Project Overview
FNE08-643
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2008: $9,273.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2009
Region: Northeast
State: Maine
Project Leader:
Commodities
- Agronomic: sunflower
- Animal Products: dairy
Practices
- Animal Production: feed/forage
- Education and Training: farmer to farmer, networking, on-farm/ranch research, workshop
- Energy: bioenergy and biofuels
- Farm Business Management: new enterprise development
- Production Systems: organic agriculture, integrated crop and livestock systems
- Sustainable Communities: infrastructure analysis, local and regional food systems
Proposal summary:
Organic dairy farmers constantly struggle to find economically priced protein and energy concentrates to feed their herd. The farmer will explore whether growing sunflowers, extruding the oil for human consumption, and using the high-protein meal will enhance their organic dairy operation through diversification, cost reduction, and improved profits. Outreach will be through producer newsletters, field days, and a conference.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.