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From page 351... ...
Those case studies provided important details about the complexity of individual farming practices and the diversity of approaches used to improve the sustainability of farming systems. The committee for this report commissioned two sets of case studies.
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From page 352... ...
TOWARD SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY to change in response to or anticipation of opportunities and constraints. Many of the key technologies and interaction processes for sustainability have been well studied by scientists, and are summarized in the main body of this report.
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From page 353... ...
3 Coleman Natural Beef. 4 Lundberg Family Farms.
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From page 354... ...
available by grazing permits, 2,500 beef cattle Lundberg Richvale, Rice 3,200 acres In operation. Family Farms Calif.
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From page 355... ...
, Brookview Farm (known as Sabot Hill Farm in NRC, 1989) , Thompson Farm, Ferrari Farm, and Lundberg Family Farms.
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From page 356... ...
mentioned availability of water for farming as one of their concerns. Other challenges mentioned include spread of new weed species.
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From page 357... ...
MANAGEMENT FEATURES Crop Rotations and the Soil The overall mix of crops and livestock on the BreDahl farm has shifted steadily toward livestock over the past 20 years. In 2008, the BreDahls produced only 25 acres of field corn
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From page 358... ...
A heavy emphasis on grass, no-till planting practices, and row crops grown on only the best land have helped cut soil losses from the farm to near zero, a fact affirmed by soil tests for organic matter that show a steady rise. Long-term yield trends on both the home farm where Clark's father was an early adopter of soil conservation practices more than 60 years ago and the neighboring farm which they purchased have been rising steadily, and year-to-year variations have become smaller.
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From page 359... ...
While the BreDahls experimented briefly with organic production, they learned that most of their meat customers were more interested in natural husbandry practices than organic certification. This was especially true as those customers discovered that organically produced meats came at a significantly higher price due to higher production costs.
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From page 360... ...
Twenty years ago, Clark felt that most family farms would be better off without commodity support programs. He also concluded that those programs encouraged many farmers to convert nonprogram acres to subsidized crops such as corn and soybean at the expense of livestock.
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From page 361... ...
"Besides that, soil tests showed organic matter starting to decline in some of the fields receiving multiple tillage passes." Other shortcomings with organic production included marketing contracts that were sometimes deceptive, price premiums that were less than expected, burdensome paperwork, and, in the case of direct-sale meats, customers reluctant to pay the added costs. While organics aligned well with their philosophical beliefs, bottom-line costs and returns did not point to long-term sustainability.
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From page 362... ...
The Ferraris use conventional fertilizers to obtain high yields for the first three years so that those acreages are economically viable. The orchard then undergoes transition to organic production during the fourth to sixth year and becomes certified organic thereafter.
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From page 363... ...
In addition, they find value in crop insurance, especially for cherries, to protect their investments. Fertility Management Purple vetch is used as a cover crop, and composted steer manure is incorporated to help build the soil organic matter.
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From page 364... ...
Wayne has observed that the soil organic matter is building up slowly. Ferrari Farms, Inc.
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From page 365... ...
SUMMARY AND FUTURE OUTLOOK Wayne Ferrari sometimes finds it a challenge to stay motivated after 63 years of farming. He sees that Ferrari Farms needs to be big enough to stay competitive, but not become too leveraged.
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From page 366... ...
The Fishers own 480 acres and rent about 500 additional acres from their neighbors at Sabot Hill. FARMING PHILOSOPHY Brookview Farm's mission is "to sustainably produce the highest quality food and farm products, in a manner that preserves and enhances our community and natural resource." Sandy Fisher's farming philosophy was shaped in part following his Peace Corps experience in Colombia.
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From page 367... ...
As of 2009, they sold the compost turner and only make enough compost for their pastures. Livestock Brookview Farm markets primarily certified-organic beef and free-range eggs.
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From page 368... ...
Sandy acknowledges that he has become more interested in education and selling than in farming. Direct marketing has been a financial success for the farm, with sales increasing to the point that farm production cannot keep pace.
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From page 369... ...
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS As discussed in Alternative Agriculture, the Fishers have reduced erosion on their farm substantially since they bought it. Soil organic matter in the red clay soil increased from 2.2 percent to 4.5 percent from 1980 to 1998.
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From page 370... ...
Other key changes, many made in the early 1990s, included adding pasture-based chickens and the compost operation, shifting the beef cattle entirely to grass, obtaining organic certification, and starting electronic marketing and a farm store. Each of those changes has allowed the farm to become more integrated and to create a system with fewer needs for outside inputs and fewer leaks.
