Ag Opportunities Volume 18, Number 1 January 2007 Agroforestry Research at the Southwest Research Center Covers a Broad Range of Interest By Andrew L. Thomas Horticulture Research Associate Agroforestry is the integration of tree crops with agricultural plant or animal production for mutual benefit. But there is much behind this simple definition. Bringing together compatible trees, crop plants, and animals into a symbiotic system can have profound impacts on farms, farmers, and the environment. Agroforestry systems can increase per-acre agricultural production, expand market opportunities for landowners, protect agricultural land and the environment, improve wildlife habitat and water quality, and substantially diversify farm income. Much of my research at the Southwest Center can be classified as agroforestry-related. These numerous and diverse projects examine small but important pieces of a larger agroforestry puzzle, that when assembled, can yield excellent benefits for Missouri farmers and landowners. Following is a brief summary of agroforestry-related research underway at the Southwest Center, grouped into 5 categories. 1) Development of black walnut as a viable nut crop Our numerous long-term studies of black walnut are intended to develop the horticultural and economic aspects of this species into a truly viable crop. Black walnut is very welladapted to Missouri’s harsh climate and offers long-term income potential to a variety of farmers and land-owners statewide. Yet, nut production from this species has generally been relegated to a convenient (or inconvenient) by-product from plantings established for other purposes, and has not been proactively studied or developed until recently. Many large, longterm field studies have been established at the Southwest Center in order to study and apply current technologies and to maximize the present genetic status of black walnut. We feel that black walnut nut production has excellent potential, and that with serious, long-term research, it will move into the mainstream of viable nut crops for Missouri and the Midwest. 2) Study of northern pecan cultivars and production methods Pecan is a high-value nut crop with a proven track record of productivity and profitability in southwest Missouri. The region is at the northern edge of the natural range of pecan, which presents numerous challenges in terms of cold hardiness and production consistency. Established and newly-developed northern pecan cultivars must be evaluated for their hardiness, and for characteristics such as productivity, insect and disease resistance, and nut quality. To maintain and improve viability of pecan as an important and profitable crop in Missouri, and to hopefully expand plantings to additional regions, aggressive long-term research is necessary. A large 14-year-old pecan cultivar evaluation at the Southwest Center has already yielded much information and will become even more valuable as it comes into full production. 3) Alternative native woody fruit/nut crops The native tree and shrub crops pawpaw, persimmon, elderberry, shagbark hickory, shellbark hickory, and Ozark chinkapin are of great interest to a variety of farmers, evidenced by the very large the number of inquiries we receive. These crops are all perfectly adapted to Missouri’s climate and soils, yet all have been seriously neglected in terms of horticultural research. Very basic scientific questions remain unanswered as many people plant such crops with little knowledge or guidance. Several of these species (namely elderberry, pawpaw, and persimmon) are also known for historic and contemporary medicinal use, yet very little is known about the physiological aspects of various medicinal compounds within the plants themselves. While most of these species are not likely to become major crops in Missouri, we believe that, with research, they will fill an important niche for innovative producers and consumers. Of these species, we feel that elderberry has the greatest potential to develop into a major crop. Elderberry is a beautiful ornamental plant with countless uses and benefits in agroforestry and horticulture, including feeding and protecting wildlife, soil and streambank stabilization, and use of both flowers and fruit for jams, jellies, syrups, natural food colorants, juice concentrates, wines, and medicines. All of these aspects of elderberry can be further developed with basic research. 