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Production
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Alternative Enterprises
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General | Horticultural | Animal
General
ATTRA -- Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas http://attra.ncat.org/
ATTRA is one of the best sources of information on non-traditional agricultural enterprises. It provides many publications, both online and in print, for those interested in alternative crop and livestock enterprises, including:
- Horticulture
http://attra.ncat.org/horticultural.html - Organic
http://attra.ncat.org/organic.html - Livestock
http://attra.ncat.org/livestock.html
These and other ATTRA publications can also be obtained for free by calling ATTRA at 1-800-346-9140, Monday-Friday, from 7am to 7pm CST.
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Small Farm Decision-Making & Enterprise Planning Workbook http://www.ag.ncat.edu/extension/publications/decisiom.pdf
Judy Green, North Carolina State University and A&T State University Cooperative Extension, 1992
This workbook was originally developed for Ways to Grow, another award-winning program designed to expose small farmers to alternative agriculture. It helps farmers evaluate their potential for success with an alternative enterprise. Publication is in PDF format.
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Missouri Alternatives Center - AgEBB http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/
University of Missouri
The Missouri Alternatives Center's mission is to provide Missourians with timely information about alternative agricultural opportunities, to evaluate diverse enterprises, improve management decisions, increase economic returns, and enhance the quality of their lives.
Phone: 1-800-433-3704 (Missouri only) Fax: (573) 884-4336 E-mail: kellyd@missouri.edu
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New Farm Options http://www.uwex.edu/ces/agmarkets/index.html
University of Wisconsin Extension
The mission of the Emerging Ag Markets team is to help farmers and communities identify and take advantage of opportunities in new and emerging farm and agricultural markets. The site features information about new and emerging market opportunities, starting a value-added farm-food business, upcoming events and grants, a discussion group and archive, and other resources and links.
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Alternative Crops & Enterprises for Small Farm Diversification http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/altlist.htm
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Compilation list to help farmers and farm advisors identify alternative crops, unusual livestock, and innovative farming enterprises. In addition, their web site provides links to online documents, organizations, databases, and other sites that can help farmers assess and implement alternatives in their farming operations.
For a complimentary copy of the print version contact the AFSIC office: Alternative Farming Systems Information Center 10301 Baltimore Ave. Room 132 Beltsville, MD 20705-2351 Phone: (301) 504-6559 Fax: (301) 504-6409 E-mail: afsic@nal.usda.gov
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Opportunities in Agriculture: Diversifying Cropping Systems http://www.sare.org/diversify/diverse.pdf
Sustainable Agriculture Network
Although growing alternative crops to diversify a traditional farm rotation increase profits while lessening adverse environmental impacts, the majority of U.S. cropland is still planted in just 3 crops: soybeans, corn, and wheat. That lack of crop diversity can cause problems for farmers, from low profits to soil erosion. Adding new crops that fit climate, geography, and management preferences can improve not only your bottom line, but also your whole farming outlook. Publication is in PDF format.
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Diversify Crops to Boost Profits and Stewardship http://www.sare.org/diversify/
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
This web site focuses on getting farmers and agricultural educators thinking about how to diversify.
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Horticultural
Beach Plum http://www.beachplum.cornell.edu/
Cornell University
Beach plum (Prunus maritima) is a fruiting shrub native to coastal dunes of the northeastern United States. Since colonial times, people have collected wild fruit to make preserves and jelly.
Interest in commercial production is growing. We've undertaken 30 small-scale production trials in the Northeast to help increase yields and improve growing practices.
Our goals are to develop an integrated system for a sustainable beach plum industry. This includes fruit production, processing the crop into value-added products, developing niche markets for these products, and educating growers, processors, and marketers.
For more information, contact: Richard H. Uva Project Manager Department of Horticulture 134A Plant Science Bldg. Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-5904 Phone: (607) 255-2746 Fax: (607) 255-9998 E-mail: rhu1@cornell.edu
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NewCROP http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/
Center for New Crops & Plant Products, Purdue University
Online since 1995, NewCROP (New Crops Resource Online Program) is an information-rich site related to crop plants. It is a project of the Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products and is associated with the New Crop Diversification project and the Jefferson Institute.
