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…...
Answer: Copper fungicides can be highly effective against disease and can extend the growing period, especially if applied before plants are infected with pathogen spores. However, copper fungicides can accumulate in the soil and cause health-related…...
Answer: Controlling poison ivy is a difficult task, and it may take a long period of time to get a handle on it. Here are a few options for controlling poison ivy without the use of chemical herbicides.1. Control poison ivy by constantly mowing or…...
Answer: The following electronic databases can help you choose plant materials for your agroforestry project.The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) maintains an extensive database at http://plants.usda.gov/index.html. In the column…...
Answer: Kaolin clay is probably your best bet for organic control of Japanese beetles on apples, plums, and pears. It's not quite so good for peaches because the peach fuzz retains the clay and thereby presents a marketing problem. Other pros and cons…...
P.M. ArizonaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. The following letter will provide information and resources for designing vegetable gardens for…...
S.M. West VirginiaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on organic control methods for common milkweed. Common…...
M.G. ColoradoAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information regarding starting a new farm enterprise and developing a…...
V.B. KentuckyAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on fish-based fertilizer manufacturing.Fish wastes include…...
L.D. TennesseeAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on controlling bermudagrass in vegetable crops.There are…...
M.L. CaliforniaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding pumping and filtering for your farm drip irrigation system.Pumps: Refer to the table "Factors…...
R.L. TexasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on small scale grassfed cow calf production in central Texas.…...
J.S. New YorkAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on sources for business plans for greenhouse production. Here is a list of resources on planning a greenhouse business, including links to sample business plans.Greenhouse business…...
D.S. WisconsinAnswer: Thank you for your inquiry to ATTRA the Sustainable Agriculture Information service regarding rainbarrel water catchment and overflow illustrations. The following link is a great resource for strategies for developing…...
G.C. MissouriAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding factors that affect tomato flavor.Nutrients: A recent article from the University of Wisconsin…...
C.O. MaineAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information about starting a fiber business.Like you, I am very interested in natural fibers. I am glad there are businesses (and I see that Maine has several) who process and sell yarn and…...
P.S. CaliforniaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service for comparisons across drip, trickle, flood irrigation systems in terms of energy requirements.Comparing different systems for energy…...
G.H. IdahoAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding weed management in your newly planted asparagus.As you are finding out weed management is critical to…...
C.C. MississippiAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on grain production for livestock feed.When transitioning…...
C.R. ConnecticutAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on the resistance of antibiotics and hormones to the…...
D.H. TexasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on getting started in organic hay and beef cattle production.…...
E.D. MarylandAnswer: Thank you for your ATTRA request on the stocking densities for weeder geese. According to Dave Holderread in 'The Book of Geese', "The number of weeders needed depends on factors such as time of year, climate, crop, volume of…...
G.J. IndianaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on cover crops and crop rotations for organic vegetable…...
C.G.TexasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on using high tunnels for vegetable production in warm season…...
C.D. PennsylvaniaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on spading machines.The Spading Machine is a tillage tool…...
T.L. IdahoAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on alternative cattle feeds (concentrates) as supplements for…...
P.T. MississippiAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA, The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service for information about developing a breeding stock of chickens to raise offspring for sale and meat. Tim Shell, a producer from…...
B.C. MinnesotaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information about cutworm and organic/ biorational control methods.…...
S.G. GeorgiaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding monitoring the emergence of squash vine borer. It sounds liked you have tried many strategies for…...
D.S. North CarolinaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on movable high tunnels.A moveable high tunnel offers…...
B.O. MinnesotaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on disinfecting tools and buckets used in your organic…...
S.B.Answer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information about sources of dung beetles.Current thinking on dung beetles holds that if your management is appropriate, and if there are any dung beetles around, they will find you. They can fly great…...
T.C. TennesseeAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on controlling thorny locust.Brush Control Practices…...
J. S. CaliforniaAnswer: Horses can be grazed successfully with other livestock species. There are really no behavioral reasons why they should not, but the main consideration when grazing animals of different species on the same pasture is uniform…...
R.B. MinnesotaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information about achieving recognition of your fertilizer products as allowed for use in organic production. I state it that way, because input materials are not actually "certified", but…...
