Missouri Alternatives Center’s Bimonthly Electronic Newsletter 1-800-433-3704 "AG OPPORTUNITIES" November-December 1999 (Vol 10 No 3) * Small Farms * New Family Farms * Agricultural Alternatives McDonald's Farm Walk (by Kristi Michael, Farm Management Specialist, Grundy County) Every operator has their own unique way of running a farming operation, be it cattle, small grain or anything else. That is what makes farmers independent. However, being an independent operator doesn’t mean one can’t learn something from other operators. Just ask Dennis McDonald. He and his wife Becky have spent a considerable amount of time visiting with other farmers in the Green Hills Farming Project (GHFP) about different management techniques. They have been members of GHFP since the organization was started in the mid 1980’s. Dave Shafer and others initiated the group to provide forage and grass based producers an environment where they could learn more and work together. The Green Hills Farming Project group started out holding seminars and inviting guest speakers to share new ideas with them several times a year. They have evolved to include regular business meetings and what they call farm walks, which give them more of a ‘hands on’ learning experience. These farm walks are held at a different member’s farm each month. During the tour the host operator shares what he/she has and how it is being managed with lots of opportunity for questions and suggestions. The group has become quite comfortable with sharing honestly their ideas and opinions with each other, so hosting a farm walk means you might receive some constructive criticism. They also feel very strongly about the whole family being included in the sharing of ideas so they have added a carry-in supper to their farm walks. Most of the members are located in the north central part of Missouri and feel that staying small and community oriented is very important. Dennis feels he has benefited from being a part of this organization and encourages others to start similar groups in their area. The farm walk was held on the McDonald’s farm in Grundy County, where Dennis and Becky have been running a cattle operation for more than 25 years. Their operation now consists of about 300 head of cows that they co-own with a partner. The cattle, including all of the backgrounded calves, graze on about 1130 acres. Dennis owns 500 acres, rents another 230 and his partner owns the other 400 acres. Over the years their operation has had many changes in the way in which it is managed, but in 1983 the McDonald’s made a rather significant change and started using a management intensive grazing (MIG) system. The change was made for several reasons, the first being to increase profits. In addition it helped them to maximize the utilization of their pastures and gain better control over the herd. Dennis says he has not only achieved those goals but he "has more cattle and it's getting easier every year." Some of the challenges he has had to deal with have been when to calve and what to do with the excess grass in the spring. Dennis has found that having summer calves is working the best in his operation. There are several reasons for this logic. First, he doesn’t have to have as big of a calf, making it easier on the cow. Second, he can have the cow feed the calf all winter, because she can do it more efficiently than he can. And lastly, by backgrounding the calves he uses the excess spring forage and doesn’t loose money selling a light calf in the fall. There have been some management problems related to health issues with the calves that he is still trying to resolve, but overall he is very pleased with the way this system works. The transition to a management intensive grazing system hasn’t always been a smooth one. Probably the most challenging management problem has been fencing. Just three years ago Dennis took out a majority of his fences because the cattle were being moved too much. Each pasture was sub-divided in order for the cattle to have access to water with alleyways along the edges. After considering the layout of his pastureland a majority have been taken out and replaced with a watering system and electric fence line every 330 feet. The strips of pasture allow the cattle to basically move themselves across the field when they are allotted new grass every few days. Dennis has found that having the watering facilities along the high points causes less wear and tear on the surrounding ground, such as mud holes since the water drains away. Although the watering system was a significant expense, Dennis feels it was a very worthwhile investment. What he has spent on a one-time investment pays for itself each year because he doesn’t have fertilization costs. The cattle