Crop Production

Energy Independence: On-Farm Biodiesel Fuel Production

Roger Rainville is ahead of the curve when it comes to reducing costs on his farm near Alburgh, Vt. He’s currently producing biodiesel from canola and sunflower for about $1.70 a gallon.

Growing Biodiesel Crops: A Couple of Tips

In this short video, Rainville describes his philosophy for trying something new on your farm. It’s all about making the most of the learning curve.

Tomato Grafting for Disease Resistance and Increased Productivity

Researchers around the world have demonstrated that grafting—the fusing of a scion (young shoot) onto a resistant rootstock—can protect plants against a variety of soil-borne fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode diseases invarious climates and conditions.

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.

Constructing a Low-Cost High Tunnel

Specs, diagrams and photos of high tunnel construction, by Utah State University Cooperative Extension.

Constructing a High Tunnel

This Rutgers University website includes a 61-image demonstration of high tunnel construction, with detailed information on site selection, design, cost and crop management.

Video Series: Efficient and Safe Food Handling Processes

Low-cost techniques that help farms reduce labor needs and expenses during harvest, wash and pack.

Organic Broccoli Production Manual

Steps that farmers took to scale up organic broccoli production to meet local wholesale demand.

Managing Alternative Pollinators

Managing Alternative Pollinators: A Handbook for Beekeepers, Growers and Conservationists is a first-of-its-kind, step-by-step, full-color guide for rearing and managing bumble bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees and other bee species that provide pollination alternatives to the rapidly declining honey bee.