Dear, Mich-Organic Listserv readers: The information offered in the Michigan Organic Listserv is for your information and not necessarily endorsed by Michigan State University. Happy Spring!!
Michigan Organic
Listserv
April, 29, 2011
So maybe spring is very wet and we will have a very sun filled summer to ripen MANY tomatoes and watermelon. Let’s hope for a successful ag summer, for the gardeners and farmers throughout the world. I am sharing some interesting articles
with some comments. But the first article is from Danielle Craft, my assistant. This is a good reminder that everyone can help conserve our precious resources.
We would like to wish Danielle All the Best as she is moving on to be a ranger at a county park in Lansing MI, Hawk Island Park. If you are ever there for a picnic, run or swim be sure to stop and say howdee. Good luck Danielle and all
the best.
Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask])
As we all know the month of May has received an excess amount of rain. Although it has been a pain for most, rainwater can actually be reused in a number of ways.
What can you do with rainwater?
Every little bit counts!
·
Flush your toilets! First contact your water department if you have municipal water to find out whether you’re allowed to. Instead of flushing the toilet, pour the rainwater in until it flushes.
·
Wash your house windows with rainwater! Fill a bucket with rainwater and mix in a cup of vinegar. The vinegar will cut grease and grime. Then, dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring it out and wash your house windows.
Rinse the cloth out whenever it becomes dirty. Use a dry cloth to wipe your windows until they shine.
·
Wash your clothes with rainwater! This will take about 15 to 20 gallons to do an entire load. You can fill your washer with water one of two ways. You can either carry the water in buckets from the storage tank to the washer.
Or you can use a water transfer pump. Basically, a hose is connected to the intake side of the pump and placed in the tank. Another hose is attached to the flow side, and the end is placed in the inner tub of the washer. Then, turn the pump on and fill the
washer with rainwater to the desired levels.
·
Fill your kiddie pool with rainwater! So the young ones can cool off during the summer. The water transfer pump will come in handy again if you don't want to carry buckets of water. Then, when it's time to change the pool
water, don't just let it drain out. Use it to water your outside plants and yard.
·
Mop the floors in your house using rainwater! Instead of filling a bucket up at the faucet, fill it with rainwater instead. Add your favorite
floor cleaner, grab a mop and you're ready to go. If you use a natural cleaner, such as a cup of vinegar, you can use the rainwater to give your plants a drink after you're done mopping. Plants
such as rhododendrons, gardenias and azaleas love the acid.
Source:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5163700_use-rainwater.html
Organic Fruit News
Dear Farmers and Gardeners,
Upon reviewing my emails this morning I came across what I perceive to be an excellent summary by a backyard orchardist. Ok so you say as a backyard orchardist that person does
not rely on the fruit for income but I hope you will read on and see if you agree with me that this response pretty well sums up what organic or truly IPM farming is all about. Whether its fruit, veggies or field crops you are producing you can see what it
takes to be a smart farmer/gardener/orchardist.
This is from Christine who is a member of the Organic Tree Fruits Yahoo Group list serve from 4/26.
I am fairly new to backyard fruit production, my 9 trees going in to their third and fourth seasons. One thing I have learned is not that there is no one single miracle product
for organic fruit production, nor is there a magic spray schedule. Each problem needs to be studied, understood and then whenever possible treated proactively. Some products I know of for preventing pests/ disease in the organic backyard orchard include copper
fungicide (aka Bordeaux mix), kaolin clay and horticultural oil. Physical prevention methods include bagging fruit and trapping insects. Sticky traps are used to monitor bug populations and as indicators when to spray. Proper pruning is important to keep the
canopy open to light and air.
Whenever possible I talk to organic apple farmers and I've learned a lot from this group.
Good books to check out:
·
The Apple Grower by Michael Phillips.
·
The Backyard Orchardist by Stella Otto
·
The Pruning Book by Lee Reich
Good luck!
Christine
Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) News
Published April 25, 2011
Carlos García-Salazar, Anamaría Gómez-Rodas, and Les Bourquin, Michigan State University Extension; Michigan State University Extension, Department of Entomology;
and Michigan State University Extension, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Small fruit growers wanting to sell their crop to traditional packers and shippers still have to comply with buyer requirements, and these can be very challenging.
