Advanced organic vegetable production and marketing ssawg 2011

Advanced Organic Vegetable Production and Marketing

Alex Hitt

Peregrine Farm

Graham, NC

www.peregrinefarm.net

SCHEDULEWednesday January 19th, 2011

8:00-8:45 Introductions and Burning Issues Identification:8:30-9:00 Peregrine Farm Story 9:00-9:30 Potomac Vegetable Farms Story9:30-10:45 Soils, Fertility and Rotations

Break11:00-12:30 Planting Considerations

LUNCH 12:30 – 1:301:30-2:00 Profitable Crops 2:00-3:00 Weeds and Pests 3:00-3:30 Harvest and Post Harvest

Break3:45-4:30 Labor 4:30-5:00 Questions

Thursday January 20th, 20118:00-8:30 Season Extension 8:30-9:30 Business Management Issues and Retirement Planning 9:30-10:00 Marketing 10:00-10:30 More Questions10:30-11:00 Wrap up and Evaluation

Marketing Plan

Information

Diversity=Balance=Sustainability

Soil Fertility

Rotations

Farm Design & Crop Decisions

Labor

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Harvest & Post-Harvest

Pest Management

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Advanced Thinking

Each Situation is Differentsite specific

Nothing Is Fixed In Stonea goal to work towards

Rome Wasn't Built In A Daylong term perspective

They're Not Makin' Anymore Of Ithave to preserve and improve the natural resource

This Isn't Easycomplex information and management dependent systems

Keep It Simple and Close to HomeLocal is best

We're Runnin' Out of Some of The Stuff They're Not Makin' Anymore Ofonly 40 years of oil and 60 years of phosphorus left

Environmental Social

Economic

Alex’s Laws of Sustainability

Business

The Social ComponentThe Social ComponentIt’s About Quality of LifeIt’s About Quality of Life

Employees and FamilyEmployees and Family CustomersCustomers

– Market, CSAMarket, CSA– Chefs, Wholesale Produce BuyersChefs, Wholesale Produce Buyers

Local CommunityLocal Community– NeighborsNeighbors– Fellow FarmersFellow Farmers– Towns peopleTowns people

Peregrine Farm Peregrine Farm historyhistory

First generation farmersFirst generation farmers First crops planted in 1982 First crops planted in 1982

(blackberries and raspberries for (blackberries and raspberries for PYO)PYO)

First restaurant sales 1985First restaurant sales 1985 First vegetables and flowers 1986First vegetables and flowers 1986 First wholesale sales 1988First wholesale sales 1988 Last PYO sales 1989Last PYO sales 1989

1981

Today

Rome wasn’t built in a day

Today

1986

Peregrine FarmPeregrine Farmcrop diversificationcrop diversification

19821982– 2 acres each blackberries and raspberries2 acres each blackberries and raspberries

20112011– 1 acre annual vegetables1 acre annual vegetables– 1 ¼ acre annual cut flowers1 ¼ acre annual cut flowers– ¼ acre blueberries¼ acre blueberries– 1/2 acre perennial and woody cut flowers1/2 acre perennial and woody cut flowers– 100 turkeys100 turkeys– ¾ acre covered/protected production¾ acre covered/protected production

Peregrine FarmPeregrine Farmchange in marketingchange in marketing

Early years- all PYOEarly years- all PYO 1986-1995- 50% wholesale, 50% PYO 1986-1995- 50% wholesale, 50% PYO

and farmers’ market (4 grocery and farmers’ market (4 grocery stores, a few restaurants, 1 Saturday stores, a few restaurants, 1 Saturday market)market)

1996+- 75% farmers’ market (2 1996+- 75% farmers’ market (2 days), ~15% wholesale (1 grocery days), ~15% wholesale (1 grocery store), store), ~10% restaurants (8-17 chef owned ~10% restaurants (8-17 chef owned all picked up at marketall picked up at market))

Keys to SuccessKeys to Success

Good marketsGood markets Continuing EducationContinuing Education Good RecordsGood Records DiversificationDiversification SpecializationSpecialization High QualityHigh Quality ConsistencyConsistency Customer RelationshipsCustomer Relationships Participate In The Greater Farming CommunityParticipate In The Greater Farming Community TeachTeach BalanceBalance

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

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Pest Management

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Soil Fertility

-get the soil right

-don't depend on supplements, you will fail

-Two phases 1.Building 2.Maintaining balance

-Sources of Fertility -on site- nutrient cycling,manure, cover crops -off site- think about all the costs

Sustainable Soil ManagementSustainable Soil Management

Three parts of soilThree parts of soil physical- sand/silt/clay physical- sand/silt/clay

can’t do much to change other can’t do much to change other than additions of OM and when than additions of OM and when and how you tilland how you till

biological- organic matter and the biological- organic matter and the soil food web that feeds on itsoil food web that feeds on it

chemical- nutrientschemical- nutrients

BiologicalBiological

Organic matter maintenanceOrganic matter maintenance Feeding the beastFeeding the beast Where does OM come from? Where does OM come from?

– crop residuecrop residue– cover cropscover crops– manuresmanures– compostcompost

Inoculate the soilInoculate the soil– manuremanure– compostcompost


Organic matter maintenanceOrganic matter maintenanceThe right conditions to maximize biological The right conditions to maximize biological

activity:activity: warmthwarmth aerationaeration moisturemoisture near neutral pH (6.0 up to 6.5 in cooler near neutral pH (6.0 up to 6.5 in cooler

climates)climates)This will release the most nutrients but also This will release the most nutrients but also

burn up the most organic matterburn up the most organic matter


Organic matter maintenanceOrganic matter maintenance till as little as possible which reduces till as little as possible which reduces

aeration and warmthaeration and warmth tilling when either cool or dry will burn up tilling when either cool or dry will burn up

less O.M. less O.M. a reasonable goal is about 1/2 the a reasonable goal is about 1/2 the

surrounding natural O.M. levelssurrounding natural O.M. levels trying to attain the slow burn, constant trying to attain the slow burn, constant

release during the growing seasonrelease during the growing season

Legumes and Nitrogen FixationLegumes and Nitrogen Fixation

Rhizobium bacteria Rhizobium bacteria Inoculate or not?Inoculate or not?

– Fresh inoculantFresh inoculant– Correct rhizobia species for the cropCorrect rhizobia species for the crop– Becker Underwood Becker Underwood

801 Dayton Avenue801 Dayton AvenueAmes, Iowa 50010Ames, Iowa 50010(515) 232-5907(515) 232-5907www.beckerunderwood.comwww.beckerunderwood.com

Maximum N at about ½ bloomMaximum N at about ½ bloom

http://www.beckerunderwood.com/

Cover CropsCover Crops

AnnualsAnnuals– WinterWinter– SummerSummer

BiennialsBiennials PerennialsPerennials

– Short termShort term– Long termLong term

LegumesLegumes GrassesGrasses BrassicasBrassicas Combinations are Combinations are

bestbest

Winter Annual Cover CropsWinter Annual Cover Crops

LegumesLegumes Crimson CloverCrimson Clover Hairy VetchHairy Vetch Winter PeasWinter Peas Red CloverRed Clover

BrassicasBrassicas RapeseedRapeseed MustardsMustards Radishes (oil seed and Radishes (oil seed and

forage)forage)

GrassesGrasses Rye (grain)Rye (grain) OatsOats WheatWheat TriticaleTriticale BarleyBarley

Summer Annual Cover CropsSummer Annual Cover Crops

LegumesLegumes SoybeansSoybeans CowpeasCowpeas VelvetbeanVelvetbean SunnhempSunnhemp

GrassesGrasses Sorghum-Sorghum-

SudangrassSudangrass MilletsMillets

Buckwheat Buckwheat

Biennial and Perennial Cover Biennial and Perennial Cover CropsCrops

LegumesLegumes Sweet CloverSweet Clover White CloverWhite Clover LespedezasLespedezas

GrassesGrasses FescuesFescues Perennial Rye grassPerennial Rye grass Orchard grassOrchard grass Bermuda grassBermuda grass

Nutrient ManagementNutrient Management

Cation Exchange CapacityCation Exchange Capacity– Cation nutrients- K, Ca, MgCation nutrients- K, Ca, Mg

Soil testingSoil testing– Test at the same time every year (fall best)Test at the same time every year (fall best)– The only way to monitor the mineral nutrients The only way to monitor the mineral nutrients – Pull many samples from a field in a Z pattern Pull many samples from a field in a Z pattern

when soil is not wetwhen soil is not wet– Mix in a clean plastic bucketMix in a clean plastic bucket

Nutrient ManagementNutrient Management Not just a substitution of materials-rethink the entire Not just a substitution of materials-rethink the entire

system and ecosystemsystem and ecosystem Where do they come from? Where do they come from?

