2. What is sustainability?What is sustainability?
““Leave the world better than you found it, take noLeave the world better than you found it, take no
more than you need, try not to harm life or themore than you need, try not to harm life or the
environment, make amends if you do.environment, make amends if you do.””
––Paul HawkenPaul Hawken
““Sustainable design is the careful nesting of humanSustainable design is the careful nesting of human
purposes with the larger patterns and flows of thepurposes with the larger patterns and flows of the
natural world...natural world...””
––David OrrDavid Orr
The word "sustain," from the LatinThe word "sustain," from the Latin sustineresustinere ((sussus--,,
from below andfrom below and teneretenere, to hold), to keep in existence, to hold), to keep in existence
or maintain, implies longor maintain, implies long--term support orterm support or
permanence.permanence.
3. What is sustainable agriculture?What is sustainable agriculture?
A farm system that mimics as closely asA farm system that mimics as closely as
possible the complexity of a healthy andpossible the complexity of a healthy and
natural ecosystem.natural ecosystem.
Goals include:Goals include:
Providing a more profitable farm income.Providing a more profitable farm income.
Promoting environmental stewardship.Promoting environmental stewardship.
Promoting stable, prosperous farmPromoting stable, prosperous farm
families and communities.families and communities.
4. Sustainable Agriculture:Sustainable Agriculture:
Reduces inputs.Reduces inputs.
Uses ecological pest and weed managementUses ecological pest and weed management
strategies.strategies.
Cycles nutrients back into the soil for fertilityCycles nutrients back into the soil for fertility
and health.and health.
Strengthens rural and urban communities.Strengthens rural and urban communities.
Produces viable farm income.Produces viable farm income.
Promotes healthy family and social values.Promotes healthy family and social values.
Brings the consumer back into agriculture.Brings the consumer back into agriculture.
5. Sustainable AgricultureSustainable Agriculture
Sustainable describes farming systemsSustainable describes farming systems
that are "capable of maintaining theirthat are "capable of maintaining their
productivity and usefulness to societyproductivity and usefulness to society
indefinitely. Such systems... must beindefinitely. Such systems... must be
resourceresource--conserving, sociallyconserving, socially
supportive, commercially competitive,supportive, commercially competitive,
and environmentally sound." [Johnand environmentally sound." [John
Ikerd, as quoted by Richard DuesterhausIkerd, as quoted by Richard Duesterhaus
in "Sustainability's Promise,"in "Sustainability's Promise," Journal ofJournal of
Soil and Water ConservationSoil and Water Conservation (Jan.(Jan.--Feb.Feb.
1990) 45(1).1990) 45(1).
6. Types of Sustainable FarmingTypes of Sustainable Farming
Organic farmingOrganic farming
BiodynamicBiodynamic
PermaculturePermaculture
AgroecologicalAgroecological SystemsSystems
LowLow--inputinput
8. Why Sustainable Agriculture?Why Sustainable Agriculture?
Economic concentration of agribusiness givesEconomic concentration of agribusiness gives
farmers little power or control over production,farmers little power or control over production,
marketing and distribution.marketing and distribution.
Loss of farmsLoss of farms ----155,000 farms were lost from155,000 farms were lost from
1987 to 1997 and 30 million acres have been1987 to 1997 and 30 million acres have been
lost to development.lost to development.
9. Active marketingPassive marketing
Multiple-use equipmentSingle-use equipment
Higher value productsLow-value products
Diversity of plants and animalsMonoculture
Many enterprisesSingle enterprise
Enterprise integrationEnterprise separation
Farm as ecosystemFarm as factory
Cyclical processLinear process
Information intensiveEnergy intensive
Biological modelIndustrial model
Table 1. Comparison of the industrial and biological models of
agriculture.
10. ““The best way to communicate the meaning ofThe best way to communicate the meaning of
sustainable agriculture is through realsustainable agriculture is through real--life stories oflife stories of
farmers who are developing sustainable farmingfarmers who are developing sustainable farming
systems on their own farms.systems on their own farms.””
--JohnJohn IkerdIkerd
11. Environmental SustainabilityEnvironmental Sustainability
Sustainable agriculture can be viewed as managementSustainable agriculture can be viewed as management
of a production system where there is a multitude ofof a production system where there is a multitude of
complex interactions occurring between soil, water,complex interactions occurring between soil, water,
plants, animals, climate and people.plants, animals, climate and people.
TheThe GOALGOAL is to integrate all these components into ais to integrate all these components into a
solid production system that benefits all participants.solid production system that benefits all participants.
