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The following sections cover some common misconceptions.

Farming methods are typically divided into two types: conventional and organic. Around the 1940s, the idea of organic farming began as a “non-chemical” way to farm without synthetic pesticides. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic farming is defined as “a production system that is managed to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.”

The thing is, conventional farming has a lot of those same goals. Conventional farmers do some of the same practices to maintain soil health by planting cover crops, using natural fertilizers (animal manure), crop rotations, and animal grazing. They also use synthetic fertilizer since natural fertilizer can contribute to run-off issues. Many farms have complex manure management programs to protect water sources, limit runoff, and properly measure fertilizer ingredients for appropriate distribution.