– crop residuescrop residues– cover cropscover crops– manuresmanures– compostcompost– rock powdersrock powders– seed mealsseed meals– animal by-productsanimal by-products

Know your area-do the math!Know your area-do the math!– One acre is 43,560 square feet, 208 feet by 208 feetOne acre is 43,560 square feet, 208 feet by 208 feet– A quarter of an acre is 104 feet by 104 feetA quarter of an acre is 104 feet by 104 feet

Keep it simple & close to homeKeep it simple & close to home The goal is to try and close the nutrient loopsThe goal is to try and close the nutrient loops

Nutrient ManagementNutrient Management

lime- watch Mglime- watch Mg correct P&K- watch Mgcorrect P&K- watch Mg cover crops for N and to recycle cover crops for N and to recycle

nutrientsnutrients supplemental Nsupplemental N

– manuresmanures– seed mealsseed meals– animal by-productsanimal by-products

Nutrient ManagementNutrient ManagementWhat we useWhat we use

lime- dolomitic (would use Hi-Cal)lime- dolomitic (would use Hi-Cal) Phosphorus (P)- prefer black rockPhosphorus (P)- prefer black rock Potassium (K)- potassium sulfate 0-0-50Potassium (K)- potassium sulfate 0-0-50 supplemental Nsupplemental N

– Manures- TurkeyManures- Turkey– seed meals- have used soybeanseed meals- have used soybean– animal by-products- now use feather meal 12%Nanimal by-products- now use feather meal 12%N

Compost- vermicompost only in transplantsCompost- vermicompost only in transplants cover crops for N, OM and to recycle nutrientscover crops for N, OM and to recycle nutrients

– Winter- Oats/Crimson Clover, Rye/Hairy VetchWinter- Oats/Crimson Clover, Rye/Hairy Vetch– Summer- Millet/Soybeans, Sudangrass/CowpeasSummer- Millet/Soybeans, Sudangrass/Cowpeas

Further InformationFurther Information

BooksBooks Building Soils for Better Building Soils for Better

CropsCrops

Fertile Soil- A Growers Fertile Soil- A Growers Guide to Organic & Guide to Organic & Inorganic FertilizersInorganic Fertilizers

Managing Cover Crops Managing Cover Crops ProfitablyProfitably

The real dirt : farmers tell The real dirt : farmers tell about organic and low-about organic and low-input practices in the input practices in the NortheastNortheast

SSAWG sessionsSSAWG sessions Basic Soil Improvement Basic Soil Improvement

Techniques for Sustainable Techniques for Sustainable FarmersFarmers

Using Mycorrhizae To Using Mycorrhizae To Improve Soil Fertility and Improve Soil Fertility and Plant Health Plant Health

Managing for Healthy Managing for Healthy Roots Roots

Managing Cover Crops for Managing Cover Crops for Fertility Fertility

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

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Pest Management

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Rotations

-the most important pest management tool

-hand in hand with Soil Fertility

-diversity is the key ingredient

-include cover crops, animals (pastures), perennial crops and rest periods in planning

Why Bother?Why Bother? ““From his experience as a researcher at Rutgers, From his experience as a researcher at Rutgers,

Firmin Bear stated that well-thought-out crop Firmin Bear stated that well-thought-out crop rotation is worth 75% of everything else that rotation is worth 75% of everything else that might be done, including fertilization, tillage, and might be done, including fertilization, tillage, and pest control. pest control.

Rarely are all principles of crop rotation applied as Rarely are all principles of crop rotation applied as thoroughly as they might be in order to garner all thoroughly as they might be in order to garner all of their potential benefits. of their potential benefits.

To my mind, crop rotation is the most important To my mind, crop rotation is the most important practice in a multiple-cropping program.”-Eliot practice in a multiple-cropping program.”-Eliot ColemanColeman

What is Crop Rotation?What is Crop Rotation?

A A plannedplanned system of growing different system of growing different kinds of crops in recurrent succession on kinds of crops in recurrent succession on the same piece of land the same piece of land

Generally the aim is to plant crops that are Generally the aim is to plant crops that are not related botanically, do not share the not related botanically, do not share the same nutrient requirements, and do not same nutrient requirements, and do not share the same pest problemsshare the same pest problems

Rotation is both spatial (crops move over Rotation is both spatial (crops move over an area) and temporal (crops change over an area) and temporal (crops change over time) time)

Why Is Crop Rotation Why Is Crop Rotation Important?Important?

Crop Rotation is Crop Rotation is plannedplanned diversity, which diversity, which provides stability to biological systemsprovides stability to biological systems

Rotation breaks up disease, weed, and Rotation breaks up disease, weed, and insect life cycles by spacing susceptible insect life cycles by spacing susceptible crops at intervals sufficient to hinder the crops at intervals sufficient to hinder the buildup of their specific pest organisms. buildup of their specific pest organisms.

Rotation encourages better use of soil Rotation encourages better use of soil nutrients and amendments nutrients and amendments

Why Is Crop Rotation Why Is Crop Rotation Important?Important?

Rotation preserves and improves soil Rotation preserves and improves soil structure structure

A good rotation plan can improve A good rotation plan can improve efficiency on the farm efficiency on the farm

Crops can affect or be affected by Crops can affect or be affected by the preceding or succeeding crop the preceding or succeeding crop

Three Types of RotationsThree Types of Rotations

Cash crop based Cash crop based Cover crop basedCover crop based Nutrient based Nutrient based

Rotation GuidelinesRotation Guidelines

Separate similar crops or families of Separate similar crops or families of crops as much as possiblecrops as much as possible

ApiaceaeApiaceae (Carrot Family): carrot, parsnip, parsley, celery (Carrot Family): carrot, parsnip, parsley, celery AsteraceaeAsteraceae (Sunflower Family): lettuce, endive, radicchio, (Sunflower Family): lettuce, endive, radicchio, BrassicaceaeBrassicaceae (Mustard Family): cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, (Mustard Family): cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower,

Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, turnip, radish, Chinese cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, turnip, radish, Chinese cabbage, kale, collards, rutabaga collards, rutabaga

ChenopodiaceaeChenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family): beet, Swiss chard, spinach (Goosefoot Family): beet, Swiss chard, spinach ConvolvulaceaeConvolvulaceae (Bindweed Family): sweet potato (Bindweed Family): sweet potato CucurbitaceaeCucurbitaceae (Gourd Family): cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, (Gourd Family): cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon,

squash, pumpkin, gourd squash, pumpkin, gourd FabaceaeFabaceae (Pea Family): garden pea, snap bean, lima bean, soybean (Pea Family): garden pea, snap bean, lima bean, soybean LiliaceaeLiliaceae (Onion Family): onion, garlic, leek, shallot, chive (Onion Family): onion, garlic, leek, shallot, chive MalvaceaeMalvaceae (Mallow Family): okra (Mallow Family): okra PoaceaePoaceae (Grass Family): sweet corn, popcorn, ornamental corn (Grass Family): sweet corn, popcorn, ornamental corn SolanaceaeSolanaceae (Nightshade Family): tomato, pepper, eggplant, potato, (Nightshade Family): tomato, pepper, eggplant, potato,

husk tomatohusk tomato

Rotation GuidelinesRotation Guidelines (cont’d)(cont’d)

Alternate cover crops Alternate cover crops legumes/grasses, legumes/grasses,

cool-season/warm-season cool-season/warm-season


Alternate heavy feeders with light feedersAlternate heavy feeders with light feeders– Heavy feedersHeavy feeders: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, : broccoli, Brussels sprouts,

cabbage, cauliflower, celery, collards, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, collards, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, endive, escarole, kale, cucumbers, eggplant, endive, escarole, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, okra, onions, parsley, kohlrabi, lettuce, okra, onions, parsley, pumpkins, rhubarb, spinach, squash, tomatoes pumpkins, rhubarb, spinach, squash, tomatoes

– Light feedersLight feeders: beets, carrots, garlic, leeks, : beets, carrots, garlic, leeks, mustard, parsnips, potatoes, radishes, mustard, parsnips, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, shallots, sweet potatoes, Swiss rutabagas, shallots, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, turnips chard, turnips

– Soil buildersSoil builders: alfalfa, broad beans, clover, lima : alfalfa, broad beans, clover, lima beans, peanuts, peas, snap beans, soybeans, beans, peanuts, peas, snap beans, soybeans, vetch vetch


Alternate flowering Alternate flowering crops with vegetative crops with vegetative cropscrops

Place crops with Place crops with different canopy different canopy heights next to each heights next to each other other

Alternate cool season Alternate cool season crops with warm crops with warm season cropsseason crops

Be mindful of the Be mindful of the allelopathic effects of allelopathic effects of certain cropscertain crops


Alternate deep-rooted crops with shallow-rooted Alternate deep-rooted crops with shallow-rooted cropscrops– Shallow-rooted cropsShallow-rooted crops are those whose main root system are those whose main root system

is in the top 1-2 feet of soil. Examples are cabbage, is in the top 1-2 feet of soil. Examples are cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, celery, sweet corn, onion, white cauliflower, lettuce, celery, sweet corn, onion, white potato, and radish.potato, and radish.

– Moderately deep-rootedModerately deep-rooted crops crops are those that have the are those that have the main root system in the top 1-4 feet of soil. Examples main root system in the top 1-4 feet of soil. Examples are snap bean, carrot, cucumber, eggplant, peas, are snap bean, carrot, cucumber, eggplant, peas, pepper, and summer squash.pepper, and summer squash.

– Deep-rooted cropsDeep-rooted crops are those whose main root system is are those whose main root system is in the top 1-6 feet of soil. Examples are cantaloupe, in the top 1-6 feet of soil. Examples are cantaloupe, pumpkin, tomato, and watermelon. pumpkin, tomato, and watermelon.

