New & Updated Publications

While information on large-scale egg washing and handling is readily available, there is less information available on handling eggs on a small or medium scale. This publication covers proactive methods to keep free-range eggs clean through egg collection, egg cleaning, candling and grading.

[PDF/767K]

This publication is an introduction to home biodiesel production. It includes lists of equipment and materials needed to make small batches of biodiesel. It describes biodiesel and includes cautionary notes and procedures for making test batches and 5-gallon batches. An extensive resource list is also provided.

Esta publicación cubre el procesamiento a pequeña escala, tanto en la granja como en plantas pequeñas. Información relevante del procesamiento a gran escala es también incluida para comparar, proveer contexto, y porque los pequeños procesadores necesitan tener algún grado de conocimiento del proceso en escala mayor.

[PDF / 1.3MB]

This publication highlights some common ways to lease or own land. It outlines important considerations about each of these leasing options and paths to ownership.

[PDF / 1.5M] [Espanol PDF / 1.2M]

Urban farming is not a new concept, but it is gaining new support among diverse citizen groups all over the country. Schools, colleges, churches, city councils, government agencies, parks departments, anti-hunger groups, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations are coming together to give a fresh new meaning to "greening the city."

[PDF / 2.3M] [Espanol PDF / 1.8MB]

In an era of high feed costs and uncertain milk prices, many dairy producers are looking to pasture to provide most of the dry matter for lactating dairy cows during the growing season. This publication addresses aspects of pasture production beginning with animal selection and forage resource assessment, grazing, facilities, reproduction and health, organic production and seasonal economics. Included are extensive resources for further reading.

[PDF / 1.0M]

If you want to certify your farm as organic, you will need to complete an application form. This guide was developed to assist you in completing that application by explaining just what information certifiers want and why it is required.

[PDF / 785K]

This publication is an introduction to home biodiesel production. It includes lists of equipment and materials needed to make small batches of biodiesel. It describes biodiesel and includes cautionary notes and procedures for making test batches and 5-gallon batches. An extensive resource list is also provided.

[PDF / 740K]

This publication outlines approaches to organic and sustainable potato production. Practices include fertility and nutrient management; organic and biorational pest management for insects, diseases and weeds; and storage and marketing.

[PDF / 1.9M]

This publication summarizes two low-impact technologies used to dry grain; natural-air drying and solar drying. Although not as much recent research has focused on solar technology for grain drying, solar was shown by University of Maryland studies to be feasible for small- and medium-size facilities for drying grain for on-farm use.

Market gardening, which entails the intense production of high-value crops, gives farmers the potential to increase their income from a few acres. It is also of interest to people looking at agriculture as an alternative lifestyle. This publication provides an overview of issues you need to be aware of as you consider undertaking market gardening, and suggests helpful resources.

Sheep and goats provide meat, milk and fiber products, as well as brush control and pasture improvement services to many farms. Animal selection, feeding, breeding and young stock, equipment and handling, and marketing are the focus of this introduction to sheep and goat production.

Energy consumption can vary significantly between conventional and organic production systems when accounting for direct energy inputs as well as indirect energy involved in manufacturing, shipping and applying pesticides and nitrogen-based fertilizers. Because organic agriculture reduces the amount of indirect energy inputs, it is often assumed that organic agriculture is less energy intensive than conventional agriculture. However, this is not always the case.

[PDF / 756K]

If you want to certify your farm as organic, you will need to complete an application form. This guide was developed to assist you in completing that application by explaining just what information certifiers want and why that information is required.

[PDF / 873K]

Esta publicación trata acerca de los requerimientos para alimentar a las aves de pastura y como cubrir estos requerimientos. También delinea los usos y valores nutritivos de diferentes ingredientes usados en alimentos, tanto comunes como poco comunes. También ilustra métodos para calcular la ración para formular los alimentos y discute acerca de nutrición aplicada, incluyendo textura de grano y prácticas de molienda.

[PDF / 1.4M]

Carbon sequestration and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can occur through a variety of agriculture practices. This new 2009 publication provides an overview of the relationship between agriculture, climate change and carbon sequestration. It also investigates possible options for farmers and ranchers to have a positive impact on the changing climate and presents opportunities for becoming involved in the emerging carbon market.