do that for him. The backgrounded calves use up a good amount of the spring forages, but Dennis still has to hay about 20-30% of the acreage. That hay is then fed in the winter once the fall stockpile has been used up. Another management technique he uses is to unroll enough hay to last about 2 weeks. This saves him time. Instead of starting up a cold tractor every day he only has to take the four-wheeler out and move the fence line. It also recycles nutrients because the cattle are spread out on the pasture and not concentrated next the barn. The McDonald’s are always looking for ways to make their operation more efficient. It is a continual learning process. Workshop - Production and Marketing of Organic Grain: Emphasis on Soybeans There will be several Organic Grain Workshops held around the state. Topics include: *Concentration, Niche Markets and the Organic Grain Situation *Organic Grain Standards and Certification *Production Methods and Systems for Organic Soybeans and Corn *Research on Organic Grain Crop *A Buyers Perspective of Organic Grain Markets *Developing Organic Markets: A Systems Approach *A Farmer's Experiences with Organic Grain Production and Marketing Sponsored by USDA/RMA, MO Chapter/Organic Crop Improvement Association, MO Organic Association, Field Crops Sector Committee of Organic Farmers Marketing Association, Sustainable Agriculture Extension Program, University Outreach and Extension and MO Alternatives Center. There is a $10.00 registration fee. Please call to preregister. Dec 3 - Montgomery City - 9:00 am - 3 pm, 573-564-3733 Dec 15-Cameron - 9 am - 3 pm, 816-279-1691 Dec 16-Kirksville - 7 pm - 10 pm, 660-895-5123 Missouri Department of Agriculture - Alternative Loan Program The MO Dept of Ag offers direct loans through the Agriculture Development Fund to finance the production, processing and marketing needs of an alternative agriculture enterprise. They offer: *up to $20,000 loan *Convenient repayment – semi-annual payments *Up to 5-year pay back *71/2 percent fixed interest rate What is an agricultural alternative? An agriculture alternative project is doing something different from what traditional rural operations are currently doing. It may be taking a traditional enterprise and adding a new twist such as butchering your own livestock and selling the meat or milling your own wheat and making baked goods. An alternative for one person is not necessarily an alternative for another person. Look at your area and seek out profitable opportunities. Some examples of an alternative enterprise: *Products and services, such as fee hunting, bed and breakfast, or a landscaping/lawn care business. *Plants or animals, such as specialty grains, game birds or specialty meats. *Different production or marketing methods, such as organic farming, hydroponics, greenhouses or aquaculture. *Nontraditional crops, livestock, and other farm products, such as vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, floriculture, poultry and ornamental or edible fish. *Service, recreation, tourism, food processing, forest/woodlot or other enterprises based on natural resources on the farm, such as farm and ranch vacations, jelly/jam processing, Christmas trees or a wildlife refuge. *Unconventional production systems, such as organic farming, water farming (aquaculture) and raised bed gardening. *Direct marketing or other entrepreneurial strategies. Selling traditional or non-traditional agricultural products directly to retailers or consumers, such as subscription farming, farmers market, and roadside markets. Alternatives Require: 1.More intensive management for many alternatives. Most alternatives require a larger time commitment because the producer is assuming increased responsibility for production, processing and marketing. If you are willing to invest a large amount of time to make the alternative successful, the MO Dept of Ag will help you. 2.For many alternatives the producers need management skills, physical resources and markets. There are very few alternatives with established markets. The producer must find or develop a marketing outlet. 3.Timeliness, quality, consistency are production traits that influence marketability of the product and therefore the price consumers are willing to pay the producer. 4.Long-term business relationship promotes success. The producer needs to develop loyal customers by providing good products or services at a reasonable price. 5.Long-term commitment needed. Plan at least a five year period for your enterprise to become profitable. If you need a quick return on investment alternative agriculture may be the best investment for your money. 