4) Medicinal herbs appropriate for agroforestry Black cohosh is a high-value herbaceous medicinal herb that requires shade and appears to be highly compatible as an understory plant with tree crops, including black walnut. It can also be grown successfully in a shadehouse setting. The species is among the top ten medicinal herbs consumed in North America and Europe, with millions of dollars spent on it annually, yet virtually no black cohosh is cultivated in the United States, where it is native. Numerous scientific papers have proven the medicinal benefit in treating menopausal symptoms in some women. Black cohosh is a crop that usually requires three to five years after planting before harvest, after which it must be destructively harvested. Thus, it is a costly crop to produce and requires diligent, long-term management. We have been studying the cultivation of black cohosh since 1999 and, more recently, the production of specific medicinal compounds within various plant tissues. As black cohosh pharmacognosy becomes more sophisticated, it may someday be possible to produce some of the important medicinal compounds annually from renewable black cohosh tissues, such as leaves and flowers, rather than destructively harvesting the entire plant after several years. 5) General agroforestry Agroforestry systems have excellent potential in properly managing poultry and other animal wastes to good benefit. A major multi-disciplinary agroforestry project was established at Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1999. Grafted black walnut and pecan cultivars, and non-grafted red oak trees were planted within a 10.5- acre paddock that receives poultry litter and chemical fertilizer. Fifty-five wells (most shallow; some deep) have been installed throughout the planting. Water table levels, nitrate, phosphorous, and other factors within the groundwater are being monitored and documented throughout the year, and then correlated to application of animal wastes, tree response, and forage growth. We have an abundance of animal wastes in Missouri and Arkansas, with poultry litter being the most important in some areas. Disposal of such wastes can be a serious environmental problem, but this type of research will help us understand the above- and below-ground dynamics of poultry litter application, so that such "resources" can be put to good and safe use. (Ruminations, Jan-March 2007) ********************************************************************** How to Start a Rotational Grazing System for Your Cow Herd by Amie Schleicher Livestock Specialist University of Missouri Extension Atchison County Don't get overwhelmed with thoughts of a complex and expensive grazing system. In most cases, a few simple improvements can get you started. Design a whole plan for the farm but develop as time and money allow. Get an aerial photo of your farm from your FSA office to draw on. On your map, mark fences, buildings, working areas, water, shade, etc. Mark major soils changes using a soils map, considering slope and soil quality--from there you can start drawing in permanent fences. Draw around crop fields/forage types if different from soil breaks. Divide the farm along existing water sources. Your map will now show a basic system with water in each field, divided by productivity, with enough fields to begin rotational grazing. From there you can subdivide into paddocks using temporary fence in case changes are needed. Plan your system but be flexible! You will learn as you go. Attend one of the grazing schools in the area and work with your Extension and NRCS personnel. ********************************************************************** *** In Print/On-Line *** *Making the Farm Connection* This manual is designed to let framers know what to expect when hosting a farm visit. The booklet is also very useful for teachers and classes so that they may get the most out of their farm visit. Online at www.caff.org/programs/f2sManual.shtml *Biodiesel Blends for Fueling Diesel Engines* Commercially produced biodiesel is a safe and reliable alternative fuel that can be used in diesel engines with little or no need for modification to existing engines and fuel systems. http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/agengin/g01991.htm *Marketing Vegetables in Missouri* Excellent publication which explains the different ways to market vegetables in Missouri including farmers markets, grocery stores (including which stores purchase), produce auction (listing of auctions in MO), restaurants, institutions, u-pick, roadside stands, CSAs and marketing cooperatives. http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/agguides/hort/g06221.pdf *2007 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers* This comprehensive guide, revised annually, gives a wealth of information on how to protect your vegetable crops from insect and disease pests. It contains reference sections for planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting and storing more than 30 vegetables common to Missouri. In addition, dozens of tables give information on varieties, maturity dates, handling and storage life, estimated yields per acre and more for each vegetable. Commercial produce growers can also use the information on labor laws and worker protection standards. Further sources of information, including