ISSUE DATE: 08/16/2010
By Doug Rich
"It was fun to try something different; it was like the pioneering spirit," Karl Retzlaff said. Retzlaff was talking about his experience growing specialty crops on his farm near Morris, Minn.
Farmers plant specialty crops for different reasons. Some are looking for a premium on a few acres to improve their bottom line. Others are looking for a crop to rotate with their commercial crops of corn, soybean, or wheat. Then there are others who just like trying something different.
There are several interesting specialty crops available right now. Some are for contract production on just a few acres, and others have the opportunity to break out as commercial crops and cover thousands of acres.
NEWS
AFBF applauds committee passage of Cuba trade bill AFBF says farm bill structure, funding critical to safety net African ministers tour farm 'AG am in Kansas' moves to new network AgriLife Extension leader gets international honor Banker, ranch owner, says ag lending comes naturally Brazil tariff suspension provides opportunity for U.S. wheat Century Farms recognized Dallas AgriLife appoints new director Grant will help food safety researchers reduce pathogens Interest rate falls for USDA Rural Development home mortgage loans Kansas gets disaster funding for flooding, tornadoes Marketing funds available for food and agriculture exporter Markey targets wasteful spending Program offers incentives to reduce energy costs on small farms Senate approves mandatory price reporting Study finds wind turbines can be cost-effective The U.S. is an island of supply for world grain demand Third farm bill hearing focuses on trade policy USDA announces loans, grants for rural businesses USDA launches Ask The Expert database USDA-NASS seeks public input on future energy program CROPS
Agriculture Field Day Set for Aug. 26 ARS unlocks weed-fighting properties of sorghum ASA takes steps to double exports Certified seed can improve bottom line Crazy last few days Cutting going well in Jordan, Mont. Drip irrigation a good fit in some areas Feral Hog Appreciation Day set for Aug. 24 in Coleman First stop down, wonderous weather Flooding plagues southeast South Dakota Garden City center hosts field day Aug. 26 High moisture and sawfly Hitting the road Kansas farmers test teff as alternative dryland crop Kansas Wheat Alliance settles three PVP infringement cases K-State's agricultural economists receive national education award Late-season training offered near Mead Least favorite stop Nebraska Dry Bean Field Tour is Aug. 17 NRCS celebrates 75 years Pesticide container recycling extended Research points to benefits of drainage on field crops Russia stops all grain exports Seminars target beginning ag producers Sherman Extension will host irrigation tour SWCS presents President's Leadership Award USDA completes review of United Soybean Board USDA grants regulatory approval for high oleic soybeans Wanted: growers with a pioneering spirit Webinar helps with irrigation scheduling decisions Wheat futures soar after Russia ends exports Wheat Planting Decision Meetings announced Winners named in 2010 Kansas Wheat Yield Contest Women Managing the Farm Conference set for Aug. 24 Wrapping up cutting in Last Chance LIVESTOCK
4-H Dairy Judging Contest set for Aug. 21 ARS study eyes egg quality and composition Beef quality training to be offered Aug. 24 in Vernon Broiler carcass cleansing solution removes harmful bacteria CDA reminds cattle owners to test for bovine trichomoniasis CenTex Beef symposium set for Sept. 24 Extension Beef Tour set for Aug. 28 Federation of State Beef Councils votes to stay with NCBA Field day at Cowley County ranch Field days will focus on Beef Quality Assurance Grant to 'step aside' as NWSS executive Heat in Kan. killed 2,620 cattle in 3 days High Plains Wheat and Stocker Cattle Conference slated for Aug. 17 Hispanic materials increase beef volume sales Iowa Beef Industry Council helps fund beef sustainability study ISU animal science prof selected for Fulbright Exchange in Scotland Kansan wins at Charolais Junior National Show Kansan wins CAB honor Livestock exporter grows to see huge profits Mobile Animal Harvest Facility proposed Protect cattle from heat stress as temperatures rise Protein Labeling Study highlights consumer needs Red Angus sponsors Superior's Big Horn Classic Researcher studies causes of grass tetany Rio Grande River flooding displaces livestock Rotational grazing reduces need for lamb deworming Webinar will focus on reducing air emissions EDITOR
James Bond versus Clark Griswold Old bulls Taxpayers are footing the bill COLUMNS
Grill this Just a scoop full New class of chemistry debuts New technology protects crops from mycotoxins Read the instructions and believe them Ready for your next red-tape nightmare? Standing at the gateway to the world of biotechnology MARKETS
Aberdeen cattle sales report Abnormally dry conditions widen Ada cattle sales report Amarillo livestock auction summary Apache livestock auction report Arkansas livestock auction summary Clovis Livestock Auction report Conditions allow farmers 5.5 days in the field Dalhart livestock auction report Dodge City cattle sales report Dunlap cattle sales report Ericson livestock auction report Extreme heat continues Faith livestock sales report Ft. Smith livestock auction report Georgia cattle auction summary Goldthwaite sheep sales report Grain market close Grain, soybean bids mixed Harvest begins for spring wheat, barley High heat, humidity High Plains slaughter news Hot and dry week Joplin regional cattle sales report Kansas hay trade slow McAleser livestock auction report Most hay sales steady, trade light in some areas Newell sheep sales report North Arkansas cattle auction report OKC West livestock sales report Pratt 3 p.m. cattle sales Pratt livestock auction report Preparation for fall planting begins Record Missouri corn production Salina cattle auction report Small grain harvest progresses Small grain harvest progresses under drier weather Small grain harvest, haying continues South Central direct sheep Springfield livestock sales report Superior video auction report Tulia livestock auction report Tulsa livestock sales report Warm weather helps row crops West Plains regional cattle sales Woodward livestock auction report Wyobraska cattle sales report RANGE
Alfalfa planting is around the corner Forage and Cattle Summer Day Trip set for Sept. 1 Ozark Empire Fair names hay winners Tours will feature mob grazing, organic farming USDA report shows economic, health benefits of national forests and grasslands FAMILY
A refreshing take on tea Antiques and classics: A way of life for Purcell, Okla. Extended dry spell prompting leaf, nut drop Food safety workshops set for local produce growers Glamour has room to grow Helpful tips Making ice cream is a money-saving sport Massive floodwaters could benefit South Texas wildlife Meditation for 8-16-10 Peaches, plums induce promising death of breast cancer cells Poor Man's Art Scientists develop sustainable, environmentally friendly potting medium
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