Missouri Alternatives Center?s Bimonthly Electronic Newsletter 800-433-3704 AG OPPORTUNITIES Sept-Oct 1998 (Vol 9 No 2) * Small Farms * New Family Farms * Agricultural Alternatives Small Farm Family Program (by Troy Darden, Information Specialist, Lincoln University) The productivity and sustainability of Missouri's small farms are important to the economic, social and environmental health of rural Missouri. With the third highest numbers of small farms grossing less than $250,000 annually in the country, there is a growing concern over the survival of these family farms and the research- based information available to address their needs. In its partnership role with the University of Missouri, Lincoln University presently delivers a program that enhances opportunities for farm families living and working on Missouri's small farms. This program reaches farm families that are otherwise not served by University Outreach and Extension, and addresses the 1890 land- grant mission of helping diverse audiences, with emphasis on people with limited access to economic and social resources. Presently, the program is delivered in 30 counties in the southern tier of Missouri. Many small farmers in southern Missouri depend on the assistance of paraprofessionals to help them improve the quality of life for their families. These educational assistants work personally with farmers by offering advice on marketing strategies, farm management practices, and business management techniques. In many cases, families need help accessing the services of USDA, other state and federal agencies, and private and nonprofit organizations. Small farmers in the program benefit additionally from knowledgeable state specialists in various areas of expertise. The state marketing specialist routinely holds meetings with small farmers in their communities to discuss ways of identifying niche markets to increase the profitability of farmers' enterprises. The state small livestock specialist works with farmers concerning animal health issues and also coordinates the value added program, which educates farmers about the potential income available from processing animal hair into usable fiber. State specialists in the areas of human resource development, community development, 4-H and Youth Development and gerontology work with educational assistants to address issues which potentially affect small farmers, such as parenting and family values, housing and local government participation, agriculture information programs, health care, and advocacy for elderly family members. As an 1890 land-grant institution, Lincoln University recognizes its mission of providing educational access to the citizens of Missouri and it remains committed to fulfilling the tripartite land-grant mission of providing instruction, research and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Fulfillment of the University's Cooperative Extension mission of serving the under- served is dependent on a cadre of trained staff that develop and implement programs for individual farm families. Increasing the geographic region in which the Small Farm Family Program operates will allow the University to serve more of the over 83 thousand small farmers in Missouri. Counties with a Small Farm Family Program Contact Southwest Missouri - JC Owsley, Regional SFFP Coordinator, Hickory County Extension Center, PO Box 187, Hermitage, MO 65668, 417- 745- 6767 - Counties served include Hickory, Webster, Polk, Cedar, Dade, Dallas South Central Missouri - Jim Thompson, Regional SFFP Coordinator, Camden County Extension Center, 113 Kansas St, Camdenton, MO 65020, 573-346-2644 - Counties served include Camden, Texas, Douglas, Wright, Crawford, Ozark, Oregon, Dent, Laclede, Shannon Southeast Missouri - Tory Shade, SFFP Regional Coordinator, Wayne County Extension Center, PO Box 218, Greenville, MO 63944, 573-224- 3221 - Counties served include Wayne, Madison, Butler, Carter, Stoddard, Dunklin, Mississippi, Ripley, Bollinger, New Madrid, Pemiscott, Ripley, Madison, Scott Lincoln University Small Farm Specialist Emmanuel Ajuzie, Ag Economics/Marketing, PO Box 29, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-681-5997 George Enlow, Horticulture, PO Box 29, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-681-5535 Helen Swartz, Small Animal Production, PO Box 29, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-681-5551 Horticulture Research Center, PO Box 150, Lilbourn, MO 63862, 573- 688-2420 Four Regional Organic Workshops Come to Missouri The University of Missouri's Sustainable Agriculture Extension Program and the MO Alternatives Center have been working jointly with a number of campus faculty in planning four regional organic workshops for December. Information to be presented at the workshops include organic certification, organic marketing and organic production of animals, vegetables, greenhouses, herbs and field crops. For more information about the workshops, call the MO Alternatives Center at 800-433-3704. To register for the workshops, contact each host site. Dec 3-Organic Workshop, St. Joseph, MO. Keith Hawxby at 816-279- 1691. Dec 5-Organic Workshop, Hermitage, MO. JC Owsley at 417-745-6767. Dec 