regional vegetable crop specialists, are provided. Available from MU Extension Publications, 573-882-7216, $12.00. *Organic Production Resource Manual* The University of Arkansas Extension Service announces the release and publication of its first Organic Production Resource Manual. The document was constructed to assist extension workers, ag-professionals, consultants and growers in Arkansas and the region with fundamental questions and resources for organic production. The document's development and contents were based upon research on the information needs of various clientele groups, and compiled as part of a graduate student thesis. The 110-page Resource Manual is available http://www.aragriculture.org/horticulture/Organic_Resource_Manual.pdf and will be available in hardbound/notebook copies in the future. *Organic Dairy Farms in Wisconsin: Prosperous, Modern and Expansive* is a report conducted by the Univ of WI which provides a descriptive picture of organic dairy farming in WI, where 306 of the 15,300 dairy farms are certified organic. To see the report go to www.pats.wisc.edu under publications *Targeted Grazing: A Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape Enhancement* A new handbook that focuses on using sheep and goats to manage vegetation and enhance landscapes was recently completed in a collaborative effort by researchers, educators, and producers from across the United States. The handbook covers topics such as using targeted grazing to control invasive species of weeds and using sheep and goats to create fire breaks. It also includes grazing prescriptions that can be used to target specific plant species and examples of how sheep and goats are being used to manage vegetation. It is available online in its entirety at http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/rx-grazing/Handbook.htm ********************************************************************** *** IN THE NEWS *** USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is holding *public meetings to discuss a petition to establish a definition for the voluntary claim "natural" and to gather comments on conditions under which the claim should be allowed to be used on the labels of meat and poultry products.* USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is considering the development of a voluntary standard to address production practices associated with the term "naturally raised" for livestock. USDA is holding three listening sessions to provide for public input on a voluntary marketing claim standard specifically for Naturally Raised Livestock. The first was held December 11; additional meetings are set for January 17 in Denver, CO, and January 18 in Seattle, WA. Comments on this notice are welcome and may be submitted either through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov or electronically to FSIS.RegulationsComments@usda.gov. (Weekly Harvest Newsletter, Dec 13, 2006) *The new seedling order forms from the MO Dept of Conservation are available now.* If you have ordered tree bundles from them in the past year or two you should receive a new form in the mail. If you would like a form contact your local county Extension . *The Organic Materials Review Institute is developing an organic seed listing service.* Once completed, the site will provide growers with information about the availability of certified organic seed. Organic growers are required to use organic seed when available but non-organic seed ca be used if a particular variety is not available. The OMRI service will give growers a single place to search for seed. It also will give organic certifiers a quick way to determine whether organic seeds was available to the grower. The database is at http://seeds.omri.org. Seed suppliers can list their organic seed choices on the site by paying a small annual fee. OMRI will verify that the supplier is certified as a handler or grower of organic seed. (Growing for Market, Dec 2006) A report issued by USDA's Economic Research Service confirms that by 2005 *certified organic farmland could be found in all 50 US states for the first time.* After doubling from 1997 to 2002, the amount of farmland certified organic doubled again from 2002 to 2005, finally reaching every corner of the nation. Organic farmland may only make up only 1 percent of the total nationwide, but the adoption rate of organic practices is growing at an amazing clip. The ERS report breaks down adoption levels by sector that can be viewed in either national or state-by-state tables. They cover over 40 commodities, crop and livestock, for 1997 or 1995 and 2000 to 2005. ERS also expects to have estimates for 2006 published by December of next year. ATTRA has set up a *small poultry processor database* on their website. It is self-listing, so you can add yourself or processors. Check it out at: http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/poultry_processors_main.php