Farms stay environmentally sustainable by mimickingFarms stay environmentally sustainable by mimicking
natural processes and ecosystem function.natural processes and ecosystem function.
Diversifying our farms with various enterprises, bothDiversifying our farms with various enterprises, both
animals and crops, we manage risks a whole lot better.animals and crops, we manage risks a whole lot better.
14. Farm as an Ecosystem: Energy FlowFarm as an Ecosystem: Energy Flow
Energy flow is the pathway of sunlight through aEnergy flow is the pathway of sunlight through a
biological system.biological system.
In relation to the farm, energy capture is enhanced byIn relation to the farm, energy capture is enhanced by
maximizing the leaf area available for photsynthesismaximizing the leaf area available for photsynthesis
and by cycling the stored energy through the foodand by cycling the stored energy through the food
chain.chain.
We make money in farming by capturing sunlightWe make money in farming by capturing sunlight ––
in essence, we are farming the sun (and the soil).in essence, we are farming the sun (and the soil).
16. Farm as an Ecosystem: Water CycleFarm as an Ecosystem: Water Cycle
An effective water cycle includes: no soilAn effective water cycle includes: no soil
erosion, fast water entry into the soil and theerosion, fast water entry into the soil and the
soilsoil’’s ability to store water.s ability to store water.
Management decisions on the farm that add toManagement decisions on the farm that add to
ground cover and soil organic matter onlyground cover and soil organic matter only
enhance the natural water cycle.enhance the natural water cycle.
Effective water use on the farm results in low surfaceEffective water use on the farm results in low surface
runoff, low soil surface evaporation, low droughtrunoff, low soil surface evaporation, low drought
incidence, low flood incidence, high transpiration byincidence, low flood incidence, high transpiration by
plants and high seepage of water to undergroundplants and high seepage of water to underground
reservoirs (Savory and Butterfield, 1999).reservoirs (Savory and Butterfield, 1999).
17. Water Cycle. Source: United States Climate Change Global Research Program, 2001.
18. Farm as an Ecosystem:Farm as an Ecosystem:
Mineral CycleMineral Cycle
In nature, minerals needed for plant and animalIn nature, minerals needed for plant and animal
growth are continuously being recycledgrowth are continuously being recycled
through the ecosystem.through the ecosystem.
An effective mineral cycle is one where thereAn effective mineral cycle is one where there
is a movement of nutrients from the soil tois a movement of nutrients from the soil to
crops and animals and then back to the soil,crops and animals and then back to the soil,
basicallybasically a circle of nutrient renewala circle of nutrient renewal..
Ways to enhance this cycle on the farmWays to enhance this cycle on the farm
include: oninclude: on--farm feeding of livestock, carefulfarm feeding of livestock, careful
management of manure and crop residues, andmanagement of manure and crop residues, and
practices that prevent erosion.practices that prevent erosion.
20. Farm as an Ecosystem: BiodiversityFarm as an Ecosystem: Biodiversity
A farm will be dynamic and healthy if it has aA farm will be dynamic and healthy if it has a
high diversityhigh diversity of plants and animals (aboveof plants and animals (above
ground and below).ground and below).
GREATERGREATER
DIVERSITY =DIVERSITY =
GREATERGREATER
STABILITYSTABILITY
21.
22. Social SustainabilitySocial Sustainability
Buying farm supplies locally rather than from outBuying farm supplies locally rather than from out--
ofof--state.state.
Educating your community about sustainable foodEducating your community about sustainable food
production.production.
Direct marketing through CSAs and farmersDirect marketing through CSAs and farmers’’
markets builds community and social sustainability.markets builds community and social sustainability.
School tours and farm internships.School tours and farm internships.
Quality of life on the farm for everyone involvedQuality of life on the farm for everyone involved
with clear communication and general happinesswith clear communication and general happiness
with farm work.with farm work.
25. Applying the Principles:Applying the Principles:
Soil Fertility ManagementSoil Fertility Management
Goal is to sustain high crop productivity and crop quality inGoal is to sustain high crop productivity and crop quality in
food and fiber production as well as in grass farming.food and fiber production as well as in grass farming.
Strive to keep the soil covered throughout the year, whetherStrive to keep the soil covered throughout the year, whether
with permanent pasture or cover crops and green manures.with permanent pasture or cover crops and green manures.
Maintain or build soil organic matter levels through inputs ofMaintain or build soil organic matter levels through inputs of
compost or cover cropping.compost or cover cropping.