In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in partnership with other federal and state agencies, developed a guidance document on food safety for fresh produce in response
to several large foodborne illness outbreaks associated with fresh produce in the preceding years. The document,
Guide to Minimize Microbial Food
Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables,
was only guidelines for industry and not regulations. More recently, the signing of the
Food Safety Modernization Act
in January 2011 gives the FDA a mandate to pursue a system based on science and addresses hazards from farm to table, putting greater emphasis on
preventing rather than responding to food-borne illness outbreaks. For
small growers, the law provides exemptions. Small farms marketing directly to consumers and certain retailers and restaurants, and having total annual sales less than $500,000, are exempt from the
produce safety standards. However,
the law does not exempt them from demonstrating they have either “identified potential hazards associated with the food being produced,” and “implementing” and “monitoring” preventative controls; or that they demonstrate compliance with “state, local, county,
or other applicable non-Federal food safety law.” Read the Food Liability Law Blog
for more on the FSMA.
This apparent contradiction, “you are exempted but you aren’t,” creates confusion and false hope among small growers that in 2011 expect to sell their crop without requiring attending
or implementing a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program in their farms.
Currently, our underserved, limited resources blueberry growers are in desperate need for assistance with their GAP training and certification. Major obstacles in complying with
GAP for food safety are the complexity of the GAP program and the delivery methods of educational trainings by governmental, higher educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. So far, many of those growers have only attended
informational
meetings on food safety and GAP.
However, information alone does not provide in-depth knowledge to allow for comprehension and retention of
complex technologies not easily grasped in informational meetings. Adoption of bundles of technology such as IPM and GAP require a comprehensive structured training curriculum
integrating classroom and hands-on field training. For crops like blueberries and other small fruits, training curricula also have to be crop specific.
It is very important for underserved producers to have crop specific GAP trainings because they focus on a familiar crop, one they know and understand, thus making
food safety issues in relation to their crop easier to grasp.
At
MSU Extension in West Olive, and the
AgBioResearch Center at the Trevor Nichols Research Complex
in Fennville, we are committed to support small producers with educational programs that may help them comply with food safety and other environmental regulations. In 2010, we provided crop specific GAP training to 96 blueberry growers through four two-day
workshops including 38 Hispanics, two African Americans and 23 women. In March and April 2011, we have offered two trainings on Risk Management Tools for Food Safety: Blueberry GAP’s and one Traceability workshop for small producers. On May 26-27, we will
again offer the Risk Management Tools for Food Safety: Blueberry GAP training.
For information and assistance on GAP implementation and training, contact Carlos Garcia-Salazar at 616-260-0671 or
[log in to unmask], or Anamaria Gómez-Rodas at 269-561-5040
or [log in to unmask]. For resources on GAP implementation
and training, visit the MSU Extension
Agrifood Safety Workgroup web site.
Organic Poultry News
Salmonella lower on organic poultry farms
by Sharon Dowdy,
University of Georgia
Salmonella appears on organic poultry farms less often than conventional poultry farms, according to a recent University of Georgia study.
“There have been a lot of studies that compare salmonella percentages on the retail level. We wanted to look at salmonella at the farm level,” said Walid Alali, a food epidemiologist with UGA Center for Food Safety in Griffin, Ga.
The study was published in the Nov. 2010 issue of Foodborne Pathogens and Disease.
Seven North Carolina farms tested
Alali tracked salmonella, a pathogen that causes foodborne illness, on three organic poultry farms and four conventional poultry farms in North Carolina. The study was conducted in North Carolina because there are no certified organic poultry
farms in Georgia. All farms were operated by the same company.
“There are natural- and pasture-fed farms (in Georgia), but that’s not certified organic,” he said. “In order to be certified organic, the birds must be raised without the use of antibiotics, be fed organic diets free of animal byproducts
and have access to the outside environment.”
At each of the seven farms, Alali collected chickens feces, feed and water samples over two production periods, or two consecutive flocks. He tested the samples for salmonella in his laboratory in Griffin.
Organic feed was pathogen-free
“We found that the percentage of salmonella on conventional farms was a lot higher than that found on the organic farms,” he said. “The main possible reason for this is that we found no salmonella in the organic birds’ incoming feed.”
Salmonella percentages are higher on conventional farms also because there are more birds per house on conventional farms than on organic farms. “When there are more birds, it’s easier to transfer salmonella from bird to bird,” he said.
He also tested the salmonella he found for resistance to a number of antibiotics. “Antibiotic-resistant salmonella was higher in conventionally raised birds than in organic birds,” he said.
Cook poultry throughly, avoid cross contamination
The UGA study is helpful for poultry growers, he said, but at home, consumers should still be careful not to transfer juices from raw meats, like chicken, to other foods or countertops, he said, regardless of organic or conventional.
“More cases of foodborne illness are tracked back to cross contamination of foods than to undercooked chicken,” he said. “Most people know to cook chicken well because no one wants to eat chicken raw or undercooked. It’s not like cooking
a steak.”
Alali plans to compare salmonella levels on conventional and organic farms at all stages of the production cycle, from the farm to the table.
