Ag Opportunities Vol 20, No 5 May 2009 Pine Straw: A New Mulch for Missouri By Michelle Hall University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry Pine straw, the accumulation of naturally shed needles of pine trees, is an excellent landscape mulching material. It is commonly baled and sold in the southeastern U.S., where it is the No. 1 mulch used in landscape plantings. However, loblolly pine, the predominant species used for pine straw plantations in the south, may not be tolerant to the colder conditions in Missouri. Shortleaf, the only pine species native to Missouri, is not well suited to pine straw production due to its namesake short needle length. That said, many sites in Missouri are suitable for pine straw production, said Chris Starbuck, University of Missouri associate professor of plant sciences. Starbuck and Steven Kirk, MU extension associate in plant sciences, have evaluated the potential of cold-tolerant selections of loblolly pine and pitch x loblolly hybrid pines for production of pine straw in Missouri. These trees have cold hardiness for Missouri with a similar needle length to loblolly. In addition, Starbuck is looking at selections of loblolly found growing in central Missouri. Pine straw is a multi-million dollar industry, said Starbuck. A well-managed plantation in full production can gross up to $1,000 per acre every other year from the sale of pine straw bales. (From a tree health standpoint, it is best to harvest only a portion of the plantation in a given year to allow trees to benefit from needle accumulation between harvests.) Since pine straw is actually a leaf (needle), it benefits the landscape in much the same way decomposing leaves benefit the forest floor by recycling nutrients and maintaining soil organic matter. Hardwood bark mulch, on the other hand, when used in excess, can cause a buildup of calcium and potassium in the soil, increasing pH and causing an imbalance in soil minerals that can interfere with nutrient uptake. The minerals in pine needles are balanced so their decomposition does not create an imbalance in the soil. Hardwood and pine bark mulch can wash away in a strong rain. Pine straw knits together and holds in place during heavy rain, helping to prevent soil erosion. The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry and the MU department of horticulture are working toward creating a pine straw industry in the state of Missouri through research, product development and education designed to encourage producers, retailers and consumers to adopt the use of this renewable, sustainable, natural mulch material. Fifteen pine genotypes have been evaluated at the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center (HARC) for their potential for pine straw production. A seed orchard is being created from the trees shown to be superior in the study; HARC also may supply the White State Forestry Nursery at Licking, Mo., and other nurseries with seed, Starbuck said. In the near future, Missourians will be able to use the seed created to plant their own pine straw-producing tree plantation, windbreak, alley cropping practice or silvopasture enterprise. Future pine straw research and demonstration projects may include developing the best management practices for producing pine straw, market research to nurture the fledgling pine straw demand, on-farm demonstrations concerning pine straw production and harvest, demonstrations of pine straw mulch in urban landscapes, evaluation of producing pine straw in a linear windbreak configuration and evaluation of shade tolerant nursery stock to grow between mature pines in a pine straw plantation. See more information about pine straw production and use – and other agroforestry practices – on the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry Five Practices DVD. For ordering information, go to http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/pubs/dvdorderform.asp ********************************************************************** USDA to Conduct First Wide-Scale Survey of Organic Agriculture How it is Changing the Face of U.S. Agriculture This spring, USDA will conduct the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the United States, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today, to find out how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture. "The Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses," said Vilsack. "This is an opportunity for organic producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States." 