Tips to make it easier to “live” with Tips to make it easier to “live” with a Rotationa Rotation

““A rotation that really suits your farm A rotation that really suits your farm will create a structure that actually will create a structure that actually allows for a lot of options and allows for a lot of options and flexibility. What’s really remarkable is flexibility. What’s really remarkable is how many aspects of a market how many aspects of a market garden can be rotated and integrated garden can be rotated and integrated in an organized fashion.” in an organized fashion.” – Anne and Eric – Anne and Eric

Nordell, Beech Grove Farm, PennsylvaniaNordell, Beech Grove Farm, Pennsylvania


Make rotational units Make rotational units (blocks/sections/fields) the same size if (blocks/sections/fields) the same size if possible, with the size large enough to possible, with the size large enough to hold either the crop with the most hold either the crop with the most space/production requirements or half of itspace/production requirements or half of it

If the rotational unit is not filled with cash If the rotational unit is not filled with cash crops then grow a cover cropcrops then grow a cover crop

Allow for expansion Allow for expansion


You can have more than one rotation You can have more than one rotation scheme on a farmscheme on a farm


Try and have rotational Try and have rotational units with crops going in at units with crops going in at the same time and coming the same time and coming out at the same time to out at the same time to better accommodate better accommodate planting and turning under planting and turning under of cover cropsof cover crops

Try and group crops with Try and group crops with similar culturalsimilar cultural requirements (weeding, requirements (weeding, irrigation, etc.)irrigation, etc.)


Maintain good records of your crop rotation Maintain good records of your crop rotation plans!plans!

““Although vegetable crop rotations are Although vegetable crop rotations are unlikely to be fulfilled unlikely to be fulfilled exactlyexactly as planned, it as planned, it is still advisable to develop a written plan is still advisable to develop a written plan and to follow it up by writing down what and to follow it up by writing down what was actually planted where. Such record-was actually planted where. Such record-keeping is key to improving rotations over keeping is key to improving rotations over time, since it helps track what worked and time, since it helps track what worked and what didn’t) – information that should be what didn’t) – information that should be the basis of future plans.”the basis of future plans.” – Vernon Grubinger– Vernon Grubinger

Rotation with Livestock and Rotation with Livestock and PerennialsPerennials

Moving animals Moving animals annually through annually through cropping fields.cropping fields.

Rotation with Livestock and Rotation with Livestock and PerennialsPerennials

Alternating annuals production with Alternating annuals production with several years in soil building perennials.several years in soil building perennials.

Steps to Planning a RotationSteps to Planning a Rotation

Identify all crops to be grown and Identify all crops to be grown and expected acreage requirementsexpected acreage requirements

Using the guidelines from above, group Using the guidelines from above, group crops based on botanical family, crops based on botanical family, production practices, pest complex, or production practices, pest complex, or other featuresother features

Define the size of the rotational unitDefine the size of the rotational unit Determine the land area (number of Determine the land area (number of

rotational units) needed for each rotational units) needed for each grouping of cropsgrouping of crops

Steps to Planning a RotationSteps to Planning a Rotation

Make a map of available farm land Make a map of available farm land showing size of fields and locations of showing size of fields and locations of rotational units, noting significant rotational units, noting significant differences among fields such as differences among fields such as drainage, deer fencing, or weed drainage, deer fencing, or weed problems. Make extra copies of this map.problems. Make extra copies of this map.

Using copies of the farm map, compare Using copies of the farm map, compare possible rotations.possible rotations.

Or use 3 X 5 cards, each one a rotational Or use 3 X 5 cards, each one a rotational unit, arranging them until as many unit, arranging them until as many guidelines as possible are met.guidelines as possible are met.

““Time spent planning a rotation is never Time spent planning a rotation is never wasted. Not only will you learn a great wasted. Not only will you learn a great deal about important biological balances deal about important biological balances on the farm, but the results will be so on the farm, but the results will be so effective in halting problems before they effective in halting problems before they occur that you may sometimes have to occur that you may sometimes have to remind yourself that a lot is happening. remind yourself that a lot is happening. Very often farmers fail to take full Very often farmers fail to take full advantage of a well-planned rotation, advantage of a well-planned rotation, because rotations don’t have any because rotations don’t have any computable costs and because they work computable costs and because they work so well at preventing problems that so well at preventing problems that farmers are not aware of all the benefits. farmers are not aware of all the benefits. Those benefits are, in a sense, invisible.” Those benefits are, in a sense, invisible.” – – Eliot Coleman Eliot Coleman

1994/1995 to 1999 Year 1999/2000 to 2003 Year 2003/2004 +

Winter Wheat/Crimson Clover Wheat/Clover-Rye/Vetch Wheat/Clover-Rye/Vetch

Spring Tomatoes 1 Tomatoes- part no-till 1 Tomatoes- part no-till

Summer

Fall Oats/Crimson Clover Oats/Crimson Clover Oats/Crimson Clover

Winter Oats/Crimson Clover Oats/Crimson Clover Oats/Crimson Clover

Spring Early Summer Flowers 2 Half Hardy flowers 2 Mixed Cool Season

Summer Millet/Cowpeas Flowers

Fall Over-wintered Flowers Oats/Crimson Clover Over-wintered Flowers

Winter Over-wintered Flowers Oats/Crimson Clover Over-wintered Flowers

Spring 3 Spring Lettuce 3

Summer Sudangrass/soybeans Mid Summer Flowers Sudangrass/soybeans

Fall Oats/Crimson Clover Rye/Hairy Vetch Oats/Crimson Clover

Winter Oats/Crimson Clover Rye/Hairy Vetch Oats/Crimson Clover

Spring Spring Lettuce 4 4 Mixed Spring Veg.

Summer Millet/Cowpeas No-Till Winter Squash Late Summer Flowers

Fall Fall Lettuce Over-wintered Flowers Rye/Hairy Vetch

Winter Wheat/Crimson Clover Over-wintered Flowers Rye/Hairy Vetch

Spring 5 5

Summer Late Summer Flowers Sudangrass/soybeans Peppers- part no-till

Fall Rye/Hairy Vetch Rye/Hairy Vetch

Winter Rye/Hairy Vetch Rye/Hairy Vetch Oats/Crimson Clover

Spring 6 6 Mixed Cool & Warm

Summer Peppers Peppers- part no-till Season Flowers

Fall Over-wintered Flowers

Winter Oats/Crimson Clover Wheat/Crimson Clover Over-wintered Flowers

Spring Half Hardy Flowers 7 7

Summer Millet/Cowpeas Late Summer Flowers Sudangrass/soybeans

Fall Over-wintered Flowers Oats/Crimson Clover Oats/Crimson Clover

Winter Over-wintered Flowers Oats/Crimson Clover Oats/Crimson Clover

Spring 8 Mixed Spring Veg. 8 Spring Lettuce

Summer Sudangrass/soybeans Millet/Cowpeas Mid Summer Flowers

Fall Oats/Crimson Clover Over-wintered Flowers Wheat/Clover-Rye/Vetch

Winter Oats/Crimson Clover Over-wintered Flowers

Spring Mixed Spring Veg. 9 9

Summer Millet/Cowpeas Sudangrass/soybeans

Fall Mixed Fall Veg. Oats/Crimson Clover

Winter Oats/Crimson Clover

Spring 10 Summer Flowers 10

Summer

Fall Wheat/Clover-Rye/Vetch


BooksBooks The New Organic The New Organic

GrowerGrower- Coleman- Coleman

Crop Rotation on Crop Rotation on Organic Farms, a Organic Farms, a planning manualplanning manual- - Mohler & JohnsonMohler & Johnson

Sustainable Vegetable Sustainable Vegetable Production From Start-Production From Start-Up to MarketUp to Market- Grubinger- Grubinger

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


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Planting Considerations

-efficiency and access

-planting system

-equipment

-transplants vs. direct seeding

-spacing

-timing

-season extension

Farm Design ConsiderationsFarm Design ConsiderationsInfrastructure Development Infrastructure Development (in order of importance)(in order of importance) Irrigation First!Irrigation First!

Well, pond, buried mainlines to fieldsWell, pond, buried mainlines to fields EquipmentEquipment

Your planting system (wide bed, narrow bed, row crop) will Your planting system (wide bed, narrow bed, row crop) will determine your equipment width and implement needsdetermine your equipment width and implement needs

Supply and Equipment BuildingsSupply and Equipment BuildingsCentrally located and easy access to fields and supply trucksCentrally located and easy access to fields and supply trucks

Transplant GreenhouseTransplant GreenhouseWater, power, gas. supply storage, seeding area, germination box Water, power, gas. supply storage, seeding area, germination box

or or roomroom Packing FacilitiesPacking Facilities

Washing, grading, packing, cool storage. Lots of water use and Washing, grading, packing, cool storage. Lots of water use and runoffrunoff

Deer/Livestock FencingDeer/Livestock FencingMay be needed sooner depending on deer pressureMay be needed sooner depending on deer pressure

Season ExtensionSeason ExtensionLearn to grow the crop in its main season firstLearn to grow the crop in its main season first

Your house doesn’t make you money!Your house doesn’t make you money!

