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Sustainable Agriculture Video Archive
DIY Biodiesel: Keeping It Safe, Keeping It Legal January 28, 2010 |
January 28, 2010
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| For convenience, slides from the DIY Biodiesel Webinar are also available in PDF format | |
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The second installment of ATTRA's farm-scale biodiesel production webinar series. DIY Biodiesel: Keeping It Safe, Keeping It Legal puts the novice biodiesel producer on the right track to establishing safe and legal production practices. It covers safety practices including personal safety, workspace safety, materials handling and regulations, waste stream handling, methanol, compatibility with equipment and environmental safety and regulations.
The webinar features a presentation by NCAT energy specialist and biodiesel homebrewer Rich Dana, along with special guest expert Steve Fugate. Fugate is the founder of the Yoderville Biodiesel Collective in Kalona, Iowa, and the biodiesel project leader for the Iowa DNR's Trails Crew.
December 3, 2009
Making Organic Small Grains Work on Your Farm
(1hr 31min)
Organic small grains are part of a growing niche market of staple crops that can command higher market prices and bring more to a farmer's bottom line.
Learn how farmers in traditional grain-growing regions are using organic production methods and find out if organic small grain production is right for you. Using organic techniques can cut input costs and the organic premium for high-quality grains can be 75 percent above the conventional market. But challenges in organic production exist, and can include over-dependence on tillage, proper nutrient management and rotation development.
| For convenience, slides from the Small Grains Webinar are also available in PDF format | |
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This webinar covers topics including:
- The economics and marketing of crops
- The importance of soil health and minimal tillage
- Fertility management and acceptable organic nutrient sources
- Weed and pest management
- Transition tips
- Rotation design
Presenters for this webinar are NCAT field crop specialist Susan Tallman and organic farmer Duane Boehm. Tallman has extensive experience working with farmers both as a wheat buyer for Great Harvest Bread Company and as an organic recruiter for a private grain merchandiser. She grew up on a dryland wheat farm in eastern Montana and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor's degree in agronomy.
Boehm and his wife, Chantra, raise organic small grains and grass-fed beef on 4,000 acres near Richardton, N.D. Their crops have been organic since 1986. Since that time, they have grown their farm business from low to high profitability by going organic.
November 9, 2009
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| For convenience, slides from the Biodiesel Webinar are also available in PDF format | |
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This webinar highlights the basics of biodiesel production and shows home brewers what precautions they should take to avoid potential problems associated with poor-quality fuel. When properly made and stored, biodiesel can be substituted for petroleum-based diesel in virtually any standard, unmodified engine. It is a clean-burning, renewable and environmentally friendly fuel that emits fewer pollutants than traditional petrodiesel and is biodegradable and extends engine life.
This webinar covers topics including:
- The advantages and disadvantages of biodiesel
- The chemistry of biodiesel and step-by-step instructions to make your own fuel
- Types, prices and tradeoffs of biodiesel processors and equipment
- Oilseed production and processing
- Examples of farmers and ranchers making their own fuel
The presenters for this webinar were Al Kurki and Rich Dana, biodiesel specialists with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
July 29, 2009 ~ Sheep and Goats: What They Can Do For You
(1hr 12min)
This webinar was presented by NCAT specialists Margo Hale and Linda Coffey. Topics include animal selection, health, equipment, marketing, and benefits of sheep and goat production. Hale and Coffey also answered questions from listeners at the end of the webinar.
| For convenience, slides from the Sheep and Goats Webinar are also available in PDF format | |
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Sheep and goats can be raised for meat, milk, or wool. They also benefit pastures and are adaptable to many environments. The increasing ethnic diversity of the country, along with a growing interest in sustainable agriculture, have created more demand for these products than the nation can currently supply.
When getting started in sheep or goat production, "You can check with your local extension office and get linked up with local producer groups," Coffey said. "That can be a tremendous help and we highly recommend that. In addition, our ATTRA publications can be very useful as you’re starting out and we can point you to resources. We're here for you to call if you have a specific question."
There are many advantages to sheep and goat production, such as a high demand for products. Raising sheep and goats can complement other enterprises. They can be used to clear ground for other livestock, or simply to eat unwanted weeds. Additionally, producers have many options and outlets for marketing their products.
May 7, 2009 ~ Hoop Houses for Crop Extension
(1hr 5min)
This webinar was presented by NCAT specialists Tammy Hinman and Andy Pressman. Topics include the uses and benefits of hoop houses, including increases in crop quality and yields; different types of hoop houses; construction, materials and cost estimates; management of crops, soil fertility, pests and weeds; and the economics and marketing of crops. Hinman and Pressman also took questions about hoop house production.
| For convenience, slides from the Hoophouse Webinar are also available in PDF format | |
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Hoop houses can be very useful for small-scale farmers. Some farmers say the structures pay for themselves in one season. Often, crops grown in hoop houses produce larger yields and are of a higher quality than field-grown crops. Crops can also be ready for the market earlier, bringing a higher price and building a customer base. Hoop houses can also extend growing seasons, creating a yearlong crop in some situations.
"Season extension technologies can positively affect small-scale farming operations", said Pressman. "There is a learning curve when creating microclimates and differences from outdoor production, but the benefits of using hoop houses can be garnered in one season."
Crops grown in hoop houses include cut flowers, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, lettuce and other greens. Some growers use hoop houses to produce cane berries, strawberries, blueberries and even cherries.
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and is funded under a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Visit the NCAT Web site for more information on our sustainable agriculture projects.
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