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From page 371... ...
Crop Management The Lundbergs pioneered organic rice farming in America. Lundberg Family Farms grow mostly the same mix of crops as they did in 1989 -- rice, vetch, oats, clover, and some
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From page 372... ...
When the bins and buildings are empty, the Lundbergs use heaters to raise temperature to 140°F to kill insects without chemicals. Fertility Management As discussed earlier, purple vetch is used as green manure at the Lundberg Family Farms.
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From page 373... ...
The Lundbergs aim to enhance the environmental value without compromising production. Labor Management Farm labor at the Lundberg Family Farms has been fairly consistent.
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From page 374... ...
However, a growing number of companies market organic products. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Yields per acre at the Lundberg Family Farms have increased.
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From page 375... ...
The Lundberg Family Farms has a much larger proportion of land under organic production for two reasons. First, there have been some important breakthroughs in weed management for organic farming.
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From page 376... ...
The Lundbergs believe that solutions to the challenges of organic farming result mostly from on-farm research. SUMMARY AND FUTURE OUTLOOK Lundberg Family Farms has been farming with practices and approaches that care for the soil, water, air, and wildlife for more than 70 years.
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From page 377... ...
In his opinion, the universities' research did not adequately involve applied science or address agricultural applications. KEY CHANGES Pavich Family Farms expanded its farmed acreage in Arizona and California to 4,700 acres, up from the original 1,432 acres when the Paviches were interviewed in 1989.
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From page 378... ...
Its debt-to-equity ratio was marginal. With little competition in the organic market, Pavich Family Farms expanded rapidly to meet the demand.
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From page 379... ...
His farming practices include foliar sprays, cover crops, composting, and incorporating humic acid. It is an intense operation, albeit much smaller than what the Pavich family used to farm.
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From page 380... ...
The five-year crop rotation of corn, soybean, corn, oats, and hay, and the ridge-till system, have remained fairly consistent over the past 20 years, with small adjustments to fine-tune the system. The Thompsons plant rye cover crops in the fall to reduce erosion, help manage weeds, and reduce nitrogen loss.
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From page 381... ...
The Thompsons used to sell their "natural" beef cattle -- both black and red -- individually, but have discontinued that. They purchased an additional livestock trailer that allows them to divide the livestock that they take to market, selling heifers and steers separately and dividing by grades.
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From page 382... ...
Warren Sahs, formerly at the University of Nebraska. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Organic matter and soil loss on the Thompson Farm have been measured by the National Tilth Lab, which found that the Thompsons have 6 percent organic matter compared to 2.9 percent on the next farm.
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From page 383... ...
KEY CHANGES The acreage of the Thompson Farm has remained steady. Richard and Sharon Thompson's farm has stayed on the trajectory that they had established when interviewed for the 1989 assessment.
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From page 384... ...
Organic is an alternative, but it might not be suitable for all farms. He believes that the key to improving the sustainability of farming and farming communities lies in farmers' environmental stewardship and their taking responsibility to figure what works and what does not through trials and record keeping.
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From page 385... ...
Green Cay Produce is not certified organic because it would not be profitable in its location. However, many methods and materials are used that are recommended for organic production.
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From page 386... ...
Fertility Management The Roes use compost made from horse manure and bedding, which they obtain at no cost from nearby farms where many horses over-winter. The cover crops are tilled in the soil to provide nutrients.
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From page 387... ...
They have participated in research about the effects of compost on postharvest quality, tropical cover crops or cover crops as alternatives to fumigation, and measuring yields of squash blossom production. They have a new project with USDA Fort Pierce to examine the ability of organic hay mulches to control nutsedge.
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From page 388... ...
With generally warmer weather, farmers can now grow winter products as far as 100 miles north of Palm Beach County. The extended range of growth removes the competitive advantage they once enjoyed.
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From page 389... ...
He believes that more consumer education is needed so that people better understand why products are grown a certain way, why food costs what it does, and why there are not more organic products. Most Americans are not concerned at all about vegetables, but they should be.
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From page 390... ...
commodity sectors: dairy farms, specialty crop farms, and field crop farms. The nine new case-study farms were selected from a list of candidate farms that included recent winners of regional Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension (SARE)
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From page 391... ...
, 260 beef cattle Rosmann Lincoln, Iowa Corn, small grains, 600 acres Yes Only broiler Family Farms soybean, beef, chickens poultry, swine Zenner Farm Latah County, Wheat, small 3,100 acres No Other certificate Idaho grains, peas, lentils, program -- Food garbanzos Alliance
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From page 392... ...
