Agricultural Alternatives
The goal of the Agricultural Alternatives series is to help you evaluate all aspects of a given enterprise before you commit your time and money. Whether you are a full-time farmer looking to diversify or a part-time farmer looking to generate additional income from your property, there are many important issues to consider when selecting a new enterprise.
-
VideosAsparagus Grower Interview
Length 2:01Asparagus producer video explaining the benefits and drawbacks of asparagus production. -
ArticlesStarting or Diversifying an Agricultural Business
Small-scale farming can be a very satisfying lifestyle, but to be financially successful you also need to view your operation as a business. -
ArticlesBeekeeping - Honey Bees
Honey bees can be managed to produce many products, but they are even more valued for the major role they play in pollination of agricultural crops. -
ArticlesIndustrial Hemp Production
This publication provides information about hemp, including production history, policies, uses, market challenges, and production practices. It also includes sample budgets for production. -
ArticlesPotato Production
With many varieties and high consumer consumption, potatoes fit well with many small growers and can be marketed through various outlets. -
ArticlesDeveloping a Business Plan
An important task in starting a new venture is to develop a business plan, which is a "road map" to guide the future of a business or venture. -
ArticlesFeeding Beef Cattle
Beef cattle feeding is possible on small and part-time farms, but the cost of feeding drops significantly as the size of the operation increases. -
ArticlesHigh Tunnel Production
This is an ag alternatives publication on high tunnel production of vegetable crops. -
ArticlesSweet Corn Production
Initial investment is relatively low, and many field operations - such as land preparation, planting, and harvesting - can be custom-hired. -
ArticlesOff-Season and Accelerated Lamb Production
Sheep are ideally suited to small-scale and part-time farming operations in Pennsylvania due to their adaptability and nutritional versatility. -
ArticlesMeat Goat Production
Demand for goat meat, milk, cheese, and hide has steadily increased in the United States along with the proliferation of ethnic and specialty markets. -
ArticlesDairy Goat Production
Dairy goat production is an alternative livestock enterprise suitable for many small-scale or part-time livestock operations. -
ArticlesRaspberry Production
Raspberry production is well suited to small farms, as a small area of raspberries can provide significant income and equipment needs for an acre or so of raspberries are not great. -
ArticlesSmall-Scale Egg Production (Organic and Conventional)
Egg production on a small scale is one of the oldest animal farming enterprises in recorded history. A small investment may yield several years of income. -
ArticlesSmall-Flock Turkey Production
Raising turkeys can be a satisfying educational activity as well as a source of economical, high-quality meat for your family and friends. -
ArticlesHop Production
The growth of the craft brewery industry in the Northeast coupled with a series of hop shortages in the Pacific Northwest renewed interest in hop production in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. -
ArticlesSpring Lamb Production
Compared to most other livestock enterprises, spring lamb production has lower investment costs and labor requirements, and quicker returns on investment. -
ArticlesCantaloupe (Muskmelon) Production
Cantaloupe is a crop that is well-suited to small-scale and part-time farms and has multiple markets for growers. -
ArticlesAsparagus Production
Asparagus is a perennial crop that lends itself well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. -
ArticlesPepper Production
Peppers lend themselves well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. -
ArticlesOnion Production
Dry onions are a crop that lends itself well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. -
ArticlesBeef Cow-Calf Production
The beef cow-calf business is well adapted to small-scale and part-time farmers who have land suitable for pasture and hay production. -
ArticlesAgricultural Business Insurance
Risk management can take many forms, including insurance, production diversification, and business structure. -
ArticlesBudgeting for Agricultural Decision Making
The various types of budgets are used for different purposes and this publication provides information covering the most commonly used budgets in agriculture. -
ArticlesManaging Small Woodlots
Woodlot owners can improve their woods for the future or cause damage from which they might not recover for generations.
