Answer: Cattle mineral contains copper, which is extremely toxic to sheep. It builds up in the liver and is fatal. I have heard of cases where sheep have died as soon as one week after consuming cattle mineral. Although there are definite benefits to…...
Answer:The good news is that only the leaves are infected. Unfortunately, this disease progresses quite rapidly, and can reduce crop yield. Because there is less leaf protection, sun scald on the pumpkin can become a problem. Symptoms appear four to 12…...
Answer: The non-chemical solutions generally fall into one of four categories: barley straw, beneficial bacteria, aeration, and ultrasound. I don't know if beneficial bacteria is an acceptable solution, and I have no reports as to its effectiveness…...
Answer: ATTRA has produced a number of publications that will help you research herb production. You can find these publications by typing "herbs" in the search box on the ATTRA website at www.attra.ncat.org. You will see that these publications deal…...
Answer: Canadian thistle can be controlled by clipping the thistle at the flower bud stage, most likely around mid-July for Wisconsin. By so doing, you have let the plant expend energy in growth and producing a seed head, which is demanding upon its…...
Answer: Small farms can save time and labor by utilizing mechanical washers for produce. The best type of mechanical washer depends on the type(s) of crops that will be washed. Small farms commonly equip their wash stations with wet-brush pack lines due…...
Answer: At the present growth stage of your pasture, it would be more suited to initial grazing with cattle from a neighboring farm, if that's a possibility. I would recommend the following, in order of preference:1. Mob graze it with cattle at about…...
Answer: The biggest variable in whether this endeavor will be successful is the duration of cold. For example, three fig growers in northwest Arkansas have had the same experience the last three years. They all achieved whole-plant survival and fruit in…...
Answer: Rainwater starts out close to a neutral pH of 7. However, even the amounts of naturally occurring carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere lower the pH of rainwater. So rainwater has a natural pH of 5.4 to 5.7. With the increased amounts of…...
Answer: You'll want to create conditions favorable to microbes (mostly fungi and bacteria) in order to break down the herbicide. The conditions that will favor microbes are moist and relatively warm, and perhaps diluting the contaminated organic matter…...
Answer: First, be mindful of the fact that the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) being written up by the FDA will have a lot of impact on your packing and storage facilities. The Act is not being enforced yet, but it soon will be. To learn more,…...
Answer: Pure linseed oil would be a good choice?it has been used as a wood preservative for centuries. Linseed oil is non-toxic to sheep or horses. In fact, it is sometimes used in sheep and cattle rations as a source of energy and Omega 3 fatty acids.…...
Answer: First, break out infected limbs six to eight inches or more below the last visible sign of infection, and remove those infected parts from the orchard area. Do not fertilize any trees with fire blight, as the bacteria favor young, succulent…...
Answer: There are several possible causes for feather loss:Molting: - Occurs in flocks at least a year old - Takes several months to complete - Can be triggered by stress (hot or cold weather, feed, disease) - Usually occurs once a year (fall) -…...
Answer: First, you should positively identify what type of weed species you have in your asparagus patch, as this will affect the effectiveness of weeder geese compared with other methods of weed control. Weeder geese will keep down most species of…...
Answer: There are many ways to accomplish this. Some folks will work up the rows really well (using a tractor first to get deep, and then a BCS tiller to pulverize the soil). Then, with a long-faced hand hoe and positioned on their knees, they work…...
A: Brix is a useful tool when standards are known, but, according to Ohio State University Extension researchers, "At best, Brix values also appear to be indirect estimates of the general health of some crops and their potential sensory appeal to…...
Answer: Adult fungus gnats don't damage plants or bite people; their presence is primarily considered a nuisance. Larvae, however, when present in large numbers, can damage roots and stunt plant growth, particularly in seedlings and young plants.…...
Answer: You will always have genetic variability from seedlings. Planting seed from known (female) parentage is good, but you don't really know the male parent since it could be pollen coming from nearby woods or it could be from within your friend's…...
Answer: Three years of land-use records is critical, with brand names and formulations of each material used, its location, and date of use. Plans and examples of how the producer will do recordkeeping in the future is important, even if every detail…...
A: The depth and uniformity of the soil is critical. In Pennsylvania, fields that are located on the flood plain next to the bigger rivers?Susquehanna, Schulkyll, Delaware?have some of the best soil types for growing sod. As an added bonus, every few…...