(Sharon Dowdy is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
Vegetable Production News
Why consider irrigation in asparagus? Asparagus is not traditionally irrigated in rain-fed production areas of the Midwest and Northeast. However, drought stress during fern growth limits
production of the root carbohydrates necessary for high yields the following spring.
Drought-stressed plants are also likely to be more susceptible to fungal diseases including phytophothora and fusarium, which increasingly plague the asparagus industry. Additional potential
benefits of irrigation include: 1) reduced risks associated with planting of higher-yielding but more drought-sensitive varieties (e.g. Millenium); 2) more efficient and effective application of pesticides and fertilizers, especially when sub-surface drip
systems are used; 3) improved spear quality through cooling during harvest; 4) reduced risks associated with higher density plantings and more aggressive picking in early years; and 5) increased opportunities for integration of cover crops with minimal risk
of competition between asparagus and the cover crop.
Will irrigation pay? Although irrigation can provide important benefits, the costs of installation and maintenance run between $1,000-$2,000 per acre, depending on the system used. To justify
this type of expense, Michigan State University (MSU) agricultural economist Stephen Harsh estimates that yield benefits from irrigation for a typical asparagus producer in western Michigan may need to average 10 percent or more. This type of yield boost is
most likely in micro-climates where hot-dry periods are common in July and August, when asparagus fern has greatest demand for water; for relatively drought-sensitive varieties including Millenium; on light, sandy soils. In other words, if you are growing
Jersey varieties on heavier ground, irrigation is unlikely to pay off.
It is also important to realize that irrigation will not increase yields every year. Rather, irrigation systems are an insurance policy against severe drought stresses that may only occur
every three or four years. For example, in western Michigan, irrigation during the very dry 2005-2007 growing seasons would have been very helpful for preventing yield losses that were due in part to dry conditions. On the other hand, during the 2009 and 2010
growing seasons, rainfall was plentiful, so irrigation would have had little or no benefit. Once an irrigation system is installed, it is tempting to use it, but irrigation in wet years may do more harm than good. For example, overhead irrigation can increase
leaf wetness and hence susceptibility to disease. Likewise, excessive irrigation in the late summer and fall may also promote fern growth at the expense of carbohydrate storage, thereby reducing subsequent yields.
Living mulches
Irrigation creates opportunities for greater integration of cover crops into asparagus production, with reduced risk of competition for water between asparagus and the cover crop. Living mulches
are simply cover crops grown beneath the asparagus crop. While many growers plant winter rye in late summer, experiments with living mulch have also included perennial cover crops (e.g. dutch white clover) or annual cover crops planted immediately after harvest
and allowed to grow below the fern throughout the summer and fall. These living mulches may provide several benefits. During extreme rainfall events, they can protect the soil from degradation and reduce the risks of nutrient and pesticide run-off. Living
mulches may also mitigate soil compaction, increase soil organic matter, improve nutrient cycling and suppress weeds. However, without irrigation, these cover crops also compete directly with the crop for soil moisture. Experiments are currently underway to
evaluate the potential benefits of living mulches where irrigation is available.
Central-pivot irrigation is an attractive option since it is a proven technology that many asparagus growers already use in other crops. Because of their durability, central-pivot systems
can be used after the asparagus crop is gone, in either new asparagus plantings or in other crops like carrots. By wetting the entire soil surface, central-pivot systems are more effective than drip irrigation at cooling the soil, activating certain herbicides
and establishing and maintaining cover crops.
On the other hand, sub-surface drip irrigation has several critical advantages relative to overhead systems. Drip tubing can be placed in the trench directly below asparagus crowns at the
time of planting and left in place for the life of the asparagus. Like all drip systems, it delivers water more efficiently than overhead irrigation and reduces costs associated with well construction and pumping. In drip systems, water is delivered directly
to asparagus roots, weeds are not watered and the potential for exacerbating foliar diseases through leaf wetting is minimized. Drip systems can also be used to deliver fertilizers and pesticides efficiently to the crop. For example, in ongoing studies, MSU
entomologist Zsofia Szendrei has found that application of systemic insecticides through a drip tape was more effective at managing asparagus miner than foliar applications.
Although irrigation is likely to be an important tool for asparagus production systems of the future, many questions remain about how best to optimize these systems. At MSU, with support from
the Michigan Asparagus Research Board and a USDA-Michigan Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, we have established a long-term asparagus trial comparing the effects of sub-surface drip and overhead irrigation on asparagus yield and profitability.
In addition, trials on growers' fields will examine the effects of irrigation in combination with various cover crops on soil moisture, weed suppression and fern health.
For more information about these trials, email me at
[log in to unmask].
To watch a video on asparagus irrigation visit,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg_XKThkT5A&feature=player_embedded.
