New & Updated Publications

Los jardineros de mercados tratan de planear sus plantaciones de modo de poder ofrecer a los clientes un continuo suministro de flores frescas, hierbas, y vegetales a lo largo de la estación de crecimiento. Esta publicación ayuda a los cultivadores a planear los tiempos de plantación y la sucesión de plantaciones.

[PDF / 453K]

Vacunos, ovinos y caprinos tienen la habilidad de convertir carbohidratos y proteínas de origen vegetal en nutrientes disponibles para el uso humano, convirtiendo tierras que de otra manera serían inútiles, en productivas. Sin embargo, el cuidado apropiado de la tierra y los animales en pastoreo requiere de un buen entendimiento de nutrición rumiante. Esta publicación provee a los administradores de herramientas y referencias para considerar variables biológicas y climatológicas y tomar decisiones que aseguren la viabilidad ecológica y económica de una operación de ganado rumiante en pastoreo.

[PDF / 1M]

There are many varieties of seeds and nuts that can produce oils for food, nutraceuticals, skincare products, aromatherapies, fuels and industrial lubricants. This publication updated in 2008 describes the basic processes involved in oil processing including seed cleaning, extraction, clarification, packaging and storage. Sources for more information and equipment are included in the References and Resources sections at the end of the publication.

[PDF / 954K]

Las ovejas y las cabras son animales versátiles y pueden ser adiciones valiosas a muchas granjas, proporcionando productos de la carne, de la leche y de la fibra, tan bien como servicios del control de malezas y de la mejora de la pastura. Esta básica y gráfica introducción a la producción de ovinos y caprinos discute la selección de animales, alimentación y pastura, equipo y manejo, y mercadeo.

[PDF / 1.4M]

Farmers may want to consider using draft horses, mules or oxen as an alternative to tractors for farm work and a means of reducing fuel costs. This publication briefly discusses some of the considerations and potential benefits involved in the use of animal power and offers resources for further information and equipment.

[PDF / 539K]

In a time of high-cost inputs, pasture-based livestock production systems can naturally maintain soil and plant integrity while growing healthy ruminants. This publication updated in 2008 profiles the general types of pastures and rangelands and offers information about management and expected yields. Weed management strategies are also discussed and tips are offered to rehabilitate depleted land. Issues in grazing management, such as paddock development, plant selection, drought and plant toxicosis, are also discussed. Resources and references are also presented.

[PDF / 1.2M]

Organic sweet corn may be grown for direct sale, the fresh market or processing. This publication updated in 2008 discusses key aspects of producing organic sweet corn including varieties, soil fertility, crop rotations, weed control, insect pest management, diseases, harvesting, postharvest handling, marketing and production economics.

[PDF / 1.2M]

This new graphic publication introduces produce growers to some of the key ideas involved in selling fruits and vegetables to institutions such as schools and hospitals. It has a large resource list of organizations in many states and nationally that can help growers market their products to institutions. This publication is an English-language version of our Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha.

[PDF / 1.4M]

Sustainable nursery practices can increase plant marketability and reduce a nursery’s impact on the environment. This publication updated in 2008 focuses on the sustainable production of woody and herbaceous nursery plants, both in containers and in the field. It is not a primer for inexperienced growers, but a complementary source of information that concentrates on sustainable production techniques. Topics covered include integrated pest management, weed control and alternative fertilizers. The publication also introduces business management practices.

[PDF / 1.1M]

This collection of excerpts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program provides the reader with key standards relevant to handlers of organic crops. This publication should be used together with excerpts for all certified organic operations, livestock production and crop production, as applicable.

[PDF / 693K]

This collection of excerpts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program provides the reader with key standards relevant to organic crop production. This publication should be used together with excerpts for all certified organic operations, as well as with those for organic livestock production and handling of organic agricultural products, as applicable.

[PDF / 444K]

This collection of excerpts from the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program provides the reader with key standards relevant to organic livestock producers. This publication should be used with excerpts for all certified organic operations, and organic crop production and handling of organic agricultural products, as applicable.

[PDF / 430K]

Sheep and goats are versatile animals and can be valuable and enjoyable additions to many farms, providing meat, milk and fiber products, as well as brush control and pasture improvement services. This new, basic and graphic introduction to sheep and goat production discusses animal selection, feeding, breeding and young stock, equipment and handling, and marketing.

[PDF / 1.9M]

Materials for Organic Production, Handling, and Processing: Planning for Compliance with USDA's National Organic Program

The USDA’s National Organic Program regulates the use of substances and materials for farming, handling, and processing. This new 2008 publication discusses three basic steps to ensure that materials use is compliant with organic standards and certification. First, understand the regulations relevant to your operation. Next, create an Organic System Plan with your certifier. Finally, keep records of your purchase and use of all materials. Following these steps will help ensure compliant use of materials, and avoid any use of a prohibited material or incorrect use of a restricted material—which could necessitate an additional three-year transition process.