J.M. WashingtonAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information and plans for no-till roller-crimpers for cover crops.The…...
A.S. MississippiAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding energy self-audits for your farm.Understanding the energy required and consumed by your farm is…...
G.F. WisconsinAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on design plans for hoop houses. Below is a brief…...
C.Z. VirginiaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on flame weeding.Flame weeding is a non-chemical weed control…...
P.S. VirginiaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding grants, loans, and other financial assistance for a solar electric system. Focusing just on solar,…...
S.H. MarylandAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on permanent raised bed systems.Permanent raised bed systems…...
R.D. New YorkAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information regarding evaluating an enterprise for your prospective farm…...
G.C. WashingtonAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with technical information resources on aquaculture methodologies and system…...
D.O. ArizonaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information regarding organic strawberry production in hoop houses.Below…...
J.S. MinnesotaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, for information on determining beef yields. Below are a few resources that should be helpful to you.The first link is to Colorado State…...
T.S. KansasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding energy efficient lambing and lactation barns. Using passive ventilation and lighting methods, like we…...
R.G. Florida Answer: Thank you for requesting information from ATTRA on field production of rosemary in Florida?as raw material for your nutraceutical extraction facility and for sales to the herbal and spices industry. Referenced below are some…...
J.K. CaliforniaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information regarding vegetable production and planting guides. North…...
B.S. New YorkAnswer: Thank you for your question on snail and slug management. This letter provides information about control options for both snails and slugs. Snails and slugs are one of the more common and serious pests in the vegetable…...
Thank you for contacting ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. There are many organizations and websites that have classified sections and list sustainable agriculture jobs. The following are just a few of the resources that…...
B.S. TexasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information regarding starting a farmers market and EBT options for markets.…...
F.W. KentuckyAnswer: The mechanical roller-crimper is a tool that "rolls down" and "crimps" the stalks of cover crops for no-till weed suppression. Mechanical suppression of cover crops for no-till production can be accomplished through various kinds…...
J.J. GeorgiaAnswer: As a guideline, to completely eliminate pests, maintain 158°F or higher for 30 minutes, or 140°F or higher for one hour. It might be difficult to get your greenhouse to that temperature without incorporating another form…...
J.B. MontanaAnswer: These are some of our favorite resources on the subject of vegetation management with goats. Two chapters from the Targeted Grazing Manual (available on-line and by ordering from the American Sheep Industry) regarding…...
K.E. WashingtonAnswer: Animal manure, both organic and conventional, is approved for use on organic farms, subject to certain restrictions. The relevant sections of the National Organic Standards are listed below. The standards state that manure…...
J.D. IdahoAnswer: Your research request suggests that you are primarily interested in hydroponic strawberry production. Hydroponic means that a non-soil based medium is used as a substrate and fertilizer and pest control happens through the…...
N.M. North CarolinaAnswer: In general, melons prefer an average soil pH. of 6.0 to 7.0. It is critical that the ground be warm enough for the seeds to germinate! Plant melons 4 to 6 feet apart and sow the seeds 1 inch deep. To get the plants off…...
V.C. OhioAnswer: A quick search on the Cornell Ornithology website revealed that black-oil sunflower seeds are most preferred by birds. While you can also include the larger, striped sunflower varieties, the smaller, oilseed varieties are enjoyed by…...
P.L. CaliforniaAnswer: It is very important that you identify the pest, in this case nematodes, correctly, otherwise, any control measures may end up wasting time and money, not to mention being ineffective in controlling the pest. Have you…...
B.H. MinnesotaAnswer: 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…...
D.S. West VirginiaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding blossom end rot in your tomatoes.Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder of tomatoes and…...
J.S. New YorkAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on sources for business plans for greenhouse production. Here is a list of resources on planning a greenhouse business, including links to sample business plans.Greenhouse business…...
J.G. WashingtonAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on preventing and controlling thistles in forage crops.…...
S.H. PennsylvaniaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on using compost teas to control brown rot. I cannot answer your question directly because both scientific and anecdotal evidence indicate that you cannot gain a commercial level…...
G.C. MissouriAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding factors that affect tomato flavor.Nutrients: A recent article from the University of Wisconsin…...