Properly timed or limited tillage.Properly timed or limited tillage.
Irrigation management to reduce erosion and runoff.Irrigation management to reduce erosion and runoff.
Sound crop rotations, soil amending and organic fertilizingSound crop rotations, soil amending and organic fertilizing
techniques.techniques.
Balanced levels of available plant nutrients and balanced PH.Balanced levels of available plant nutrients and balanced PH.
26. Soil Fertility: Cover CropsSoil Fertility: Cover Crops
Perennial and biennial sod crops, annualPerennial and biennial sod crops, annual
green manures, and annual cover crops allgreen manures, and annual cover crops all
build soil. Examples include vetch, rye, oats,build soil. Examples include vetch, rye, oats,
fava beans, clover, buckwheat, sudangrassfava beans, clover, buckwheat, sudangrass
and sunnhemp.and sunnhemp.
Increase nutrient availability.Increase nutrient availability.
Temperature, moisture conditions, placementTemperature, moisture conditions, placement
of the residue and quality of the cover cropof the residue and quality of the cover crop
influence nutrient release.influence nutrient release.
27. Soil Fertility: Cover CropsSoil Fertility: Cover Crops
Cover crops improve the soilCover crops improve the soil’’s physicals physical
properties with carbon and nitrogen cycling.properties with carbon and nitrogen cycling.
Some cover crops actually suppress certainSome cover crops actually suppress certain
parasitic nematodes and soil borne diseases, i.e.parasitic nematodes and soil borne diseases, i.e.
rye, triticale, mustards.rye, triticale, mustards.
Cover crops have superb weed suppressingCover crops have superb weed suppressing
effects by competing with weeds for light andeffects by competing with weeds for light and
smothering unwanted plants or throughsmothering unwanted plants or through
allelopathy.allelopathy.
Reduce erosion and attract beneficial bugs.Reduce erosion and attract beneficial bugs.
30. Soil Fertility: CompostsSoil Fertility: Composts
Use of compost in crop production and grassUse of compost in crop production and grass
farming is beneficial to build soil organic matter,farming is beneficial to build soil organic matter,
add nutrients to the soil and retain water.add nutrients to the soil and retain water.
Nutrient contribution of manureNutrient contribution of manure--basedbased
compost is balanced between Ncompost is balanced between N--PP--K. Have aK. Have a
compost nutrient assessment done.compost nutrient assessment done.
How much compost to apply and timing isHow much compost to apply and timing is
different on each farm.different on each farm.
Ease and economics of use, local availabilityEase and economics of use, local availability
and costs as well as variability of quality.and costs as well as variability of quality.
31. Animal ManureAnimal Manure
Integrate grazing animals or other livestockIntegrate grazing animals or other livestock
onto your farm to produce compost for youronto your farm to produce compost for your
fields.fields.
The use of fresh or undecomposed manure inThe use of fresh or undecomposed manure in
agricultural systems is of great benefit to theagricultural systems is of great benefit to the
farm.farm.
There are variations in nutrient profiles ofThere are variations in nutrient profiles of
animal manures.animal manures.
If using raw manure, cannot apply to fields forIf using raw manure, cannot apply to fields for
organic certification less than 120 days beforeorganic certification less than 120 days before
harvest.harvest.
34. Soil Fertility: TillageSoil Fertility: Tillage
Prepares the ground for seedlings and transplants.Prepares the ground for seedlings and transplants.
Provides a range of residue incorporation options.Provides a range of residue incorporation options.
Enables the incorporation of amendments.Enables the incorporation of amendments.
Improves soil aeration, and breaks up soil clods toImproves soil aeration, and breaks up soil clods to
form good seed and root beds.form good seed and root beds.
Improves water infiltration.Improves water infiltration.
Increases rate of microbial activity andIncreases rate of microbial activity and
mineralization.mineralization.
Deep tillage can break through compacted layers.Deep tillage can break through compacted layers.
35. TillageTillage
Accelerates the rate and extent of longAccelerates the rate and extent of long--termterm
declines in soil organic matter.declines in soil organic matter.
May increase subMay increase sub--soil compaction.soil compaction.
High energy and labor costs.High energy and labor costs.
Loss of soil organic matter from excessiveLoss of soil organic matter from excessive
tillage can lead to crusting of bare soils.tillage can lead to crusting of bare soils.
36. Reduced and noReduced and no--tillage systemstillage systems
Residue cover protects the soil from wind andResidue cover protects the soil from wind and
water erosion.water erosion.
