Spring 1994 (v6n2)
Resources
Farmer Magazine Debuts
Farmer-to-Farmer, a bimonthly
publication published by The Community Alliance with Family Farmers. The
new magazine highlights innovative farmers and farming practices in California.
Each issue features an in-depth analysis of an innovative farmer or farm
couple, including information on how they made the transition to more
sustainable farming practices. Detailed transition plans and economic
analysis are included. The magazine also contains farmer observations
and essays, and other technical information of interest to farmers and
agricultural professionals. Edited by Susan Benson, the magazine is available
for $ 15 by contacting Farmer-to-Farmer, PO Box 73674, Davis, CA 95617;
tel: (916) 758-7428.
Organic/Low Input Farming
The Real Dirt, 1994,
272 pages, edited by Miranda Smith and members of the Northeast
Organic Farming Association. Funded by the Northeast Region Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. The book presents basic
information on organic or low-input farming methods. Aimed at farmers
and Extension agents, it includes information on vegetable, fruit, agronomic
crop and livestock production. The illustrated book includes a full index,
a glossary and profiles of farmers, plus an extensive list of contacts.
To order, send check or purchase order for $13.95 to Sustainable Agriculture
Publications, Northeast Region SARE/ACE programs, Drawer 4910, Hills Bldg.,
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405-0082. For information on bulk
discounts and rush orders, call (802) 656-0554.
Humane Animal Producers
The Humane Consumer and Producer Guide, 368 pages, 1993, edited by Melanie Adcock, Richard M. Clugston, Don Deichman, Terry Gips, Stephen Ronan, Lathi Taylor and Ellen Truong. The Guide is published by The Humane Sustainable Agriculture Program of The Humane Society of the United States, and The Humane Sustainable Agriculture Project of the International Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. It is the first national listing of farmers and ranchers identified for their humane treatment of animals and sustainable farming practices. In addition to farmers and ranchers, the more than 1400 entries include research and education organizations, as well as restaurants and stores that sell products from these producers. The Guide includes appendices with information on humane sustainable agriculture terms and principles, labeling laws and marketing. To order, send checks for $15 payable to The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS) at 2100 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20037; tel: (202) 452-1100 or fax: (301) 2583081. (Members of either co-publishing organization deduct $2 per copy.) Farmers, ranchers, businesses or organizations interested in being listed in the Guide may contact The HSUS at the above address.
Sustainable Landscape
Gray World, Green Heart:
Technology, Nature, and the Sustainable Landscape, 352 pages, 1994,
by Robert L. Thayer, Jr., John Wiley a Sons, Inc. Thayer, a professor
of landscape architecture and environmental design at UC Davis, writes
that from Mall of America to CityWalk in Universal City to Disney World
in Orlando, Florida to the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, creating and enjoying
fantasy environments is an American obsession. It seems easier, he writes,
to make superficial copies of the landscape rather than to save the actual
landscape. But now Americans are at a crossroads, even feeling "environmental
guilt" over technological changes to the landscape. Thayer argues
this crossroads demands that people consider the landscape in terms of
sustainability. To order the book, send $39.95 to John Wiley & Sons,
lnc., 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158 or call (800) 225-5945 ext. 2497.
Wiley & Sons pays shipping and handling on prepaid orders.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Video
Best Management Practices for Nitrogen Fertilizer and Water Use in Irrigated Agriculture, 30 minutes, 1993, produced by the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP). Widespread use of nitrogen fertilizer has created concerns about nitrate groundwater contamination. This video is the first in a series to help growers improve the way fertilizer and water is used to reduce potential nitrate groundwater contamination and increase profitability. It includes information on how to improve timing and placement of nitrogen fertilizer, sample and analyze soils for residual nitrate content, application of organic amendments to croplands, and use of nitrification inhibitors with certain fertilizers. Water management suggestions include using drip irrigation to reduce deep percolation and runoff from croplands, using surge flow techniques with furrow irrigation, and adjusting sprinkler irrigation rates based on soil type and slope. A second video specifically for vegetable growers is scheduled for release in mid 1994. The video and study guide are available for $20 from Debbie Scott or Casey Walsh Cady at FREP California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N St., Rm. A-372, Sacramento, CA 95814; tel: (916) 643-5340 or 654-0574; fax: (916) 653-2407.
Mixtec Video
Invisible Indians: Mixtec Farmworkers in California, 43-minutes, 1993, color, produced by the Division of information Technology, UC Davis, for James Grieshop, Department of Applied Behavioral Sciences, and Stefano Varese, Department of Native American Studies. This video provides an interdisciplinary look at the history, culture and current social and economic conditions of the Mixtec people of Oaxaca, Mexico. It examines the factors causing increasing numbers of Mixtecs to become migrants, living part of the year in Oaxaca and part in California, where they make up between five and ten percent of the agricultural work force. The video provides an introduction to Mixtec culture and background information for understanding the role of migrant farmworkers in California and America. An instructor's guide comes with the video. The video may be purchased for $195 or rented for $50 from University of California Extension, Center for Media and Independent Learning, 2176 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704; tel: (510) 642-0460; fax: (510) 643-8683.
Draft Animal Video
Bred for the Furrow,
37-minutes, 1993, color, produced by the Division of Information, UC Davis
for William Chancellor, Department of Agricultural Engineering.