6.Marketing and production aspects developed simultaneously. Since you will likely have to create a market you will want to line up customers prior to producing large quantities of product. It is much easier to expand your production to fill your orders than it is to sell a product you have over produced as is done in traditional operations. Before beginning an alternative enterprise, check resources, talk to others, seek for something in demand, visit markets and observe what is selling, attend conferences/workshops, read, read, read, and plan, plan, plan. For more info contact the MO Dept of Ag, Agriculture Development Fund, PO Box 630, Jefferson City MO 65102, 573/751/4762 Statewide Sustainable Agriculture Internet List Serve Group The Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SAWG) is a collective of people around that state that have a keen interest in sustainable agriculture. The work group, originally comprised of University Outreach and Extension field staff, has been together for three years, and utilizes a list serve as a forum and information sharing tool. Recently it became possible to make that list open to a wider public. We would like to extend an invitation to you to join this list serve - as an educator, farmer, or ‘eater’- to expand the audience, enhance our learning, and further sustainable agricultural initiatives in Missouri. What you can expect: This list serve is NOT overloaded with postings. You will not receive large volumes of messages per day. Therefore, there are no digest or archive functions available. Also, the group rules include "good email manners", so the list is not moderated. You can expect to receive: 1) Updates on the newly forming Sustainable Food and Farming Systems Focus Team, the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Program, and cooperating programs. 2) Opportunity to provide your input on initiatives and projects. One example is the base program planning process, where we are developing a plan of work for the sustainable agriculture extension program. This list will have the ability to contribute thoughts on issues that need to be addressed in sustainable agriculture over the next three years. (Participation is voluntary.) 3) Notice of events related to sustainable agriculture in the state: Conferences, trainings, field days, hearings- including activities of the Sustaining People through Agriculture Network (SPAN). 4) Outlines of long posts (newsletters) for which you may request the full version. This limits the load for those with older computer systems or those with size limits on their email accounts. In turn, you will have the opportunity to post events in your region, questions, provide your input, and communicate with folks from ‘round the state. How to subscribe: There are 2 ways to subscribe. Please choose the means that works well for you: 1) Send a message to listproc@lists.missouri.edu. No subject. In the message area, write: subscribe sustainag-l. Use the computer with the email address that you will be accessing the list from. Do not insert a signature block. 2) Send a request to Tory Shade, list owner at shadev@missouri.edu To send a message to the list, address it to: sustainag-l@lists.missouri.edu To unsubscribe, send to listproc@lists.missouri.edu the message unsubscribe sustainag-l. Do not use subject or signature block. Or contact Tory Shade for help. If you would like to learn more about the Sustainable Agriculture Working Group prior to subscribing, please contact: Joan Benjamin, Co-Coordinator, Sustainable Ag Extension Program, benjaminj@missouri.edu or Laura Ann Bergman, Program Manager, Sustainable Ag Extension Program, bergmanl@missouri.edu For mail list info or problems contact: Tory Shade, Farm Management Specialist and list owner, shadev@missouri.edu *** In the News *** ARS experiments show that diamondback moths can't resist the all-you-can-eat collards when planted completely around cabbage field edges, a strategy called trap cropping that could also work to protect other cole crops. Invading diamondback moths stop and deposit their eggs on the collards rather than on adjacent cabbage plants. Diamondback populations continue to recycle in collards as long as the plants remain green and continue to grow. The moths are becoming resistant to many chemicals. Spraying pesticides can be costly, ranging from about $10 to $21 an acre for each application, depending on which pesticides are used. It costs growers $80 to $168 per acre or more for insecticide sprays each season to produce the crop. The simple, low-tech, cost-effective method of planting collards also reduces pesticide use. Cabbage fields surrounded by collards required 75 to 100 percent fewer sprays to control diamondback moths than fields treated conventionally with pesticides. For more information contact Everett Mitchell, 