www.sare.org resources best-practices-for-the-sustainable-urban-farm Best Practices for the Sustainable Urban Farm For decades, urban farms and community gardens have helped meet the demand for fresh, local produce. Urban farms are diverse and adaptable, ranging from small farms on repurposed vacant lots to multilevel vertical farms and rooftop gardens. Often, they combine ecological farming practices with some form of infrastructure. Urban growers make clever use of their […]
www.sare.org resources what-is-sustainable-agriculture What is Sustainable Agriculture? A simple way to think about sustainable agriculture is that it involves producing enough food and fiber to satisfy today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Farmers and ranchers who value sustainability embrace three common goals while running productive operations: To achieve these sustainability goals, a farmer typically views […]
www.sare.org resources sustainable-production-and-use-of-on-farm-energy Sustainable Production and Use of On-Farm Energy High and fluctuating energy costs have caused economic challenges for many of the country’s farmers and ranchers. For this reason, more producers are seeking alternative energy sources to improve their energy independence and revenue. Vermont farmer Roger Rainville, for example, learned to produce biodiesel for under $2 per gallon. His savings and profit margin will […]
www.sare.org resources high-tunnels-and-other-season-extension-techniques High Tunnels and Other Season Extension Techniques A condensed version of the content on this page is available as a PDF download, High Tunnels and other Season Extension Techniques. Or use the Order button on this page to order free hard copies. This page was created to provide information for producers and educators interested in generating more income by extending the growing season. […]
www.sare.org resources building-sustainable-farms-ranches-and-communities Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities This guide lists funding opportunities offered by federal programs, and is indispensable for anyone seeking government help to foster their innovative enterprise in forestry and agriculture. Specifically, it addresses program resources in community development; sustainable land management; and value-added and diversified agriculture and forestry. Thus, it can help farmers, entrepreneurs, community developers, conservationists, and many […]
www.sare.org resources the-sustainability-of-biofuel-fact-sheet-series The Sustainability of Biofuel Fact Sheet Series The following peer-reviewed fact sheets are available on eXtension.org: Biodiesel and the Food vs. Fuel Debate Biodiversity and Biofuel Production Biofuels and Greenhouse Gas Reductions Biomass Feedstocks and Energy Independence Diverse Plant Mixtures for Sustainable Biofuels Environmental Life Cycle Analysis of Biodiesel Genetically Modified Organisms for Bioenergy Systems Introduction to Energy Efficient Irrigation Introduction to […]
www.sare.org resources cover-crops-and-no-till-management-for-organic-systems Cover Crops and No-Till Management for Organic Systems This Rodale Institute fact sheet reviews the use of cover crops and no-till in organic systems, including selection, establishment and mechanical termination of cover crops; crop rotations; and energy and production budgets.
www.sare.org resources storage-methods-for-ethanol-co-products Storage Methods for Ethanol Co-Products This University of Nebraska video series contains information on the storage and utilization of three unique co-product feeds from the ethanol industry. Information on composition, storage, spoilage and loss, and the economics of storage is presented in five learning modules. Watch the first in the series: Other videos in the Storage Methods for Ethanol Co-Products […]
www.sare.org resources thermal-banking-for-cold-storage Thermal Banking for Cold Storage The thermal banking technology that Steven Schwen uses in his innovative greenhouse (see Sustainable Energy: Thermal Banking Greenhouse Design) applies not only to conservation of heat, but to cold storage and refrigeration. In this short companion video, Schwen discusses his plans for an ice house at his farm in Minnesota, and how this project is […]
www.sare.org resources thermal-banking-greenhouses Thermal Banking Greenhouses At Minnesota’s latitude, farmers who can extend their growing season have a distinct advantage in the marketplace: By offering a product outside the “normal” growing season, they can often receive a higher price. That’s what Steven Schwen (Earthen Path Organic Farm) has done with his greenhouse, starting earlier in the year with seedlings of warm-season […]
www.sare.org resources greenhouse-energy-conservation-strategies-and-alternative-fuels Greenhouse Energy Conservation Strategies and Alternative Fuels Includes curriculum materials, extension bulletins, resource lists, and a greenhouse energy model that were developed with the intention that educators can use the materials in full or part to deliver programming on energy management and conservation for greenhouse production. Presentations were developed with the assistance of an NCR-SARE Professional Development grant for the education of […]
www.sare.org resources small-scale-biogas-technology Small-Scale Biogas Technology Biogas technology can be used on small farms to turn on-farm organic wastes (manure, on-farm food processing) into a clean, renewable source of energy for on-farm applications. The small-scale biogas technology website, developed by Washington State University, presents resources and publications on biogas technology, including an enterprise assessment tool.