Winner of Gold Award at San Mateo County Fair, Best Documentary at Solano
County Fair. This three-part video shows that draft animals remain a viable
alternative to tractor-powered farming. It covers the use of draft oxen,
horses, mules, hinnies, and donkeys. Part One explains why draft animals
are still used worldwide and shows the fitting and care of the harness
and yoke. Part Two demonstrates how to evaluate draft animals and conduct
a basic physical examination. Part Three examines the selection, fitting,
and maintenance of harnesses, yokes, and other equipment. It also shows
basic precautions that will prevent injuries to work stock. Available
for $125 (rental $45) from University of California Extension, Center
for Media and Independent Learning, 2176 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704;
tel: (510) 642-0460- fax- (510) 64.R-8683.
Dairy Book
THE DAIRY DEBATE: Consequences of Bovine Growth Hormone and Rotational Grazing Technologies, 1993,372 pages, UC SAREP. Edited by William C. Liebhardt, UC SAREP director Other authors include Gail Feenstra, SAREP nutritionist and food systems analyst; David Campbell, SAREP economic and public policy analyst; Leslie "Bees" Butler, UC Davis Extension dairy economist; Gerry Cohn, UC Davis Agricultural economist: Kathleen Byrnes, sustainable systems writer; David Kronfeld, the Paul Mellon Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and professor of veterinary medicine at the Virginia Poly technical Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA; William Murphy, professor of agronomy, University of Vermont; John Kunkel, veterinarian, West Virginia University; and Edward B. Rayburn, Extension forage agronomist, West Virginia Extension Service. The multidisciplinary team of re searchers compare how bovine growth hormone and rotational grazing, a flexible system of pasture management, affect a wide range of factors-individual cows, farms, farmers, farm families, rural communities and consumers. To order, send $31.50 (includes postage, handling and applicable taxes) to ANR Publications, University of California, 6701 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608-1239; tel: (510) 642-2431; fax: (510) 642-5470. Checks are payable to UC Regents; MasterCard and VISA may be used for fax orders.
Cover Crops Videos
Creative Cover Cropping in Perennial Farming Systems, 1993 (V93 W) and Creative Cover Cropping in Annual Farming Systems, 1993 (V93-V), produced by Robert Bugg, UC SAREP. Cover crop ping is a key tool in sustainable agriculture, and is especially useful in orchards and vineyards. The video covering perennial farming systems explains how to use cover crops to protect and improve soil fertility, enhance pest control, and provide other benefits. Cover cropping presents special challenges when used with annual row and field crops. The annual cover crop video depicts both opportunities and constraints in using cover crop with annual crops. Both videos present a wide array of plant materials and management options. The videos are $20 each (VHS format, includes postage, handling and applicable taxes). Checks should be made payable to UC Regents. Checks, VISA or MasterCard payment should be sent to UC Visual Media, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8748; fax: (916) 757 8991. The videos may be rented for $ 7 in California and $ 10 out of state. For other tape formats call (916) 757-8980.
Soil Management Proceeding
Proceedings: Sustainable
Soil Management Symposium, April 22, 1993, UC Davis. 90 pages. Co-sponsored
Soil Management Proceedings by UC SAREP and the UC Small Farm Program,
the symposium addressed the rationale and methods for improving soil quality
through periodic additions of organic matter. Two research projects comparing
conventional and alliterative production systems were also presented.
The proceedings includes articles submitted by symposium speakers as well
as selected articles from peer-reviewed journals. To receive a copy, send
a check for $10 to UC SAREP University of California, Davis, CA 95616.
Checks are payable to UC Regents.
Weed Video
Cultural Weed Control in Vegetable Crops, 1993 (V93-E), produced by Tom Lanini, UC Davis Botany Extension, funded by UC SAREP The 18-minute video describing sustainable weed management is narrated by Robert Bugg, UC SAREP cover crops and restoration analyst. it examines California organic growers' row crops weed control practices from bed preparation prior to planting through the growing seasons. The videotape's technical narration explains why and how these practices work. Although it is aimed at growers interested in reducing herbicide use, the video is suitable for a general audience. The video includes two versions of the same information: the first is a straight-forward presentation, while the second is narrated in a light-hearted "down-home" style. It may be ordered in VHS format for $40 (includes postage, handling and applicable taxes.) Checks should be made payable to UC Regents. Checks, VISA or MasterCard payment should be sent to UC Visual Media, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8748; fax: (916) 757-8991. The video may be rented for $7 in California and $10 out of state. For other tape formats call (916) 757-8980
Citizen/Policymaker Guide
to Biotech
In Our Back Yard,
1993, by The Biotechnology Working Group, Minnesota Food Association.
This handbook for citizens and policy makers is designed to help those
interested in enacting legislation at the state or municipal level to
assure the safe introduction of genetically engineered organisms into
the environment. The handbook includes principles of state regulation;
the pros and cons of state regulation; case studies; model state laws;
and lists of individuals and organizations nationwide who can provide
assistance on biotechnology issues. The cost is $5 per handbook, or $
3.50 per handbook plus postage on orders of ten or more. Checks are payable
to Minnesota Food Association, 2395 University Ave., Room 309, St. Paul,
MN 55114; tel: (612) 644-2038
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