Answer: Most of the differences between paddock systems for sheep and cattle will be based on diet preferences, pasture composition, fencing, and grazing habits. Sheep tend to browse, preferring forbs over grass while cattle diets consist primarily of…...
Answer: Frothy bloat refers to a condition when a ruminant consumes forages that produce a frothy gas in the rumen and the animal cannot pass the gas. The rumen gets so full of gas that it eventually presses against the heart or lungs and the animal…...
Answer: There are several things you can do to reduce the need for deworming. Providing your cows with excellent nutrition, practicing rotational grazing, and breeding for parasite resistance can reduce your dependence on deworming medications. All…...
Answer: Flame weeding is a non-chemical weed-control technique common among organic farmers. Flame weeding, also referred to as flame cultivation, often uses propane gas burners to produce a carefully controlled flame that briefly passes over weeds.…...
Answer: Worldwide, about 650 tree species are known to be, and several thousands are suspected to be, nitrogen fixing, according to the World Acroforestry Centre. For more information, see…...
Answer: After consulting with chestnut experts in California and Florida, as well as delving into the published research, all sources seem to point to a pollination problem. However, since chestnuts are pollinated by both insects and wind, it is…...
Answer: You should consider moving your blueberry bushes if they appear unhealthy or drought-stressed or if they are too far from the house to be managed effectively. This includes being able to water them frequently as they begin fruiting because they…...
Answer: You could try a red and white clover mixture to frost seed into your existing irrigated pasture. Try sowing one to two pounds of each type of clover the first part of March. It is best if you graze off the grass to a couple of inches or so…...
Answer: Any grain corn variety can be used to make nixtamal (the whole corn that has been soaked in slacked lime). Most varieties used to make nixtamal are equally good for tortillas or tamales with the difference being how it is ground and prepared.…...
Answer: When considering going into the sheep business, decide first what type of product you wish to market. If you wish to primarily sell wool, Rambouillet, Targhee, and Icelandic would be a few breeds to consider. There are more than 200 breeds of…...
Answer: There is a lot of interest in urban mushroom farms that include indoor production. Many of these farms are utilizing local resources for their growing substrate and are also creating value-added by-products from the mushroom production that…...
Answer: There is a lot of interest in urban mushroom farms that include indoor production. Many of these farms are utilizing local resources for their growing substrate and are also creating value-added by-products from the mushroom production that…...
Answer: Peat humus is a common potting soil ingredient used for soil enrichment. Unlike Sphagnum peat, which comes from Sphagnum moss and is partially decomposed, peat humus is derived from Hypnum moss and is fully decomposed. Peat humus is also…...
Answer: Livestock producers have two options when deciding how to water their livestock during the cold months: to winterize a summer-use system or freeze-proof the current system and use it through the winter. Either way, planning ahead is key to…...
Answer: Generally in organic systems, preventive weed control is the most effective method of dealing with weeds. As for what can assist you now, a combination of approaches is likely necessary, as you almost certainly have some weeds that you can…...
Answer: Wild onion is a difficult weed to control because the hollow leaves are very waxy and repel spray materials very well. A combination of strategies may work best to help manage wild onion on your land.Hand pulling is an option if there are only…...
Answer: A bio-heated greenhouse most often refers to the practice of generating heat in a greenhouse from animals, but it can also refer to using compost. The following information focuses on the use of animals in a greenhouse as a heat source. For…...
Answer: Apples should not present a problem. Arkansas Black is considered to be mostly pollen-sterile. Either the Enterprise or Williams Pride can pollinate it, but it can't pollinate anything. But you have three different varieties, so the Enterprise…...
Answer: The ATTRA publication Organic Asparagus Production addresses some of the research that has been done in this area. From the following information excerpted from that publication, however, doing so appears to be quite management-intensive.Cover…...
Answer: It is important to test for the amount and species of parasites that you may have on your pastures through fecal egg counts. Your veterinarian or your state veterinary diagnostic laboratory should be able to run these tests for you. Haemonchus…...
Answer: The brassica family of crops can prevent certain diseases in crops, especially Rhizoctonia and Verticillium. All brassicas contain glucosinolates, which are believed to be effective against fungi and nematodes. Certain brassica plants are more…...