www.sare.org resources clean-energy-farming Clean Energy Farming Across the country, as energy prices climb, farmers are turning more and more to clean energy practices. From energy-saving light bulbs to solar panels to fuels grown and processed on the farm, farmers are making their operations more profitable, efficient and cleaner. Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables features innovative SARE-funded research and […]
www.sare.org resources biodiesel-safety-and-best-management-practices-for-small-scale-noncommercial-use-and-production Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices for Small-Scale Noncommercial Use and Production The objective of this Penn State publication, Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices for Small-Scale Noncommercial Use and Production, is to review some of the accepted practices associated with small-scale biodiesel production to make it a safe, environmentally sound practice that generates a quality product.
www.sare.org resources applying-for-environmental-quality-incentives-program-eqip Applying for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) This plain language guide from New Entry Sustainable Farming Project introduces readers to the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which pays farmers and ranchers to implement practices that protect water, soil and air quality. The guide explains eligibility for EQIP, how to apply and how the money can be used. Download now: Applying for […]
www.sare.org resources gis-applications-in-agriculture-nutrient-management-for-improved-energy-efficiency GIS Applications in Agriculture: Nutrient Management for Improved Energy Efficiency Volume II Using mathematics, technology, and creativity, GIS Applications in Agriculture, Volume Two: Nutrient Management for Energy Efficiency examines the development of nutrient management practices that help producers improve their profitability and energy efficiency. Throughout the book, chapters demonstrate how complex mathematical and spatial modeling approaches can provide the basis for much of our management practices. Highlighting […]
northcentral.sare.org resources maintenance-of-natural-sustainable-riparian-communities-fact-sheets-series Maintenance of Natural Sustainable Riparian Communities Fact Sheets Series Miranda Meehan, a graduate student from North Dakota State University, created five extension fact sheets after monitoring and reporting on the riparian ecosystem associated with the Middle Sheyenne River, a perennial stream in eastern North Dakota. A riparian zone or riparian area is the interface between land and a river or stream. Riparian ecosystems are […]
northeast.sare.org resources on-farm-smart-energy-buying-and-use On-Farm Smart Energy Buying and Use This is part of the Farm Energy IQ Curriculum Series. With the understanding of deregulated energy markets and having an option to buy energy at less expensive times of the day, how can you change your habits to take advantage? Topics include: Modifying Energy Buying Habits | Buying Energy in a Time Differentiated Market | […]
northeast.sare.org resources on-farm-energy-efficiency On-Farm Energy Efficiency This curriculum module covers the fundamentals of energy systems. Basic thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion processes and discussion of energy efficiency and specific applications on farms are addressed. Topics include: Farm Energy Efficiency Principles | Energy Audits | EE for Dairy Farms | EE for Greenhouses | EE for Fruit Production | EE for Field […]
northeast.sare.org resources on-farm-energy-production-biofuels On-Farm Energy Production - Biofuels The On Farm Energy Production Curriculum Series topics include: Bioenergy Feedstock Production | Biodiesel and Straight Vegetable Oil | Biogas | Wood and Grass Pellets