Source:
http://vegetablegrowersnews.com/index.php/magazine/article/irrigating-asparagus-has-its-advantages.
Ag News
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today issued two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for programs to aid Michigan entrepreneurs in commercializing competitive edge technologies in fields that now include agricultural processing and information
technology.
Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed legislation authorizing the broadened emphasis to the prior focus on four sectors: alternative energy, life sciences, homeland security and defense, and advanced manufacturing and materials.
"The expanded eligibility of the 21st Century Jobs Fund helps us support growing companies in a number of leading tech sectors," said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. "Early-stage companies require seed capital and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem
. These initiatives will help us build and sustain cutting-edge businesses and in turn, generate new private investment and create new jobs for Michigan."
ENTREPRENEURS: One RFP seeks Entrepreneurial Support Services input from non-profit entities for programs to enhance and sustain Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem through business acceleration
services, business incubation, entrepreneurial talent development and early-stage business counseling in competitive-edge technology sectors. On Wednesday, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved $12 million in funding for this initiative.
The RFP is online at
http://www.michiganadvantage.org/2011EntrepreneurialServicesRFP as are specific details and requirements of the application process. Proposals are due by June 3, 2011.
EARLY STAGE: The MSF also approved $13 million to fund a second RFP for an innovative Early Stage seed capital initiative. It will solicit seed investment funds and non-profit entities
that will provide capital to new companies during the investigation and feasibility phases of innovation and technology development. The RFP is available online at
http://www.michiganadvantage.org/2011EarlyStageFundingRFP along with specific details and requirements of the application process. Proposals are due by June 3, 2011.
The 21st Century Jobs Fund, a 10-year initiative begun in 2005, is an MSF program that is administered by the MEDC to accelerate the growth and diversification of Michigan's economy. The MEDC, a public-private partnership between the state and local communities,
promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on the MEDC's initiatives and programs, visit the website at
MichiganAdvantage.org
Source:
MichiganAdvantage.org
This just in from Senator Stabenow's office. Rescheduled meeting on a discussion of the upcoming 2012 Farm bill. Please come if you can, as it is important to have a voice on organic and sustainable ag priorities.
The event is May 31, 9-12 at the Kellogg Conference Center, East Lansing, MI.
No reservations are necessary. If you can't come then please send her a letter about your farm and your priorities that will help you be a successful farmer or ag business person.
Farmer’s Lung
by Michael McFadden, Michigan State University Extension
Livestock farming is an occupation where farm personnel risk exposure to dusts, fungi and molds. Livestock housing areas are sources of respiratory contaminants for farm workers. Farmer’s
Lung is one respiratory ailment associated with this type of exposure. Farmer’s Lung is caused by the inhalation of allergy causing dusts often associated with moldy hay, straw or grains. When inhaled, these dusts cause an allergic reaction. Acute reactions
from inhalation of large amounts of dust at one time occur within eight hours of exposure. Symptoms resulting from acute exposure include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and general sickness. Acute reaction symptoms often last for about 12 hours
after onset.
Chronic Farmer’s Lung results from continuous exposure to moldy dusts. Symptoms develop more gradually and may be mistaken for a common cold. Chronic Farmer’s Lung may cause irreversible scarring
and damage to the lungs. Your physician can use several tests to help diagnose the condition and may administer anti-inflammatory medications when warranted. Symptoms of chronic Farmer’s Lung include fever, chronic cough, aches and pains, shortness of breath,
weakness and lack of energy.
There are several precautions that can be taken to prevent exposure to allergen laden dusts on farms. First, make sure that hay, straw and grains are properly dried before storing them. When
possible, wet down dusty areas if exposure to dusts is anticipated. Provide maximal ventilation when work is done in dusty areas. Handle dusty or moldy hay bales outdoors if possible. Try to maintain as much spatial separation as possible from sources of mold
and dust when working with these types of feeds. In dusty and or moldy situations, a dust respiratory device may be utilized to reduce inhalation.
Health related issues arising from exposure to molds, dusts and spores can have very serious and permanent consequences for people exposed to them. It would be wise to be aware of this potential
and to take some simple precautions to avoid these problems.
Further information on this subject can be found at the
National Ag. Safety Database
and more information on work related health issues can be found at the website of the
Michigan State University Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in the College of Human Health.
Michigan’s Project GREEEN is a Model of Success,
by Ben Kudwa,
Michigan Potato Industry Commission
Tough times require fresh thinking. Michigan is a prime example as it enters the second decade of its economic recession. The 2010 census figures show Michigan is the only state with a smaller population than 10 years ago. Annually it
has faced severe budget deficits. This year ideas for change have been flowing from new Gov. Rick Snyder and the legislature.
