Ag Opportunities

Volume 20, Number 6
June 2009

*** IN THE NEWS ***

A recently published Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study shows that manure from organic dairy cows had higher levels of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and magnesium than manure from conventionally managed dairy cows. ARS Research Chemist Zhongqi also found that organic dairy manure contains forms of phosphorus that dissolve slowly, gradually releasing nutrients. This increases the probability that the nutrients will be taken up by the crop rather than being leached out of the soil and into ground or surface water. The difference between organic and conventional dairy manures may originate in the feed. “This organic management, in turn, may significantly affect how easily nutrients are converted in soil into forms readily taken up by crops,” according to an ARS press release on the study. The technical abstract of the ARS study is at http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=231394 (SCOAR Bulletin #25, May 21, 2009)

Honey bee colony losses nationwide were approximately 29 percent from all causes from September 2008 to April 2009, according to a survey conducted by the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About 26 percent of apiaries surveyed reported that some of their colonies died of colony collapse disorder (CCD), down from 36 percent of apiaries in 2007-2008. The survey checked on about 20 percent of the country's 2.3 million colonies. (Weekly Harvest News, May 27, 2009)

The Montana Department of Agriculture created the rotation modeling spreadsheet to serve as a tool for farmers to compare the economics of different crop rotations and farming systems (organic/conventional). The spreadsheet allows users to design and compare up to four organic rotations and four conventional rotations. Go to http://agr.mt.gov/organic/spreadsheets.asp

NCAT has released reports on two recently completed livestock projects. Building a Montana Organic Livestock Industry was a study of the cost of production of and marketing possibilities for certified organic and grass-finished beef. The report is based on data from Montana certified organic and grass-finished beef producers who are members of the Montana Organic Producers Cooperative. The second report, Natural Livestock Feasibility Study: Eastern Sierra, California, was a study for the development of a regional alternative livestock market in the eastern Sierras of California. The study includes a survey of livestock producers and livestock product retailers. Also included is discussion of mobile and stationary meat processing development. For more information on these projects, or to obtain a copy of the reports, contact Jeff Schahczenski at jeffs@ncat.org or call the ATTRA line at 1-800-346-9140.

Transition to Organics is a free online course sponsored by Rodale Institute. Go to www.tritrainingcenter.org/course to take the 16 hour course.

The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) released a report yesterday titled, Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry. http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/eib55/#2009-6-3

Natural and organic food retailer, Whole Foods Market, announced that its Local Producer Loan Program has provided producers, including grass-fed cattle ranchers and a heritage turkey grower, with $2.5 million in low-interest loans. Whole Foods launched the program in 2007 with a commitment to fund up to $10 million in low-interest loans. Since then, nearly 50 loans ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 have been made. Loan recipients must meet Whole Foods' quality standards, use the funds for expansion and have a viable business plan. The company continues to accept applications. For more information go to http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2009/05/25-million-and-counting/

The 2009 Southern SAWG conference had three preconference short courses that are not available online - The Beef Cost Model; The Vegetable Cost Model; and Figuring the Cost to Own and Operate Farm Machinery. To see these and other short courses go to http://www.ssawg.org/ed-sessions.html

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking an in-depth look at the productivity and health management issues facing the meat, dairy, and fiber segments of the U.S. goat industry in an effort to help further the understanding of potential disease threats. Conducted through USDA's National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), the Goat 2009 Study marks the first time NAHMS has focused on goat operations. From July through mid-August, representatives from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey selected goat operations in 21 states. Missouri is one of those states. For more info go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/ncahs/nahms/goats/#goat09

[ Ag Opportunities Index ] - [ AgEBB Home Page ] - [ Comments ]