www.sare.org resources what-is-sustainable-agriculture What is Sustainable Agriculture? A simple way to think about sustainable agriculture is that it involves producing enough food and fiber to satisfy today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Farmers and ranchers who value sustainability embrace three common goals while running productive operations: To achieve these sustainability goals, a farmer typically views […]
www.sare.org resources northeast-farm-energy-iq Northeast Farm Energy IQ Farm Energy IQ offers free information to help farmers enhance operational sustainability in the context of the farm economy and ecosystem. Each topic area includes a module overview, Train the Trainer presentation, farmer presentation, and educational materials such as fact sheets, activities, case studies, images, decision support tools, and checklists.
www.sare.org resources the-sustainability-of-biofuel-fact-sheet-series The Sustainability of Biofuel Fact Sheet Series The following peer-reviewed fact sheets are available on eXtension.org: Biodiesel and the Food vs. Fuel Debate Biodiversity and Biofuel Production Biofuels and Greenhouse Gas Reductions Biomass Feedstocks and Energy Independence Diverse Plant Mixtures for Sustainable Biofuels Environmental Life Cycle Analysis of Biodiesel Genetically Modified Organisms for Bioenergy Systems Introduction to Energy Efficient Irrigation Introduction to […]
www.sare.org resources developing-an-energy-efficient-solar-heated-greenhouse-in-maryland Developing an Energy Efficient, Solar-Heated Greenhouse in Maryland The lack of year-round availability of locally grown food and food processing infrastructure are the greatest barriers to increasing the consumption of local food in western Maryland. If an economical, year-round or extended food production system could be developed, it would lead to increased demand for locally produced food, which in turn would foster the […]
www.sare.org resources cover-crops-and-no-till-management-for-organic-systems Cover Crops and No-Till Management for Organic Systems This Rodale Institute fact sheet reviews the use of cover crops and no-till in organic systems, including selection, establishment and mechanical termination of cover crops; crop rotations; and energy and production budgets.
www.sare.org resources thermal-banking-for-cold-storage Thermal Banking for Cold Storage The thermal banking technology that Steven Schwen uses in his innovative greenhouse (see Sustainable Energy: Thermal Banking Greenhouse Design) applies not only to conservation of heat, but to cold storage and refrigeration. In this short companion video, Schwen discusses his plans for an ice house at his farm in Minnesota, and how this project is […]
www.sare.org resources thermal-banking-greenhouses Thermal Banking Greenhouses At Minnesota’s latitude, farmers who can extend their growing season have a distinct advantage in the marketplace: By offering a product outside the “normal” growing season, they can often receive a higher price. That’s what Steven Schwen (Earthen Path Organic Farm) has done with his greenhouse, starting earlier in the year with seedlings of warm-season […]
www.sare.org resources greenhouse-energy-conservation-strategies-and-alternative-fuels Greenhouse Energy Conservation Strategies and Alternative Fuels Includes curriculum materials, extension bulletins, resource lists, and a greenhouse energy model that were developed with the intention that educators can use the materials in full or part to deliver programming on energy management and conservation for greenhouse production. Presentations were developed with the assistance of an NCR-SARE Professional Development grant for the education of […]
www.sare.org resources small-scale-biogas-technology Small-Scale Biogas Technology Biogas technology can be used on small farms to turn on-farm organic wastes (manure, on-farm food processing) into a clean, renewable source of energy for on-farm applications. The small-scale biogas technology website, developed by Washington State University, presents resources and publications on biogas technology, including an enterprise assessment tool.
www.sare.org resources clean-energy-farming Clean Energy Farming Across the country, as energy prices climb, farmers are turning more and more to clean energy practices. From energy-saving light bulbs to solar panels to fuels grown and processed on the farm, farmers are making their operations more profitable, efficient and cleaner. Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables features innovative SARE-funded research and […]