Naturally some affect agriculture. In a money-saving move that breaks a long tradition, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (now termed Michigan AgBioResearch) and Michigan State University Extension are being merged into a single
line item in the state budget. Although working cooperatively, they have always been separately funded.
Since the mid-1990s in Michigan another force has been a factor in the ag research and extension arena for the plant-based commodities. Its name is Project GREEEN, an acronym for Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental
Needs. It consists of a direct legislative appropriation that is administered through Michigan State University to address priority needs in the plant-producing sector.
The system has worked well over the past decade and a half, particularly the close interaction between plant industries and the University. The question during a period of budget-cutting and retrenchment is where is the GREEEN model headed?
Should it be expanded and, if so, in what manner?
Project GREEEN’s origins were in a period that is the reverse of today. The state as a whole was prospering, but agriculture was under stress. Social and regulatory pressures demanded reduced pesticide use while at the same time consumers
expected perfection in their produce. Meanwhile diseases and insects across the state were developing ominous levels of resistance to pesticides. Michigan’s potato industry experienced a double whammy as the voracious Colorado potato beetle was running out
of control and an outbreak of devastating late blight was destroying potato fields.
A fundamental of GREEEN from the first was an interdisciplinary approach when possible. Projects were funded that cut across many commodities. MSU’s plant diagnostic laboratories were beefed up and services expanded for identification
of diseases, insects, nematodes and weeds. IPM (integrated pest management) and ICM (integrated crop management) programs were strengthened. The agricultural weather-monitoring network, which is critical for reductions in pesticide use, was enlarged and
improved. Weather-based computer programs in conjunction with field scouting help growers know when pest threats exist and do not exist. Great improvements in all these areas have been achieved.
GREEEN also funds crop-specific projects on a competitive basis. Commodity groups in the “Plant Coalition” identify research priorities and present them to appropriate researchers for development of proposals, which are reviewed by an
MSU-administered panel that makes funding recommendations. Final funding decisions are the responsibility of the Director’s Action Team composed of the MSU coordinator of Project GREEEN, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials and
other appointees.
Project GREEEN’s record is that it has helped Michigan’s plant-based agriculture surmount many of the challenges it faced a decade and a half ago. GREEEN continues to undergird these crops on both a cross-commodity and particular basis
as new problems arise. While Michigan’s general economy has suffered the past decade, agriculture has been a beacon of light. Some commodities are the strongest they have ever been and are making record contributions to the state’s economic welfare.
Project GREEEN has been a success. Now, in a time of uncertainty and restructuring and significant budget cuts affecting Michigan State University’s agricultural land-grant mission, GREEEN is worth a close examination to assess any larger
or broader role it may play in the research and outreach that keeps Michigan agriculture competitive. It is a unique adjunct to historic land-grant funding.
Project GREEEN is recognized by key persons outside agriculture that healthy plant-based farming is good for Michigan. We need to keep stressing that theme and communicating our success story as widely as possible.
New MSUE Bookstore Easier to Read (Your source of Extension Bulletins and Agriculture Educational Materials)
Contact: Eileen Gianiodis
517-432-1555, ext. 230
517-242-4753 (cell)
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University Extension’s (MSUE’s) mission is to share the knowledge generated by its experts with Michiganders; getting that information into
their hands just got a lot easier, thanks to a new website, the MSUE Bookstore (www.bookstore.msue.msu.edu).
The e-commerce site is designed to make it easy for people to find and access books, manuals, fact sheets and other items. Site visitors can preview the more than 1,600 items, search
by keyword, see their shopping carts and purchase PDF files as well as hard-copy publications.
“Traditionally, MSU Extension offices stocked many different bulletins, not always knowing which ones would be more popular,” said Steve Lovejoy, MSUE associate director for programs.
“Now, we can direct Michigan residents to the online MSUE Bookstore where they can find exactly what they want.”
The new site makes tracking down information easier and quicker than on the previous site, Lovejoy said. It will also make it easier for MSU Extension offices to go paperless and
eliminate the need for excessive printing.
The enhanced online presence will give people worldwide access to the information.
“It’s going to provide increased access to the knowledge from the publications to people wherever they are,” said Lovejoy.
In the future, he hopes to see a mobile application and ways to download videos and simulation models.
Source:
http://www.anrcom.msu.edu/anrcom/news/item/new_msue_bookstore_easier_to_read
Renewable Energy News
USDA Rural Development Invites Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 14, 2011 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today invited agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for loans
and grants to implement renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.
"Biofuels and other renewable energy sources present an enormous economic opportunity for rural America and the rest of the nation," Vilsack said. "President Obama and I recognize that we need to win the future by implementing a long-term strategy to meet our
country's current and long-term energy needs. The funding I am announcing today will help make America's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses more energy efficient."