Although Stahlbush Island Farms does not have animals on site, it purchases manure and litter from a nearby layer operation. Cover crops are also widely used among the nine farms to maintain soil organic matter and nutrients.
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From page 393... ...
Water used as a coolant in Stahlbush's processing plants is reused for washing fruits and vegetables and then recycled for irrigation. Straus Family Creamery, another vertically integrated farming–processing operation, recycles water from the dairy and creamery as well.
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From page 394... ...
Likewise, Peregrine Farm produces 100 turkeys for managing insects. Full Belly Farm has 400–500 layers and Rosmann Farm produces 150 non-certified organic broilers for on-farm use and for informal sales to extended family.
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From page 395... ...
Radiance Farm keeps track of inventory, whereas Full Belly Farm tracks cash flow. Peregrine Farm assesses the economic performance of various parts of its operations to guide phasing out poor performers.
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From page 396... ...
The grain farms range from 600 to 3,100 acres in size, but generally operate using family labor, with one to three part-time or seasonal workers and up to one full-time worker when needed. Similar to Stahlbush, Straus Family Creamery employs the most number of people among the dairy farms because of its creamery operation.
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From page 397... ...
None of the specialty crop farms interviewed reported participation in government farm programs. Although Full Belly Farm has developed several conservation initiatives, none occurred with government program support.
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From page 398... ...
TOWARD SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY TABLE - Case-Study Farms' Practices or System Types That Move Agriculture Toward Sustainability Objectives (as discussed in Chapters 3 and 4) General Indicator Practice or Approach Specifically Discussed in Cases Soil management Conservation tillage Bragger Radiance Straus Cover cropping Full Belly Peregrine Stahlbush Rosmann Zenner Crop and vegetation management Crop rotations Bragger Radiance Full Belly Peregrine Stahlbush Goldmine Rosmann Zenner Water use management Gravity systems Radiance Sprinkler irrigation Full Belly Trickle or drip irrigation Full Belly Peregrine Stahlbush Water reuse Straus Stahlbush Small dams or ponds Bragger Radiance Straus Peregrine Water quality management Buffers Straus Rosmann Zenner Nutrient management Soil and tissue sufficiency tests Bragger Radiance Straus Peregrine Stahlbush Goldmine Rosmann Zenner Nutrient management plans Bragger Goldmine Rosmann Animal manure Bragger Radiance Rosmann Straus Dietary modification to adjust Bragger manure composition
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From page 399... ...
ILLUSTRATIVE CASE STUDIES Continued TABLE - General Indicator Practice or Approach Specifically Discussed in Cases Compost Radiance Straus Full Belly Stahlbush Goldmine Rosmann Precision agriculture Stahlbush Anaerobic digestion Straus Weeds, pests, and disease Biocontrol Stahlbush management Goldmine Monitoring pests and use of threshold Full Belly Stahlbush Zenner Animal production management Breeding Radiance Goldmine Business and marketing Value-trait marketing Radiance diversification Straus Full Belly Stahlbush Goldmine Rosmann Zenner Direct marketing Radiance Straus Full Belly Peregrine Agritourism Full Belly Labor management Best labor management practices Radiance Straus Full Belly Stahlbush Goldmine Zenner Systems type Organic crop (certified) Full Belly Stahlbush Goldmine Rosmann Low-confinement hog system Rosmann Management-intensive rotational Radiance grazing Integrated crop and livestock system Goldmine
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From page 400... ...
• Full Belly Farm -- A clover understory is typically planted in the orchards because it aids water infiltration, sequesters carbon and nitrogen, and poses little competi tion for water with crops. Paul Muller believes that a diversified organic system increases carbon sequestration and soil fertility via cover crop management, in creases water infiltration by building soil organic matter, and enhances beneficial insect and soil microbiota.
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From page 401... ...
• Goldmine Farm -- Integration of livestock into the cropping system contributes to the success of Goldmine Farm because it adds to and diversifies the farm's income streams. Keeping land in pasture helps to restore soil health and contributes to weed control when that land is planted with cash crops.
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From page 402... ...
The Bragger farm was founded by Joe Bragger's father and mother, who each came from Switzerland in the 1960s and met in the United States. With little money in the early years, Joe's father started working on dairy farms near Waumandee, rented a farm, and then bought the current farm in 1968.
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From page 403... ...