10-Organic Workshop, Montgomery City, MO. Gary Hoette at 573- 564-3733. Dec 12-Organic Workshop, Cape Girardeau, MO. Van Ayers at 573-568- 3344. Grants/Loans Available Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Awards Do you have an idea for a sustainable agriculture demonstration on your farm? The Missouri Department of Agriculture and University of Missouri Extension may have the funds to help you try it out. For the fifth year, the two agencies are offering 23 sustainable agriculture demonstration awards through the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Program of the University of Missouri and Lincoln University. The goal of the grants is to reduce producers' dependence on nonrenewable inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, while helping Missouri farmers test their sustainable agriculture ideas. Each project will be awarded up to $3,000 and be completed in 3 years or less. Since the governor and the legislature approved funding for the program in 1994, 92 demonstration project grants have been awarded to Missouri farmers. A committee made up of farmers, Dept of Agriculture and University of Missouri representatives decide which projects receive funding. To be considered, a project must be sustainable-meaning economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible. Most projects aim to reduce pesticide and fertilizer use. The program has funded a variety of demonstrations in the last four years, including projects on managed intensive grazing for sheep and goats, operating an organic dairy, finding alternative mite controls for bees, starting a pasture poultry operation, and developing an agroforestry system to grow ginseng with black walnuts. Farmers who are funded must keep records about their production and financial information and share the information with others through farm tours or meetings. The deadline for applications is November 30, 1998. For an application, contact your local extension office. For more information, call Joan Benjamin, program manager at (573) 445-2194. Value Added Agriculture Grants and Loans The Missouri Value-Added Grant Program provides $500,000 in grants for projects that boost local economies by adding value to agricultural goods. The grants are intended to finance activities prior to starting or expanding a business, such as feasibility studies and business and marketing plans. In short, the grants will help producers identify opportunities and niche markets to better ensure successful enterprises. The Missouri Value-Added Loan Guarantee Program provides partial loan guarantees to banks, savings and loans, and Farm Credit system lenders. Under the program, lenders can receive a 25 percent first-loss guarantee on loans up to $250,000 that finance projects involving processing, manufacturing, marketing, exporting, or adding value to agricultural products. Eligible borrowers may also qualify for reduced interest rates through the Missouri First Linked Deposit Program administered by the state treasurer's office. Program applications must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow established program guidelines. For more information, contact the MO Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-2129. In The News The National Small Farm Trade Show and Conference will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov 6-7, at Columbia, MO on the Boone County Fairgrounds. Last year nearly 2,300 people attended the two day event with 100 exhibitors. This year's show has 13 one hour seminars on topics such as: Small Farms in America; Value Added Fruits & Mushrooms; Pastured Hogs; Beekeeping/Adding Value to Beehive Products; Marketing Alternatives for Dairy Goat Products; Pumpkin Carving: You Can Do It Too; Soils; Intensive Grazing; Gourd Crafting; Ethnic Vegetables; Bison; Gamebirds; and Medicinal Herb Production for Small Farmers. There also will be 5 three-hour short courses on: Adding Value to Hogs; Adding Value to Your Farm; Value Added Products; Poultry on Pasture; Permaculture. Other events that will be happening during the two days are demonstrations: Stock Dogs: Practical Use & Training; Draft Animals. Exhibitions include 1880 Broom Making; Soap Making; as well as a Gourd Exhibition and a Poultry Show & Exhibition. Registration in advance for the show is $5.00/day or $8.00 for both days or $7.00/day or $10.00 for both days at the door. The entrance fee permits you to the one-hour seminars, demonstrations, and exhibitions. Registration for the three-hour short courses in advance are $20.00/short course and $30.00 at the door. SPAN (Sustaining People through Agriculture Network) will be holding their next meeting at the National Small Farm Trade Show and Conference on Friday, Nov 6 from 11:00-12:30. For more information contact Jim Lummus, 660-463-2133. Supermarkets in 1997 started to "boast about the organic produce available in their produce section, while their grocery shelves are lined with integrated conventional, organic and natural products," according to Natural Food Merchandiser's 17th Annual Market Overview 97. There are three reasons for the mass-market interest in natural products: "consumer demand, a new customer