USDA is providing funding for up to $61 million in guaranteed loans and $42 million in grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Funds are available to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems,
make energy efficiency improvements and conduct studies to determine the feasibility of renewable energy systems.
Today USDA issued a rule to clarify that the definition of renewable energy systems in REAP includes flexible fuel pumps, sometimes referred to as "blender pumps." This clarification is intended to provide fuel station owners with incentives to install flexible
fuel pumps that will offer Americans more renewable energy options. The Obama administration has set a goal of installing 10,000 flexible fuel pumps nationwide within 5 years.
The rule also makes the following clarifications:
·
Grants are available for audits of energy improvements and studies to determine the feasibility of renewable energy systems
·
Agricultural producers in non-rural areas are eligible for REAP assistance. Small businesses must still be located in rural areas. This clarification makes REAP eligibility requirements consistent with those of other USDA energy
programs.
Since Rural Development's renewable energy and energy efficiency programs were launched in 2003, they have played a key role in helping more than 6,000 local businesses create jobs
and make energy efficiency improvements. Under REAP, local businesses receive assistance to deploy wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy. For example, Pagel Ponderosa and partner business Dairy Dreams in Kewaunee County, Wis., used REAP funds to
help purchase and install anaerobic digesters. Both businesses use the energy generated from their digesters to run their operations and sell excess power back to the grid. The two digesters have become so successful that along with two wind farms operating
in the county they are generating enough electricity to support all of the county's 8,900 households.
The deadlines for submitting completed REAP applications are June 15 and June 30, depending on the type of project to be funded. For information on how to apply for assistance,
contact your local USDA Rural Development office or see page 20943 of the April 14 Federal Register,
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-8456.pdf. A list of USDA offices is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/StateOfficeAddresses.html.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability
of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $149 billion in loans and loan guarantees. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov for
additional information about the agency's programs or to locate the USDA Rural Development office nearest you.
Source:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Home.html.
Cover Crop News
Selling organic cover crop seed in Michigan can be a profitable business. Conventional clover can go for $.80 per pound, but a Michigan Organic Farmer quoted selling their clover
at $2.50 per pound, you do the math!
Growing cover crop seed as a new farm enterprise
by Paul Gross, Michigan State University Extension
Published April 28, 2011
The use of cover crops is steadily increasing throughout the United States. Recent economic and environmental concerns are fueling the increase interest and use of cover crops in Michigan
as well. With the new interest in planting cover crops the availability of seed at a reasonable price can become a challenge in some areas.
Increased demand for cover crop seed can be an opportunity for farmers looking to diversify their farming enterprises. Currently, commodity prices are providing good returns but that is likely
to change as markets cycle over time. Farmers could use cover crop seed production to balance farm income and reduce risk through diversification.
Common cover crops in Michigan include cereal rye, red clover, oats, oilseed radish, cowpeas, hairy vetch, annual ryegrass, and sorghum and sudangrass, to mention a few. Using the example
of cereal rye yielding 40-60 bushels per acre and selling as high as $12 per bushel, gross per acre can reach $720. Another example using cowpeas yielding 30-35 bushels per acre or 1500-1750 pounds at $.80 per pound could gross $1,200-$1,400 per acre. Production
cost will vary between farms, but need to be figured when determining the economic viability of these new enterprises.
There are several other factors that farmers need to consider in determining whether a crop might be a viable enterprise in their particular situation. These include market demand for the
seed and location of the market.
These are just a few of the factors that farmers need to consider before adding a cover crop seed enterprise. An additional resource to help in the decision-making process is
the Alternative Field Crops Manual, http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/index.html. The manual is a joint project between the University of Wisconsin Extension Service and the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
CAT Alerts Are Moving to Join news.msue.msu.edu
by Joy Landis, Crop Advisory
Team Alert editor
CAT Alerts are joining a new effort to bring you more timely information from MSU Extension
Dear Crop Advisory Team (CAT) Alert readers:
Michigan State University Extension is launching a new website to bring all of its ag-based information into one location. This includes the articles written by the CAT Alert teams. The new
site is: news.msue.msu.edu
The concept behind the new web is to make it easier for readers to access a range of relevant information from MSUE. For example, a grower with a farm market can easily read the fruit, vegetable
and business topics. A dairy farmer can read about milking equipment as well as field crop articles about pest management in forages. A landscaper can get additional ideas from our garden team. Crop farmers can find out what MSU research is reporting about
the bioeconomy.
The CAT Alert websites will no longer post new articles as all new information will be at the new
site (news.msue.msu.edu). In the near future, past articles from the CAT
Alerts will be searchable at the new site. In the meantime, you can continue to search past articles here at the CAT Alert website. If you currently receive email notification from us when new articles are posted, we will continue to provide that service for
the new site.