Jules Janick Center for New Crops & Plant Products Purdue University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture 625 Agriculture Mall Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47907-2010 Phone: (765) 494-1329 Fax: (765) 494-0391
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Herb Research Results Available
The Vermont Herb Growers' Association completed a study looking at potential markets for Vermont bulk herbs and herbal products. A survey of the state's healthcare practitioners (including veterinarians) was conducted to learn their interest in and use of herbs and herbal products. Results showed that practitioners purchase organically grown herbs almost twice as frequently as conventional ones; issues of health and purity influence their purchasing decisions. Research results -- including a directory of practitioners interested in purchasing herbs and herbal products, survey results, interpretations, and recommendations -- are available.
To request a copy, contact the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food, and Markets at (802) 828-2416.
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Vermont Herb Growers Association
Trade network of growers, manufacturers, and buyers dedicated to enhancing the art and science of herbalism through education and marketing.
Kathy Kinter 2559 Eagle Peak Rd. W. Brookfield, VT 05060 E-mail: larrytho@together.net
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Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms http://www.tenspeed.com/catalog/all/item.php3?id=982
Paul Stamets
After years of living in dread of the mysterious fungi known as mushrooms, chefs, health enthusiasts, and home cooks alike can't get enough of these rich, delicate morsels. When the local forest or farmers market won't suffice, it's time to grow your own. With updated production techniques for home and commercial cultivation, detailed growth parameters for 29 mushroom species, a trouble-shooting guide, and handy gardening tips, this revised and updated handbook will make your mycological landscapes the envy of the neighborhood. Includes tips for setting up a mushroom lab and constructing a growing room.
596 pages. $45 plus S&H. Order online or contact: Order Department Ten Speed Press P.O. Box 7123 Berkeley, CA 94707 Phone: (510) 559-1600 or 1-800-841-BOOK (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm CST) Fax: (510) 559-1629
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The Potential of Herbs as a Cash Crop http://www.acresusa.com/books/closeup.asp?action=search&prodid=44&catid=&pcid=2
Richard Alan Miller
Millions of people are rediscovering the healing power of herbs and the traditional medicines of our ancestors. The market for fresh, locally-grown herbs and spices is seemingly unending. In this definitive work, herb growing, processing, and marketing authority Richard Alan Miller shares his decades of experience. Miller takes herb production out of the home garden and plants it firmly into the realm of the commercially viable enterprise.
230 pages. $20 plus S&H. Order online or contact: Acres Books P.O. Box 91299 Austin, TX 78709 Phone: (512) 892-4400 or 1-800-355-5313 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm CT) Fax: (512) 892-4448
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Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field, and Marketplace: A Bootstrap Guide
Lee Sturdivant, Tim Blakley, 1999
323 pages. $24.95 plus $2 S&H. Order from: San Juan Naturals P.O. Box 642P Friday Harbor, WA 98250 With a credit card, you can order by phone (1-800-770-9070), fax [(206) 378-2548], or at The Bootstrap Guide [http://www.bootstraps.com/].
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New Uses Council http://www.newuses.org/
The NUC is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the development and commercialization of bio-based products. The web site provides information on new uses for renewable agricultural resources, legislation, bio-products directory, opportunities, events, briefing book, etc.
New Uses Council Dan Manternach, Executive Director 7777 Walnut Grove Rd. Suite B4, Box 50 Memphis, TN 38120 Phone: (901) 309-1668 Fax: (901) 309-3823 E-mail: dmanternach@newuses.org
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Animal
CERP Aquaculture Publications http://cerp.cornell.edu/store/productLists.asp?sc=3&md=3&dept=31
Cornell Educational Resources Program
9 publications about aquaculture available to purchase from CERP.
Cornell University Department of Education 117 Kennedy Hall Ithaca, NY 14853 E-mail: cerp@cornell.edu
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Cornell Aquaculture Program Work Team http://www.bee.cornell.edu/extension/aquaculture/
Cornell University
This PWT is statewide, made up of individuals from the state's aquaculture industry, employees from state agencies with aquaculture responsibilities, and members from academia with aquaculture responsibilities (research and outreach). The primary types of aquaculture represented on the team are shellfish aquaculture from the marine portion of NY, and recirculating aquaculture system technology (RAS) utilized for intensive production of seafood. The primary focus of the work team is to examine the barriers to aquaculture in New York State.
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Fish Farming News
A nationwide newspaper on fish farming. To subscribe, call 1-800-989-5253.
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New Farm Options: Alternative Livestock http://cf.uwex.edu/ces/agmarkets/ideas/prod.cfm?SubRef=3
University of Wisconsin Extension
Site features information about many topics, including aquaculture, buffalo, deer farming, earthworms, geese, pheasants, rabbits, and more.