Soils and Fertility The soils on Bragger Farm include heavy clay soils on the ridge tops that require careful management to harvest as much rainfall as possible. Other areas of the farm have loess soils that range from 8–20 feet of topsoil.
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From page 404... ...
He puts forages on his bottom land. Farming Practices When planting corn into the previous year's hay or alfalfa, Joe will spring-kill the existing cover and no-till (or actually strip-till)
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From page 405... ...
For example, he suggests that insurance premiums could be reduced for those who use such practices as no-till or strip-till. Pest Management Leafhoppers are a big problem in alfalfa -- Joe might spray chlorpyrifos for control up to three times a year with his potassium applications if infestations warrant it.
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From page 406... ...
Leaving the corn stover in the fields helps reduce erosion and improves the soil health and structure. Fresh cows are segregated by the days they are in milk.
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From page 407... ...
The beef cattle are grazed on the upland slopes that border the woods. Those areas have not been cropped because of the slope and terrain restrictions.
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From page 408... ...
Manure and Nutrient Management Issues A fundamental concern on the Bragger Farm is to balance phosphorus produced by livestock with the needs and availability of land on the farm. The Braggers believe that the current operation could support a maximum of about 300 cows.
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From page 409... ...
The $8,000–$12,000 current fertilizer value of the poultry litter used on the farm is an additional financial bonus from the pullet enterprise. Most of the beef cattle are marketed at auction.
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From page 410... ...
He now gives an increasing number of talks on his farming practices and their impact on the environment regionally and nationally. As the first farm participating in the Wisconsin Discovery Farms Program, the Bragger Farm has received research and media attention.
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From page 411... ...
If farmers cannot count on the next generation to continue the farms, they are typically turning to beef cattle, cash grains, or renting out their land. The Bragger children are still young and showing interest in the farm.
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From page 412... ...
TOWARD SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS While the Bragger Farm demonstrates a comparatively conventional farming operation, focused on dairy but with a significant place for the contract pullet operation, it has also successfully incorporated key farming practices for improving sustainability (for example, no-till and strip-till) and implemented careful management and monitoring of land and nutrients (through the Braggers' involvement in the Discovery Farms Program)
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From page 413... ...
Francis' movement into organic dairy farming follows from his family history of farming, academic training, and work for some years in Washington as a national program leader in the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. He grew up on a conventional dairy farm in Minnesota, milking Ayrshires.
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From page 414... ...
The resulting rental arrangements are verbal and informal. Pasture Management With its emphasis on rotational grazing, balancing herd size to available pasture is central for Radiance Dairy.
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From page 415... ...
Livestock The farm now has about 80 milking cows, with about 150 in total, including the dry cows and heifers of all ages. After each milking, the cows are moved onto new grass.
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From page 416... ...
From the beginning, Radiance Dairy has milked Jerseys, which produce milk high in protein, fat, and total solids. Cows generally produce one calf per year.
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From page 417... ...
When antibiotics or other materials prohibited in organic production are used on sick animals, the treated animals are removed from the herd. Livestock Waste Cow manure is not a waste at Radiance Dairy.
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From page 418... ...
has been critical for watering cows in the various pastures. Water quality concerns are generally minimal at Radiance Dairy.
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From page 419... ...
He thinks a solar hot water heating system could be a good addition to the dairy. MARKETING, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, AND FINANCIALS Marketing The Thickes made a conscious decision to sell all their dairy products locally, because they "didn't want to lose that connection." Radiance Dairy sells its products to two groceries and 12 restaurants in the Fairfield area.
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From page 420... ...
Certifications Francis and Susan certified Radiance Dairy organic in 1993 and became certified organic again in 1997–1998 when they moved to their new farm site. In accordance with organic certification requirements, Francis records what pasture every cow is in on every day.
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From page 421... ...
An on-farm dairy processor selling ordinary conventional milk would probably be less successful than one selling milk with some unique qualities. Several factors, then, help to explain the success of Radiance Dairy.
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From page 422... ...
Third, the dairy product line is diversified and carefully and regularly finetuned in response to customers' requests. Francis summarizes the approach of his rotational grazing system and local-market focused dairy as follows: "All the pieces work together.
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From page 423... ...
. What became the Straus Family Creamery plant was at one time a commercial kitchen serving some 2,000 people.
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From page 424... ...
FARM PRODUCTION SYSTEM Farm Production The present Straus dairy farm consists of 660 acres of sometimes steeply rolling land that encompasses two farms -- one of 166 acres purchased in 1941 and another of 493 acres acquired in 1956.13 The dairy typically includes approximately 300 milking cows and 300 replacements, which allows for about 1 cow/acre. Soils are mostly a clay–loam structure.
