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Grown on 2 million acres
in the U.S., dry edible beans command higher prices than soybeans,
in part to cover more care in harvesting and post-harvest handling.
– Photo by Mandy Rodrigues |
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Managing an alternative crop presents different challenges than
raising a more traditional crop. Producers trying alternatives may
need to tap into a loose network of other growers. Crop-specific
organizations or newsletters can provide valuable information. (See
“Resources”)
Always begin with small test plots rather than large acreages
of an unfamiliar crop. Planting single rows or small patches of
three or more alternative crops – multiple varieties if possible
– the first year can yield invaluable information. In the
second year, increase the area devoted to testing and perhaps reduce
the number of varieties or crops. By the third year, it will be
evident which crops and varieties offer the best potential.
Seed selection. For most alternative crops, far
fewer seed varieties are available. Often, you need to look far
afield from the typical seed sources. Contact crop buyers before
purchasing seed to see whether they have contract stipulations for
certain varieties. Obtain university variety test data or test a
few varieties before planting a large acreage of a single variety
of an unfamiliar crop.
Planting. Most alternative crops have not been
bred for vigorous seedling growth and thus can be more difficult
to establish. As with any crop, careful planting is crucial to its
success. For specific planting guidelines, talk to your seed dealer,
Extension educator or the organizations listed in “Resources”.
Although many summer annual crops have a reasonably wide window
of planting times, especially in southern regions, winter annual
crops must be planted by a specific time to survive. No-till planting
is possible with many alternative crops, but mediocre seedling vigor,
shallow planting requirements and lack of effective insect control
can be challenges for no-till establishment.
Pest management. Pest management for alternative
crops depends both on the potential marketplace – organic
or conventional – and the availability of pest control tools
and strategies. Since few, if any, pesticides are registered for
most alternative crops, you may need to rely on organic pest control
strategies such as crop rotation or biological control agents.
Harvesting. Alternative fruits and vegetables
may require labor-intensive hand harvest. Mechanical harvest of
alternative grains and oilseeds is usually feasible with conventional
equipment, but equipment adjustments or modifications may be necessary,
at least to adjust for seed size.
Some alternative grains have “lodging” or seed shatter
problems that make a timely harvest especially important. Since
many alternative crops do not dry down evenly in the field before
harvest, some air drying of stored grain may be necessary.
Insurance. Although producers can obtain crop
insurance for sunflowers and other widely grown alternative species,
it is not available for some new crops. USDA disaster payments may
sometimes be applied to alternative crops when droughts or other
widespread crop losses occur. If federal crop insurance does not
cover an alternative crop, producers can apply for “non-insured
crop disaster assistance” through their local Farm Service
Agency office. See USDA’s
Risk Management Agency website for more information. <www.rma.usda.gov/policies/>
Challenges to Diversifying Your System
Like any new venture, diversifying your farm will pose some new
challenges. However, being prepared and calling on experts for advice
(see “Resources”) can help
you surmount most obstacles. Some of the most common include:
 Market
development. Expect to conduct substantial research.
Information
on varietal performance, best management practices and post-harvest
handling and storage may be hard to find. See “Resources”
for groups that can help.
Seed
selection may be limited and plant establishment may be difficult.
Pesticides
labeled for alternative crops may not be available. Diverse systems
can help break pest life cycles.
A need
to modify or replace equipment. Consider that hand labor may occasionally
be the only viable option.
Harvesting,
post-harvest handling and storage considerations, with possible
additional costs.
Locating
local businesses and infrastructure for handling, transporting,
processing, storing and marketing.
Price
swings for alternative crops. The more diverse your crop list,
the better you can buffer your economic risk.
Contracts.
Sometimes contracts are not available for alternative crops every
year – or at all.
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