In the FieldIn the FieldSoil PreparationSoil Preparation

Do major/deep soil work in fall (or when Do major/deep soil work in fall (or when it’s the driest)it’s the driest)

Spread mineral soil amendments in fallSpread mineral soil amendments in fall Raised beds drain and warm up faster in Raised beds drain and warm up faster in

the springthe spring Turn under cover crop 4 weeks before Turn under cover crop 4 weeks before

planting planting Day of planting apply additional N and Day of planting apply additional N and

shallowly till for good seed bedshallowly till for good seed bed

In the FieldIn the FieldSoil Preparation-Equipment NeedsSoil Preparation-Equipment Needs

Deep soil turningDeep soil turning– Bottom plowBottom plow– Subsoilers, field cultivatorsSubsoilers, field cultivators

Residue incorporationResidue incorporation– MowerMower– Manure/compost spreaderManure/compost spreader– Disk harrowDisk harrow– RototillerRototiller– SpadersSpaders

Seed bed preparationSeed bed preparation– Bed shapers/hillersBed shapers/hillers– Fertilizer spreaderFertilizer spreader– RototillerRototiller– Rolling basketsRolling baskets– Hand rakingHand raking

In the FieldIn the FieldPlanting systemPlanting system

Tractor tire width determines bed Tractor tire width determines bed width or row spacingwidth or row spacing

Straight-parallel rows facilitate Straight-parallel rows facilitate accurate and fast cultivationaccurate and fast cultivation

Spacing between rows affects Spacing between rows affects cultivation, irrigation and trellisingcultivation, irrigation and trellising

Spacing between plants dependent Spacing between plants dependent on cropon crop

In the FieldIn the FieldPlanting systemPlanting system

Synthetic mulchesSynthetic mulches– Generally laid in fall with drip irrigation Generally laid in fall with drip irrigation – Black, white, colored plasticsBlack, white, colored plastics– Landscape fabricLandscape fabric

Natural mulchesNatural mulches– Applied just before or after plantingApplied just before or after planting– Paper, straw, leavesPaper, straw, leaves

Bare groundBare ground– Close spacing, fast cropsClose spacing, fast crops– Think about the cultivation systemThink about the cultivation system

No-tillNo-till– Dependant on heavy cover cropsDependant on heavy cover crops– Equipment Equipment

In the FieldIn the FieldSeedingSeeding

A fine seed bed is needed for good soil to seed A fine seed bed is needed for good soil to seed contactcontact

Soil worked too fine will result in crustingSoil worked too fine will result in crusting– Old row coversOld row covers

Seeders- depends of seed size and spacingSeeders- depends of seed size and spacing– PushPush

Earthway $90-$109Earthway $90-$109 Glaser (1 row) $169Glaser (1 row) $169 Johnny’s European push seeder $295Johnny’s European push seeder $295 Jang Clean Seeder $375+Jang Clean Seeder $375+ Planet Jr. $500Planet Jr. $500

– TractorTractor Plate- Planet Jr. $535 per rowPlate- Planet Jr. $535 per row Belt- Stanhay $1300 push model, $1500 per rowBelt- Stanhay $1300 push model, $1500 per row Vacuum- Matermac, Monosem $4700 and up, per rowVacuum- Matermac, Monosem $4700 and up, per row

In the FieldIn the FieldTransplantingTransplanting

Water flats well before plantingWater flats well before planting Mark rows Mark rows Cover root balls with soil to prevent Cover root balls with soil to prevent

dryingdrying Water in Water in

IrrigationIrrigation

Do not even consider high value Do not even consider high value crops with out irrigationcrops with out irrigation

Drip most efficientDrip most efficient– Less water requiredLess water required– Uses less energyUses less energy– Fewer disease problemsFewer disease problems

Some crops more efficient to water Some crops more efficient to water overhead (food safety regs.?)overhead (food safety regs.?)

IrrigationIrrigation

Work with a good irrigation companyWork with a good irrigation company– They will design for freeThey will design for free– You need good serviceYou need good service

Water is the limiting factorWater is the limiting factor– It takes more than you think. ¼ acre of It takes more than you think. ¼ acre of

beds with one drip line per bed takes beds with one drip line per bed takes approximately 12 gallons per minute, approximately 12 gallons per minute, 750 gal. per hour, 1500 gal. per day 750 gal. per hour, 1500 gal. per day every dayevery day

IrrigationIrrigation How much water?How much water?

– G=50×Ep×SG=50×Ep×S G=gallons required per day per 100’ of rowG=gallons required per day per 100’ of row Ep=average daily evaporation in July, inchesEp=average daily evaporation in July, inches S=row spacing in feetS=row spacing in feet

– Example 50×.27×4=54 gallons/day/100’ of Example 50×.27×4=54 gallons/day/100’ of rowrow

How long to irrigate?How long to irrigate?– Irrigation hrs./day=G÷60×RIrrigation hrs./day=G÷60×R

G=gallons required per day per 100’ of rowG=gallons required per day per 100’ of row Drip line flow rate, gal./minute/100’ of lineDrip line flow rate, gal./minute/100’ of line

– Example 54÷60×.5=1.8 hrs. per dayExample 54÷60×.5=1.8 hrs. per day

TrellisingTrellising

Trellising takes more labor Trellising takes more labor – It needs to be fast to put up It needs to be fast to put up andand take take

downdown Trellising improves Trellising improves

– space efficiencyspace efficiency– disease controldisease control– harvesting speedharvesting speed– crop quality crop quality

Transplant ProductionTransplant Production

Why?Why? The only way to produce certain The only way to produce certain

cropscrops Early season productionEarly season production Insure true varietyInsure true variety Grown for your scheduleGrown for your schedule Better quality plantsBetter quality plants Less disease and insect problemsLess disease and insect problems

Transplant ProductionTransplant Production

Keys to Transplant ProductionKeys to Transplant Production Proper cell sizeProper cell size Soil less potting mixSoil less potting mix Correct germination requirementsCorrect germination requirements

– WarmthWarmth– TemperatureTemperature– LightLight

Correct wateringCorrect watering Fertilization Fertilization Good airflow in greenhouseGood airflow in greenhouse Keep the greenhouse and area around cleanKeep the greenhouse and area around clean Harden-off before transplanting to fieldHarden-off before transplanting to field

ContainersContainers

Liners in traysLiners in trays Flexible thin plastic traysFlexible thin plastic trays Rigid plastic traysRigid plastic trays Styrofoam trays (Speedling)Styrofoam trays (Speedling) Individual potsIndividual pots Common flatsCommon flats Soil blocksSoil blocks

GerminationGermination Fill flats wellFill flats well Wet soil completelyWet soil completely SeedersSeeders

– Hand Hand – VacuumVacuum

Cover seed (maybe)Cover seed (maybe) Water lightlyWater lightly Keep at proper germination temperature Keep at proper germination temperature

with high humiditywith high humidity Move out to light as soon as the Move out to light as soon as the

cotyledons appearcotyledons appear

Growing OnGrowing On Adequate lightAdequate light Water early in day until water drains from bottom Water early in day until water drains from bottom

of plugof plug Cool nights and good airflow result in sturdy Cool nights and good airflow result in sturdy

plantsplants Cool greenhouses increase time to produce a Cool greenhouses increase time to produce a

transplanttransplant Begin to foliar feed after two sets of true leaves Begin to foliar feed after two sets of true leaves

appearappear Move up to larger containers after two sets of true Move up to larger containers after two sets of true

leaves leaves Harden-off a week before planting to the fieldHarden-off a week before planting to the field



GrowerGrower

Sustainable Sustainable Vegetable Vegetable Production From Production From Start-Up to MarketStart-Up to Market

Parks Success With Parks Success With SeedSeed or or The New The New Seed Starters Seed Starters HandbookHandbook

Profitable CropsProfitable Crops

Every market is differentEvery market is different Differentiate yourself from the other Differentiate yourself from the other

market sellersmarket sellers Grow more varieties of what you do Grow more varieties of what you do

wellwell You can’t be everything to everyoneYou can’t be everything to everyone Produce what you really like but:Produce what you really like but:

““grow what sells not sell what grows”grow what sells not sell what grows”

US Fresh Vegetable Rankings 2004By Value of Production

1. Potatoes2. Iceberg Lettuce3. Tomatoes4. Leaf Lettuce5. Onions6. Peppers7. Carrots8. Broccoli9. Corn10. Cantaloupe11. Watermelon12. Cabbage13. Snap Beans14. Celery15. Cucumbers16. Cauliflower17. Asparagus18. Spinach19. Garlic20. Honeydews21. Artichokes

By Weight Produced

1. Potatoes2. Iceberg Lettuce3. Onions4. Watermelon5. Tomatoes 6. Carrots 7. Leaf Lettuce8. Corn9. Cabbage 10. Cantaloupe11. Peppers12. Celery 13. Broccoli14. Cucumbers15. Cauliflower16. Snap Beans17. Garlic18. Honeydews19. Spinach20. Artichokes

By Per Capita Consumption Retail fresh 1. Potatoes 44.7#2. Iceberg Lettuce 20.9# 3. Onions 20.4# 4. Tomatoes 16.4# 5. Watermelon 11.7# 6. Leaf Lettuce 11.2# +(12)7. Corn 8.9# + (8)8. Cantaloupe 8.7# 9. Carrots 8.6# 10. Cabbage 7.8# 11. Bell Peppers 6.5# +(11)12. Cucumbers 5.8# 13. Celery 5.6# 14. Broccoli 5.4# 15. Sweet Potatoes 4.2# 16. Garlic 2.1# 17. Honeydews 2.0# 18. Snap Beans 1.8# +(19)19. Spinach 1.8# +(20)20. Cauliflower 1.6# 21. Asparagus .9#

Hmmm? StatisticsHmmm? Statistics +(X) means increase from 1997 and +(X) means increase from 1997 and

previous rankprevious rank Total per capita fresh consumption is Total per capita fresh consumption is

189.5# in 2004.189.5# in 2004.– 193# in 1998, 193# in 1998, 202202# in 2007# in 2007– 174# in 2000, 174# in 2000, 167167# in 2009# in 2009

Total per capita processed consumption is Total per capita processed consumption is 218# (Tomatoes canned 73#, Potatoes 218# (Tomatoes canned 73#, Potatoes frozen 61#, Corn canned and frozen 20#, frozen 61#, Corn canned and frozen 20#, 71%) and going up in 2004.71%) and going up in 2004.