2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 U.S. farms engaged in organic production. The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year - from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic agriculture. The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations. USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the survey in early May to all known organic producers in the United States, who are asked to respond by June 17. NASS will publish results in winter 2009. Participants can mail back their forms or complete the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. Survey participants are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. For more information about the Organic Production Survey, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540 ********************************************************************** Organic Production Survey Key Messages The 2007 Census of Agriculture showed over 20,000 farms engaged in organic production in the United States. As a follow-up to the 2007 Census, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting its first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic agricultural producers as well as producers in transition to organic production in the United States. Through the Organic Production Survey, NASS will gather additional information on how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture. This survey gives organic producers an opportunity to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States. The survey results will help shape decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers of organic agriculture make informed decisions about the future of their own organic production operations. The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year, including: * Production of field crops, vegetables, fruits, tree nuts, berries, livestock and poultry * Production practices, including pest management, cover crops, crop rotation, rotational grazing, conservation tillage, water management and buffer zones * Production expenses * Marketing practices, including wholesale, retail and direct-to-consumer sales * Value-added production and processing Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation. The privacy of individual Census records is also protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act. Survey forms will be mailed in early May 2009 and response are required by June 17. Respondents are encouraged to complete the Organic Production Survey online via a secure Web-based response system at www.agcensus.usda.gov. Online response not only saves the respondent time, but will save the government money on return postage and data entry. To enter the online system, respondents will need the ID number printed on the mailing label of their survey form. Survey results will be published in late 2009 and will be available online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. For more information or for help completing your form, call 888-424-7828 (toll-free), or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov. ********************************************************************** Frequently Asked Questions About the Organic Production Survey What is the Organic Production Survey? The Organic Production Survey, which is a supplement to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s first wide-scale survey of organic agricultural producers and producers in transition to organic agriculture in the United States. Why should I respond to the Organic Survey? As with the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the Organic Production Survey is your voice, your future and your responsibility. Your responses will ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic production in the United States by helping shape decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, and many other key issues. In addition, survey results can help you make informed decisions about the future of your own organic operation. How will the survey be conducted? Survey forms will be mailed in early May, 2009 to the over 20,000 producers nationwide who indicated in the 2007 Census of Agriculture that they are engaged in organic production. Responses are due by June 17, 2009. Can I respond online? Yes. Survey participants are encouraged to use the secure, convenient online response system at www.agcensus.usda.gov. This not only saves you time, but it saves the government money on return postage and data entry. You will need the ID number printed on the mailing label of your survey form. What types of questions will be asked? The survey will look at organic farming activities during 2008, including: * Production of field crops, vegetables, fruits, tree nuts, berries, livestock and poultry; * Production practices such as pest management, cover crops, crop rotation, rotational grazing, conservation tillage, water management and buffer zones; * Production expenses; * Marketing practices, including wholesale, retail and direct-to-consumer sales; and * Value-added production and processing. In order for me to participate in the survey, does my operation have to be certified organic? No. The survey includes USDA certified organic producers, organic producers exempt from certification (those grossing less than $5,000 annually from organic sales), producers transitioning to organic production, and non-certified producers. Must I respond to the survey? Yes. United States law (Title 7, U.S. Code) requires all those who receive a survey to respond. Will my information be kept confidential? Absolutely. Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation. The privacy of individual records is also protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act. When will results of the survey be released? Survey results will be published in late 2009 and will be available online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. What if I want more information or need help completing my form? Call the toll-free number listed on your survey form – 888.424.7828, or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov ********************************************************************** IN PRINT/ON-LINE *Private Water Systems Handbook* A well-designed and maintained water system is not only essential for your health and well-being, but also improves the value of your home. This latest edition provides complete information about sampling and testing water to ensure safety. Discussions include water reducing modern appliances, reverse osmosis water treatment systems, selection, design, use of PEX modern piping systems, and energy-saving equipment; such as on-demand hot water heating systems and variable speed well pumps. Maintenance of a quality water system is also addressed. Not only are wells discussed, but also use of cisterns, springs and ponds to provide water to the home or farm. Orders may be placed: on-line at www.mwps.org, by e-mail at mwps@iastate.edu, by phone at 800-562-3618. There are lots of great fish publications online. Here are links to some of them: The Extension publication Nutrition and Feeding of Baitfish has been updated and is available at http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/UAPB/etb-256.pdf. It is a 30-page manual and contains information from years of research. A fact sheet dealing with non-native species was released this winter: Non-Native Species in Aquaculture: Terminology, Potential Impacts and Invasion Process http://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm?catid=22 (#4303). *The Tree Owner’s Manual* Information about caring for one of the most valuable assets on their land—its trees. The U.S. Forest Service created the “Tree Owner’s Manual”to answer common questions about tree care, from planting, fertilizing, and pruning to troubleshooting signs of damage, injury, and disease. The manual also lists numerous organizations and sources of more information for keeping trees healthy and growing. The booklet is available in a simple black and white format that is easy to download and inexpensive to reproduce. The Forest Service will help organizations or businesses customize the cover of the manual with their own logo. To download a copy of the “Tree Owner’s Manual”, or to request a customized version with a logo on the cover, visit the Tree Owner's Manual Web page. http://na.fs.fed.us/urban/treeownersmanual/ *Medicinal Botanicals I* from Mountain State University in WV. The book has a softcover, 5.5”x8.5” size, 15 chapters and 250 pages. The book discusses aspects of medicinal plant utilization, cultivation, value-adding and marketing and will be very valuable to anyone interested in these topics. To order send check or money order for $15 to Mario Morales, Medicinal Botanicals Program 410 Neville Street Beckley, WV 25801-4511. ********************************************************************** IN THE NEWS Iowa State University researchers showed high tunnels can be used to extend the growing season by cultivating tulips over the winter at the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm in southwest Iowa. 100 bulbs each of 13 tulip cultivars were planted to see how they would perform and if their quality as cut flowers would be acceptable to local floral shops. The florists were pleased with the size and quality of the tulips. Read more at http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/news_detail.php?var1=740 Access to farmland is one of the biggest challenges for new farmers. For many, leasing may be an effective strategy. Leases can provide affordable, flexible and secure access to farms, land, and buildings. Land For Good, a nonprofit offering education and assistance to owners and managers of working lands, entering farmers, and other-land use decision-makers, is offering an online land leasing tutorial. The tutorial offers four short, easy and informative modules that give basic information, lease examples and lots of linked resources. http://www.landforgood.org/leasing/online.php Recent research assessed the performance and success of distribution models for moving food in a local network. The research included interviews with more than 50 chefs, farmers and distributors about what they think works best for moving local food effectively, and what they wish worked better. Geographically, the research focused on large urban markets with partial-year (rather than year-round) growing seasons and sought