ASK OUR SUSTAINABLE FARMING EXPERTS!

April 24, 2008

Finding the perfect land (and the funding for it) is not an easy undertaking, but thankfully there are many helpful resources to assist you. For those wishing to delve into the wonderful world of organic farming, the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) is an excellent place to start. Their Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunities page has just what you’re looking for, including advice on how to locate land that suits your purpose, how to obtain financing, and how to specialize your endeavor for today’s market trends. As far as grants for 2008 are concerned, it’s too late to apply for some, but because you’re still looking for land, I assume 2009 is the timeframe you had in mind. The type and availability of grants will vary depending on the outcome of the farm bill, but the current bill is likely to be extended for another year. Watch the regularly updated funding opportunities listed on ATTRA’s (National Sustainable Agriculture Network) Web site, and contact your local USDA Rural Development office (here’s the contact info for North Carolina) for other options regarding grants. You can read more about finding land in How to Find Your Dream Homestead. Best of luck!

April 7, 2008

Prairie ecosystems evolved along with great herds of grazers until each came to depend on the other for existence. Animals like bison and cattle, when managed so they graze an area hard for a short time then move on, will do wonders to enhance the soil and the prairie matrix (even though when they are moved off the area, it looks torn up). The seemingly violent event causes plant roots to die back (because their photosynthesizing tops have been mowed off), which deposits organic matter directly into the soil. The root dieback also creates additional channels in the soil matrix that enhance water and gas transport.

March 24, 2008

I’m glad you got some goats. They’re great. They do, however, like to get out and go on adventures.

Are you sure your goats are jumping out? They do jump, of course, but most goat owners discover that their animals are more likely to go under the fence than over it.

Either way, the goat owner’s friend is electric netting. Electric netting is relatively affordable and can be charged either from a battery at the outlet or from a solar unit. Best of all, it’s easy to move, so you can put it around the berries in berry season and around the tomatoes during tomato season. And because the goats won’t want any contact with the netting, they aren’t likely to go under or over it.

If you can’t afford to enclose the whole pasture, you can easily move the netting every few days. It’s a great way to manage your forage.

March 10, 2008

Basically, all you have to do is raise them as free-range poultry, so they can choose what they want to eat.

When chickens (as well as cattle, pigs and other livestock) are allowed to eat their natural diet, numerous studies have shown that their eggs, milk and meat tends to be richer is several important nutrients (see www.eatwild.com for lots of details). Tests conducted by Mother Earth News found that, compared to the standard values reported by the USDA for commercial eggs, hens raised on pasture produced eggs with two-thirds more vitamin A, twice the omega-3 fatty acids, three times more vitamin E and seven times more beta carotene. The tests also showed that pastured eggs had one-third less cholesterol and a quarter of the saturated fat. In addition, fresh eggs from pastured hens taste better and provide more “lift” in baked goods.

What is organic anyway? That is the topic for another day, but requires excellent record keeping, soil improvement, and doesn’t allow farmers to use genetically modified seeds, sewage sludge, soluble commercial fertilizers or synthetic pesticides.

To get certified organic, first become familiar with the new organic guidelines. Beginning in 2002, everyone must follow the new national guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture if they use the word organic, or be subject to a $10,000 fine. The center for Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas, known as ATTRA, has an 800 number hotline (800-346-9140) and a great website with publications about organic practices. A full copy of the national organic standards, frequently asked questions, and a list of certifying agencies can be found at the National Organic Standards Web site.

Most farm supply stores carry chicks in the spring, and sometimes they can even special order whatever breed you want. Or for a much wider selection (available in summer and fall too), you can order chicks from a mail-order hatchery. When chicks hatch, they have enough food reserves left from the egg that they do not have to eat or drink for several days. This makes it possible for hatcheries to ship day-old chicks in the mail. When the chicks arrive at the post office, someone there will call you to come pick them up. It's great fun, because the loud peeping of the chicks causes everyone nearby to smile as you carry them out.