Total per capita consumption of fruits and Total per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables 709# in 1998, vegetables 709# in 1998, 680680# in 2007# in 2007

Vegetable income per bedVegetable income per bed

Total veg income $52,388 Total veg income $52,388 ÷ 126 ÷ 126 beds = $416/bedbeds = $416/bed

Tomatoes $24,458 ÷ 22 beds = Tomatoes $24,458 ÷ 22 beds = $1112/bed$1112/bed

Lettuce $9297 ÷ 28 beds = Lettuce $9297 ÷ 28 beds = $332/bed$332/bed

Radish $525 ÷ 2 beds = $263/bedRadish $525 ÷ 2 beds = $263/bed Peas $595 ÷ 6 beds = Peas $595 ÷ 6 beds = $99/bed$99/bed

Crop Scheduling- Making a PlanCrop Scheduling- Making a Plan What season does it grow best in?What season does it grow best in?

a. What season will it a. What season will it notnot grow in? grow in?b. best temperatures for growth b. best temperatures for growth

Can you or should you succession plant this crop?Can you or should you succession plant this crop?a. how long does a planting produce?a. how long does a planting produce?b. how many times to plant?b. how many times to plant?c. how much time between plantings?c. how much time between plantings?

Direct seed or transplant or both?Direct seed or transplant or both?a. if direct seeded how long does it take to germinate?a. if direct seeded how long does it take to germinate?b. how long does it take to grow a transplant?b. how long does it take to grow a transplant?

Germination Requirements?Germination Requirements?a. Optimum soil temperaturesa. Optimum soil temperatures

Plant spacing?Plant spacing?a. How many plants per bed?a. How many plants per bed?b. How many seeds per foot of row?b. How many seeds per foot of row?

soil temperature for days to emergence average monthly air spacing row" X plant" transplantsgermination at 1/2" deep (soil temp) temp for best growth

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Beet 40 50-85 85 95 17 10 6 5 5 5 55 60-65 40 75 HH 12-30X2-4 12-18X3 3 6-10X2,3-4 rows 1/2Broccoli 45-85 75 65 60-65 40 75 H 18-36X12-24 18X8 15 T 5-7w 72Cabbage 40 45-95 85 100 15 9 6 5 4 65 60-65 40 75 H 24-36X12-24 18-34X12-18 15 T 5-7w 72Carrot 40 45-85 80 95 17 10 7 6 6 9 60 60-65 45 75 HH 16-30X1-3 16-24X1-2 2 6-10X1-2,3-4 rows 1/2Cauliflower 40 45-85 80 100 20 10 6 5 5 70 60-65 45 75 HH 24-36X14-24 24-36X18 15 T 5-7w 72Celery 40 60-70 70 85 16 12 7 NG NG NG 80 60-65 45 75 HH 18-40X6-12 24-36X6-8 6 18X6, 2 rows T 9-12w 50Collards 70 60-65 40 75 H 24-36X12-24 18-34X12-18 12 18X12, 2 rows T 4-8w 72Corn 50 60-95 95 105 22 12 7 4 4 3 75 60-75 50 95 T 30-42X8-12 30-36X6-7 15-18 30X8, 2 rows 1Cucumber 60 60-95 95 105 NG 13 6 4 3 3 60 65-75 60 90 VT 36-72X8-12 60-72X8 12 48X6, 1 row 1/2, T 2-4w 50Eggplant 60 75-90 85 95 13 8 5 65 70-85 65 95 VT 24-48X18-30 18-24X18 18 12X18, 2 rows T 6-10w 50Lettuce, leaf 35 40-80 75 85 7 4 3 2 3 NG 40 60-65 45 75 HH 12-24X8-14 12-18X8-12 8 12X10, 3 rows 0, T 5-7w 128Lima bean bush 60 65-85 85 85 NG 31 18 7 7 NG 75 60-70 50 80 VT 18-36X3-6 18-36X3 6 1Muskmelon 60 75-95 90 100 8 4 3 75 65-75 60 90 VT 60-84X12 72X18 15 48X18, 1 row 1/2, T 2-4w 50Okra 60 70-95 95 105 NG 27 17 13 7 6 55 70-85 65 95 VT 42-60X8-24 24-36X6-12 12 1/2, T 4-6w 50Onion 35 50-95 75 95 13 7 5 4 4 13 55-75 45 85 H 16-24X1-4 12-18X3-4 3 6X4, 4 rows 1/2, T 9-12w 162Pea english/snap40 40-75 75 85 14 9 8 6 6 60 60-65 45 75 H 24-48X1-3 48-72X1-2 3 2X1, 4 rows 1Pepper 60 65-95 85 95 NG 25 13 8 8 9 70 70-75 65 80 VT 18-36X12-24 24-36X12-18 12 12X18, 2 rows T 6-8w 50Potato 40 60-65 45 75 HH 30-42X6-12 30-36X12 9 2-6"Pumpkin 60 70-90 95 100 100 65-75 50 90 VT 72-96X36-60 72-144X18-36 30 48X36, 1 row 3/4Radish 40 45-90 85 95 11 6 4 4 3 25 60-65 40 75 H 8-18X1 3-12X1 2 3-4X1, 6-7 rows 1/2Snap bean bush 60 60-85 80 95 NG 16 11 8 6 6 55 60-70 50 80 T 18-36X2-4 20-36X2 4 1Southern Pea 65-85 75 60-75 50 95 T 18-42X3-6 1Spinach 35 45-75 70 85 12 7 6 5 6 NG 45 60-65 40 75 H 12-36X2-6 12-18X2 4 6-10X2-4,3-4 rows 1/2Squash, summer 60 70-95 95 100 50 65-75 50 90 VT 36-60X24-48 60-72X12 15 3/4Sweet Potato 100 70-85 65 95 VT 36-48X10-18 36X12-18 9 slipsSwiss chard 50-85 55 60-65 40 75 HH 24-36X12-15 18-24X4-6 8 1/2Tomato, early 50 60-85 85 95 43 14 8 6 6 9 62 70-75 65 80 T 36-48X12-24 48-72X12-36 18-24 60X18, 1 row T 6-8w 18Tomato, late 50 60-85 85 95 43 14 8 6 6 9 72 70-75 65 80 T T 4-5w 50Turnip 40 45-105 85 105 5 3 2 1 1 1 40 60-65 40 75 H 12-36X2-6 12-18X1-2 3 6-10X1,3-4 rows 1/2Watermelon 60 70-95 95 105 12 5 4 3 80 70-85 65 95 VT 72-96X24-36 72X18 18 1/2, T 2-4w 50

Sorted by crop

soil temperature for days to emergence average monthly air spacing row" X plant" transplantsgermination at 1/2" deep (soil temp) temp for best growth

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Onion 35 50-95 75 95 13 7 5 4 4 13 55-75 45 85 H 16-24X1-4 12-18X3-4 3 6X4, 4 rows 1/2, T 9-12w 162Pea english/snap40 40-75 75 85 14 9 8 6 6 60 60-65 45 75 H 24-48X1-3 48-72X1-2 3 2X1, 4 rows 1Lettuce, leaf 35 40-80 75 85 7 4 3 2 3 NG 40 60-65 45 75 HH 12-24X8-14 12-18X8-12 8 12X10, 3 rows 0, T 5-7w 128Turnip 40 45-105 85 105 5 3 2 1 1 1 40 60-65 40 75 H 12-36X2-6 12-18X1-2 3 6-10X1,3-4 rows 1/2Spinach 35 45-75 70 85 12 7 6 5 6 NG 45 60-65 40 75 H 12-36X2-6 12-18X2 4 6-10X2-4,3-4 rows 1/2Broccoli 45-85 75 65 60-65 40 75 H 18-36X12-24 18X8 15 T 5-7w 72Carrot 40 45-85 80 95 17 10 7 6 6 9 60 60-65 45 75 HH 16-30X1-3 16-24X1-2 2 6-10X1-2,3-4 rows 1/2Cauliflower 40 45-85 80 100 20 10 6 5 5 70 60-65 45 75 HH 24-36X14-24 24-36X18 15 T 5-7w 72Radish 40 45-90 85 95 11 6 4 4 3 25 60-65 40 75 H 8-18X1 3-12X1 2 3-4X1, 6-7 rows 1/2Cabbage 40 45-95 85 100 15 9 6 5 4 65 60-65 40 75 H 24-36X12-24 18-34X12-18 15 T 5-7w 72Beet 40 50-85 85 95 17 10 6 5 5 5 55 60-65 40 75 HH 12-30X2-4 12-18X3 3 6-10X2,3-4 rows 1/2Swiss chard 50-85 55 60-65 40 75 HH 24-36X12-15 18-24X4-6 8 1/2Celery 40 60-70 70 85 16 12 7 NG NG NG 80 60-65 45 75 HH 18-40X6-12 24-36X6-8 6 18X6, 2 rows T 9-12w 50Collards 70 60-65 40 75 H 24-36X12-24 18-34X12-18 12 18X12, 2 rows T 4-8w 72Potato 40 60-65 45 75 HH 30-42X6-12 30-36X12 9 2-6"Snap bean bush 60 60-85 80 95 NG 16 11 8 6 6 55 60-70 50 80 T 18-36X2-4 20-36X2 4 1Lima bean bush 60 65-85 85 85 NG 31 18 7 7 NG 75 60-70 50 80 VT 18-36X3-6 18-36X3 6 1Corn 50 60-95 95 105 22 12 7 4 4 3 75 60-75 50 95 T 30-42X8-12 30-36X6-7 15-18 30X8, 2 rows 1Southern Pea 65-85 75 60-75 50 95 T 18-42X3-6 1Cucumber 60 60-95 95 105 NG 13 6 4 3 3 60 65-75 60 90 VT 36-72X8-12 60-72X8 12 48X6, 1 row 1/2, T 2-4w 50Pumpkin 60 70-90 95 100 100 65-75 50 90 VT 72-96X36-60 72-144X18-36 30 48X36, 1 row 3/4Squash, summer 60 70-95 95 100 50 65-75 50 90 VT 36-60X24-48 60-72X12 15 3/4Muskmelon 60 75-95 90 100 8 4 3 75 65-75 60 90 VT 60-84X12 72X18 15 48X18, 1 row 1/2, T 2-4w 50Tomato, early 50 60-85 85 95 43 14 8 6 6 9 62 70-75 65 80 T 36-48X12-24 48-72X12-36 18-24 60X18, 1 row T 6-8w 18Tomato, late 50 60-85 85 95 43 14 8 6 6 9 72 70-75 65 80 T T 4-5w 50Pepper 60 65-95 85 95 NG 25 13 8 8 9 70 70-75 65 80 VT 18-36X12-24 24-36X12-18 12 12X18, 2 rows T 6-8w 50Okra 60 70-95 95 105 NG 27 17 13 7 6 55 70-85 65 95 VT 42-60X8-24 24-36X6-12 12 1/2, T 4-6w 50Watermelon 60 70-95 95 105 12 5 4 3 80 70-85 65 95 VT 72-96X24-36 72X18 18 1/2, T 2-4w 50Eggplant 60 75-90 85 95 13 8 5 65 70-85 65 95 VT 24-48X18-30 18-24X18 18 12X18, 2 rows T 6-10w 50Sweet Potato 100 70-85 65 95 VT 36-48X10-18 36X12-18 9 slips