Allows for greater moisture retention in rainAllows for greater moisture retention in rain--
fed systems.fed systems.
These systems build soil organic matter over aThese systems build soil organic matter over a
period of years, and reach a higherperiod of years, and reach a higher ““steadysteady
statestate”” level than tilled systems in the samelevel than tilled systems in the same
environment.environment.
37. Reduced and noReduced and no--till systemstill systems
Residue cover lowers soil temperature, which delaysResidue cover lowers soil temperature, which delays
seed germination and slows seedling growth and mayseed germination and slows seedling growth and may
place growers at an economic disadvantage.place growers at an economic disadvantage.
Weed control is very difficult without the use ofWeed control is very difficult without the use of
herbicides.herbicides.
Requires specialized equipment to plant through thickRequires specialized equipment to plant through thick
layer of residue.layer of residue.
Increased leaching of nutrients and herbicides into theIncreased leaching of nutrients and herbicides into the
groundwater has been shown in some conventionalgroundwater has been shown in some conventional
reduced and noreduced and no--till systems after many years of thesetill systems after many years of these
practices.practices.
43. And yes, farmers do still plow withAnd yes, farmers do still plow with
horses!horses!
44. Soil Fertility: Soil Amendments &Soil Fertility: Soil Amendments &
Supplemental FertilizersSupplemental Fertilizers
Organic amendments and fertilizers are useful as longOrganic amendments and fertilizers are useful as long
as they are in balance with the rest of the system. Useas they are in balance with the rest of the system. Use
soil test to find deficiencies.soil test to find deficiencies.
Balance nutrient inputs with nutrient outputs eachBalance nutrient inputs with nutrient outputs each
year.year.
Inputs>outputs=accumulation. Results in risk ofInputs>outputs=accumulation. Results in risk of
excess nutrients creating nonpoint source pollutionexcess nutrients creating nonpoint source pollution
and enhancing disease and pest incidence.and enhancing disease and pest incidence.
Inputs<outputs=soil depletion. Potential risk of plantInputs<outputs=soil depletion. Potential risk of plant
nutrient deficiencies and stress, reduced yield, andnutrient deficiencies and stress, reduced yield, and
increased susceptibility to pest and pathogens.increased susceptibility to pest and pathogens.
45. Soil Fertility: Crop RotationSoil Fertility: Crop Rotation
Break weed and pest cycles.Break weed and pest cycles.
Provide complementary fertilization to cropsProvide complementary fertilization to crops
in sequence with each other, i.e. legume cropsin sequence with each other, i.e. legume crops
preceding corn or tomatoes.preceding corn or tomatoes.
Prevent buildup of pest insects and weeds.Prevent buildup of pest insects and weeds.
In some cases, yield increases follow from theIn some cases, yield increases follow from the
““rotation effect.rotation effect.””
Ideal rotation includes planning over the longIdeal rotation includes planning over the long--
term with fields in rotation of crops, coverterm with fields in rotation of crops, cover
crops or sod, and livestock.crops or sod, and livestock.
46. Crop Rotation ConsiderationsCrop Rotation Considerations
Avoid rotation of crop species that share similar pestsAvoid rotation of crop species that share similar pests
and diseases. Intersperse with different crops to breakand diseases. Intersperse with different crops to break
pest and disease cycles.pest and disease cycles.
Rotate crops to maximize use of nutrient inputs andRotate crops to maximize use of nutrient inputs and
distribute nutrient demand placed on soil.distribute nutrient demand placed on soil.
Think about fallow periods and perennial cover crops.Think about fallow periods and perennial cover crops.
Intercropping is the growing of two or more crops inIntercropping is the growing of two or more crops in
proximity to promote interaction between them.proximity to promote interaction between them.
48. Guidelines for Crop RotationsGuidelines for Crop Rotations
Follow a legumeFollow a legume--sod crop with a highsod crop with a high--nitrogennitrogen--demanding crop such asdemanding crop such as
corn to take advantage of the nitrogen supply.corn to take advantage of the nitrogen supply.
Grow lessGrow less--nitrogennitrogen--demanding crops such as oats, barley, or wheat in thedemanding crops such as oats, barley, or wheat in the
second or third year after a legume sod.second or third year after a legume sod.
Grow the same annual crop for only one year if possible to decreGrow the same annual crop for only one year if possible to decrease thease the
likelihood of insects, diseases, and nematodes becoming a problelikelihood of insects, diseases, and nematodes becoming a problem.m.