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Red and Fallow Deer http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/alt-ag/deer.htm
Theresa Golz, North Dakota State University Extension, January 1993
The two main deer species being farmed in the United States are the fallow and the red deer. The fallow deer are small (100-pound does), somewhat flighty, and produce a fine-textured meat. The red deer are about twice as large as the fallow and more "docile" (though quite unpredictable, occasionally). The red deer belong to the same species as the wapiti (American Elk). Efforts have been made to genetically improve disposition, early breeding, antler size, and growth rate of the red deer.
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Deer and Elk Farmers' Digest Newsletter http://www.deer-digest.com/
This newsletter is published by Deerfarmer.com and is intended to complement this web site. The Digest is distributed via e-mail to those on the opt-in confidential mailing list.
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Deer, Elk, and Reindeer Farmers Information Network http://www.deerfarmer.com/
Online since February of 1998, Deerfarmer.com has become the leading source of information for those interested in raising deer, elk and reindeer. The site features all kinds of information related to deer farming, including a huge links page.
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Wisconsin Association for Farming Elk, Red Deer, and Fallow Deer http://www.wcdefa.org/
This site features information about red deer, fallow deer, and elk.
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The North American Deer Farmers Association http://www.nadefa.org/
The North American Deer Farmers Association exists to:
- establish, encourage, and facilitate an exchange of ideas on breeding, handling, and deer farm management among members;
- promote deer farming and ranching and venison consumption in North America and to acquire and distribute information on all aspects of deer farming and ranching to members;
- provide a forum for the solution of deer farming and ranching challenges and to keep members informed regarding the implementation of such solutions;
- represent the deer farming and ranching industry to all levels of government, to livestock producers, and to other related organizations;
- provide a registry for privately-owned cervidae;
- establish and promote ethical standards of conduct and husbandry in deer farming and ranching;
- establish, promote, and actively market standards for deer and deer products.
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National Aquaculture Association http://www.natlaquaculture.org/
The NAA is a non-profit, tax exempt organization whose mission is to work with all segments of the U.S. aquaculture community for the purpose of national representation of mutual interests. The U.S. aquaculture industry is comprised of a wide diversity of species, including trout, shellfish, salmon, catfish, marine shrimp, baitfish, hybrid striped bass, freshwater shrimp, tilapia, crawfish, alligators, ornamental fish, and many others. NAA provides a unified national voice for aquaculture that ensures its sustainability, protects its profitability, and encourages its development in an environmentally responsible manner.
National Aquaculture Association 111 W. Washington Street Suite 1 Charles Town, WV 25414-1529 Phone: (304) 728-2167 Fax: (304) 728-2196 E-mail: naa@frontiernet.net
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Aquaculture Magazine http://www.aquaculturemag.com/
Information on fish farming, processing, breeding, and raising aquatic species including tilapia, trout, salmon, shrimp, catfish, crayfish, oysters, Redclaw, hybrid striped bass, and shellfish. Topics include pond management, diseases, market trends, farm stocking, recirculating systems, statistics, selling, nutrition, feed, and more. U.S. and international aquaculture industry focus.
A 1-year subscription (6 issues) in the U.S. is $24. Other subscription options are listed at the site's subscription page [https://www.aquaculturemag.com/subscribe.html]. To subscribe by phone or mail, contact: Aquaculture Magazine P.O. Box 2329 Asheville, NC 28802 Phone: (828) 254-7334 Fax: (828) 253-0677 E-mail: circulations@aquaculturemag.com
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Aquaculture Network Information Center http://www.aquanic.org/
The goals of AquaNIC are to:
- Provide access to all electronic aquaculture information at the national and international level.
- Increase the quantity and quality of electronic information available to the aquaculture industry.
- Provide self-paced aquaculture instruction to the aquaculture industry.
- Obtain user input in directing AquaNIC services.
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Northern Aquaculture http://www.naqua.com/
Northern Aquaculture is a monthly trade publication devoted to the growth of a strong, economically viable, and environmentally conscious cold water aquaculture industry in North America. It covers the latest news in finfish and shellfish culture from both coasts as well as the central regions of North America. Species covered include salmon, trout, arctic charr, halibut, and shellfish.
A 1-year subscription in the U.S. (12 issues) is $33.25. Click here [http://www.naqua.com/subs.html] to download and print a subscription form for mailing or faxing or use the automated subscription process using e-mail.
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