Why are CAT Alert Articles Informative to Farmers? (news.msue.msu.edu)
·
They provide up to date news on IPM (Integrated Pest Management) around the state of Michigan.
·
You can learn about current reports on fruit and vegetable production including, weather, temperature, pests, and crops.
·
And Much Much More!
Organic Cost-Share News
Through the EQIP Organic Initiative, NRCS provides assistance to eligible producers for installation of conservation practices on organic or agricultural operations transitioning to organic production.
Eligible producers include those who agree to develop and carry out an organic system plan (OSP), or develop and implement conservation practices for certified organic production that are consistent with an OSP.
The assistance through the EQIP program helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to achieve increased conservation benefits on their operations. EQIP is primarily used to provide
financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices to address soil, water, air, plant, animal, and energy resources.
A new organic provision targets organic producers and producers transitioning to organic production:
·
Assistance is for conservation practices related to organic production
·
Assistance is limited to $20,000 per year and $80,000 during a six year period
·
Producers are required to develop and carry out an Organic System Plan (OSP) or carry out practices consistent with an OSP
Download Organic Initiative Documents at
http://www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.html#Organic_Initiative.
May 31st
Pasture Management News
Edited by Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask])
Last Wednesday, April 27th, I attended, along with about 50 others, mostly dairy, beef and sheep farmers and educators a day-long session, “The How To Of Grass Finishing”
in St John, Michigan. We had the opportunity to hear from Jim Gerrish, the owner and manager of American GrazingLands Services LLC. Jim’s past life as a professor at University of Missouri supported his references to research and his practical knowledge came
from his hands experiences since he transitioned to a full time farm manager and public speaker, in his words, moved for a life style change. He has authored several books on pasture management and moving away from a hay dependant meat production system. His
info included how to’s to establish pastures and their management as well as the value of this approach to animal production. He shared research data and personal accounts that are testimony that this management system offers value to the animals, the workers
and families as well as the environment. I, as a novice and more of a scientist than a farmer found his presentation was very worthwhile, supporting many of his descriptions with scientific studies. Since I come with more of a soil and crop background, I
gained a new perspective of what Well Managed pastures can contribute to more fragile lands (arid regions, high desserts, highly erodible soils) that can improve and stabilize soils that may not be suitable for row crops or vegetables. The impact of
roots that are in place for an extensive period of time (perennials) on the soil to not only held in place but also the plants’ roots contribute to building organic matter. From the responses and questions in the room by the other participants, I think he
provided useful information and advice for the novice and the entrepreneurial, more experienced animal farmer.
You can see the handouts that were provided in the workshop on the Michigan Organic web site,
http://www.michiganorganic.msu.edu/. Just paste this link into your web browser.
This event was co-organized by Michigan State University Extension Grazing Team, coordinators from the central Michigan MSUE offices and Dr. Jason Rountree from MSU’s, Dept of
Animal Science Dept.
Terminology for Grazing Lands and Grazing Animals 2nd Edition
The first edition of “Terminology for Grazing Lands and Grazing Animals” was published in 1991. The second edition has gone “global” with authors from around the world. This International
Project has been lead by Dr. Vivien Allen at Texas Tech University. The new edition has been released as an electronic edition and will be the “standard” for use in journals around the world. A pdf version is available on our website at
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2494.2010.00780.x/pdf.
Farmers Market News
Are you interested in being a vendor at a farmers market in Michigan? Below are farmers markets seeking vendors for the upcoming season.
It's not too late!! There is still time to register for the Heart of Michigan Farmers Market on May 14th.
The application is now available online at http://www.mifma.org/heart-of-michigan-farmers-market-application/ for
the May 14th Heart of Michigan Farmers Market. Please read the vendor application form and the event details and information policy before submitting your application. The deadline for accepting applications is Friday, April 29th. Be sure to send
in all materials before that date. We will have room for roughly 50 farmers and vendors from across the state selling their Michigan-grown and processed goods.
This market is coordinated by the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Champions for Charity. There will be a vendor fee for those wishing to sell their goods at the market.
MIFFS and MIFMA members receive a $20 discount on those vendor fees, making the entry fee $40 and $60 for non-members. Vendors requiring electricity will be responsible for an additional $15 fee.
For more information, contact Maggie Smith, market coordinator, at 517-432-3381 or [log in to unmask] or visit www.mifma.org.
Williamston Farmers Market is Accepting New Vendors
When: The market is held on Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm, starting May 19th to October 13th.
Where: City Hall parking lot right on Grand River Avenue.
Why:
The Williamston Farmers Market is looking for new vendors to participate in the 2011 market season.