base, and higher margins," according to the survey. "Today's mainstream supermarkets are more respectful of organics. Larger chains are feeling a sharp competitive thrust from natural products stores...and consumers are asking for organics." The organic produce supply is still lower than demand, according to the report. "So, supermarkets are now avidly looking for organic growers and food manufacturers.... As if consumer demand isn't enough, natural products also offer supermarket retailers higher profit margins." (Alternative Agriculture News, July, 1998) EPA's National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center (Ag Center) has again updated its toll-free, automatic *fax-back* system for fact sheets and other publications. The number to call for up-to date information on environmental requirements that affect agriculture is 1-888-663-2155. New topics such as composting, emergency planning, and risk management planning information are now available. The list still includes information on pesticides, underground storage tanks, animal feeding operations, and many other subjects. Callers can request that documents be faxed or sent by mail, or can choose to talk to an Ag Center representative. According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, approximately 1% of the US food supply is grown using organic methods. In 1996, this represented over $3.5 billion in retail sales. Over the past six years sales of organic products have shown an annual increase of at least 20%. For more information, see the OFRF new Web site: http://www.ofrf.org/ (CSAS Newsletter, Sept-Oct 1998) On 9/9/98 the Sierra Club issued a release saying urban sprawl is emerging as the fastest growing threat to the US environment as prime farmland is replaced with malls, parking lots, and housing developments. Ten worst cities were Atlanta, St. Louis, Washington, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Denver, Seattle, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Fort Lauderdale, and Chicago. (CSAS Newsletter, Sept-Oct 1998) Sales increased 100% in the US mainstream market for herbal supplements when comparing June 96-May 97 to June 97-May 98. St Johnswort increased 10,000% pushing into 2nd place behind first place ginkgo, another herb up sharply this year. Rounding out this top five are 3) garlic, 4) Echinacea, 5) goldenseal. Many botanicals were in tight supply, with quality a prime concern, but specifically mentioned were St Johnswort, valerian, black cohosh, various Echinaceas and saw palmetto. (Grow Out Trials Newsletter, Summer 1998) Those with internet access can now download 38 ATTRA informational packets on the world wide web at: www.attra.org. Also on their homepage is the latest edition of the ATTRA materials list which describes all 66 of ATTRA's standard materials. The web site materials include: Horticulture Lavender as an Alternative Crop; Organic Blueberry Production; Organic Culture of Bramble Fruit; Organic Cranberry Production; Herb Production & Marketing; Organic Potting Mixes; Overview of Organic Fruit Production; Postharvest Handling of Fruits & Vegetables; Season Extension Techniques for Market Gardeners; St Johnswort as an Alternative Crop; Sustainable Pecan Production; Sustainable Small-Scale Nursery Production Marketing Alternative Beef Marketing; Community Supported Agriculture; Direct Marketing; Marketing Channels: Pick-Your-Own & Agri-Entertainment; Organic Certification; Resources for Organic Marketing Livestock Beef Farm Sustainability Check Sheet; Sustainable Beef Production; Dairy Products On-Farm; Matching Livestock and Forage Resource in Controlled Grazing; Worms as Composting (Vermicomposting) Alternative Farming Systems Introduction to Permaculture; Making the Transition to Sustainable Farming Pest Management Alternative Nematode Control; Compost Teas for Plant Disease Control; Disease Suppressive Potting Mixes; Farmscaping to Enhance Biological Control; Integrated Pest Management Sustainable Ag Resources Alternative Seed Suppliers-Untreated, Heirloom, Organic; Alternative Soil Testing Laboratories; Internships, Apprenticeship & Sustainable Curricula; Sources for Organic Fertilizers & Amendments; Sustainable Ag Organizations & Publications; Sustainable Agriculture Curricula-K-12; University Programs and Contacts in Sustainable Agriculture In Print *Small Farm Resource Guide* from USDA-Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, Plant and Animal Systems, Stop 2220, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250, 202-401- 4385, email sfp@reeusda.gov or http://www.reeusda.gov/smallfarm *A Guide to USDA and Other Federal Resources for Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry Enterprises* Free from the ATTRA, PO Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702. *Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field & Marketplace* This book is dense with the information you need when considering getting into the medicinal herb market. Covers 75 important medicinal herbs and mushrooms, how to grow them and how and where to sell them. Available from Growing for Market, PO Box 3747, Lawrence, KS 66046, $27.95. *Whole Farm Planning: A Survey of North American