Answer: Sixteen inches may be a bit deep for your situation as it may not provide effective root zone heating. It would be more effective to move the system closer to the root zone at 12 inches. You could also install a thermal break (insulation)…...
Answer: Lesser mealworms, also known as darkling beetles, are associated with poultry litter and manure accumulations. They can cause significant damage by boring into structural materials, and they also serve as a vector for several poultry diseases.…...
Answer: There are several important issues with designing and using a small cooler like the one you describe. First is the shelving, which should not be constructed of wood or fiber materials such as plywood or other compressed-wood products. The best…...
Answer: A good definition of tillage is the preparation of soil by mechanical agitation for planting crops. Any disturbance, small or large, that prepares the soil for planting constitutes tillage. One type of tillage is primary tillage, which is…...
Answer: Your concerns for planting carrots after sweet potatoes are valid. Allelopathy is a chemical process that many plant species use to prevent other types of plants from growing too close. These chemicals are called allelochemicals. Depending on…...
Answer: It depends on the species of grass, but always leave a minimum of 4 to 5 inches. If you have 1,500 to 1,800 pounds of grass per acre that you are grazing, I would suggest leaving about 8 to 10 inches. You do not want to graze the grass down to…...
Answer: The blooms of all orchids are considered safe for consumption, but some species can irritate the stomach. The vanilla bean or pod is considered the world's only edible fruit-bearing orchid. The genus Dendrobia is also commonly used as a food…...
Answer: Sorghum-sudangrass is often grown as a cover crop to reduce erosion, increase soil organic matter, and suppress weeds, but you're right to be concerned about its allelopathic effects on subsequent crops. These effects can include death or…...
Answer: As with almost any lease situation, there are rarely any guarantees and both parties must keep their end of the agreement. Despite the best planning and efforts on both sides, unforeseen circumstances can arise that will have to be dealt with as…...
Answer: The University of Wisconsin has written about this in the publication Planning and Establishing a Commercial Apple Orchard in Wisconsin. That publication states: "The exposure of the slope is also important. South-facing slopes experience more…...
Answer: Contrary to common belief, washing zucchini or cucumbers prior to storage is not recommended. If the fruit is muddy, then wash it, but make sure it is completely dry before boxing it. If you pick squash and cucumbers that feel gritty, it is best…...
Answer: There are several non-chemical options available. Commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (also known as "Bti") are available in pellet or powder form that can be applied to rice paddy water. The Bti product is made up…...
Answer: Yellowing or browning of white cauliflower heads can be attributed to frost damage, sun damage, or boron-deficient soil.Cauliflower is a cool-season plant belonging to the Brassica family. However, it can be damaged if the temperatures are too…...
Answer: For many market farmers, blister beetles can wreak havoc on crops in a very short time. The beetles seem to prefer tomatoes, potatoes, and chard, but easily move on to peppers and eggplants. More importantly, they infest hay and are poisonous to…...
Answer: Sheep foot rot is a disease in which two species of bacteria work together to infect the foot. One, the "trigger" bacteria, predisposes the foot tissue to infection by the other. The trigger bacteria is gone out of the environment after two…...
Answer: Both wild and cultivated gingers are tropical plants and are therefore very sensitive to freezing temperatures that are common in northern climates. Wild ginger also has less flavor than the cultivated varieties. There has been some success in…...
Answer: King Ranch bluestem is a very poor-quality grass. It generally runs about 7% to 10% crude protein, which is too low for stockers to gain on. Its Total Digestible Nutrient level is also very low. In general, most people experience what you…...
Answer: Internet-based communication tools, known collectively as "social media," are gaining popularity for large and small businesses alike, including farm businesses. Social media platforms such as blogs, Facebook, and Twitter are great ways for…...
Answer: Your management of these critters will depend, in part, on the size, location and length of the pipe, as well as its use. You did not mention if the rodents were mice, rats, squirrels, gophers or other critters, but generally speaking, you might…...
Answer: Many small-scale egg producers sell specialty eggs, such as free-range or organic eggs, to the public at farmers markets and other venues and need to wash the eggs or prepare the eggs for market. Immersing or soaking the eggs in water is not…...
Answer: The ATTRA publication Nematodes: Alternative Controls discusses many methods for managing nematodes, including using heat through steam and solarization. It is available at https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=149.Below…...