[PDF / 947K]

Esta publicación describe parte del equipamiento básico necesario para parvadas de pollos en pequeña escala, especialmente en sistema extensivo. Tópicos de mayor relevancia se explican en detalle, incluyendo equipos de bebederos y alimentación, consideraciones acerca de cercos, perchas y cajas nido. Las referencias y recursos usados se encuentran incluidos en la narrativa.

[PDF / 1.24M]

In organic poultry production systems, birds are raised without cages in housing that allows outdoor access, are fed organic feed and managed with proactive practices and natural treatments. This publication discusses organic husbandry including living conditions, health, genetics and origin, feed and processing as specified under the livestock requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program.

[PDF / 1M]

Los jardineros de mercados tratan de planear sus plantaciones de modo de poder ofrecer a los clientes un continuo suministro de flores frescas, hierbas, y vegetales a lo largo de la estación de crecimiento. Esta publicación ayuda a los cultivadores a planear los tiempos de plantación y la sucesión de plantaciones.

[PDF / 453K]

Vacunos, ovinos y caprinos tienen la habilidad de convertir carbohidratos y proteínas de origen vegetal en nutrientes disponibles para el uso humano, convirtiendo tierras que de otra manera serían inútiles, en productivas. Sin embargo, el cuidado apropiado de la tierra y los animales en pastoreo requiere de un buen entendimiento de nutrición rumiante. Esta publicación provee a los administradores de herramientas y referencias para considerar variables biológicas y climatológicas y tomar decisiones que aseguren la viabilidad ecológica y económica de una operación de ganado rumiante en pastoreo.

[PDF / 1M]

There are many varieties of seeds and nuts that can produce oils for food, nutraceuticals, skincare products, aromatherapies, fuels and industrial lubricants. This publication updated in 2008 describes the basic processes involved in oil processing including seed cleaning, extraction, clarification, packaging and storage. Sources for more information and equipment are included in the References and Resources sections at the end of the publication.

[PDF / 954K]

Las ovejas y las cabras son animales versátiles y pueden ser adiciones valiosas a muchas granjas, proporcionando productos de la carne, de la leche y de la fibra, tan bien como servicios del control de malezas y de la mejora de la pastura. Esta básica y gráfica introducción a la producción de ovinos y caprinos discute la selección de animales, alimentación y pastura, equipo y manejo, y mercadeo.

[PDF / 1.4M]

Farmers may want to consider using draft horses, mules or oxen as an alternative to tractors for farm work and a means of reducing fuel costs. This publication briefly discusses some of the considerations and potential benefits involved in the use of animal power and offers resources for further information and equipment.

[PDF / 539K]

In a time of high-cost inputs, pasture-based livestock production systems can naturally maintain soil and plant integrity while growing healthy ruminants. This publication updated in 2008 profiles the general types of pastures and rangelands and offers information about management and expected yields. Weed management strategies are also discussed and tips are offered to rehabilitate depleted land. Issues in grazing management, such as paddock development, plant selection, drought and plant toxicosis, are also discussed. Resources and references are also presented.

[PDF / 1.2M]

Organic sweet corn may be grown for direct sale, the fresh market or processing. This publication updated in 2008 discusses key aspects of producing organic sweet corn including varieties, soil fertility, crop rotations, weed control, insect pest management, diseases, harvesting, postharvest handling, marketing and production economics.

[PDF / 1.2M]

This new graphic publication introduces produce growers to some of the key ideas involved in selling fruits and vegetables to institutions such as schools and hospitals. It has a large resource list of organizations in many states and nationally that can help growers market their products to institutions. This publication is an English-language version of our Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha.

[PDF / 1.4M]

Sustainable nursery practices can increase plant marketability and reduce a nursery’s impact on the environment. This publication updated in 2008 focuses on the sustainable production of woody and herbaceous nursery plants, both in containers and in the field. It is not a primer for inexperienced growers, but a complementary source of information that concentrates on sustainable production techniques. Topics covered include integrated pest management, weed control and alternative fertilizers. The publication also introduces business management practices.

[PDF / 1.1M]

This collection of excerpts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program provides the reader with key standards relevant to handlers of organic crops. This publication should be used together with excerpts for all certified organic operations, livestock production and crop production, as applicable.

[PDF / 693K]