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From page 425... ...
Since 1976, water quality tests in streams have indicated that nothing is getting into waterways from the confined areas. Pest Management Concerns The primary weed problems are hemlock and thistles, which are managed chiefly through mowing, grazing, and competition from other more desirable plants.
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From page 426... ...
The Straus Family Creamery also innovates with some very specialized dairy products. For example, its recently produced special "barista milk" won second place for making cappuccinos in an international competition.
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From page 427... ...
The farm also employs a full-time mechanic who works on dairy and farm equipment and brings the definite benefit of "being inventive." The family is seeking an additional full-time person to raise the calves; Albert believes a dedicated person is need for that position to ensure animal health. They provide "decent" housing at the dairy for employees.
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From page 428... ...
Albert noted, "If we had not gone organic, we would not be in business now." The commitment to organic is strong: "We're an organic company, not a conventional company with an organic line." Organic Certification Organic certification is central to the success of the Straus Family Creamery. They use two different certifiers -- Marin Organic Certified Agriculture for the dairy and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
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From page 429... ...
The Straus Family Creamery hopes to be one of two pilots, which will assess return on investment. Local Environment Local environmental quality issues and ensuing regulations have been important for development and change in the dairy industry in the Tomales Bay area.
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From page 430... ...
Straus Family Creamery butter is marketed nationwide through Whole Foods and also goes to some food services, where it is used for making ghee and other specialty foods. Until five to six years ago, the Straus Family Creamery made all of Trader Joe's private-label milk, but the retailer first took the southern California and then the northern California stores away from Straus.
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From page 431... ...
However, he expressed some concern to "get all the meanings into one label." In terms of research partnerships, the Straus Family Creamery has worked with California Polytechnic State University on energy issues and with Chico State University, which has an organic dairy program. It has had fewer interactions with the University of California, Davis.
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From page 432... ...
A major asset for the Straus Family Creamery has been its proximity to and links with a burgeoning customer population that wants to support organic or sustainable farming and purchase quality, organic dairy products. The timing of the Straus Family Creamery's entrance into organics and the location of its dairy are relevant.
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From page 433... ...
Paul Muller,16 one of the four farm owners, brings a Swiss Catholic family farming background to Full Belly Farm. He grew up in San Jose on a "drive-in" family dairy farm, which marketed directly to customers in the area.
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From page 434... ...
FARM PRODUCTION SYSTEM Full Belly Farm currently operates 370 acres in total. Of those, 176 acres are owned and 194 acres are rented.
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From page 435... ...
He also stresses that a diversified system creates a more interesting work environment that engages the imagination and energy of partners and of farm laborers. Full Belly Farm relies on cover crops and animals to provide nutrients for the fields.
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From page 436... ...
. Animals Animals have been a part of Full Belly Farm since the beginning.
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From page 437... ...
Although Italy and Asia make some great models, he said, for the most part, such equipment is not readily available in the United States. Given the fruit and vegetable crops produced, Full Belly Farm needs and has various storage equipment and coolers.
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From page 438... ...
There have been no significant recent concerns about quality or quantity of water. MARKETING, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, AND FINANCIALS Marketing Paul stressed that beyond the strong philosophical and ecological values that guide Full Belly Farm, ultimately "we have to grow something we feel tastes better and has a better shelf life." He also recognizes the importance of "growing what the market wants, rather
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From page 439... ...
The labor force enables Full Belly Farm to reduce loss from cullage and also extend the market window with differentiated products. Harvesting proceeds to custom-fill orders, which reduces the need for storage because only what the market needs and wants is picked.
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From page 440... ...
They are paid a salary and provided room and board on the farm.20 Full Belly Farm tries to include one international intern in each group (over the years, they have had interns from places such as Japan and 18 He recalled challenges in the early days of generating cash flow for the farm, but noted that their starting "miracle crop" of mixed lettuce at $11/box made a big difference in getting a financial footing. 19A very few workers are on salary.
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From page 441... ...
in October. The event has evolved over the years and represents an effort to develop a wide sustainable agriculture community and deepen relationships among those already involved in Full Belly Farm.
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From page 442... ...
haven't learned to look beyond our own self interest as narrowly defined by maximum yields in order to integrate social goals -- like dealing with the increasing scarcity of farmers and real efforts needed to regenerate both the farm population and rural economies." Ripples from Food Safety Incidents in the Larger Food System Full Belly Farm relies on making information available to its customers on a regular basis. Ideally, the outreach forges strong relationships, which will be a hedge when food safety scares arise.
