What is useful to farmers raising poultry on pasture, or in rotation with food crops? Like two wings of a bird, we need practical on-the-ground production practices together with business and economic considerations. Here on this forum, we can share knowledge and experience about productive birds and healthy soils, profitable farm enterprises, and what works well for the people involved.
At the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), we’ll be working with aspiring, beginning, and experienced integrated crop-and-poultry farmers in California, Iowa, and Kentucky, in partnership with university extension, farmer organizations, policy advocates, and community groups in all three states. This project—Two Strong Wings, Cover Crops & Veggies: Developing the Next Generation of Integrative Farmers in California, Iowa and Kentucky, is funded through USDA’s Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) until the summer of 2025.
Farmers have essential experience, perspective, knowledge, and insights in the unique climatic, cultural, market, and regulatory contexts of their farm and region. Research and extension people have some data from experiments in progress. Our conversations will help us discern what is most relevant to beginning farmers. The field of integrated crop and poultry production holds potential for starting or improving a farm business, when approached with our eyes wide open to the practical, financial and human considerations.
At the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), we’ll be working with aspiring, beginning, and experienced integrated crop-and-poultry farmers in California, Iowa, and Kentucky, in partnership with university extension, farmer organizations, policy advocates, and community groups in all three states. This project—Two Strong Wings, Cover Crops & Veggies: Developing the Next Generation of Integrative Farmers in California, Iowa and Kentucky, is funded through USDA’s Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) until the summer of 2025.
Farmers have essential experience, perspective, knowledge, and insights in the unique climatic, cultural, market, and regulatory contexts of their farm and region. Research and extension people have some data from experiments in progress. Our conversations will help us discern what is most relevant to beginning farmers. The field of integrated crop and poultry production holds potential for starting or improving a farm business, when approached with our eyes wide open to the practical, financial and human considerations.