Answer: Exceptional attention to soil health through the use of no-till farming, diverse cover crops, and intensive rotational cattle grazing can allow farms and ranches to become increasingly profitable. A forage-based cropping system routinely removes…...
Answer: As the local food movement has gained momentum in the past decade, the number of farm to institution programs across the nation also has grown. Though each farm to institution program is unique, they generally share similar values and goals.…...
Answer: All the answers you are looking for are contained in the ATTRA publication Peaches: Organic and Low-Spray Production, available at https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=6. This publication covers all major (and most of the…...
Answer: Dung beetles belong to the zoological order Coleoptera and family Scarabaeidae and there are over 90 species in the United States. Dung Beetles can help improve your pasture system in several ways. They play a small but remarkable role in the…...
Answer: Farm hydropower projects have existed for many years, from waterwheels used for grinding grain and forging to modern hydroelectric turbines designed to run compressors and motors. Micro-hydro systems ? those that produce less than 100 kilowatts…...
Answer: The type of tomato plant that you are producing can dictate the need for pruning. Determinate varieties often are early and have a short but concentrated production season. These plants are staked or caged but are not adapted to trellising.…...
Answer: Llamas can be a good addition to a farm or ranch?an alternative livestock enterprise on marginal pastureland that fits well into a diversified farming operation. Llamas are members of the Camelidae family. Modified ruminants with a…...
Answer: There is no simple answer for your correct stocking rate. The number of animals your land can support depends on many factors, including forage type and density, climate (temperature, rainfall), soils, grazing management, livestock species, and…...
Answer: Though bush honeysuckle is very invasive, it's generally only difficult to eliminate from a "natural" environment. In a cropping environment, where bushes are repeatedly mowed, grazed, plowed, etc., they generally don't last long. The key is…...
Answer: Many of the benefits of pasturing hogs depend on the breed of hog, the quality of the pasture and pasture management. Some farmers are happy to rejuvenate pastures by adjusting pH and nutrients. It sounds like you have the opportunity to seed a…...
Answer: These insects, sometimes called "children of the earth" because their oversized, round head with two, bead-like black eyes gives them a fancied resemblance to a miniature child. They are pale yellow to brown in color. These crickets are wingless…...
Answer: One of the first choices you will need to make is whether to focus on "field-grown bare-root" or "containerized" (potted plant) production. In general, bare-root production is considered more sustainable because it does not rely so much on…...
Answer: Drip irrigation, often referred to as micro or trickle irrigation, slowly and precisely delivers water (and sometimes nutrients) directly to a plant's root zone, making it a very efficient method of irrigation. With a drip system, water moves…...
Answer: Developing an easy recordkeeping system is essential for organic farm certification, but it can also be useful in helping you make business decisions for your farm. Software programs are not available through ATTRA, but we do have some templates…...
Answer: It's always a good idea to check with your local organic certification agency before applying new materials to currently certified beds or beds that are in the process of becoming certified. There are a few options to choose from for building…...
The buffer requirements in section 205.202 of the National Organic Standards are vague. The exact wording is as follows: "Have distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones such as runoff diversions to prevent the unintended application of a prohibited…...
Transitioning a farm or ranch can be a challenging task, but there are certain things you can do to minimize disruption. Here are some suggestions and helpful resources.First of all, it's important for a new owner to start a conversation with the…...
Answer: In northern latitudes and high elevations, producing food has its challenges, including low humidity and extreme fluctuations in temperatures, short growing seasons, and challenging soils. Small-scale market gardeners can overcome some of the…...
Answer: Most agricultural herbicides break down quickly in the environment. There are a few exceptions, however, particularly Clopyralid and Picloram, which have shown up in compost residues throughout the country. Clopyralid is a long-lasting herbicide…...
Answer: The presence of weeds in an established forage crop or pasture is usually a sign of a management problem. Fertility, proper planting procedure, and harvest management are the most effective ways to maintain dense, productive pastures. Ensure…...
Answer: According to language in the USDA-NOP regulation 205.202: "the producer must use organically grown seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock. The producer may use untreated nonorganic seeds and planting stock when equivalent organic varieties…...
Answer: Materials that are used to produce and handle organic crops under the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) must be selected for compliance and used in the context of organic principles for farming and handling practices. For more information,…...