Sorted by planting order based on temperatures

Steps to making a planSteps to making a plancool season cropscool season crops

Determine last harvest date based on Determine last harvest date based on temperatures for good growthtemperatures for good growth

Count weeks backwards to get the plant in the Count weeks backwards to get the plant in the field date based on days to maturityfield date based on days to maturity

If transplanted count the weeks backwards to get If transplanted count the weeks backwards to get the seeding to flat date based on the weeks to the seeding to flat date based on the weeks to grow a transplantgrow a transplant

Take into account slower germination in cool soils Take into account slower germination in cool soils early and slower growth in the fieldearly and slower growth in the field

Take into account faster growth in the last few Take into account faster growth in the last few weeks of the good growth period as temperatures weeks of the good growth period as temperatures and day length increaseand day length increase

Steps to making a planSteps to making a plandirect seededdirect seeded spinach examplespinach example

Maximum avg. temp 75Maximum avg. temp 75°- °- ~ 6/15~ 6/15– 1 week of harvest1 week of harvest– Harvest window-Harvest window- 6/11 6/11, 6/4, 5/28, 5/21, 5/14, 5/7, , 6/4, 5/28, 5/21, 5/14, 5/7, 4/304/30, ,

4/234/23 Days to maturity 42 or 6 weeksDays to maturity 42 or 6 weeks

– Seed to field on Seed to field on 4/304/30 Succession plant every week (working backwards) Succession plant every week (working backwards)

until minimum soil temp for germination is until minimum soil temp for germination is reached- 45reached- 45°°– 4/23, 4/16, 4/9, 4/2, 4/23, 4/16, 4/9, 4/2, 3/263/26, 3/19, , 3/19, 3/123/12, 3/5, 3/5

Take into account slower germination in cool soils Take into account slower germination in cool soils early and slower growth in the fieldearly and slower growth in the field

Approximate soil temps- 40Approximate soil temps- 40°° – 2/15, 45 – 2/15, 45°° – 3/1, 50 – 3/1, 50°° – 3/15, 60– 3/15, 60°° – 4/15 – 4/15

Steps to making a planSteps to making a plan transplanted lettuce exampletransplanted lettuce example

Maximum avg. temp 75Maximum avg. temp 75°- °- ~ 6/15~ 6/15– 1 week of harvest1 week of harvest– harvest window- harvest window- 6/11 6/4, 5/286/11 6/4, 5/28, , 5/215/21, 5/14, 5/7, 4/30, 4/23, , 5/14, 5/7, 4/30, 4/23,

4/164/16 Days to maturity (from johnny’s) for full heads Days to maturity (from johnny’s) for full heads

– rredleaf variety Vulcanedleaf variety Vulcan 52 days = 7+ weeks (direct seeded) 52 days = 7+ weeks (direct seeded)– subtract 10-14 days if transplanted = 5 weeks optimum growth subtract 10-14 days if transplanted = 5 weeks optimum growth

conditions (60conditions (60°°-65°,-65°, ~4/15-5/7). ~4/15-5/7). – Add up to 3 weeks Add up to 3 weeks or moreor more in cooler weather in cooler weather– transplant to field on transplant to field on 4/16 (5 weeks), 4/16 (5 weeks), 2/19 (8 weeks)2/19 (8 weeks)

Earliest possible transplant date ~2/1, temps >20Earliest possible transplant date ~2/1, temps >20°° It takes 5-7 weeks to grow a transplant, shorter with It takes 5-7 weeks to grow a transplant, shorter with

warmer temps and longer dayswarmer temps and longer days– Seed to flat date Seed to flat date 3/12 (5 weeks), 3/12 (5 weeks), 1/1 (7 weeks)1/1 (7 weeks)

CROP seed

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TheoryLettuce Vulcan 1/1 7 2/19 8 4/16Lettuce Vulcan 1/8 7 2/26 8 4/23Lettuce Vulcan 1/29 6 3/12 7 4/30Lettuce Vulcan 2/12 5 3/19 6 5/7Lettuce Vulcan 3/5 5 4/9 5 5/14

ActualLettuce Vulcan 12/18 6 1/29 11 4/16Lettuce Vulcan 12/25 7 2/12 10 4/23Lettuce Vulcan 1/8 6 2/19 10 4/30Lettuce Vulcan 2/5 5 3/12 8 5/7Lettuce Vulcan 2/12 5 3/19 8 5/14

TheoryLettuce Adriana 1/1 7 2/19 8 4/16Lettuce Adriana 1/8 7 2/26 8 4/23Lettuce Adriana 1/29 6 3/12 7 4/30Lettuce Adriana 2/12 5 3/19 6 5/7Lettuce Adriana 3/5 5 4/9 5 5/14

ActualLettuce Adriana 12/25 6 2/5 10 4/16Lettuce Adriana 1/8 6 2/19 9 4/23Lettuce Adriana 1/22 6 3/5 8 4/30Lettuce Adriana 2/12 4 3/12 8 5/7Lettuce Adriana 2/26 4 3/26 7 5/14

Steps to making a planSteps to making a plan warm season cropswarm season crops

Determine last frost dateDetermine last frost date Plant first planting at coolest optimum soil Plant first planting at coolest optimum soil

temp or air temptemp or air temp If transplanted count the weeks backwards If transplanted count the weeks backwards

to get the seeding to flat date based on to get the seeding to flat date based on the weeks to grow a transplantthe weeks to grow a transplant

Last planting generally 8-10 weeks before Last planting generally 8-10 weeks before first frost for direct seeded cropsfirst frost for direct seeded crops

For tomatoes last planting by July 1stFor tomatoes last planting by July 1st

Steps to making a planSteps to making a plan fall cool season cropsfall cool season crops

Crops need to reach maturity by the Crops need to reach maturity by the first frost datefirst frost date

Crops stop growing when daylight Crops stop growing when daylight hours drop below 10 hourshours drop below 10 hours

Most crops are direct seeded in Most crops are direct seeded in August and early SeptemberAugust and early September

Transplanted crops in late August and Transplanted crops in late August and early Septemberearly September

CROP seed

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CommentsBeets 11/8 2/2 3/25 1.00 ETNLCarrots 11/8 2/2 5/2 1.00 ETNLSpinach 1 11/8 3/25 2.00 ETNLTurnips 1 11/8 3/25 0.75 ETNLLettuce Ermosa 12/6 1/17 3/25 70 1.00 0.43 ETNLLettuce Green Forest 12/6 1/17 4/1 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Vulcan 12/6 1/17 3/25 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Waldmans 12/6 1/17 3/25 30 1.00 0.19 ETNLLettuce Ermosa 12/13 1/24 4/1 70 1.00 0.43 ETNLLettuce Green Forest 12/13 1/24 4/8 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Vulcan 12/13 1/24 4/1 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Waldmans 12/13 1/24 4/1 30 1.00 0.19 ETNLRadish Easter Egg 1 1/24 2/2 3/25 0.75 ETNL 45F Turnips 2 1/24 2/2 4/1 0.75 ETNLLettuce Ermosa 12/20 1/31 4/8 70 1.00 0.43 ETNL

Production Plan


BooksBooks Knott's Handbook Knott's Handbook

for Vegetable for Vegetable GrowersGrowers

How to Grow More How to Grow More Vegetables Than Vegetables Than You Ever thought You Ever thought Possible on Less Possible on Less Land Than You Ever Land Than You Ever ImaginedImagined

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

Wee

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Con

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Pest Management

Irri

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Tre

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Weed Control, Irrigation, Trellising

