| Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - July 27, 2016 Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online. | Join the NCAT Team!
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a Director for our Northeast Regional Office. This is a great opportunity for a motivated, enthusiastic individual to increase NCAT’s service and visibility in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The position will be based at NCAT’s office in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. | News & Resources - Organic Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force Reports to NOSB
- Multispecies Pastures Studied for Forage Production
- Cornell Studies Show Benefits of Cover Crops for Vineyards
- Research Compares Nutrient Density of Organic and Conventional Oats
- Rapid Heating and Cooling of Milk Reduces Bacteria
- Winter Wheat Cover Crop Can Reduce Nutrient Runoff
Funding Opportunities - Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
- Saginaw Bay Phosphorus Reduction
- Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project in Iowa
Coming Events - Grow Me the Money! Resources for Organic Family Farms
- Beginner Grazing School
- Conservation in Action Tour
News & Resources Organic Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force Reports to NOSB
The AMS National Organic Program task force exploring hydroponic and aquaponic production practices and their alignment with the USDA organic regulations has prepared a report for the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force Report is now available online in PDF. The public may provide comments to NOSB at their November meeting. Multispecies Pastures Studied for Forage Production
In a nine-year study, USDA-ARS researcher R. Howard Skinner and his team compared paddocks planted with orchard grass and white clover to paddocks planted with a five-species mix of chicory, orchardgrass, tall fescue, white clover, and alfalfa. Over time, some of the species disappeared from the complex mix, yet those paddocks still produced 31% more forage than the others. Cornell Studies Show Benefits of Cover Crops for Vineyards
A series of studies by Cornell University researchers have revealed that planting cover crops beneath vines in cool and humid climates can have several positive results. First, less herbicide is used, meaning less cost to the grower and less potential for harm to bees. Also, there is less nutrient- and pesticide-contaminated runoff. In addition, competition from the cover crop can prevent excessive vine vigor. Research Compares Nutrient Density of Organic and Conventional Oats
Researchers at Rodale Institute compared conventionally grown and organically grown oats in terms of nutrient density. Results showed that organic oats contained higher concentrations of nitrogen and protein. Additionally, concentrations of zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, molybdenum, and copper were highest in oats from plots treated with organic manure and tilled. Rapid Heating and Cooling of Milk Reduces Bacteria
A Purdue University study found that rapid heating and cooling of milk can reduce the amount of bacteria present and increase cold milk's shelf life. The low-temperature, short-time (LTST) method raised the temperature of droplets of pasteurized milk by 10° for less than a second, using heat and pressure in a special chamber. The process could be tested as a stand-alone treatment for removing bacteria from milk. Winter Wheat Cover Crop Can Reduce Nutrient Runoff
Scientists with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture used a Soil and Water Assessment Tool to model the water-quality effects of Tennessee corn and soybean growers adding an unfertilized winter wheat crop to their rotations. The model showed significant reductions in nitrogen and total phosphorus lost from row crop fields, resulting in water-quality improvements as far away as the Gulf of Mexico's Dead Zone. >> More Breaking News Back to top
Funding Opportunities Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
USDA is seeking applications for funding to help support the development of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products. The program provides loan guarantees of up to $250 million to develop, construct, and retrofit commercial-scale biorefineries and to develop renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing facilities.
Applications for the first funding cycle are due October 3, 2016. Saginaw Bay Phosphorus Reduction
USDA is utilizing funds from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for phosphorus reduction in three watersheds in Michigan. Farmers in these watersheds can receive financial assistance for implementing conservation practices that will reduce the amount of phosphorus from agricultural land entering surface water.
Applications are due by August 5, 2016. Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project in Iowa
Iowa agricultural producers who want to increase habitat for Monarch butterflies can receive funding through USDA NRCS for conservation practices that attract Monarchs. A sampling of eligible conservation practices includes brush management, conservation cover, field borders, and prescribed burning.
The application deadline is August 5, 2016. >> More Funding Opportunities Back to top
Coming Events Grow Me the Money! Resources for Organic Family Farms
August 29, 2016
Austin, Texas
This free workshop for organic producers—or anyone thinking about certified organic production—outlines program options, presents the basics you need to know, and offers an interactive experience to help understand the types of programs available and how to engage with USDA offices. Beginner Grazing School
August 26-27, 2016
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association presents this course, which includes an introduction to grazing basics, plant identification, and rotational grazing. It also offers grazing exercises in the field and an opportunity to work with grazing experts to develop a plan for your farm. Conservation in Action Tour
August 23-24, 2016
Treasure Valley, Idaho
Conservation in Action Tours bring people together to share ideas and inspiration. Join the Conservation Technology Information Center and partners for a look at innovative conservation partnerships and practices on a wide range of crops and farms. >> More Events Back to top
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