www.sare.org publications clean-energy-farming biofuels emerging-ethanol-feedstocks Emerging Feedstocks for Ethanol In addition to switchgrass, researchers are currently exploring more than 81 fuel sources for ethanol, including: Hulless Barley: Barley can do double duty as a cover crop and energy crop. Hybrid Poplars: These poplars can be planted on marginal land, and converted into ethanol or used directly for heat. Poplars have excellent energy crop potential […]
www.sare.org publications clean-energy-farming capture-fuel-from-animal-manure-and-plant-waste biodiesel-101 Biodiesel 101 Know the Blends: Biodiesel can be used in any standard unmodified diesel engine and in any percentage — from B2, a 2-percent biodiesel mixed with 98 percent petroleum, to pure biodiesel, known as B100. Prepare for Cold Weather: Cold weather can be a problem for high-percentage blends of biodiesel. B100, for example, will cloud at […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems profiles Profiles of Farm Diversification The following profiles demonstrate how producers across the U.S. successfully tested strategies that helped them diversify their farms, enhancing profits, achieving environmental benefits and aiding their communities. They Diversified to Survive The Beguins had one compelling reason to diversify: “We wanted to keep the ranch,” said Robert Beguin of Rushville, Neb. With only 120 cow-calf […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems strengthen-community Strengthen Community When farmers diversify, they create opportunities for their communities to benefit. One way is grower to grower: Teaming up to market alternative crops can spread the workload, while co-buying seed or equipment can lower costs. Sharing knowledge, farm to farm, can enhance crop performance. Some farmers even share labor. Sustaining Communities The concept can be […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems agroforestry Agroforestry Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs with crop or livestock operations to create more diverse farms, ranches and communities. Research and field demonstrations of a wide range of practices from around the country prove that trees and shrubs provide numerous economic and environmental benefits. Those benefits have not been lost on farmers and ranchers, who are […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems protect-natural-resources Protect Natural Resources Cover Crop Use and Management Planting cover crops between cash crops provides a great opportunity for farmers and ranchers to diversify. In addition to improving soil quality, cover crops slow runoff, crowd out weeds, prevent nitrogen leaching, provide habitat for wildlife and beneficial organisms, and can even be grazed or harvested. “Preventing erosion is perhaps […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems marketing-strategies-and-profit-potential Marketing Strategies and Profit Potential Marketing is probably the most important consideration when contemplating new crops. While conventional grain producers tend to use the relatively straightforward route of taking the harvested crop to the local grain elevator, diversified growers should not expect convenient delivery with new or alternative crops. Instead, you should consider: Researching the market before planting. Developing a […]
www.sare.org publications diversifying-cropping-systems why-diversify Why Diversify? Diverse Crops Bring Diverse Benefits Farmers and agricultural scientists have known for years that crop rotations can break insect and disease cycles, reduce weeds, curb erosion, supplement soil nutrients, improve soil structure and conserve soil moisture. Diversification can also: soften impacts on environmental resources spread farmers’ economic risk exploit profitable niche markets create new industries […]
www.sare.org publications managing-cover-crops-profitably appendix-f Appendix F - Citations Bibliography The publications cited in the text (in parentheses) are listed here by reference number. 1 Abdul-Baki, A. A. et al. 1997. Broccoli production in forage soybean and foxtail millet cover crop mulches. HortSci. 32:836-839. 2 Abdul-Baki, A. A. and J. R. Teasdale. 1993. A no-tillage tomato production system using hairy vetch and subterranean clover mulches. HortSci. […]
www.sare.org publications managing-cover-crops-profitably appendix-b Appendix B for Up and Coming Cover Crops Appendix B Up and Coming Cover Crops Balansa clover Identified as a promising new cover crop in screening trials throughout the Southeastern U.S., balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum Savi) is a small-seeded annual legume with superior reseeding potential compared with other legumes, including crimson clover. Well-adapted to a wide range of soil types, balansa performs particularly […]