-timing, rotation, and planting decisions are the keys to weed control

-do not even consider high value crops with out irrigation

-drip most efficient, fewer disease problems

-trellising improves space efficiency, disease control, harvesting speed, crop quality

Keys to Weed ControlKeys to Weed Control

Reduce weed seed bankReduce weed seed bank Rotation designRotation design Timing is everythingTiming is everything Plant spacingPlant spacing Planting systemPlanting system Tools Tools

Tools for Weed ControlTools for Weed Control

Transplanting Transplanting High density plantingHigh density planting MulchesMulches Mowing Mowing Hand toolsHand tools Tractor equipmentTractor equipment Flame weeding and stale seed bedsFlame weeding and stale seed beds



GrowerGrower

Sustainable Vegetable Sustainable Vegetable Production From Start-Production From Start-Up to MarketUp to Market

Steel in The Field-a Steel in The Field-a Farmer's Guide to Weed Farmer's Guide to Weed Management ToolsManagement Tools

Vegetable Farmers and Vegetable Farmers and their Weed Control their Weed Control Machines- videoMachines- video

SSAWG sessionsSSAWG sessions My Life With These My Life With These

Plants Called Weeds: Plants Called Weeds: Sharing Challenges and Sharing Challenges and TriumphsTriumphs

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

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Con

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Pest Management

Irri

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Pest Management

-if you did everything else right this is the least important part of the system

-problems are generally an indication that some part of the system is not working properly

The 4 legged pestsThe 4 legged pests

More damage than the flying and More damage than the flying and crawling kindscrawling kinds

Deer adapt very quicklyDeer adapt very quickly Fencing is the only real answerFencing is the only real answer

– Tall standard fencingTall standard fencing– Electric Electric


BooksBooks Pests Of The Pests Of The

Garden And Small Garden And Small Farm- A Growers Farm- A Growers Guide to Using Less Guide to Using Less PesticidePesticide

Rodale’s Color Rodale’s Color Handbook of Handbook of Garden InsectsGarden Insects

SSAWG sessionsSSAWG sessions What’s an Organic What’s an Organic

Grower To Do About Grower To Do About Those Pesky Pests?-Those Pesky Pests?- Debbie Roos, NCDebbie Roos, NC

What's New in What's New in Ecological Pest Ecological Pest Management: News Management: News That You Can Use in That You Can Use in Your Fields TodayYour Fields Today

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

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Harvest and Post Harvest

-proper time and maturity

-get the heat out and keep it out

-quit messin' with it

-store it right

-get it to market ASAP

HarvestHarvest

This is where the majority of the labor isThis is where the majority of the labor is This is where the bulk of Food Safety and This is where the bulk of Food Safety and

GAP practices occurGAP practices occur Efficiency and good tools are keyEfficiency and good tools are key Quit Messin’ with it! Reduce the number Quit Messin’ with it! Reduce the number

of times a piece is handledof times a piece is handled Heat is the enemyHeat is the enemy

– Harvest in the cool of the dayHarvest in the cool of the day– Keep it out of the sun Keep it out of the sun

Post HarvestPost Harvest

Get the heat out and keep it outGet the heat out and keep it out There is a lot of water involvedThere is a lot of water involved Store it at the right temperatureStore it at the right temperature

– Cool season crops close to 32Cool season crops close to 32°°

– Warm season crops 45Warm season crops 45°°

– Tomatoes never below 55Tomatoes never below 55°° Get it to market ASAPGet it to market ASAP

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

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Labor

-the most limiting factor in the system

-the most expensive input

-spread labor out, balance production

-use efficiently and sparingly

LaborLaborhiring good helphiring good help

Have an honest job descriptionHave an honest job description Have them come to the farm for a face to Have them come to the farm for a face to

face interviewface interview Ask why they want to work on a farmAsk why they want to work on a farm Do they have off farm obligations?Do they have off farm obligations? Do they have any physical limitations?Do they have any physical limitations? Pay them wellPay them well Be flexibleBe flexible

LaborLabordoing the workdoing the work

Know the job yourselfKnow the job yourself Be organized and have a daily planBe organized and have a daily plan Explain why it’s done that wayExplain why it’s done that way Don’t have people work aloneDon’t have people work alone Teach quality and efficiencyTeach quality and efficiency It’s as much about quality of life as It’s as much about quality of life as

the job itselfthe job itself

Season ExtensionSeason Extensionis really about is really about

Climate ModificationClimate Modification Air TemperatureAir Temperature Soil Temperature (the key) Soil Temperature (the key) Wind Wind Soil MoistureSoil Moisture PrecipitationPrecipitation LightLight

Decision TimeDecision Time

What factor are you trying to What factor are you trying to modify? modify? Why?Why?

What problem are you trying to What problem are you trying to correct?correct?

Is the crop valuable enough? Is the crop valuable enough? $10,000 per acre or more for tunnels$10,000 per acre or more for tunnels

Is there a low technology answer?Is there a low technology answer?

The Season Extension ContinuumThe Season Extension Continuum

South facing fieldsSouth facing fields Raised bedsRaised beds Orient beds East-WestOrient beds East-West Cover the soil with black plastic or fabricCover the soil with black plastic or fabric Use large transplants of early varietiesUse large transplants of early varieties Plant windbreaksPlant windbreaks Floating row coversFloating row covers Low tunnelsLow tunnels High tunnelsHigh tunnels Shade clothShade cloth Combined techniquesCombined techniques Heated greenhousesHeated greenhouses



GrowerGrower- Coleman- Coleman

The Winter The Winter Harvest Harvest HandbookHandbook- - ColemanColeman

SSAWG SessionsSSAWG Sessions Getting Started Getting Started

with High with High Tunnels: Getting Tunnels: Getting Help from NRCSHelp from NRCS

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

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Information-The glue that binds it all together-gathering is a continuous job-from where? records customer feedback conferences and trade shows farm tours written info from all sources-study, observe, think!

Marketing Plan-affects everything-sets the whole train in motion-where to market and why-what to market and why-when to market

Record Keeping ToolsRecord Keeping Tools

Record the things that give you the Record the things that give you the information information youyou need to make decisions need to make decisions

Production Plan Production Plan Field HistoryField History Daily Work RecordsDaily Work Records Market RecordsMarket Records Sales InvoicesSales Invoices Financial RecordsFinancial Records Sales ChartSales Chart

Tips to keeping recordsTips to keeping records

Make it simple so you will do itMake it simple so you will do it Write it down and keep all receiptsWrite it down and keep all receipts Set up a regular time to do office Set up a regular time to do office

workwork The computer is a powerful toolThe computer is a powerful tool Enter your sales weeklyEnter your sales weekly Have sales books printed Have sales books printed

CROP seed

to fla

t, pla

nned

date

actu

ally s

eede

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flat

plant

to fie

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ld

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# of

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# of

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plant

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CommentsBeets 11/8 2/2 3/25 1.00 ETNLCarrots 11/8 2/2 5/2 1.00 ETNLSpinach 1 11/8 3/25 2.00 ETNLTurnips 1 11/8 3/25 0.75 ETNLLettuce Ermosa 12/6 1/17 3/25 70 1.00 0.43 ETNLLettuce Green Forest 12/6 1/17 4/1 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Vulcan 12/6 1/17 3/25 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Waldmans 12/6 1/17 3/25 30 1.00 0.19 ETNLLettuce Ermosa 12/13 1/24 4/1 70 1.00 0.43 ETNLLettuce Green Forest 12/13 1/24 4/8 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Vulcan 12/13 1/24 4/1 60 1.00 0.37 ETNLLettuce Waldmans 12/13 1/24 4/1 30 1.00 0.19 ETNLRadish Easter Egg 1 1/24 2/2 3/25 0.75 ETNL 45F Turnips 2 1/24 2/2 4/1 0.75 ETNLLettuce Ermosa 12/20 1/31 4/8 70 1.00 0.43 ETNL

Production Plan

Market RecordsMarket Records

Need to know what went Need to know what went andand what came what came home.home.

This is hard to do This is hard to do – Dry erase board next to walk-in coolersDry erase board next to walk-in coolers– Next day return inventoryNext day return inventory– 2 cash boxes one for flowers and one vegetables2 cash boxes one for flowers and one vegetables

Also need to know price, unit and things Also need to know price, unit and things that may have affected the days salesthat may have affected the days sales

We enter this information as an invoice in We enter this information as an invoice in the computerthe computer

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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A B C D E F G

Date Description Taken Unit Price Return Comments

Market Record Sheet

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

Sales ChartSales Chart

Accounting SoftwareAccounting Software

Quicken Home and Business $80Quicken Home and Business $80 Quickbooks Pro $160Quickbooks Pro $160 The The QuickBooksQuickBooks Farm Accounting Farm Accounting

Cookbook Cookbook www.goflagship.com/products/cbkhome.htmwww.goflagship.com/products/cbkhome.htm

Market Farm Forms- Rosenweig & Market Farm Forms- Rosenweig & Kaye-Blake $55Kaye-Blake $55

Farm-Biz $250 www.farmbiz.comFarm-Biz $250 www.farmbiz.com

Quicken vs. QuickbooksQuicken vs. Quickbooks Very simpleVery simple InvoicesInvoices Product trackingProduct tracking No payrollNo payroll

Categories and sub-Categories and sub-categoriescategories

Classes and sub-Classes and sub-classesclasses

Many bells and whistlesMany bells and whistles Invoices Invoices Product trackingProduct tracking PayrollPayroll Time trackingTime tracking Credit cardsCredit cards

