Profitable Organic Farming

About this book

Identifies the key points for success and draws on the experience and knowledge of farmers who have turned temperate organic farming into a thriving commercial enterprise. Special features: scientific approach to the practical reality of running a business; the main problem of organic farming is how to do it profitably - this book provides help and advice; shows how to avoid being at the mercy of supermarkets and other big outlets. Second edition has a chapter on conversion from traditional to organic farming.

Contents

Foreword to the First Edition by the late Anne Scott; Acknowledgements; Useful Organic Farming Web Site Addresses; 1 Introduction; 2 Grassland Productivity; Grassland in Britain; Reasons for predicting the productivity of organic grassland; Factors influencing herbage yield; Methods of predicting grassland production; The effect of white clover; Herbage utilisation; Silage and hay production; References: 3 Dairy, Beef, and Sheep Production; Milk production; Beef production; Sheep production; References; 4 Pig and Poultry Production; Pig production; Poultry production; References; 5 Arable Production Systems; Rotations; Varieties; Weeds; Crop area; Nutrient removal and supply; Farmyard manure and composting; Crop yields; Arable crops; References; 6 Farm Size and and Enterprise Combinations; Farm size; Enterprise combinations; Animal systems; Enterprises and finance; References; 7 Organic Standards: Problems and Solutions; Beef calves; Beef; Pigs; Poultry; Dairy cows; Sheep; Weed control; Disease and pest control; References; Financial Management of the Farm; Cash flow; Costings; References; Further Reading; 9 Marketing Organic Produce; Challenges and opportunities; Current market channels and products; Organic symbol; Price; Market research and assessing your market; Final decision; Outlets; References; Further reading; 10 Progress by Organic Farmers; Insufficient organic grassland during conversion; The value and methods of introducing white clover; The control of internal parasites by grazing management; The phosphate story; Veterinary problems on organic farms; Selling organic meat; Selling organic milk; Yeo Valley Organic Company; Organic Cheese; Chisel Farm, Dorset; Good Herdsmen; The Watermill, Little Salkeld, Penrith; References; 11 Organic Farming- The Future; Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Jon Newton is an agricultural consultant specialising in organic and sustainable agriculture based in North Wales, UK.