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From page 443... ...
Although numerous conservation initiatives have been developed on the farm, none occur through government programs. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Integration across diverse cropping systems, a long growing season, a stable and experienced labor force, a steady flow of revenue-generating products, and the ability to include other enterprises that engage and reinforce the farm owners' relationships with their customer base while generating income have contributed to the sustainability of Full Belly Farm.
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From page 444... ...
But now that we have resources, we want them invested here for the farm and region." 22 In summer 2008, this tension regarding distance and region was underscored as Full Belly Farm had recently received a letter from the San Francisco Mayor's Office concerning the city's interest in identifying its food shed and determining how to invest in and support farms within that region. Full Belly Farm has been identified as a candidate San Francisco foodshed farm.
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From page 445... ...
His summer job as a college student at a profitable startup outdoor equipment and backpacking store in Houston exposed him to a successful business entrepreneur. That entrepreneur provided an inspiring model of "bootstrapping" and conveyed the value of developing a written business plan.
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From page 446... ...
FARM PRODUCTION SYSTEM At present, crop production at Peregrine Farm consists of two acres of vegetable crops (80 varieties) and blueberries and two acres of cut flowers (more than 50 varieties)
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From page 447... ...
Regular use of cover crops restores soil fertility and organic matter. They rely on cover crops -- two sets of winter cover crops and two sets of summer cover crops, rye–hairy vetch and oats–crimson clover -- chosen to maximize organic matter and nitrogen.
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From page 448... ...
They also have two trucks for delivery to markets. MARKETING, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, AND FINANCIALS Marketing Given the history of their operation, the Hitts feel that they "were at the beginning of the curve on local foods." The majority of production from Peregrine Farm is now sold at the Carrboro Farmers' Market (Wednesday and Saturday)
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From page 449... ...
They eliminate poor performers and try something else or shift the season, if the strategy can increase income. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS Quality of life is an explicit and ongoing priority and consideration underlying many of the Hitts' decisions about elements and practices of Peregrine Farm.
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From page 450... ...
The scale and care with which they farm, their precise record keeping, the direct control they have over their crops, and their direct marketing to long-term consumers minimize their exposure to food safety concerns. They note that, across the board, food safety protocols such as a national animal identification system would have a disproportionate and negative effect on small farms such as their own.
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From page 451... ...
Everything is on drip irrigation -- although the drought in 2007 affected establishment of cover crops. May is the month with the highest demand for water.
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From page 452... ...
Rotation is the key to the fertility and soil health programs and also to the pest management regime. A key contribution is the development of a well-defined system of plantings and cover crops along with the systematization and record keeping that is integral to its functioning.
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From page 453... ...
The farm had been a conventional operation, raising a 24 The interview was conducted primarily with Bill Chambers, president of Stahlbush Island Farms. Karla Chambers, Bill's wife, is vice-president of the company.
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From page 454... ...
The company signed a contract for 2.2 million lbs. Today, pumpkin remains a mainstay of Stahlbush Island Farms' production, running 60–75 days per year at the plant.
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From page 455... ...
Most of Stahlbush Island Farms' rented lands are on 5–10 year leases. Bill points out, "It is way less expensive to lease land than to own it."26 All production decisions at Stahlbush Island Farms (for example, varieties and irrigation)
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From page 456... ...
The Chambers' approach to farm sustainability aims to protect and improve soil health and the health of water systems in the Willamette River Valley. The fertility program for Stahlbush Island Farms relies on university (OSU)
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From page 457... ...
For Stahlbush Island Farms, water for irrigation is a more significant concern than water for the processing operation. Crops are irrigated from surface water.
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From page 458... ...
MARKETING, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, AND FINANCIALS Stahlbush Island Farms is structured as a privately held corporation, with Bill and Karla as the only stockholders. The partnership between them is at the very heart of the enterprise.
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From page 459... ...
Sustainable and organic certifications have been important for Stahlbush Island Farms as ways to increase the overall competitiveness of the operation by addressing the demand of quality-oriented market segments. 28 In the fall of 2008, Stahlbush Island Farms introduced Nummy-Tum-Tum, its new line of canned organic pumpkin dog food.
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From page 460... ...