Accounts & sub-Accounts & sub-accountsaccounts

Items and sub-itemsItems and sub-items Classes and sub-classesClasses and sub-classes

What do we want to know?What do we want to know? Total business profitabilityTotal business profitability Compare income year to dateCompare income year to date

– TotalTotal– Different markets and customersDifferent markets and customers

Track certain expensesTrack certain expenses– PayrollPayroll– New capital projects (packing shed addition)New capital projects (packing shed addition)

Track certain crop or enterprise numbersTrack certain crop or enterprise numbers– New enterprises (turkeys)New enterprises (turkeys)– Yields (lettuce by type)Yields (lettuce by type)– Income per bedIncome per bed

Costs per vegetable bedCosts per vegetable bed 3 Acres in annuals- 12 blocks with 22 beds each= 264 beds3 Acres in annuals- 12 blocks with 22 beds each= 264 beds 1 acre in perennials1 acre in perennials Beds irrigated- 8 blocks × 22 beds = 168 bedsBeds irrigated- 8 blocks × 22 beds = 168 beds Debt cost $5664 Debt cost $5664 ÷ 4 acres = $1888/acre ÷ 88 beds/acre = ÷ 4 acres = $1888/acre ÷ 88 beds/acre = $21.46/bed $21.46/bed Irrigation cost $522 ÷ 168 beds = Irrigation cost $522 ÷ 168 beds = $3.11/bed $3.11/bed Annual overhead costs $34,463 ÷ 4 acres = $8616 ÷ 88 beds = $97.91/bedAnnual overhead costs $34,463 ÷ 4 acres = $8616 ÷ 88 beds = $97.91/bed Veg only costs $1227 ÷ 126 beds planted = Veg only costs $1227 ÷ 126 beds planted = $9.74/bed$9.74/bed

Total cost per bed Total cost per bed $132.22 $132.22

Irrigated Annual Beds (the most valuable)Irrigated Annual Beds (the most valuable)

Debt cost $5664 ÷ 168 = Debt cost $5664 ÷ 168 = $33.71/bed $33.71/bed Irrigation cost $522 ÷ 168 = Irrigation cost $522 ÷ 168 = $3.11/bed $3.11/bed Annual overhead costs $34,463 ÷ 168 = Annual overhead costs $34,463 ÷ 168 = $205.13/bed$205.13/bed Veg only costs $1227 ÷ 126 beds planted = Veg only costs $1227 ÷ 126 beds planted = $9.74/bed$9.74/bed

Total cost per bedTotal cost per bed $251.69$251.69

Vegetable income per bedVegetable income per bed

Total veg income $52,388 Total veg income $52,388 ÷ 126 ÷ 126 beds = $416/bedbeds = $416/bed

Tomatoes $24,458 ÷ 22 beds = Tomatoes $24,458 ÷ 22 beds = $1112/bed$1112/bed

Lettuce $9297 ÷ 28 beds = Lettuce $9297 ÷ 28 beds = $332/bed$332/bed

Radish $525 ÷ 2 beds = $263/bedRadish $525 ÷ 2 beds = $263/bed Peas $595 ÷ 6 beds = Peas $595 ÷ 6 beds = $99/bed$99/bed

Money, Money, MoneyMoney, Money, Money

Borrow only for long term itemsBorrow only for long term items Pay cash for everything you canPay cash for everything you can Do you really need it?Do you really need it? Can you build it or make it?Can you build it or make it? Make use of timely short term loansMake use of timely short term loans Save money for the winterSave money for the winter Pay yourselfPay yourself Save for retirement Save for retirement


BooksBooks Market Farm FormsMarket Farm Forms

The Quickbooks Farm The Quickbooks Farm Accounting CookbookAccounting Cookbook

The Organic Farmer’s The Organic Farmer’s Business HandbookBusiness Handbook- - Richard WiswallRichard Wiswall

SSAWG sessionsSSAWG sessions You Can’t Farm Forever: You Can’t Farm Forever:

Do You Have a Plan for Do You Have a Plan for Retirement?Retirement?

Why Farms Fail: What Why Farms Fail: What Beginning Farmers Beginning Farmers Have to Learn From Have to Learn From Ending FarmersEnding Farmers

Know Where Your Know Where Your Money Goes by Keeping Money Goes by Keeping Good RecordsGood Records

Marketing Plan

Information


Soil Fertility

Rotations


Labor

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Marketing Plan

-affects everything

-sets the whole train in motion

-where to market and why

-what to market and why

-when to market

Higher Selling PriceMost time off the farm

Smaller scale operationHigher qualityLower volume

Higher management inputMore labor required

Better Feedback

Lower Selling PriceLeast time off the farmLarger scale operationLower qualityHigher volumeLower management inputLess labor required?Poor Feedback

Farmers’

Market

Roadside Stand

CSA

PYO

R

estaurants

Direct to Store W

holesale

Cooperative

Direct to W

arehouse Wholesale

B

rokers

More Customer C

ontact

Less Customer C

ontact

Where Do You Fit In?

2005

1986

Keys to Marketing SuccessKeys to Marketing Success

DiversificationDiversification SpecializationSpecialization High QualityHigh Quality DisplayDisplay ConsistencyConsistency Customer RelationshipsCustomer Relationships

Keys to Marketing SuccessKeys to Marketing Successdiversificationdiversification

Multiple marketing optionsMultiple marketing options– Different cropsDifferent crops– Excess productionExcess production– Spread the workloadSpread the workload

Multiple crops:Multiple crops:– Spread the riskSpread the risk– Expand the selling seasonExpand the selling season– Helps with consistencyHelps with consistency– Attract more customersAttract more customers

Keys to Marketing SuccessKeys to Marketing Successspecializationspecialization

Differentiate yourself from the other Differentiate yourself from the other market sellersmarket sellers

Grow more varieties of what you do Grow more varieties of what you do wellwell

You can’t be everything to everyoneYou can’t be everything to everyone Produce what you really like but:Produce what you really like but:

““grow what sells not sell what grows”grow what sells not sell what grows” It is hard to display many crops in a It is hard to display many crops in a

small spacesmall space

Keys to Marketing SuccessKeys to Marketing Successhigh qualityhigh quality

Quality is more important than priceQuality is more important than price– Proper stage of maturityProper stage of maturity– Good post harvest treatmentGood post harvest treatment– Rigorous grading (would you by it?)Rigorous grading (would you by it?)

Present yourself wellPresent yourself well Be genuine and originalBe genuine and original

Keys to Marketing SuccessKeys to Marketing Successdisplaydisplay

Good displays attract customersGood displays attract customers Make it look like a lotMake it look like a lot

– He who has the biggest pile winsHe who has the biggest pile wins– Stack it high and kiss it goodbyeStack it high and kiss it goodbye

Good signageGood signage– Tell your storyTell your story– Tell the products storyTell the products story– Make them readableMake them readable– Don’t make them ask the priceDon’t make them ask the price

Keys to Marketing SuccessKeys to Marketing Successconsistencyconsistency

You need to be there every week once You need to be there every week once you startyou start

Have a consistent supplyHave a consistent supply– Multiple cropsMultiple crops– Multiple plantingsMultiple plantings– irrigationirrigation

Have a consistent messageHave a consistent message Keep good records so you know what Keep good records so you know what

sells and whensells and when

Keys to Keys to Marketing Marketing SuccessSuccesscustomer relationscustomer relations

This is what it is all aboutThis is what it is all about Tie them to you and your farmTie them to you and your farm All you need is a core groupAll you need is a core group Information is what they wantInformation is what they want

– SignageSignage– NewslettersNewsletters– Farm toursFarm tours– RecipesRecipes

Keys to Keys to Marketing Marketing SuccessSuccessparticipate in market governanceparticipate in market governance

Would you let somebody else run Would you let somebody else run your business?your business?

Help make decisions that make sense Help make decisions that make sense for farmersfor farmers

Work within the market rulesWork within the market rules Be a good market citizenBe a good market citizen

Further InformationFurther InformationBooksBooks The New Farmers The New Farmers

MarketMarket

Sell What You Sow: The Sell What You Sow: The Growers Guide to Growers Guide to Successful Produce Successful Produce MarketingMarketing

The Legal Guide for The Legal Guide for Direct Farm MarketingDirect Farm Marketing

Growing for Market - Growing for Market - news and ideas for news and ideas for market gardenersmarket gardeners

SSAWG sessionsSSAWG sessions Attracting Customers to Your Farm Attracting Customers to Your Farm

– Connecting with the Community– Connecting with the Community

Sharing Customers, Sharing Risk: Sharing Customers, Sharing Risk: Two Models for Marketing Two Models for Marketing TogetherTogether

Understanding Farm Loans and Understanding Farm Loans and the Credit Institutions that Offer the Credit Institutions that Offer Them Them

20 Years of Innovation: Marketing 20 Years of Innovation: Marketing and Business Decisions that Have and Business Decisions that Have Sustained a Family Farm Sustained a Family Farm

Local Food Goes to CollegeLocal Food Goes to College

Advanced CSAs: What Works and Advanced CSAs: What Works and What Doesn’tWhat Doesn’t

Using New/Social Media to Market Using New/Social Media to Market

Your Farm or organization Your Farm or organization

Keys to SuccessKeys to Success

Good marketsGood markets Continuing EducationContinuing Education Good RecordsGood Records DiversificationDiversification SpecializationSpecialization High QualityHigh Quality ConsistencyConsistency Customer RelationshipsCustomer Relationships Participate In The Greater Farming CommunityParticipate In The Greater Farming Community TeachTeach BalanceBalance