Answer: There are at least two baking soda products that are registered with the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as "certified organic"?Milstop? and Green Light?. Milstop is aptly named because it is used primarily for mildew control in…...
Answer: The fact that you are farming your site in an organic production system means that you will be improving your soils even as you are farming them. So the longer you farm a piece of ground organically, the less necessary it becomes to worry about…...
Answer: Until the Food Safety Modernization Act is implemented (which may be right around the corner), food-safety protocols will continue to vary slightly from one program to another. For this reason, you may need to ask whichever GAPs/food safety…...
Answer: The ATTRA publication An Illustrated Guide to Growing Safe Produce on Your Farm: Good Agricultural Practices introduces all the aspects of GAPs and has a great resource list. It's available on our website at www.attra.ncat.org. More information…...
Answer: The answer to this question depends on whether you are asking about seeds in general or about different seed varieties of the same fruit.Regarding seeds in general, there is much literature about the fact that plants with larger seeds emerge…...
Answer: Okra is a warm-season vegetable plant in the hibiscus family. It requires rich, loamy soil and a lot of nitrogen. Since it is harvested over a long period of time, it is important to manage weeds effectively throughout the season. Varieties…...
Answer: Most methane-electric generation is from animal waste. If you are accepting animal waste by truck, perhaps food waste or brewery waste can be trucked in as well. This will provide the desired variety of feedstock and will greatly increase…...
Answer: The first step is to develop an enterprise budget for rhubarb on your farm. This is where you define local markets and estimate how much you can sell. It is also important to estimate the costs involved in preparing land, planting, harvesting,…...
Answer: Grain that has sprouted (if free of mold and other microorganisms) can be fed to cattle with no negative consequence. But in terms of delivering energy and nutrients to livestock, it is generally not advantageous to sprout grains before feeding.…...
Answer: The National Organic Standards Board [NOSB; the advisory board to the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP)] and the NOP two years ago published a document addressing this question. Entitled Production Standards for Terrestrial Plants in…...
Answer: There are two species of chestnut weevil--the 'lesser' and the 'greater,' and though the life cycles are slightly different, the control methods are the same. Only one pesticide (see below) is labeled for treatment of chestnut weevil, so the…...
Answer: First, you'll need to understand the inherent value of your product. What sets you apart from the wholesale buyer the restaurant typically gets its product from? Is your product local, organic, grass-fed or antibiotic-free, or a specialty item?…...
Answer: Developing a new market and/or milk products will take some time and work. You will have to consider what available markets are near you, what prices the market will bear, the potential extra labor for new products, etc. In Kansas, you can…...
Answer: There are many factors that can affect the quality and tenderness of beef. Some of them are caused by production, some by processing, and some by cooking. The list below identifies several resources can help you address these various factors.…...
For many beginning farmers, poultry may be the most logical livestock choice. Birds have several advantages?their small size, quick return on investment, and low start-up costs, to name a few. Poultry can be the "gateway" animal to raising larger stock…...
Answer: There are many agriculture-related funding opportunities, some of which are specifically for beginning farmers. Most funders have specific funding cycles, so it's a good idea to get familiar with various funders and their funding cycle?and with…...
Answer: The following provides a brief overview of composting systems. Keep in mind that if your operation is certified organic, you must meet the requirements for composting set by the USDA National Organic Program so as to not jeopardize your organic…...
Answer: Peach leaf curl, caused by the fungal organism Taphrina deformans, is a common disorder in peach and nectarine orchards, especially during wet springs. Infected leaves become misshapen, deformed, and necrotic, resulting in premature defoliation…...
Answer: If the buckwheat was swathed and then combined for the seed, the residue should have been uniformly spread out the back of the combine. If, however, the buckwheat was left in the swathed windrow, the grass may have a more difficult time emerging…...
Answer: While winter may be the least attractive season for your vegetable plots, there are still a lot of important things that occur during the winter months. Fall is the time to put your farm's plots to sleep so that they may be ready to spring into…...
Answer: The proper soil pH for blueberries is 4.5 to 5.0. If you have a pH of more than 5.5, it is recommended that you amend your soil to lower the pH before planting the blueberries. If you would like to get your soil pH below 5.0, then the…...
Answer: The researcher who has done the most work with corn gluten meal as a natural pre-emergence herbicide is Dr. Nick Christians at Iowa State University Department of Horticulture. Dr. Christians has looked at its use on turf (as for a golf course,…...
