Are you interested in sustainable agriculture? Or maybe alternative ag markets. Here are some resources that I have found helpful:
Practical Farmers of Iowa: Practical Farmers of Iowa’s mission is to strengthen farms and communities through farmer-led investigation and information sharing. This includes a variety of different types of farms from organic to conventional, small and large livestock producers, horticulture crops including fruits,vegetables and cut flowers.
During the fall season they offer farminars on various subjects each Tuesday evening. The past farminars are also available to listen to. They have quite a bit of information on niche pork production which we have enjoyed listening to.
ATTRA: A National Sustainable Agriculture Assistance Program – is developed and managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Their focus is on sustainable agriculture. Their definition of sustainable agriculture is: a system that produces abundant food without depleting the earth’s resources or polluting the environment.
Many of their publications are available to download for free. Topics include:
- Crops: Horticulture and Field
- Soils and Compost
- Local Food Systems
- Farm Start-up
- Energy Alternatives
- Water Management
- Pest Managment
- Organic Farming
- Livestock and Pasture and
- Marketing, Business & Risk Management
SARE: (Sustainable Agriculture Resource & Education) SARE offers grants for different people including: for producers, farmers, ranchers, professional development, graduate students, youth educators, research and education.
On the website there is a section where you can search previously funded projects to see the results of their studies. This is very helpful to see what has worked for others and what has not worked very well.
Also there are several publications available for free download on these topics:
Local Extension Agents are also a great resource!
Do you have other resources that you use for sustainable agriculture education?
Blessings,
Jennifer