In Oregon, about 70 percent of employees in natural resource industries, including agriculture, are Hispanic, according to a recent study. The diversity of the crops raised enables Stahlbush Island Farms to provide work over a large portion of the growing season and to make best use of the human resources engaged in the operation: "I've tried to select crops that allow us to have employment as long through the season as possible and a diversity of things for those people to do." In perennials, workers might prune blueberries in winter, then harvest rhubarb, then harvest strawberries, then harvest blueberries, then train blackberries, for example.
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From page 461... ...
pesticide residues in foods worry consumers, and therefore "less is more." In 1992, the Chambers set a goal to eliminate pesticides from their operation in five years, although, Bill noted, "We failed in this." The cost of organic nutrients was a factor, but he also decided complete elimination of pesticides was perhaps an inappropriate and nonsustainable goal. According to Bill, Stahlbush Island Farms sees sustainability in terms of three main criteria: profitability, responsibility with resources (such as soil, water, air, wildlife, and people)
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From page 462... ...
This vertical integration strategy distinguishes Stahlbush Island Farms to some degree from other sustainable farming enterprises in the region. It certainly reflects the vision and evolving business plan of Bill and Karla Chambers.
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From page 463... ...
Despite his success and the freedom he felt farming in Mississippi, the commute between Mississippi and Illinois made the arrange 31 Thissummary draws on some parts of a case-study report on Goldmine Farm's transition to organic farming, written by Dan Anderson and posted November 16, 2007, on the website of the Rodale Institute, which complements and extends information obtained through the NRC case-study interview.
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From page 464... ...
We also need the biochemistry." The farm has a nutrient management plan on file with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, but the focus of the farm's plan is more on erosion and erosion control (consistent with the "T by 2000" emphasis at the time the plan was created) .32 Given the movement of the beef cattle from field to field, the animals generally self-spread their 32 Goldmine Farm has terraces on four to five fields.
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From page 465... ...
Cropping System and Yields Goldmine Farm produces about 1,100–1,300 acres of row crops annually, focusing on corn, soybean, some small grains, and hay. When he still farmed conventionally, he had a five-year rotation (such as corn–beans–corn–beans–wheat/clover)
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From page 466... ...
Livestock Goldmine Farm now has about 260 head of beef cattle, and they play an important part in Jack's extended rotation, noted above. The Erismans breed roughly 115–120 cows per year.
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From page 467... ...
Adequate shade is an issue for the beef cattle. Therefore, Jack is considering planting trees or building shelters for the cattle in the newer permanent pasture areas.
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From page 468... ...
Organic certification has been important for Goldmine Farm's access to profitable national and international organic grain markets (for example, much of its white corn has recently gone to the European market)
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From page 469... ...
Sit around and pray for hail? I just never take it." SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS Labor Despite farming more than 2,000 acres and managing livestock, Goldmine Farm operates with a minimal amount of hired labor.
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From page 470... ...
. Particularly within his state and region, he has been a leader and spokesperson for what many describe as "sustainable agriculture." Although Jack started "doing" sustainable agriculture in the 1970s, it was in the mid-1980s that he became involved with efforts in Illinois to "bring those concepts into the mainstream." To that end, he played a part in the Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society, an organization that is now mostly defunct because, as Jack puts it, "We've done what we set out to do, bringing the concepts into the mainstream." He continues to speak to groups of farmers and others on his approach to organic production of crops and beef cattle.
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From page 471... ...
Farm Transition Issues The question of farm transition has become more salient lately. His two sons have gone away for college and for military service, and he is unsure whether either would be interested in the farm, given interests and obligations in their adult lives as they marry and start families.
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From page 472... ...
Keeping land in pasture helps restore soil health and minimizes weed problems when cash crops are planted. Second, the ability to access a premium (for organic crops and beef)
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From page 473... ...
He found he liked the independence of farming and the opportunity to be a leader in a small community. As he says, "I never looked back." When Ron returned in 1973, his father was raising cattle and hogs, doing crop rotations, and using pesticides and anhydrous.
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From page 474... ...
FARM PRODUCTION SYSTEM Rosmann Family Farms is a diversified crop–livestock system, premised on internal cycling of nutrients, reduced purchased inputs, and organic certification, which provides formal recognition of its sustainable farming practices and a market premium. Crops The Rosmanns currently follow a six-year crop rotation of corn–beans–corn–oats or barley or succotash–alfalfa–alfalfa, with crops certified organic since 1994.
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From page 475... ...
Sick hogs are isolated, treated, and then sold as nonorganic (not through Organic Valley)
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From page 476... ...
Giant ragweed has become a more recent concern, spreading up into field areas adjacent to small creek bottoms. Their primary tools for dealing with weeds are ridge tilling and crop rotations.