Don't follow one crop with another closely related species, sincDon't follow one crop with another closely related species, since insects,e insects,
disease, and nematode problems are frequently shared by membersdisease, and nematode problems are frequently shared by members ofof
closely related crops.closely related crops.
Use longer periods of perennial crops, such as legume sod, on slUse longer periods of perennial crops, such as legume sod, on sloping landoping land
and on highly erosive soils.and on highly erosive soils.
Use crop rotations that promote healthier crops .Use crop rotations that promote healthier crops .
Try to grow a deepTry to grow a deep--rooted crop, such as alfalfa, safflower, or sunflower asrooted crop, such as alfalfa, safflower, or sunflower as
part of the rotation.part of the rotation.
Grow some crops that will leave a significant amount of residuesGrow some crops that will leave a significant amount of residues, like, like
sorghum or corn harvested for grain, to help maintain organic masorghum or corn harvested for grain, to help maintain organic matter levels.tter levels.
49. Ecological Weed ManagementEcological Weed Management
Improve soil tilth, aeration, water infiltration, and fertilityImprove soil tilth, aeration, water infiltration, and fertility toto
optimize crop growth and minimize weed pressure.optimize crop growth and minimize weed pressure.
Thoroughly clean equipment before moving it from one farmThoroughly clean equipment before moving it from one farm
or location to another to avoid transporting weed seeds fromor location to another to avoid transporting weed seeds from
infested fields.infested fields.
Do not allow weeds to form seed heads and/or perennialDo not allow weeds to form seed heads and/or perennial
rooting structure in the cropping systems.rooting structure in the cropping systems.
Thoroughly compost all imported animal manure to insureThoroughly compost all imported animal manure to insure
destruction of viable weed seed.destruction of viable weed seed.
Work with neighbors to eliminate orWork with neighbors to eliminate or
minimize the potential for spread of noxiousminimize the potential for spread of noxious
and problematic weeds from adjacent lands.and problematic weeds from adjacent lands.
50. Cultural Weed PracticesCultural Weed Practices
Crop RotationsCrop Rotations
TillageTillage
Planting and CultivationPlanting and Cultivation
Rotational GrazingRotational Grazing
MowingMowing
IrrigationIrrigation
Flame WeedingFlame Weeding
MulchesMulches
53. Ecological Pest ManagementEcological Pest Management
Intercropping, diversityIntercropping, diversity
and cover croppingand cover cropping
Crop rotationCrop rotation
FarmscapingFarmscaping
Use ofUse of
resistantresistant
varietiesvarieties
54. Ecological Pest ManagementEcological Pest Management
Biological controlsBiological controls
Organic chemical controlsOrganic chemical controls
Physical controlsPhysical controls
55. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Basic framework used to decide when and how pestsBasic framework used to decide when and how pests
are controlled.are controlled.
Goal is to give growers management guidelines inGoal is to give growers management guidelines in
order to make pest control economic andorder to make pest control economic and
environmental.environmental.
Integrates habitat modification and cultural, physical,Integrates habitat modification and cultural, physical,
biological and chemical practices to minimize cropbiological and chemical practices to minimize crop
losses.losses.
Monitoring, record keeping, and lifeMonitoring, record keeping, and life--cyclecycle
information about pests and their natural enemies areinformation about pests and their natural enemies are
used to determine which control measures areused to determine which control measures are
necessary.necessary.
56. Plant Disease ManipulationsPlant Disease Manipulations
Environment manipulations include increasing plantEnvironment manipulations include increasing plant
spacing to reduce humidity, regulating irrigation, andspacing to reduce humidity, regulating irrigation, and
choosing where crop is grown.choosing where crop is grown.
Host manipulations include resistant cultivars,Host manipulations include resistant cultivars,
pathogenpathogen--free planting materials, crop rotation andfree planting materials, crop rotation and
intercropping.intercropping.
Pathogen manipulations include keeping them out ofPathogen manipulations include keeping them out of
the field by removal of host tissue or organicthe field by removal of host tissue or organic
chemical controls (chemical controls (neemneem, copper, sulfur etc.), copper, sulfur etc.)
57. Plant Disease ManagementPlant Disease Management
Use crop rotations, biodiversity, resistant cultivars, cleanUse crop rotations, biodiversity, resistant cultivars, clean
seed and soil fertility measures to prevent plant diseases.seed and soil fertility measures to prevent plant diseases.
