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Agriculture Diversification

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Title: Agriculture Diversification


1
Agriculture Diversification
Jay Davison, Area Specialist University of
Nevada, Cooperative Extension Fallon, Nevada
2
Why Diversify into Alternative Crops?
  • Hays are 92 of all crops grown in Nevada
  • High risks related to market and pests
  • Water is more limiting (economics and political)
  • Input costs are increasing while prices are static

3
Feasibility Analysis Steps for Alternative Crops
  • Marketing analysis
  • Crop environmental requirements vs. site
    characteristics

4
Examples of Alternative Crops Currently Grown in
NV
  • Wine grapes
  • Poplar trees
  • Nursery stock (shrubs trees)
  • Teff

5
Wine Grapes
  • Reduced water use
  • Higher income potential

6
Frey Vineyard Project
  • Assembled a team of interested people (Producers,
    Businessmen Researchers, Extension, Community
    Members)
  • Attended wine grape production class
  • Built community support with public presentations
  • Pursued outside funding

7
July 1, 2001Planting
8
2005
9
Hybrid Poplar Trees
  • Market is growing for various wood products and
    bio-fuels in US
  • Poplars successfully grown in Nevada for years
    (homeowners)
  • Cheap and easy to test/grow (.20/cutting)
  • Real Diversification forestry vs. farming

10
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11
25
12
Nursery Stock
  • Nevada is the fastest growing state in U.S.
  • Nevada is one of the most urban states in U.S.
  • Every homeowner needs some planting stock
  • Almost all planting stock is grown outside Nevada

13
Nursery Stock Trial 2001
  • Planted 24 varieties (bareroot) March 2001
  • Expanded trial to 4 acres in 2003
  • First commercial harvests in 2005 and 2006
  • Appears to be a commercially profitable venture

14
Spring 2002
15
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16
Tef, A New Crop for Western Nevada
17
Tef Facts
  • Eragrostis tef
  • Annual grass (not cold tolerant) from Ethiopia
  • Seeds (flour) used for injera (flat bread) in
    Ethiopia major U.S. cities
  • Source of gluten free flour
  • Hay is palatable, digestible, w/high energy
    (horse hay)

18
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21
More Potential New Crops
  • Turfgrass (sod)
  • Sea buckthorn
  • Non-gluten flours
  • Bio-energy crops

22
Alternative Crops Summary
  • Do your homework! Markets, Crop Needs, Site
    Evaluation
  • Start small to determine crop survivability and
    production potential
  • Keep complete records on production and total
    costs
  • Expect difficulties and be persistent
  • Be willing to market crop directly to consumers
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