According to results of a recent survey released by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graziers are more satisfied with all quality of life measures than farmers who use pasture less intensively and operators of small confinement dairies. Dairy graziers and operators of large confinement dairies expressed the same high levels of satisfaction with family time, time with spouse, farming system, ability to be a steward of the land, ability to change their farming system and relationship with their animals. Graziers reported the highest level of satisfaction with herd health, even when compared to large confinement farms. For a summary of the research go to www.cias.wisc.edu/pdf/lifesatis.pdf *Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Final Rule Issued:* USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service issued a final regulation for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) making it a permanent program rather than a competitive grant program. The purpose of the program is to increase the access of low-income seniors to fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables at direct marketing venues. www.fns.usda.gov/wic/SeniorFMNP/SFMNPmenu.htm. USDA announced preliminary results of a survey indicating that the number of farmers markets increased more than 7 percent between 2005 and 2006. The new numbers are based on an update of the National Farmers Market Directory by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), and the preliminary results of the 2006 USDA National Farmers Market Survey, conducted by AMS in partnership with Michigan State University. For more information, www.ams.usda.gov/news/281-06.htm USDA Forest Service Open Space Conservation Strategy and Implementation Plan. *The Forest Service is building a national strategy to identify how the agency can best help conserve open space, with an emphasis on partnerships and collaborative approaches.* The agency is interested in addressing the effects of the loss of open space on private forests; on National Forests and Grasslands and the surrounding landscape; and on forests in cities, suburbs, and towns. Public input is welcome. For more info, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/openspace/ *Standards for Grades of Cultivated Ginseng:* USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service created the standards at the request of industry and published a previous notice in the Federal Register requesting comments on the proposed Standards for Grades of Cultivated Ginseng. The new standards, which become effective Jan. 18, 2007, will provide a common language for trade facilitation. For more info, visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/news/302-06.htm *The MO Dept of Ag now has an online listing of MO fish producers and aquaculture suppliers.* To see the searchable listing go to www.mda.mo.gov/cgi-bin/aqua_directory.cgi. The hope is that the online directory will be easy for customers to use. Information for a business can now be updated one day and the change reflected in the online listing the next day. Questions about the new directory and business listing additions or corrections should be directed to bart.hawcroft@mda.mo.gov, 866.466.8283. *The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a voluntary land retirement program that helps producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and protect ground and surface water.* Enrollment in CREP is limited to specific watersheds in MO, but the program is available in all or part of 79 of Missouri’s 114 counties. Practices include field borders, filter strips, prairie restoration, and wetland development to name a few. All practices must be planted to a mix of native warm-season grasses and wildflowers. Mid-contract management is required on most grass practices. CREP offers extra incentives to encourage enrollment. Annual rental payments of over $100 per acre are possible and signup bonuses of $100 to $350 per acre depending on your soil type and the practice you choose. Contact your local FSA office to see if your land qualifies for the program. A three-year study in the United Kingdom, sponsored by the Organic Milk Suppliers’ Cooperative, found *organic milk contained 68% more omega-3 fatty acids*, on average, than conventional milk. Findings from the study have been published in the Journal of Dairy Science. (Organic-A Better Way to Grow, Dec 2006, Issue 36) ********************************************************************** *** ON THE CALENDAR *** Jan 5-6 - Horticulture Industry Show: Sustainable Agriculture/Farmers Market, Ft Smith, AR. Call 405-744-6460. Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1 - Annie’s Project, Neosho, MO. Call 417-455-9500. Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8 - Annie’s Project, Reeds Spring, MO. Call 417-581-3558. Jan 8 - Golden Age Farming, Bethany, MO. Call 660) 425-6434 Jan 9,16, 23 - Farm & Small Business Estate Planning Workshop, Kirksville, MO. Call 660-947-2705. Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 20 - Annie’s Project, Columbia, MO. Call 573-581-3231. Jan 10 - Aquaculture Conference, Jackson, MO. Call 573-243-3581. Jan 11 - High Tunnel Workshop, St Joseph, MO. Call 816-279-1691. Jan 11-13 - Great Plains Vegetable Conference, St Joseph, MO. Call 816-279-1691. Jan 12-13 - Landscape Design with Missouri in Mind, Springfield, MO. Call 573-522-4170. Jan 12-13 - Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference, Des Moines, IA. Call 515-232-5661. Jan 18 - Direct Marketing of Meat Workshop, Ozora, MO. Call 573-547-4504. Jan 18 - Meat Goat Seminar, Anderson, MO. Call 417-223-4775. Jan 19-20 - American Heartland Aquaculture Conference, Whittington, IL www.moaa.pond.org January 19-20 - Heartland Agriculture & Natural Resources Expo, Poplar Bluff, MO. (butlerco@missouri.edu 573/778-8021) Jan. 19-21 - Pheasant Fest, Des Moines, IA. Go to www.iowaeventscenter.com Jan 19-21 - Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Gardeners, Madison, WI. Call 608-265-3020. Jan 20 - Missouri Christmas Tree Assn Winter Meeting, Jefferson City, MO. Call 660-457-3834. Jan 20-21 - Beginning Beekeeping Class, Columbia, MO. Call 573-474-8837. Jan 23 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Hillsboro, MO. Call 636-789-2441 ext 3 Jan 23-25 - Mid-America Fruit Growers Meeting, Excelsior Springs, MO. Call 573-882-9632. Jan 25-28 - Southern Sustainable Ag Working Group Conference, Louisville, KY. Call 678-494-0696, www.ssawg.org Jan 26-27 - MO Farmers Union 100th Anniversary Homecoming Convention, West Plains, MO. Call 573-659-4787. Jan 26-27 - Missouri Equine Celebration, Columbia, MO. Call 800-313-3327, www.mo-equine.org Jan 30 - Understanding Your Soil Test for Pasture and Hay Systems, Anderson, MO. Call 417-223-4775. Feb 1 - Food Safety: From Field to Harvest to Market Workshop, Warrensburg, MO. Call 573-751-4339, agrimo@mda.mo.gov Feb 2 - Women in Agriculture and Agriculture Landowners Conference, Marshall, MO. Call 660-886-6908. Feb 2-3 - Sustainable Food System Conference, Kansas City, MO. Call 816-767-8873. Feb 3 - 1st Annual Grazing Conference, Hannibal, MO. Call 573-985-8611 x 3. Feb. 3 - MO Quail Unlimited State Meeting, Jefferson City, MO. Call 660-885-7057. Feb 3 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Lamar, MO. Call 417-629-3423 Feb 3 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Bates County. Call 417/667-8137 Feb 3-4 - MO Nut Growers Assn Evaluation & Show, Nevada, MO. Call 417-436-2351. Feb 3-5 - Midwest Wine & Grape Conference, Tan-Tar-A, MO. Call 1-800-392-WINE. Feb 5-7 - 2007 Mid-Continent Fish Culture Workshop, Overland Park, KS. http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/fishing/2007_mid_continent_fish_culture_workshop Feb 6 - Food Safety: From Field to Harvest to Market Workshop, Springfield, MO. Call 573-751-4339, agrimo@mda.mo.gov Feb 7 - Putting Small Acreages to Work, Quincy, IL. Call 217-223-8380. Feb 8 - Risk Management Agency Programs and Sustainable Agriculture Funding Opportunities, Kansas City, MO. Call 573-884-3794. Feb 8 - Food Safety: From Field to Harvest to Market Workshop, Park Hills, MO. Call 573-751-4339, agrimo@mda.mo.gov Feb 10 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Carthage, MO. Call 417-629-3423 Feb 12 - Beginning Beekeeping Class, Hillsboro, MO. Call 636-797-5391, www.jeffcobeekeepers.com Feb 12-14 - Missouri Small Fruit & Vegetable Conference, Springfield, MO. Feb 15 - Food Safety: From Field to Harvest to Market Workshop, Macon, MO. Call 573-751-4339, agrimo@mda.mo.gov Feb 22-23 - Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference, LaCrosse, WI. Call 715-772-3153, cathy@mosesorganic.org Feb 23-24 - MO Woodland Owners Conference, Columbia, MO. Call 573-634-3252, http://moforest.org Feb 27 - Food Safety: From Field to Harvest to Market Workshop, St. Joseph, MO. Call 573-751-4339, agrimo@mda.mo.gov March 1 - 23rd Annual Spring Forage Conference, Mt. Vernon, MO. Call 417-466-2148. March 8 - Food Safety: From Field to Harvest to Market Workshop, Sikeston, MO. Call 573-751-4339, agrimo@mda.mo.gov March 10 - Enhance Wildlife on Your Property, Farmington, MO. Call 573-290-5730. March 16-17 - MO State Beekeepers Assn Spring Meeting, Jefferson City, MO. Call 660-826-4917. March 31 - Options for Small Acreages, Lebanon, MO. Call 417-532-7126. March 31 - Quail Management Field Day, Mound City, MO. Call 660-442-3173. May 11-12 - Midwest Forest Industry Show, St Louis. Call 573-634-3252. July 29-31 - Missouri Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives Summer Tour, Perryville, MO. Call 573-751-8467. Aug 9-19 - MO State Fair, Sedalia, MO. ***********************************************************************