Compost teas can help controlCompost teas can help control
fungal diseases. Foliar spraysfungal diseases. Foliar sprays
are also effective.are also effective.
58.
59.
60.
61. Rotational GrazingRotational Grazing
Skillfully using livestock to harvest forages leads to improved soil fertility,
a diverse, dense, and useful pasture ecology, and an extended grazing
season. Fertile soil and productive pastures, in turn, support healthy
animals.
In a system of controlled rotations, pastures are subdivided into
paddocks – fenced acreage of any given size. Livestock is moved
between paddocks at frequent intervals, giving animals access to a
limited pasture area over a short period of time.
As a result, the plants have time to
recover, the roots maintain energy
reserves, and the livestock always
have high quality forage.
A primary strategy of controlled
grazing is to use fencing and livestock
movement as tools to manage forage
growth and protect it from
overgrazing.
62.
63. Sustainable Pasture ManagementSustainable Pasture Management
Management is key to healthy andManagement is key to healthy and
sustainable pastures.sustainable pastures.
Lands most susceptible to erosion can beLands most susceptible to erosion can be
maintained as permanent sod.maintained as permanent sod.
Land used for row crops benefits from a year or more in pastureLand used for row crops benefits from a year or more in pasture asas
part of a crop rotation plan.part of a crop rotation plan.
Soil health improves as the content of organic matter increasesSoil health improves as the content of organic matter increases
under good grazing management.under good grazing management.
Soil structure improves over time asSoil structure improves over time as
compaction and hardpan is reduced.compaction and hardpan is reduced.
Good pasture mixes include a variety ofGood pasture mixes include a variety of
grasses, forbs and legumes.grasses, forbs and legumes.
64. Mixed Species GrazingMixed Species Grazing
Cattle prefer grass over other types of plants, and are lessCattle prefer grass over other types of plants, and are less
selective when grazing than sheep or goats. Sheep and goats,selective when grazing than sheep or goats. Sheep and goats,
on the other hand, are much more likely to eat weeds.on the other hand, are much more likely to eat weeds.
Mixed species grazing may also benefitMixed species grazing may also benefit
pastures that are less diverse, bypastures that are less diverse, by
encouraging more even grazing.encouraging more even grazing.
Parasite control.Parasite control.
65. Bringing It All Together:Bringing It All Together:
Integrated Farming SystemsIntegrated Farming Systems
Goal is to find and adopt "integrated and resourceGoal is to find and adopt "integrated and resource--efficientefficient
crop and livestock systems that maintain productivity, that arecrop and livestock systems that maintain productivity, that are
profitable, and that protect the environment and the personalprofitable, and that protect the environment and the personal
health of farmers and their families," as well as "overcominghealth of farmers and their families," as well as "overcoming
the barriers to adoption of more sustainable agriculturalthe barriers to adoption of more sustainable agricultural
systems so these systems can serve as a foundation uponsystems so these systems can serve as a foundation upon
which rural American communities will be revitalized."which rural American communities will be revitalized."
66. Organic CertificationOrganic Certification
All producers who would like to certify must follow organicAll producers who would like to certify must follow organic
standards set out by USDA.standards set out by USDA.
There are a number of rules to follow, but the principles laidThere are a number of rules to follow, but the principles laid
out today should directly follow that of organic production.out today should directly follow that of organic production.
In general, organic rules do not allow synthetic fertilizers,In general, organic rules do not allow synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides or herbicides in crop production or the usepesticides or herbicides in crop production or the use
antibiotics, hormones and nonantibiotics, hormones and non--organic feed in livestock.organic feed in livestock.
Livestock must also have access to pasture.Livestock must also have access to pasture.
For more information on how to certify, go toFor more information on how to certify, go to
http://http://www.ams.usda.gov/nopwww.ams.usda.gov/nop/ or talk with me individually./ or talk with me individually.
OregonOregon TilthTilth is also a source of information:is also a source of information: www.tilth.orgwww.tilth.org..
67. Case StudiesCase Studies
Blue Fox Farm, Applegate, OregonBlue Fox Farm, Applegate, Oregon
Six acres of over fifty different types of organicSix acres of over fifty different types of organic
vegetablesvegetables
Active soil fertility program including using raw andActive soil fertility program including using raw and
pelletedpelleted chicken manure, winter and summer coverchicken manure, winter and summer cover
cropping, and active crop rotations.cropping, and active crop rotations.
Weed management includes mechanical and handWeed management includes mechanical and hand
cultivation and mowing.cultivation and mowing.
