that your farm prevents erosion and keeps soil healthy. It must also tell the name of the farm and why customers should give you business instead of other farms. ***People will be more likely to come to your farm if they know what you’re doing to prevent erosion and keep the soil healthy. Honey do List: