Large Farm Adapts to Organic Techniques

Large Farm Adapts to Organic Techniques
A study appearing in the July 2008 issue of Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment documents how one large grower made the transition to organic production, says a story on Mongabay.com. Study author Sean Smukler of UC Davis tracked a Salinas Valley farmer's efforts to convert 215 acres of vegetable fields to organic production over three years. While small-scale organic producers typically grow small plots of each crop and use local or on-farm organic fertilizer sources, larger growers rely on different approaches. The grower in the study evolved a system using mid-size plots, a factory-made organic fish fertilizer, and plantings designed to attract beneficial insects, as well as crop rotations and hoeing.

Vermont to Allow Hemp Production

Vermont to Allow Hemp Production
Vermont farmers might have a new chance to diversify their operations. Governor Jim Douglas allowed a bill that permits farms to plant crops of industrial hemp to become law without his signature. Federal law prohibits cultivation of hemp because it comes from the same plant that marijuana does. But lawmakers believe there eventually will be a change in federal policy. Advocates say hemp can be used to make a variety of products, from cosmetics to food to clothing. So legislators overwhelmingly adopted a law that directs the Agriculture Agency to be ready when there is a change. USAgNet reports the Agriculture Agency will be required to draw up rules for hemp cultivation so farmers could be licensed as soon as federal law changes. North Dakota is the only other state that has done the same thing.

Strolling of the Heifers

Image by Robert Scarth via Flickr

Strolling of the Heifers

June 6-8, 2008Brattleboro, VermontThe theme of this year’s agricultural celebration is "Live Green!" To transform the public’s concern about global climate change into civic action, the weekend's festivities will focus on protecting the environment. Events on the agenda include a celebration of women in agriculture, farmers' market, local food meals, and farm tours.

Maryland Legislation to Bring Local Food to Schools

Image by lumierefl via FlickrMaryland Legislation to Bring Local Food to Schools
Legislation near becoming law in Maryland would help bring local foods to school cafeterias, according to an Associated Press story. Schools have been prevented from purchasing food grown by local farmers by bidding rules and limited by food preparation ability. The new legislation would establish "Maryland Homegrown" week in cafeterias: a small introduction to local foods. It also encourages farm field trips to teach students about local food, and connects schools purchasers with Department of Agriculture marketers. Meanwhile, schools aren't the only place in Maryland where local foods are drawing attention. The Baltimore Sun reported recently on growing farmers' market, CSA, and restaurant demand for locally grown dairy products, meats, and produce. These growing markets are helping farmers connect with an appreciative audience for their products.

Beginning / New Farmers

Half of all current farmers in the U.S. are likely to retire in the next decade. Enlisting and supporting new farmers is essential to the future of family farms, the farm economy and healthy rural communities.

List of Alternative Crops and Enterprises for Small Farm Diversification USDA. NAL. Alternative Farming Systems Information Center. Detailed list of farming alternatives - crops, livestock, value-added enterprises, agritourism - currently utilized by U.S. farmers. Links to Extension and other farmer-friendly sources that help evaluate and start non-conventional farming enterprises are included.

Evaluating a Rural Enterprise. Marketing and Business Guide National Center for Appropriate Technology. ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Summarizes selected enterprise planning guides about business, financial and marketing plans. Suggests helpful books, periodicals, Web sites and organizations.

Informational Toolkit for Beginning Farmers Iowa State University. Cooperative Extension Service. Value Added Agriculture Program. General information about farm leases and farm management, new farmer loan programs, beginning farmer training programs, mentoring programs for beginning farmers and more specific information about developing agricultural business and marketing plans. Predominantly from Iowa, but additional resources from the upper Midwestern U.S. and Canada also included.

Growing New Farmers New England Small Farm Institute. Programs, services and resources for new farmers in the 12 Northeast states and beyond. Includes: directory of programs and services for new farmers, reports about new farmers and their service needs, tools and resources for new farmers and for working with new farmers and programs/projects for new farmers.

Beginning Farm Center Iowa State University. Cooperative Extension Service. Iowa resources for new farmers looking for support, land, training and contacts.

National Farm Transition Network National Farm Transition Network. The network supports programs that foster the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Site includes information and state contacts for "Land Link" programs – programs that match retiring farmers/land with new farmers seeking land and support.

USDA Service Center Agencies Online Services United States Department of Agriculture. USDA service agency contacts, tools and eforms for farmers from the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development. Specific services include loans and mortgages, payment options, real estate sales and Farm Bill tools.