H.V. PennsylvaniaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) native pollinator programs.Please see the NRCS Technical Note, "Using Farm Bill Programs for Pollinator Conservation"…...
B.J. CaliforniaAnswer: Thank you for requesting information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, regarding organic poultry production. Regarding the source of organic poultry, the national organic standards are as…...
F.W. KentuckyAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on the application of compost.There are several different…...
C.G. WisconsinAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on plans for aquaponics systems.Two authoritative guidebooks…...
B.A. KansasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on the use of molasses for weed control.Molasses is a byproduct…...
C.G. TexasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on using high tunnels for vegetable production in warm season…...
F.E. New MexicoAnswer: Thank you for your question about rearing ladybugs. I have pasted an excerpt from the book, BENEFICIAL INSECTS - HOW TO MASS-REAR FOR A PROFIT because is addresses your question rather well. As this excerpt notes, most…...
C.C. FloridaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding mist irrigation tools to maintain vegetative cuttings. A sprinkling system based from drip tube…...
M.R. ArkansasAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on developing a whole farm plan for transitioning to organic…...
G.J. IndianaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on cover crops and crop rotations for organic vegetable…...
K.A. New JerseyAnswer: Thank you for your request to ATTRA regarding fresh vs. frozen poultry.The advantage of fresh over frozen poultry to the consumer is that of convenience since there is no need for the product to be thawed before cooking. It…...
R.O. MassachusettsAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on estimating the labor hours needed for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm based on the number acres or amount of sales. Following are a few resources that should…...
S.H.Georgia Answer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information regarding greenhouse lettuce and winter crop production and…...
B.C. MinnesotaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information about cutworm and organic/ biorational control methods.…...
K.K. WisconsinAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information about commercial sprouts production. Please read the on-line sprouts publication available on the ATTRA website.Here is the link:…...
T.B. OklahomaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA with your request for information on your flock's diet. Please refer to the ATTRA publication 'Pastured Poultry Nutrition', a nutrition publication written by poultry nutritionist, Jeff…...
P.M. ArizonaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA, I am pleased to provide you with information on systems for dryland gardening. This case letter will address information and resources for dryland gardening.Your experience with the three…...
T.H. KansasAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on pricing cuts of beef. The following resources will allow you to determine yield and price for retail beef cuts.University of Vermont Meat Yield Calculation Spreadsheet You…...
P.M. ArizonaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on Jerusalem artichoke (or sunchoke) production.Jerusalem…...
W.S. North CarolinaAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on water buffalo.The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)…...
M.S. New MexicoAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Unfortunately, there is very little information on using solar or wind to heat a hoop house. Most of…...
W.R. MinnesotaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on converting a pasture to organic grain crops without using herbicide or tillage. This is a tricky question. Obviously, you have figured out that you want to keep the soil…...
T.G. WisconsinAnswer: Thank you for calling ATTRA to request information about elderberry production. Elderberry, Sambucas Canadensis, is a native plant throughout much of the U.S. The fruit and flowers are edible, and are traditionally used…...
P.J. WashingtonAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on energy efficiency measures for dairy farms. In Appendix 2 of NCAT's report "Farm Energy Audits: Availability, Usefulness, and Cost"(Audit Program Profiles), we asked several…...
R.L. KentuckyAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on current markets for ginseng and goldenseal. First, see ATTRA's publication Ginseng, Goldenseal, and Other Native Roots as it contains helpful production information.Also,…...
W.D. West VirginiaAnswer: Thank you for your request to ATTRA for information regarding the control of worms in your poultry flock. Worms are a common problem in flocks, and healthy birds often live harmoniously with low levels of worms. Proactive…...
L.L. WashingtonAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on agricultural implements for use with draft horses.…...
M.R. MissouriAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on how to calculate the amount of seeds to buy based on the number of CSA shares. I have listed several resources below, each of which I would encourage you to explore before…...
S.R. Rhode IslandAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on wildlife damage management for market gardeners and…...
Thank you for contacting ATTRA for information on crop rotation. The following resources should be helpful to you. First of all, here is a good website from UW Extension on rotations prior to 1940 (pre-herbicide era). The article contrasts the…...
Thank you for your request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding the use of biochar for soil fertility and carbon sequestration. Please see the following links and contacts for further…...