Use botanical sprays for disease and pest suppression asUse botanical sprays for disease and pest suppression as
well as crop rotations.well as crop rotations.
68. Blue Fox FarmBlue Fox Farm
Direct market to a thirtyDirect market to a thirty--person CSA, two farmersperson CSA, two farmers’’ markets, amarkets, a
number of restaurants and the local natural food groceries.number of restaurants and the local natural food groceries.
69. Larry ThompsonLarry Thompson——Boring, OregonBoring, Oregon
43 fruit and vegetable crops on 140 acres.43 fruit and vegetable crops on 140 acres.
Dedicated advocate of crop rotations and planting a successionDedicated advocate of crop rotations and planting a succession
of flowering species to control pests without pesticides. Heof flowering species to control pests without pesticides. He
relies on cover crops to control weeds and provide habitat forrelies on cover crops to control weeds and provide habitat for
beneficial insects.beneficial insects.
Direct markets through farm stand, farmers markets and pickDirect markets through farm stand, farmers markets and pick--
youryour--own.own.
70. More on Larry ThompsonMore on Larry Thompson
Thompson allows native grasses and
dandelions to grow between his berry rows.
The mixed vegetation provides an alluring
habitat that, along with flowering fruit and
vegetable plants, draws insects that prey on
pests.
71. BobBob MuthMuth, Williamstown, New, Williamstown, New
JerseyJersey
11 acres in mixed vegetables and cut flowers
Three-quarters of an acre in strawberries sold
from a roadside stand
40 acres of hay
The farm grosses between
$150,000 and $300,000.
72. MuthMuth FarmFarm
MuthMuth designs long rotations and makes extensive use of coverdesigns long rotations and makes extensive use of cover
crops. Only about 20 percent of his 80 acres is in vegetablecrops. Only about 20 percent of his 80 acres is in vegetable
crops at any one time. He also adds extra organic matter bycrops at any one time. He also adds extra organic matter by
spreading the leaves collected by local municipalities on somespreading the leaves collected by local municipalities on some
of his fields each autumn.of his fields each autumn.
In a typical rotation, after the vegetable crop is turned underIn a typical rotation, after the vegetable crop is turned under inin
the fall, he covers the ground with up to six inches of leaves,the fall, he covers the ground with up to six inches of leaves,
about 20 tons per acre. The following spring, he works in theabout 20 tons per acre. The following spring, he works in the
decomposing leaves. His soildecomposing leaves. His soil--building program has now givenbuilding program has now given
him fields that test as high as 5 percent organic matter,him fields that test as high as 5 percent organic matter,
unheard of for the mineral soils of southern New Jersey.unheard of for the mineral soils of southern New Jersey.
73. Richard and PeggyRichard and Peggy SechristSechrist
Fredericksburg, TexasFredericksburg, Texas
5050--head beef cattle herdhead beef cattle herd
750750--1,000 pastured chickens per month1,000 pastured chickens per month
Certified organic beef and poultry sold to "naturalCertified organic beef and poultry sold to "natural
foods" outletsfoods" outlets
TheThe SechristsSechrists work within thework within the
dry cycles by maintaining theirdry cycles by maintaining their
pastures in native grasses. Theypastures in native grasses. They
graze three herds of cattlegraze three herds of cattle -- oneone--
yearyear--olds, twoolds, two--yearyear--olds and aolds and a
cowcow--calf herdcalf herd -- in a plannedin a planned
rotational approach.rotational approach.
74. More on theMore on the SechristsSechrists
Rotating the herds is based on a fairly sophisticated system ofRotating the herds is based on a fairly sophisticated system of
monitoring plant growth and recovery. The cattle are grassmonitoring plant growth and recovery. The cattle are grass--
fed, with alfalfa hay as needed as a supplement. The cattlefed, with alfalfa hay as needed as a supplement. The cattle
don't receive any antibiotics or synthetic treatments.don't receive any antibiotics or synthetic treatments.
Market beef and poultry through Homestead Healthy Foods, aMarket beef and poultry through Homestead Healthy Foods, a
direct marketing company that sells at farmers marketsdirect marketing company that sells at farmers markets’’, fairs,, fairs,
over the internet, and health food stores.over the internet, and health food stores.
"Our basic herd health is excellent," Peggy says,"Our basic herd health is excellent," Peggy says, “…“…ourour
pasture management is the most important factor."pasture management is the most important factor."
