www.sare.org resources tarping-in-the-northeast-a-guide-for-small-farms Tarping in the Northeast: A Guide for Small Farms Reusable tarps, including black plastic (silage tarps), clear plastic and landscape fabric, are multi-functional, accessible tools that are increasingly popular on small farms. The use of opaque materials that block light is frequently called “occultation,” while the use of clear tarps is called “solarization.” The use of the word "tarping” is a general term to […]
www.sare.org resources farming-with-soil-life Farming with Soil Life This handbook, created by The Xerces Society, dives into soil biology. It provides a connection between healthy soils and healthy invertebrates found in temperate agricultural soils. Farming with Soil Life starts with a review of soil basics, including the functions, classifications and properties (physical, biological and chemical) of soil. It provides detailed methods on how […]
www.sare.org resources building-sustainable-farms-ranches-and-communities Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities This guide lists funding opportunities offered by federal programs, and is indispensable for anyone seeking government help to foster their innovative enterprise in forestry and agriculture. Specifically, it addresses program resources in community development; sustainable land management; and value-added and diversified agriculture and forestry. Thus, it can help farmers, entrepreneurs, community developers, conservationists, and many […]
www.sare.org resources applying-for-the-conservation-stewardship-program-csp Applying for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) This plain language guide from New Entry Sustainable Farming Project provides information to farmers who are interested in applying for the USDA-NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which pays farmers to maintain, improve and adopt conservation systems. The guide explains program eligibility and how to apply. Download now: Applying for CSP.pdf 1.80 MB Plain language guides […]
www.sare.org resources applying-for-environmental-quality-incentives-program-eqip Applying for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) This plain language guide from New Entry Sustainable Farming Project introduces readers to the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which pays farmers and ranchers to implement practices that protect water, soil and air quality. The guide explains eligibility for EQIP, how to apply and how the money can be used. Download now: Applying for […]
northcentral.sare.org resources the-financial-implications-of-conservation-agriculture-insights-from-analyses-of-farms-in-the-upper-midwest The Financial Implications of Conservation Agriculture: Insights from Analyses of Farms in the Upper Midwest Farmers and ranchers are increasingly interested in conservation practices to strengthen soil health and improve water quality for present and future generations. Conservation practices can also help farmers improve their profitability in the face of increasingly volatile weather and uncertain market conditions. Some farmers and ranchers hesitate to adopt these practices because of perceived financial […]
northcentral.sare.org resources training-manual-for-applied-agroforestry-practices Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices Agroforestry practices help landowners diversify products, markets, and farm income; improve soil and water quality; and reduce erosion, non-point source pollution, and flood damage. The integrated agroforestry practices enhance land and aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife and improve biodiversity while sustaining land resources for generations to come. Printed in 2013 and revised in 2018 […]
northcentral.sare.org resources handbook-for-agroforestry-planning-and-design Handbook for Agroforestry Planning and Design Agroforestry practices help landowners diversify products, markets, and farm income; improve soil and water quality; and reduce erosion, non-point source pollution, and flood damage. The integrated agroforestry practices enhance land and aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife and improve biodiversity while sustaining land resources for generations to come. Together with the Training Manual for Applied […]
northcentral.sare.org resources women-caring-for-the-land-improving-conservation-outreach-to-female-non-operator-farmland-owners-curriculum-manual Women Caring for the Land: Improving Conservation Outreach to Female Non-Operator Farmland Owners Curriculum Manual The percentage of women who are sole landowners is rising. Many women express strong conservation values in meetings and surveys but are often unsure of how to turn those values into action as they have not been involved in farm management decisions in the past. Women farmland owners are a vital segment of the conservation partnership […]
northeast.sare.org resources cornell-soil-health-assessment Cornell Soil Health Assessment The Cornell soil health assessment was created to help farmers develop appropriate management solutions to build healthy soils. Visit the Cornell soil health website to find more information about the assessment, Cornell's soil health testing services, and a training manual that provides a how-to guide for soil sampling and guidelines on how to conduct your own soil […]