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From page 477... ...
New technology, such as cell phones, has been useful for the farm, enabling Ron, Maria, their sons, and a hired man to check in with each other, answer questions, and reduce truck miles around the farm or into town. Labor The Rosmann Family Farms are very much a family operation, with Ron managing most of the production side until recently, Maria handling most of the marketing, and their sons providing critical labor and input.
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From page 478... ...
They pay for the organic certification at the Amend plant. For 10 years, they have marketed that beef under their own Rosmann Family Farms label.
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From page 479... ...
The Rosmanns' beef operation has been certified organic since 1998. Finance and Business Management The farm is organized as a sole proprietorship, although the Rosmanns have considered an LLC or another corporate structure.
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From page 480... ...
but have a comparatively small base relative to their neighboring farmers. They have been involved with Environmental Quality Incentive Program for their comprehensive nutrient management plan for windbreaks, pasture management, and buffer strips.
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From page 481... ...
Although there is some day-to-day operational learning in the transition, there are also issues of calibrating the farm's enterprises overall and ensuring they can support all family members who look to the farm for livelihood. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS The keys to the success of the Rosmann Family Farms, as they see it, have been their longstanding commitment to crop rotation, finding a ridge-till system that works well for them, including ruminants to recycle nutrients, growing a diversity of crops, and pursuing value-added (organic)
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From page 482... ...
and produce wheat, small grains, lentils, peas, and garbanzos. Russ has been a regional pioneer in adopting, learning about, and promoting direct seeding (a method of planting and fertilizing done without prior tillage to prepare the soil)
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From page 483... ...
As the land has been tilled with moldboard plows initially, and chisel plows and disks today, the soil has been moved further down the slopes so that the topsoil on the upper part of the hills has thinned. The evidence of erosion and knowledge of its impacts have compelled Russ to move to direct seeding.
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From page 484... ...
He has also tried biological foliar sprays, but with equivocal outcomes: "We thought our discovery process would happen quicker." Direct Seeding As noted earlier, Russ's service with the Latah County Soil Conservation District after returning to the farm helped him see firsthand the need to create a more sustainable agricultural system and prompted his interest in direct seeding (no-till) as a viable conservation option.
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From page 485... ...
Crop rotations, which contribute to more diversified production, also help with disease management. Russ has found a two-year or ideally three-year interval between planting a particular crop helpful in managing diseases.
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From page 486... ...
He has noticed that weaker plants are more likely to be infested and speculates that aphids are more attracted to those plants, which reinforces his belief that plant and soil health needs to be a priority. The direct-seed system, which is at the core of the Zenner farm, is intended to minimize weed competition.
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From page 487... ...
. Some direct-seeding farmers saw the potential of Food Alliance certification to provide a value-added marketing opportunity that could reduce the risk of transitioning to direct seeding.
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From page 488... ...
Russ notes that the farm incurred considerable debt to get where they are today, but that over the years, he was still able to "push the envelope and have consistent profitability." His adoption of no-till farming had to meet the test of being "sustainable financially," which led to a measured and cautious approach and "doing a lot of homework." In 2008, the Zenners made a significant pay-down of long-term farm debt, so that farm debt is now approaching zero SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS Labor Despite the considerable number of acres farmed, Zenner Farm has only one full-time, one part-time, and two seasonal workers. Good mechanical skills and an ability to recognize and respond to timing issues in getting critical jobs done have been especially important attributes of the full-time worker.
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From page 489... ...
In addition to his involvement with the Cooperative and the Conservation District, Russ has been active in organizations that conduct research, provide consultation, and support direct seeding. He spoke at a South Australian no-till farming conference and more recently at the first no-till conference held in Finland.
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From page 490... ...
, a joint program of the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, and Washington State University, which was an innovative interdisciplinary research and education initiative focused on developing profitable cropping systems technologies for controlling cropland soil erosion and protecting environmental quality. His views about the contribution of public research to his farming enterprise are ultimately somewhat mixed.
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From page 491... ...
He says the CSP application was geared to no-till, so it was fairly easy for him to apply. Zenner Farm is getting full CSP funding as the Zenners are addressing many of the issues that CSP is concerned with, notably water quality.
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From page 492... ...
The Zenner Farm has four specific features, which together distinguish its sustainability approach from many other farms: • Conversion of the entire farm to direct seeding. • Involvement in value-added marketing efforts at the commodity level through the cooperative.
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Key Terms
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