75. Travis and AmyTravis and Amy ForguesForgues
AlburgAlburg Springs, VermontSprings, Vermont
80 milking cows on 22080 milking cows on 220--acre pastureacre pasture--based, organic dairy farmbased, organic dairy farm
Their property is split into 10Their property is split into 10-- acreacre
permanent paddocks, using movable fencespermanent paddocks, using movable fences
to subdivide those into smaller areas. Theyto subdivide those into smaller areas. They
move the herd to fresh ground twice a day.move the herd to fresh ground twice a day.
They are part of Organic Valley, a farmerThey are part of Organic Valley, a farmer--ownedowned
cooperative that accepts milk from farmers in 14cooperative that accepts milk from farmers in 14
states, marketing the product by region.states, marketing the product by region.
They strive to receive 23 cents a pound for milk, a strategy TraThey strive to receive 23 cents a pound for milk, a strategy Travis callsvis calls
"farm"farm--gate" pricing, or fair compensation for their labor. By contrastgate" pricing, or fair compensation for their labor. By contrast, the, the
industry average for milk produced and marketed conventionally iindustry average for milk produced and marketed conventionally is abouts about
half that.half that.
As a certified organic operation, theAs a certified organic operation, the ForguesForgues forego any chemical pesticides orforego any chemical pesticides or
fertilizers. They eschew hormones or antibiotics, and take a profertilizers. They eschew hormones or antibiotics, and take a proactive approachactive approach
to sick cows, culling them quickly if a homeopathic remedy doesnto sick cows, culling them quickly if a homeopathic remedy doesn't work.'t work.
76. Sources of Information for NewSources of Information for New
FarmersFarmers
Alternative Farming Systems InformationAlternative Farming Systems Information
CenterCenter –– http://http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsicwww.nal.usda.gov/afsic//
ATTRAATTRA –– www.attra.orgwww.attra.org
SARESARE –– www.sare.orgwww.sare.org
Oregon Small FarmsOregon Small Farms ––
http://http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edusmallfarms.oregonstate.edu//
OFRFOFRF –– www.ofrf.orgwww.ofrf.org
The New FarmThe New Farm –– http://http://www.newfarm.orgwww.newfarm.org
77. Good BooksGood Books
Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision MakingHolistic Management: A New Framework for Decision Making, Allan, Allan
Savory et al.Savory et al.
Sustainable Vegetable Production from StartSustainable Vegetable Production from Start--up to Marketup to Market, Vernon, Vernon
GrubingerGrubinger
SmallSmall--Scale Livestock Farming: A GrassScale Livestock Farming: A Grass--Based Approach for Health,Based Approach for Health,
Sustainability, and ProfitSustainability, and Profit, Carol, Carol EkariusEkarius
Successful SmallSuccessful Small--Scale Farming: An Organic ApproachScale Farming: An Organic Approach, Karl, Karl SchwenkeSchwenke
Pastured Poultry ProfitsPastured Poultry Profits, Joel, Joel SalatinSalatin
Sell What You Sow! The GrowerSell What You Sow! The Grower’’s Guide to Successful Produce Marketings Guide to Successful Produce Marketing,,
Eric GibsonEric Gibson
Pests of the Garden and Small FarmPests of the Garden and Small Farm, Mary Louise Flint, Mary Louise Flint
Natural Enemies Handbook: The Illustration Guide to Pest ControlNatural Enemies Handbook: The Illustration Guide to Pest Control, Mary, Mary
Louise Flint, et al.Louise Flint, et al.
Backyard Market Gardening: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Selling WBackyard Market Gardening: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Selling Whathat
You SowYou Sow, Andrew Lee, Andrew Lee
78. PeriodicalsPeriodicals
Small FarmerSmall Farmer’’s Journals Journal
http://http://www.smallfarmersjournal.comwww.smallfarmersjournal.com//
Growing For MarketGrowing For Market
http://http://www.growingformarket.comwww.growingformarket.com//
Small Farm TodaySmall Farm Today http://http://www.smallfarmtoday.comwww.smallfarmtoday.com//
In GoodIn Good TilthTilth http://http://www.tilth.org/Newsletter.htmlwww.tilth.org/Newsletter.html
Stockman Grass FarmerStockman Grass Farmer http://stockmangrassfarmer.net/http://stockmangrassfarmer.net/
ACRES USAACRES USA http://http://www.acresusa.comwww.acresusa.com
Capital PressCapital Press http://www.capitalpress.comhttp://www.capitalpress.com