352-374-5710. (Quarterly Report, April to June 1999) Chicory, a hardy plant that can survive the sidewalk jungle, may be just the thing for pastoral rigors as well, according to a scientist with the Agricultural Research Service, USDA’s chief scientific wing. With its carrot-like taproot, chicory can plow its way down to great depths through hard, marginal soils—and even cracks in a sidewalk. In a pasture, it relentlessly recycles excess soil nitrogen into protein for livestock before the nitrogen can pollute groundwater. The deep rooting could also explain how chicory stays green and leafy in hot, dry summers—to keep feeding sheep and cattle after most pasture plants have stopped growing. Chicory’s nitrogen appetite seems endless. An ARS agronomist found that this biological sponge can soak it up even at commercial fertilizer rates as high as 425 pounds an acre. Now they’re checking the plant’s appetite for nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients in composted turkey litter cleaned from turkey houses. It could become the preferred fertilizer for pastures because it is inexpensive and readily available from nearby turkey farms. For more info check out: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jun99/turk0699.htm (Quarterly Report, April to June, 1999) The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has developed a catalog of allowed and regulated products in organic agriculture, and a new seal for organic farmers and processors that identifies the OMRI-approved products that they use in their organic operations. Manufacturers of organic inputs may also use the seal to identify products that have gone through the OMRI review process. OMRI provides professional and independent review of materials and compatible processes allowed to produce, process, and handle organic food and fiber. After a comprehensive review by OMRI technical staff, a review panel of experts from the organic industry votes on a product’s status. The "OMRI Brand Name Products List" lists the allowed and regulated products; the "OMRI Generic Materials List" offers recommendations regarding the acceptability of generic materials used in organic production, processing, and handling. For more information, contact OMRI, PO Box 11558 Eugene, OR 97440-3758, 541-343-7600, info@omri.org The USDA National Agroforestry Center located in Lincoln NE has announced the availability of new resource materials. Information and education on agroforestry is of value in NY's educational programs addressing issues related to agricultural and food systems sustainability. These materials are available at no cost. The center has a newsletter entitled "Agroforestry Notes." A publication entitled "Agoforestry for Farms and Ranch" is a 26 page technical note describing the use of tree and shrub practices in agricultural land use settings. A new series of brochures has also been released: Working Trees for Agriculture, Working Trees for Livestock, Working Trees for Wildlife and Working Trees for Communities. To obtain more information about the center, its publications, or to order publications visit the Center’s Web Site at http://www.unl.edu/nac or contact Nancy Hammond, USDA National Agroforestry Center, East Campus-UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583-0822, 402-437-5178 ext 24. *** In Print *** *Making Your Small Farm Profitable* by Ron Macher, publisher of Small Farm Today. This book takes a how-to approach – it does not specifically detail how to raise cattle or pumpkins, but rather how to farm successfully and profitably. It is a whole-farm planning approach that ties together outside and on-farm resources with personal, family and farm goals. It's about the principles that make your thinking process work like a well-oiled machine. Available by calling 800-433-3704, $19.95. *Put Your Ideas to the Test: How to Conduct Research on Your Farm or Ranch* A new, 12-page bulletin for farmers, ranchers and the extension educators who work with them outlines how to conduct research at the farm level. Published by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program’s Sustainable Agriculture Network, the bulletin offers practical tips for both crop and livestock producers, as well as a comprehensive list of more in depth resources. Real-life examples — from a Pennsylvania vegetable farmer testing new rotations to a Montana producer experimenting with a legume called black medic to build soil and prolong pasture—may stimulate research ideas. Co-written by a team of research scientists, the bulletin features many SARE grant recipients. The free publication is available at http://www.sare.org/san/htdocs/pubs/ or call (301) 504-6422 and request a copy. *Organic Farming and Marketing Research: New Partnerships