out examples of models that deviated from the conventional wholesale distribution system. The report is available as a PDF at: http://chefscollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/public-summar y-final1.pdf ********************************************************************** ON THE CALENDAR May 6—Tomato Grafting Workshop, Mt. Vernon, MO. Call 417-862-9284. May 7—Certified Organic Wild Crop Farm Field Day, Salem MO. Email penny@pinenut.com May 7—Missouri Nut Growers Association Grafting Demonstration, Cedar Hill, MO. Call 636-274-2010. May 27—David Schafer Farm Tour, Jamesport, MO. Call 660-663-3232. May 27-28—18th Annual Small Farm Conference, Oklahoma City, OK. Call 1-866-466-2231 or 405-466-6154. May 31-June 3—North American Agroforestry Conference, Columbia, MO. http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/events/afta/index.asp June 2-4—11th Annual Value Added Conference, Moline, IL. Call 515-294-4430, http://www.nvaa2009.homestead.com June 9—Food Defense Workshop, St. Joseph, MO. Email savageclarkek@missouri.edu or call 573-882-4042. June 11—Food Defense Workshop, Southwest Missouri. Email savageclarkek@missouri.edu or call 573-882-4042. June 16—Food Defense Workshop, Central Missouri. Email savageclarkek@missouri.edu or call 573-882-4042. June 18—Food Defense Workshop, Ste. Genevieve, MO. Email savageclarkek@missouri.edu or call 573-882-4042. June 18—2009 Bobwhite Quail Management and Agriculture Field Day, Bradford Research Center, Columbia MO. Call 573/882-4337. June 18—Dung Beetle Field Day, Linn, MO. Call 573-694-1682. June 25—Aquaculture Biosecurity Workshop, Ava, MO. Call 573-526-6666, www.moaa.pond.org June 26-27—Midwest Forest Industry Show, Cape Girardeau, MO. June 28—KC Urban Farm Tours, Kansas City, MO. Go to http://urbanfarmstourkc.com/ July 8-10—Missouri Dairy Grazing Conference, Joplin, MO. Call 573-499-0886. July 24-25—Missouri Christmas Tree Association Meeting, Washington, MO. Call 573-243-5501. Aug 2-4—Missouri Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives Summer Tour, Alma, MO. Call 660-909-2259. August 13-23—2009 Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO. www.mostatefair.com Sept 12—River Hills Fall Poultry Fest, Silex, MO. Call 573-721-6223. Sept 12—Missouri Nut Growers Association Pre-harvest Meeting, Stockton, MO. Call 417-436-2351. Sept 22-24—State Grazing School, Linneus, MO. Call 573-499-0886. Dec 4-5—Missouri Livestock Symposium, Kirksville, MO. Call 660-665-9866, www.missourilivestock.com Feb 5-6—Missouri Nut Growers Association Annual Nut Show Evaluation and Annual Meeting, Nevada, MO. Call 417-436-2351. Feb 5-12—North American Farmers Direct Marketing Conference, Lancaster, PA. Green Hills Farm Project Farm Walks Green Hills Farm Project welcomes all families to our open farm walks. Always bring your children! Please call ahead to advise the host family of the number attending and to get directions. The host family provides main meat course and drinks. Please bring lawn chairs and covered dish. Come on out and join us for a great time of fellowship and sharing on our farms! May 21- 5 pm Dennis and Becky McDonald, Galt, MO, 660-673-6508 June 18 - 5 pm Isaac Rude, Braymer, MO, 660-645-2324 July 25 (Saturday) Ray & Sue Stropes, Chilhowee, MO 816-405-9545 Aug 29 (Saturday) Elton Mau, Arrowsmith, IL, 309-727-1322 Sept 17 - 5pm Kerry & Barb Buchmayer, Purdin, MO, 660-244-5858 Oct 15 - 4pm Mac & Pat Scottt, New Cambria, MO, 660-226-5351 Nov 19 - 4pm Ben & Nancy Coleman, Callao, MO, 660-768-5743 2009 Growing Growers Workshops Workshops are open to the general public for a fee. Proceeds help to pay program costs, including apprentice costs and speaker fees. Scholarships are available in case of financial need. Contact Ted Carey, 913-645-0007, tcarey@ksu.edu or Laura Christensen, 816-805-0362, growers@ksu.edu May 4th Equipment for Fruit and Vegetable Growers, K-State Research and Extension Station, Olathe, KS (Farm tour: K-State Research and Extension Station) June 8--Post Harvest Handling for Quality and Safety, Lexington, MO (Farm tour: Fahrmeier Farms) July 13--Starting and Managing a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program, Kearney, MO (Farm tour: Fair Share Farm) Aug 10--Taste and Nutrition, Lawrence, KS (Farm tour: Spring Creek Farm) Sept 14--Fruit Production, Kearney, MO (Farm tour: Prairie Birthday) Oct 17--New Farms - First steps in planning a farm business, K-State Research and Extension Station, Olathe, KS Nov and Dec--Farm business planning and management course. In conjunction with Growing Growers, The Kauffman Foundation FastTrac program will be holding a multi-week course designed for both current growers looking to refocus and people who are ready to begin their own sustainable farm business within the next few years. Enrollment is limited and Growing Growers apprentices, past and present, will be given priority. MU Field Days Ag Experiment Stations Aug 13—Greenley Center Research and Field Day, Novelty, 660-739-4410