How:
If interested, download Application and Rules at,
www.michiganorganic.msu.edu, under the job opportunities tab.
Feel free to contact Christine Miller, Williamston Farmers' Market Manager with additional questions at 517-719-6193 or via email at
williamston.farmers.market@ gmail.com.
Springfield Farmers Market
is Accepting New Vendors
When: Sundays from 10:00am-3:00pm. June 19th-October 16th.
Where: Springfield Farmers' Market (12000 Davisburg Rd., Davisburg, MI), conveniently located in the Shiawassee Basin Preserve, next to the Township Library, softball fields and just down the road from local churches.
Why: The Springfield Farmers' Market is currently seeking vendors of all types: produce, honey, flowers, cheeses, meats, food products, baked goods/breads, artisan items, soaps handmade crafts, etc. The Market slogan is "Naturally Local", so all items
must be made/grown in Michigan, and all items must be naturally grown (if applicable).
How:
Application deadline is May 1st. However it is a new market this year, so
applications will be accepted as space permits. Cost is $15 per day, or $180 for the season. Market rules and application can be found at,
www.michiganorganic.msu.edu under the job opportunities tab.
Any questions can be directed to Laura Haselhuhn, the Market Manager at
248-249-1592, or
[log in to unmask].
The Lowell Area Farmers’ Market is Accepting New Vendors
When: The market will be 18 weeks, beginning June 2 and ending September 20, 2011, and will be held every Thursday, 12:30PM—6:00PM.
Where: The Lowell Area Farmers’ Market is located just southeast of Grand Rapids (2111 West Main St Lowell, MI 49331) in the Tractor Supply Parking lot).
Why: The Lowell Farmers’ Market is interested in certified organic products, as well as cheese.
How: The cost for a 12x12 booth with parking is $10.00 weekly, or $130 for a seasonal booth. A seasonal booth
ensures the vendor the same spot all season long. If you would like to be a vendor contact Dave and Betty Deans, (616) 897-9186 or (616) 340-3233. You can get a copy of the rules and regulations, and both seasonal and daily vendor
application at www.michiganorganic.msu.edu, under the job opportunities tab.
Milford Farmers’ Market is Accepting New Vendors
When: May 5th – October 20, 2011
Where: Milford Farmers’ Market (115 E Liberty St, Milford, MI 48381).
Why: Milford Farmers’ Market is accepting new vendors for the following items:
dairy, maple syrup, dry pasta and flowers.
How:
If interested, download Application and Rules at,
www.michiganorganic.msu.edu, under the job opportunities tab, or visit the market website,
www.milfordfarmersmarket.org.
Lake Orion Farmers Market is Accepting New Vendors
When:
Wednesdays, June 1-September 28, 2011, from 2:00pm-7:00pm
Where:
Historic Downtown Lake Orion.
Why: This lively, family-friendly market is growing as it enters its third season. The goal of the market is
to provide a benefit to the community, as well as, to be profitable for our vendors.
How: If you are interested in becoming a vendor or for more information, check out our website at
www.lakeorionfarmersmarket.com .
Job Opportunities
Specialist-Outreach Position Open at Michigan State University
Position Description:
This Outreach Specialist position will help to implement Michigan's Good Food Charter and to enhance healthy eating and living in regional and local food systems. The appointee
will be a member of the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at Michigan State University, which engages communities in applied research and outreach to promote sustainable food systems. The group's goal is to improve access and availability of locally
produced food. Planning is currently underway for the Mott Group to become integrated with others at MSU to develop a Center for Sustainable Food Systems that will continue and broaden the work of the Mott Group. The appointee will be focused on healthy living
and will be one of two Senior Associate Directors.
This is a full-time, annual year, temporary position. Initial appointment will be for one year with reappointment contingent upon funding and performance.
Qualifications:
1. Master's degree or equivalent in health, urban/regional planning, nutrition or a related field.
2. Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
4. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
5. Demonstrated ability to synthesize and analyze disparate information.
6. Demonstrated ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, to analyze data, to produce publications and instructional materials for the academic community and the broader public and to communicate findings through presentations.
7. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse and underserved communities.
8. Knowledge and effective use of information technology to complete job requirements.
9. Availability for periodic travel within US and for evening and weekend work as required.
10. Personal mobility.
11. Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
How to Apply:
Please send 3 letters of reference to Anne Conwell, C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems, Michigan State University, 312 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 or email them to
[log in to unmask]. All other materials must be submitted via MAP.
You can view full job posting online at,
https://jobs.msu.edu (posting #4627). Posting closing date 5/15/2011.
Vicki Morrone
C. S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems
Outreach Specialist for Organic Vegetable and Field Crops
303 Natural Resources
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (Fax)