[PDF / 555K]

This new 2008 publication notes that people interested in growing peanuts and experienced peanut growers considering a switch to organic production may find a high demand for organic peanuts and enjoy premiums over traditionally grown peanuts. However, labor and management costs can be much higher for organic peanuts than conventionally grown peanuts. In place of off-farm inputs, organic peanut farmers can use intensive management, maintain high soil fertility, manage weeds through hand hoeing and specialized equipment and manage insects with alternative insect management strategies.

[PDF / 1.2M]

The number of farmers’ markets has increased dramatically in the U.S. during the past two decades. This publication extensively updated in 2008 is a resource for those who want to organize a farmers' market, to improve an existing market, or to increase their sales.

[PDF / 1.3M]

Agricultural producers depend on energy, an important input to production. Direct costs of energy, such as fuel and electricity, paired with indirect energy costs in the form of fertilizers and chemicals, can significantly affect farm net revenues, especially as the price of energy continues to rise. Minimizing direct and indirect energy consumption on farms in the United States can lead to considerable savings. This new 2008 publication introduces and provides links to a variety of farm energy calculator tools.

[PDF / 485K]

Cucumber beetles are present throughout the United States and cause serious damage to cucurbit crops. Overwintering adult insects cause feeding damage on young plants, larvae in the soil feed on plant roots and second-generation adults cause feeding damage on plant leaves, blossoms and fruits. Adult insects transmit bacterial wilt and squash mosaic virus. Organic and biorational integrated pest management measures include delayed planting, trap crops, floating row covers, parasitic organisms and botanical pesticides. Field scouting or yellow sticky traps can monitor insect populations.

[PDF / 670K]

This collection of excerpts from the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) Final Rule provides the reader with key standards relevant to all certified organic operations. This publication should be used, as needed, with standards specific to crop production, livestock production, or handling.

[PDF / 375K]

This new handbook highlights a broad range of positive labor practices—including many that are no-cost or low-cost—that can help you to improve worker satisfaction and retention on your farm. This handbook is based upon "Best Labor Practices on 12 California Farms: Toward a More Sustainable Food System," published by the California Institute for Rural Studies.

[PDF / 1.33M]

Market gardeners try to schedule their planting so they can offer customers a continuous supply of fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables throughout the growing season. This publication updated in 2008 helps growers plan planting times and succession planting.

[PDF / 423K]

Garlic is a cool-season crop grown in most regions of the U.S. This publication significantly updated in 2008 addresses most aspects of organic garlic production, including seed sources, organic fertility management, pest management and harvesting and storage. Marketing and economic considerations, including enterprise budgets for organic garlic production, are also addressed in this publication. Resources and references are included.

[PDF / 1.3M]

Cattle, sheep and goats have the ability to convert plant carbohydrates and proteins into available nutrients for human use, making otherwise unusable land productive. However, proper care of the land and its grazing animals requires a sound understanding of ruminant nutrition. This 2008 publication provides managers with tools and references to consider biological and climatological variables and make decisions that ensure the ecological and economic viability of a grass-based ruminant livestock operation.

[PDF / 909K]

The term ‘food miles’ refers to the distance food travels from the location where it is grown to thelocation where it is consumed, or in other words, the distance food travels from farm to plate. Recent studies have shown that this distance has been steadily increasing over the last fifty years. Studies estimate that processed food in the United States travels over 1,300 miles, and fresh produce travels over 1,500 miles, before being consumed. This new 2008 publication addresses how food miles are calculated, investigates how food miles affect producers and consumers, and evaluates methods for curbing the energy intensiveness of our food transportation system.

[PDF / 570K]

This publication produced by NCAT/ATTRA and the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control describes how copper oxide wire particles can be used to treat internal parasites in sheep and goats. The publication contains information on how to make boluses of copper wire oxide particles, and reports results of studies on the effectiveness of this treatment.

[PDF / 552K]

This publication produced by NCAT/ATTRA and the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control discusses tools that can be used to manage internal parasites of sheep and goats that are becoming resistant to conventional wormers. One such tool is the forage sericea lespedeza, and the publication discusses how it can be used and presents the results of research on how it reduces parasites in small ruminants.

[PDF / 302K]

This publication addresses questions that farmers and ranchers may have about using biodiesel in diesel engines. Biodiesel can be substituted for petroleum-based diesel fuel in virtually any standard unmodified diesel engine. However, biodiesel has chemical properties that require somewhat different use and handling. While most biodiesel users experience few if any problems, consumers can take precautions to avoid potential problems associated with poor quality fuel.

[PDF / 552K]

What is organic agriculture? This illustrated story briefly explains the ecological ideas behind this way of farming. It includes many sources of information about switching to organic methods.

[High-resolution PDF / 2.9M] [Low-resolution PDF / 1.3M]