and Priorities* Proceedings of Oct 1998 conference sponsored by Organic Farming Research Foundation, USDA and Henry A. Wallace Institute for Alternative Agriculture. Focuses on current status and future prospects for organic agricultural research and education within USDA and elsewhere. Includes text of presentations on research needs from farm inspector’s perspective; data needs of the organic industry; international issues pertaining to organic agriculture; and more. 62 pp. Free. Contact Organic Farming Research Foundation, PO Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061, 831-426-6606, email research@ofrf.org, website http://www.ofrf.org *Pastures for Profit: A Guide to Rotational Grazing* available from Univ of MN Extension Service, 1-800-876-8636. *Sharing the Harvest: A Guide to Community-Supported Agriculture* from Chelsea Green Publishing, PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001, 1-800-639-4099, $24.95. *Environmental Factors to Consider When Expanding Dairies* $9 plus $3.75 shipping; *Sustainable Vegetable Production from Start-Up to Market* $42 plus $5.50 shipping. Both available from Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-255-7654; *Pest Management in US Agriculture* available on the USDA Economic Research Service’s Web site at www.econ.ag.gov/epubs/pdf/ah717/, or while copies last, from (202) 694- 5050. *So You Want to be a Farmer* booklet is designed to help you learn about the business of farming, address the main factors to consider in starting a farm business and to provide you with sources of information and suggestions for successfully entering this dynamic industry. Entire booklet can be downloaded off the web at http://www.cfbmc.com/freedownloads-eng/ *Nut Production Handbook for Eastern Black Walnut* Available from Jim Jones, PO Box 600, Stockton, MO 65785-0600, 417-276-6010. *Natural Enemies Handbook: The Illustrated Guide to Biological Control* A comprehensive guide that illustrates the balance between plant pests and their natural enemies. Available from UC ANR Communications Services, 6701 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608-1239, 510-642-2431, http://danrcs.ucdavis.edu, $35.00. *** On the Calendar *** Nov 13-Ag Marketing and Value Added Conference, Hermitage, MO. Call 417-745-6767. Nov 13-Center for Rural Affairs’ Annual Meeting, South Sioux City, NE. Call 402-846-5428. Nov 13-3rd Nut Harvest Festival, Nevada, MO. Call 417-667-8115. Nov 13-18–Introduction to Holistic Grazing and Land Planning, Sunrise Springs, NM. Call 505-842-5252 Nov 19-20-Developing Alternative Agricultural Marketing Skills for the New Millennium, Lincoln, NE. Call 402-472-0265. Nov 30-Farmer's Conservation Workshop, Fulton, MO. Call 573-446-9091 x 3. Dec 3-Organic Grain Workshop, Montgomery City, MO. Call 573-564-3733. Dec 9-11-Acres USA Eco-Farming Conference, Minneapolis, MN. Call 800-355-5313. Dec 12-14-MO Governor's Conference on Agriculture, Tan-Tar-A. Call 573-751-5622. Dec 15-Organic Grain Workshop, Cameron, MO. Call 816-279-1691. Dec 16-Organic Grain Workshop, Kirksville, MO. Call 660-895-5123. Jan 5-6-Mid-America Fruit Growers Conference, St. Joseph, MO. Call 573-442-3207. Jan 7-8-4th Annual Great Plains Vegetable Conference, St. Joseph, MO. Call 816-279-1691. Jan 22-23-Ozark Food & Equipment Show, Springfield, MO. Jan 29-Fifth Anniversary Local Food Systems and CSA Conference, Des Moines, IA. Call 515-232-5679. Jan 31-Feb 4-Ag Science Week, Columbia, MO. Call 800-433-3704. Feb 6-8-Midwest Regional Grape & Wine Conference, Tan-Tar-A. Call 88-392-WINE Feb 21-23-MO Small Fruit Conference, Springfield, MO. Call 417-926-4105. Feb 22-23-MO Aquaculture Association Annual Meeting and Conference, Cape Girardeau, MO. Call 573-526-6666. Feb 25-Specialty Crops School, Oxford NC. Call Carl Cantaluppi, 919-603-1350 Feb 26-Sustaining People through Agriculture (SPAN) Conference, Columbia, MO. Call Joan Benjamin, 573-884-3794. March 3-5-MO Association of Meat Processors Annual Conference, Columbia, MO. Call 660-827-0005. March 16-18-Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference, LaCrosse, WI. Call 715-772-6819. March 17-AgriExpo 2000-Pre-Conference Workshop: Cooperative Development, Jefferson City, MO. Call 573-882-1150. March 18-AgriExpo 2000–Guiding Entrepreneurs to Success–2nd Annual Value Added Agriculture Conference, Jefferson City, MO. Call 753-882-1150. March 25-Direct Marketing and Enterprise Diversification, Silex, MO. Call 573-485-7261. June 11-15-MO Agribusiness Academy, St. Louis, MO. Call 573-751-5618. June 13-15-Grant Writing Workshop I. Call Southwest RC&D, 417-732-6485. Aug 8-10-Grant Writing Workshop II. Call Southwest RC&D, 417-732-6485. University 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.