Answer: Washing biodiesel is easy to do and requires only water and time. Washing removes impurities, including unfiltered particulates, methanol, and glycerin. Unwashed biodiesel will not meet ASTM, formerly known as the American Society of…...
Answer: Growing fodder for livestock using hydroponics is being done throughout the country, giving farmers in drought-prone areas the ability to grow feed for livestock and also as an alternative high-protein food source for livestock. Hydroponics…...
Answer: You can grow sweet potatoes in more temperate climates with some extra steps and care. Planting Sweet potato slips need to be planted when the weather has stabilized in the late spring. If the soil temperature is at least 55?F to 65?F…...
Answer: Organic farming requires any pest-management materials used be in compliance with USDA's National Organic Program regulations and must be used in the context of organic principles for farming and handling practices. The Organic Materials…...
Answer: The establishment of a pecan orchard by planting trees in rows is how most new growers enter the pecan industry. Trees can be purchased with the cultivar already budded to the top, or planted as a seedling and grafted in the field. (To be "true…...
Answer: There are several factors that can affect the quality of water harvested off a roof, including the type of roofing material and environmental and climatic conditions. These factors can contribute to water contamination and may affect how the…...
Answer: First, it's difficult to recommend any raspberry varieties for that area. The OSU Extension's Blackberry and Raspberry Culture for the Home Garden, available at http://osufacts.okstate.edu, recommends against planting raspberries. Oklahoma and…...
Answer: Grazing chickens in orchards is mutually beneficial to the birds and for fruit production. Orchards provide shade and food, while chickens control pests, insects, and weeds; eat dropped fruit, which prevents fungus and insect infestations; and…...
Answer: There are several things to consider in your search for farmland. A thoughtful and thorough search and planning process will increase your odds of finding the right property for your unique goals. Some important questions to ask yourself that…...
Answer: Cheatgrass is an aggressive annual grass that germinates in late winter or early spring. It's best to use and repeat control techniques early in the season before flowering and seeding. Grazing and flame weeding can be used in conjunction or…...
Answer: Blossom drop is typically associated with various stresses to the tomato plants. Wide fluctuations in temperatures?extreme highs and lows? are often the culprit. Lack of pollination can be another factor. Growth regulators (such as Bonide…...
Answer: Agritourism combines agricultural sales with on-farm entertainment or activities that involve the customers. These can include hayrides, mazes, pumpkin patches, farm tours, a bed and breakfast, or other endeavors. "Pick-your-own" or "you-pick"…...
Answer: Value-added products, like mesclun mixed with calendula flowers, can generate excitement in the consumer and added income for the grower. Since many people are unfamiliar with using edible flowers, it is always a good idea to provide free…...
Answer: With severe drought an all-too-common occurrence, some farmers turn to irrigation for a solution. Irrigation may not be feasible or even desirable. Fortunately, there are management options that can increase the soil's ability to store water for…...
Answer: Cover crops could be considered the backbone of any annual cropping system that seeks to be sustainable. There are several ways to use cover crops, each delivering specific benefits for your crops or soil.A cover crop is any crop grown to…...
Answer: The soil, the environment, and farm condition benefit when the soil's natural productivity is managed in a sustainable way. Reliance on purchased inputs declines year by year, while land value and income potential increase. Some of the things we…...
Answer: Apples, Malus sp., are among the most difficult crops to grow organically. They are prone to attack by more pests than perhaps any other crop. Without effective management, the worst of these pests can be devastating?to the fruit, to the…...
Answer: There are several ways to save energy on your farm depending on what type of infrastructure and operation you have. The first step to reducing farm energy costs is determining where you use energy in your operation. One way to gauge energy use…...
Answer: The term plasticulture refers to the practice of using plastic materials in agricultural applications, most often as a plastic plant or soil covering. Organic and conventional growers in California and Florida, where most of the nation's…...
Answer: Working with bees requires a gentle touch and calm disposition. It also requires a basic understanding of the honey bees' behavior during the various seasons and during handling and moving. It is usually wise to start small, learn efficient…...
Answer: There are a tremendous number of resources to help beginning farmers and ranchers with planning, securing land, and making a success of their operations. As the premier source of sustainable agriculture information, ATTRA offers important…...
