Local Organic Agriculture: An Example with Applications to Soil Science Soil Science Society of North Carolina, 2013 Annual Meeting January 23, 2013 Chris Murray, Sunset Farms
Objectives Provide an Example of a Local, Small Scale Organic Farm, With Emphasis on the Soil Science Principles Used Demonstrate the Contributions Soil Science can Provide to this Growing Movement
Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions
Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions
Background of Sunset Farms Original Land Base Purchased in 1903 Farm Has Produced a Variety of Crops Grain Farming Occurred in the 1970 s and 1980 s
Background of Sunset Farms Original Land Base Purchased in 1903 Farm Has Produced a Variety of Crops Grain Farming Occurred in the 1970 s and 1980 s Direct Marketing of Local Produce Began in 1982
Advantages of Direct Market Produce Production: Higher Returns Per Acre Wider Diversity of Production (Less Vulnerability) Socially, Spiritually, Emotionally Enhancing Lifestyle
Background of Sunset Farms (continued) Farm Consists of 56 Acres; Forestry, Pasture and Horticulture/Forage Rotation Many Varieties of Vegetable Crops and Livestock Produced
Planting of Crops Some Bare-Ground Planting Utilized (Direct Seeded Crops)
Planting of Crops
Planting of Crops Some Bare-Ground Planting Utilized (Direct Seeded Crops) Plasticulture Utilized
Planting of Crops
Planting of Crops
Planting of Crops
Planting of Crops
Coping With Wildlife www.mynaturephotos.com/images/groundhog1.jpg http://www.fw.delaware.gov/hunting/pages/ Delaware_Deer_Management_Plan.aspx
Coping With Wildlife
Coping With Wildlife
Coping With Wildlife
Current Production Pastured Poultry Produce Pastured Eggs, Pastured Broilers and Pastured Turkeys Combination of Portable Shelters and Poultry Schooners
Current Production Pastured Poultry, Egg Layers
Current Production Pastured Poultry, Broilers
Current Production Pastured Poultry, Turkeys
Current Production Pastured Poultry Produce Pastured Eggs, Pastured Broilers and Pastured Turkeys Combination of Portable Shelters and Poultry Schooners Processing Off Farm Due to Time and Marketing Constraints
Poultry Processing
Current Production Pastured Poultry Produce Pastured Eggs, Pastured Broilers and Pastured Turkeys Combination of Portable Shelters and Poultry Schooners Processing Off Farm Due to Time and Marketing Constraints Organic Feed Sourced Locally
Current Production Grass-fed Beef Intensively Managed Herbivores Provide Income, Add Organic Matter Utilization of Annuals in Rotations Allows for Grass Finishing a Large Portion of the Year Homegrown Animals and Purchased Steers
Current Production Grass-fed Beef
Current Production Pastured Pigs Help utilize cull or excess produce Provide additional winter inventory
Current Production Pastured Pigs
Current Production - Certification Compliant with National Organic Program Non Certified Organic - Market and Cost Considerations Handshake Marketing and Certified Naturally Grown
Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan
Carrboro Farmers Market
Durham Farmers Market
Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan 50 Member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, Growing Annually, Provides Start-up Capital
Community Supported Agriculture
Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan 50 Member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, Growing Annually, Provides Start-up Capital Symbiosis With Local Chefs (Farm to Table Movement)
Current Production Marketing Two Triangle Farmers Markets Make Up the Backbone of Marketing Plan 50 Member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, Growing Annually, Provides Start-up Capital Symbiosis With Local Chefs (Farm to Table Movement) Working Toward Year Round Production
Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions
Enon Fine Sandy Loam Fine, mixed, active, thermic Ultic Hapludalfs Good Soil vs. Bad Soil?
Soil Management Principles - Tillage Heavy Soils Require Careful Management Disk Harrow is Tillage Tool of Choice Raised Beds Crucial to Success
Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program
Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program Composts Give a Boost in Organic Matter and Fertility
Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program Composts Give a Boost in Organic Matter and Fertility Cover Crops Utilized When Possible
Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility Developing a Reliable Soil Testing Program Composts Give a Boost in Organic Matter and Fertility Cover Crops Utilized When Possible Additional Fertility Sources Include Rock Phosphate, Sulfate of Potash (0-0-50), Protein Meals, Limestone
Soil Management Principles Soil Fertility (Continued) Fertility Boosts for Beds Cropped Multiple Times Comes from Harmony Organic Fertilizer
Outline Background and Production of Sunset Farms Soil Management Principals Conclusions
Conclusions Local Food Systems Becoming Increasingly Prevalent Many Small Organic Farms can Benefit from Knowledge Base of Soil Science Soil Scientists can Provide Assistance with Soil Inventory, Agronomic Management, Soil Quality Measurements, etc.
Questions?