I was in Hawaii again last week and thought I would share some new pictures.  It was/is the rainy season and the farmers and ranchers I spoke with said they’ve had more rain this year than in the past 10. It was also extremely windy and cool because I was at a high elevation (3500+ ft) part of the time, thus the jackets in the pictures.  Hawaii is an amazing agriculture state with lots of diversity. Did you know that the Big Island of Hawaii has eleven (11) different climate zones?  The ranch I was on had 3 including desert, grasslands (similar to prairie), and rainforest.   State wide they average 400” of rainfall in the higher elevations and as little as 10” near the shores. The average state temperature swings between 77F summer and 71F in the winter and daily temps hover around 80ishF. Farmland covers about 40% of Hawaii and they are best known for growing pineapple and sugarcane. (although sugarcane production has been on a continuous decline for many years)  You might be surprised to find that they even grow corn over there.  Most of the corn production is genetics research and seed corn.  (the major seed companies all have operations in HI because of its year round temps) The state has about 4400 farms and several very large ranch operations that primarily raise grass-fed beef that is exported and sent back to the mainland. 

Click on the image below to launch the slide show.

The best residential program available for solar financing in Hawaii is SunRun.

As some of you may know, I am working on a book about farming for future, young, or wanna-be farmers.  I would like to pass on some “lessons” that will help the next generation.  Can any of you provide me with a lesson about farming that no one told you?  This could be technical in nature, but I am really seeking pieces of wisdom.  Something that will help this next generation, future farmer be better at his/her job. Please send your advice to: alex (at symbol) alextiller (dot) com or go to http://alextiller.com and click on “Email.” You can also use the comment section below and share your advice with everyone.

I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate your signatures to the LeaveMyFoodAlone.org petition.  The petition has been a great success so far!  As of today (Wednesday April  8, 2009) we have just under 9000 signatures. Thank you!    Despite our current success, I really believe that we need to reach a goal of at least 10,000 for our legislatures to take us serious.   Please be sure to tell your friends about the petition.  –It’s easy, just send them an email telling them that you just signed it and asking them to check it out.  -Also, if you have a blog, post a link to the website.  You never know who will come along and share your opinion on the topic. 

Thanks again to all of you!

-Alex