Hi Allan, Not to put you off, but I think that 10 acres is too small for citrus plus vegetable growing. In reality 10 acres is small for any type of crop nowadays, unless you are very intensive, i.e. herbs or intensive vegetables, or value add or sell direct to consumers or have a second income. It will hardly leave you land to take out of cash crop production, i.e. growing a green manure crop which is really an essential part of organics/bd. Another point, and I rather paint things black to make sure you look into things very carefully, is that for decent weeding implements for your vegetable growing you could easily spend another $20,000-$30,000. I am thinking of a flame- or steam weeder and a brush- or rotary type weeder for your mechanical weed control. You might get out of it, if you raise your own seedlings and plant them in a cover crop. If you plant into a clean bed you can probably get away with a simpler and cheaper tine weeding implement. But a seedling transplanter is advisable in that case to make sure you plant straight. Most vegetables are grown in raised seedbeds. It's good to have a bedformer for that. etc., etc. Of course, if your neighbours are successful vegetable growers they'ld have all the equipment you need. Another thought: did you think of a washer for your packing shed? Most vegetables are washed before packing. Is your soil alkaline or acidic or neutral? In the back of my head is the notion that mineral rockdust is not very effective in alkaline conditions. I would verify that, if I knew that you have alkaline soil. Regards, Christiane [EMAIL PROTECTED] on 03/07/2002 15:44:59 Please respond to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (bcc: Christiane Jaeger/NRE) Subject: Re: Certification Gil:thanks for the feedback. In answer to your considerations have done most of them myself.I managed to get two years of study under my belt at UWSH,in Hort/Sci before economic pressure forced me to go back to the work force. I am very sure that the land is suitable and in addition I have two conventional farmers who are willing to lend a hand,ie their tractor and implements and their local knowledge in exchange for my experience.(I helped one farmer establish 4aces of garlic in Feb). As far as plant and equipment is concerned $20,000 Aud will see me with a packing/equipment shed and cool room.I have all the irrigation for 10 acres and only need a pump house. I would like to add that the conventional farmers took to the BD way of thinking(some of it.I haven't told them of the esoteric side to it yet),with real enthusiasm I feel there is a real opportunity here to improve the village community and the sustainability of other farms in the area. Your mention of Mineral rock dusts,I would be very interrested in your contacts. Allan Emerton
| Gil:thanks for the feedback.
In answer to your considerations have done most of them myself.I managed to get two years of study under my belt at UWSH,in Hort/Sci before economic pressure forced me to go back to the work force. I am very sure that the land is suitable and in addition I have two conventional farmers who are willing to lend a hand,ie their tractor and implements and their local knowledge in exchange for my experience.(I helped one farmer establish 4aces of garlic in Feb). As far as plant and equipment is concerned $20,000 Aud will see me with a packing/equipment shed and cool room.I have all the irrigation for 10 acres and only need a pump house. I would like to add that the conventional farmers took to the BD way of thinking(some of it.I haven't told them of the esoteric side to it yet),with real enthusiasm I feel there is a real opportunity here to improve the village community and the sustainability of other farms in the area. Your mention of Mineral rock dusts,I would be very interrested in your contacts. Allan Emerton |