J.F. VermontAnswer: I am pleased to provide you with barn designs to house multiple species of livestock. Cattle require shelter from extreme heat and cold, but the shelter need not be extravagant. For cattle, the lower critical temperature at…...
N.S. KentuckyAnswer: I am pleased to provide you with information on greenhouse strawberry production. In North America, greenhouse production of horticulture crops has been somewhat limited primarily to tomatoes and greens. Many consumers in the…...
H.L. ArkansasAnswer: Dahlias are currently among the most popular and best selling cut flowers. They can be grown from tubers or cuttings and are very productive; they bloom in northwest Arkansas from late June until frost. Dahlias come in many…...
F.W. KentuckyAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA with your request for information on how to build a walk in cooler. Lynn Byczynski, in her recent book Market Farming Success, has a good section on coolers. Byczynski and her husband were…...
M.Y. IndianaAnswer: Thank you for your contacting ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, for information about corn gluten meal for weed management. The herbicidal qualities of corn gluten meal were discovered…...
S.J. MississippiAnswer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. I am pleased to provide you with information on small livestock production on a sub-acreage farm.…...
G.F. FloridaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA with your request for information on urban poultry. In planning to try and change your city's ordinances in regards to poultry, it may be helpful to look at other urban poultry groups who have…...
R.H. OhioAnswer: Thank you for requesting information from ATTRA on controlling black knot in your 30 acre organic plum and peach orchard. Black knot is caused by a fungus called Apiosporina morbosa. It can infect wild cherry and plum trees,…...
E.H. Wyoming Answer: I am pleased to provide you with information on constructing a Walipini-style greenhouse. The Walipini is an underground or pit greenhouse that utilizes nature's resources to provide a warm, stable, well-lit environment for…...
W.K. Oklahoma Answer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA with your request for information on composting poultry litter. I understand you are interested in composting existing poultry litter in empty broiler houses. I've compiled some information on…...
M.M. South CarolinaAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA with your request for information on the production of French guinea fowl.Please refer to Raising Guinea Fowl (PDF/1MB), a publication by the USDA. The publication dates back to 1976 when…...
Answer: Thank you for your recent request for information from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service regarding growing hot peppers for market.Before growing hot peppers for market, I recommend evaluating your clientele to see…...
N.K. IndianaAnswer: Thank you for requesting information from ATTRA on growing saffron.In my saffron file, I have notes on a follow-up report by phone from a Texas farmer who, in the mid 1990s, had been very excited about growing saffron. He had…...
T.K. North CarolinaAnswer: I am pleased to provide you with informational resources on small-scale market farming.Many decisions about crops are made on an ad hoc basis, once production starts, since farming is weather-dependent, and unlike most…...
A.K. New YorkAnswer: I am pleased to provide you with information regarding greenhouse production, budgeting, and marketing.In general, in is important to consider growing higher value products in greenhouses to offset the labor and cost of setting…...
E.B. WisconsionAnswer: I am pleased to provide you information on tomato diseases; in particular, late blight and blossom end rot. Late blight is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. A fact sheet from Ohio State University is referenced…...
P.C. MichiganAnswer: Thank you for contacting ATTRA with your request for information on the addition of ducks into a rotational grazing system. Ducks can be raised in similar production systems as chickens, and be included in a rotational…...
D.M. FloridaAnswer: I am pleased to provide you with information on grass-fed beef certifications. There are a few opportunities nation-wide to certify beef operations to a standard and obtain a label for grass-fed and other management practices.…...
S.M. IndianaAnswer: Thank you for your request to ATTRA for information on pastured layers. Although we do not have a publication specific to raising pastured layers, several ATTRA publications contain relevant information such as Range Poultry…...
Answer: NCAT's ATTRA: Sustainable Agriculture Information Service provides a self-listing directory of farms seeking interns. (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/internships/)Our on-site Disclaimer reads:All listings are submitted to this site by…...
J.N. WashingtonAnswer: I am pleased to provide you with information on wheel line irrigation operation and maintenance.You may be interested in requesting a copy of The NCAT Guide to Efficient Irrigation, which is a 158-page take-to-the-field…...