Coaldale, Alberta, Canada |
Well, some random thoughts. We converted our operation over in 2004 and would not consider going back. Weed control is your first big concern. Then crop nutrition and pests. You may not grow all the crops you like. You need to design a rotation to keep weeds off balance, take advantage of N-fixing crops (legumes), and don't grow high nutrient-demanding crops back to back.
As for the comments regarding doing it for the money vs. believing in it, you must think it is a good idea to have any staying power in the industry. It is no different from conventional ag, you just have different challenges. You don't need RTK, we don't have it and we cultivate vegetables very accurately. We pull a sharp trench at planting, and use single v-rib steer tires and steel cultivator guide wheels. Very accurate, hands-free cultivation.
Ideally, would be nice to integrate livestock into the operation. Also, green manure crops and the occasional fallow year must be considered for high-value crops.
We farm silt-clay loam soils, 3000 ft elevation, 3percent organic matter, 120 frost free days. I suspect your game is different, but basic principles are the same.
Talk to someone successful who is fairly local to get some ideas on production and also marketing. This is the most important thing you can do.
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Organic Farming Conversion