Answer: You have spent months working in the fields, and you now have a bountiful harvest of beautiful fruits and vegetables. You want to ensure that your customers will also enjoy this healthy harvest. How can you best maintain the quality and safety…...
The USDA defines Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) as a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing…...
Answer: Hoop houses generally have no heating or cooling systems other than natural solar heating and natural ventilation. As a result, hoop houses provide less control of environmental conditions than full greenhouses. However, there are design…...
Answer: The ATTRA website offers several databases, including a directory of organic seed suppliers.This database identifies organic seed sources for both agronomic and horticultural crops. Some national, mail-order suppliers of untreated seed are…...
Answer: Living fences are fences made of live trees and shrubs. Their installation and use is common in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Australia. While historically used in the United States as livestock fencing, living hedges are…...
The nutritional concern for ruminants centers around energy (i.e., carbohydrates), protein, minerals, vitamins, and water. Energy (carbohydrates) is responsible for maintenance and growth functions of the animal, and for the generation of heat. Protein…...
Answer: Adding compost?nature's own fertilizer?is one of the best ways to make the soil in your garden richer and more productive. And you can easily make it yourself, while cutting back on yard and kitchen waste. Compost is simply a product of…...
Answer: Salts are naturally found in soils and are essential to all plants and animals. Most soils naturally contain low salt levels and can provide plants with an adequate supply of nutrients necessary for plant growth. The salts are in a form that…...
Answer: Poultry will forage and utilize most ground covers if they are kept at a young stage. If the ground cover is left to grow out, the plants will become fibrous and difficult for the birds to obtain nutrients from and digest completely. The ground…...
Answer: Poultry manure is considered one of the richest animal manures and contains high levels of the macronutrients N-P-K. Fowls do not excrete excrete urine separately; therefore, the droppings need to be composted before use or they will burn the…...
Answer: Legume plants only fix nitrogen in their roots when the plant is growing. The majority of this fixation occurs prior to flowering. For example, when farmers use legumes as a cover crop to produce nitrogen, they usually terminate it during…...
Answer: Corn is grown as animal feed on many small diversified farms in rotation with pasture, legumes, or vegetables and is an excellent source of low-fiber energy for grazing ruminants. However, if corn is fed in high quantities, forage intake will…...
Answer: Spider mites on tomatoes can be either web-spinning spider mites, which can be seen with the naked eye, or tomato russet mites, which are invisible to the naked eye but leave plants with a "bronzed" appearance. It would be best to confirm the…...
Answer: Fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.) is a native annual herb in the borage family. Fiddleneck is known to be toxic to horses both in its fresh form as well as in hay (Weed Board, 2010), and this toxicity is likely caused by alkaloids in the plant…...
Answer: Gooseberry and currants are closely related (both are Ribes spp. ) and have relatively the same management requirements. Currants have three different distinct varieties--black, red, and white. Gooseberry varieties range from greenish-white to…...
Answer: Nitrate accumulation is minimized by varietal selection, fertilizer management, and timing of harvest. Nitrate concentration in vegetables typically increases with rate of nitrogen fertilization. Generally, it is best to avoid fertilizing with…...
Answer: Weeds are signs that something is happening in the field that may weaken grasses and decrease productivity. As long as a grass stand is maintained intact through proper management, the grass community will thrive. However, when some kind of…...
Answer: Understanding the energy required and consumed by your farm is the first step in planning how to reduce energy consumption, invest in more energy-efficient equipment, and select renewable energy equipment. There are a number of energy analysis…...
Answer: Sunflowers seeds have three basic components?the hull, the oil, and the seed body. The hull is very high in cellulose and other fibrous components and is largely indigestible for pigs and poultry. If the hulls of sunflowers can be removed prior…...
Answer: A great resource for organic treatments of common health problems of poultry flocks is Karma Glos's Remedies for Health Problems of the Organic Laying Flock, available at http://www.kingbirdfarm.com/Layerhealthcompendium.pdf. This compendium…...
Answer: The major insect pest of cherry is the cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cingulata and R. fausta). Failure to adequately control this pest can cause severe crop loss due to the presence of fruit fly larva (maggots) in the cherries at harvest. Both…...
Answer: The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Regulations state that producers must not use lumber treated with arsenate or other prohibited materials for new installations or replacement purposes in contact with soil or livestock. The key words here…...