Experiments* Describes whole farm planning, an approach to farm management that encourages farmers to view and manage their farms as integrated systems and to identify how their farms affect the environment. Henry Wallace Institute for Alternative Agriculture, 9200 Edmonston Rd, Ste 117, Greenbelt, MD 20770-1551, 301-441-8777, www.hawiaa.org, $10 or FREE online. *The 1998 Organic Pages: Organic Trade Association's North American Resource Directory* Lists contacts for organic growers, associations, brokers, certifiers, consultants, distributors, importers/exporters, manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and fiber producers with extensive index. $44.95. Contact Organic Trade Association, PO Box 1078, Greenfield, MA 01302,413-774-7511. *Fields of Change: A New Crop of American Farmers Finds Alternatives to Pesticides* looks at 22 farmers from 16 states who produce fruits, vegetables, grains, cotton and dairy products. Available from NRDC, Publications Dept, 40 W 20th Street, New York, NY 10011. $17.00. *Managing Cover Crops Profitably* (2nd Edition) This book distills findings from studies and on-farm experience into a user-friendly reference tool for farmers and agricultural educators. Available through Sustainable Agriculture Publications, Hills Building, Rm 10, Univ of VT, Burlington, VT 05405-0082, 802- 656-0471 or email nesare@zoo.umv.edu. $19.00. *Farms of Tomorrow Revisited: Community Supported Farms - Farm Supported Communities* Discusses social, economic, environmental and other benefits of community supported agriculture (CSA) programs and describes several successful CSA farms in the US. Includes basic information about how to start and run a CSA. Biodynamic Farming Gardening Assn, PO Box 550, Kimberton, PA 19442, 800-516-7797, $17.95. *Nutrient Management: More Than an On-Farm Priority* 8-page bulletin, produced by Northeast Region SARE Program, reviews characteristics of nutrient flows in agriculture, explores opportunities for enhanced nutrient cycling through sustainable farming methods, and examines how social policies and economic factors influence the nutrient management agenda. Email nesare@zoo.uvm.edu. FREE Calendar of Events Nov 6-7-National Small Farm Today Conference and Trade Show, Columbia, MO. Call 800-633-2535. Nov 6-Sustaining People through Agriculture Network Annual Meeting, Columbia, MO. Contact Jim Lummus 660-463-2133. Nov 8-11-New Crops & New Uses: Biodiversity & Agricultural Sustainability, Phoenix, AZ. Contact Dave Dierig, 602-379-4356. Dec 1-IL-IA Fruit & Vegetable Growers Conference, Moline, IL. Call Vince Lawson, 319-262-8787. Dec 3-Organic Workshop, St. Joseph, MO. To Register call Keith Hawxby at 816-279-1691. For more information about the workshop, call MAC at 800-433-3704. Dec 5-Organic Workshop, Hermitage, MO. To Register call JC Owsley at 417-745-6767. For more information about the workshop, call MAC at 800-433-3704. Dec 10-Organic Workshop, Montgomery City, MO. To Register call Gary Hoette at 573-564-3733. For more information about the workshop, call MAC at 800-433-3704. Dec 10-Farming Profitably in a Changing Environment, Urbana, IL. Dec 10-12-Acres USA Annual Eco-Agricultural Conference, Minnesota, MN. Call 800-355-5313. Dec 12-Organic Workshop, Cape Girardeau, MO. To Register call Van Ayers at 573-568-3344. For more information about the workshop, call MAC at 800-433-3704. Dec 13-15-MO Governor's Conference on Agriculture, Tan-Tar-A. 1999 Jan 8-9-Great Plains Vegetable Conference, St Joseph, MO. Contact Keith Hawxby, 816-279-1691. Jan 14-16-IL Specialty Growers Conference, Champaign-Urbana, IL. Call Bill Shoemaker, 630-584-7254. Jan 15-17-Southern Sustainable Farming Conference: Revitalizing Family Farms, Jekyll Island, GA. Call Jean Mills, 205-333-8504. Jan 17-19-Midwest Regional Grape & Wine Conference, Tan-Tar-A. Call 573-751-6807. Jan 18-20-MO Landscape & Nursery Assn Nuts & Bolts Course, St Louis, MO. Call Sara Woody Bibens, 816-369-3115. Jan 21-22-North American Farmers Direct Marketing Conference, Grand Rapids, MI. Call Charlie Touchette, 888-884-9270. Jan 22-24-Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Annual Gathering, Madison, WI. Contact Dana Jackson, 651-653-0618. Jan 27-31-4th Annual Herb Business Winter Getaway Conference, Palm Springs, FL. Call 717-393-3295. Feb 5-6-Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Annual Conference, Bismarck, ND. Contact Theresa Podoll, 701-883-4304. Feb 7-8-MO Organic Assn Annual Conference, Springfield, MO. Call Joey Los, 573-486-5908. Feb 24-26-MO Aquaculture Assn Annual Meeting and Conference, Columbia, MO. Call 573-526-6666. March 5-6-10th Annual Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference March 23-Value Added Agriculture Conference, Columbia, MO. March 24-Sustaining People through Agriculture Conference, Columbia, MO. June 12-16-Sustainable Land-Use Management for the 21st Century, Hot Springs, AR. Contact Catalino Blanche, cblanche@yell.com June 11-13-MO Forest Products Assn Spring Technical Session, Branson, MO. Oct 12-15-National Small Farm Conference, St. Louis, MO. Contact Denis Ebodaghe, 202-401-4385. "University Outreach and Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs."