CCD-SP-2: High Tunnel Overview

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | June 12, 2012 (New)

High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are relatively simple polyethylene-covered greenhouse-like structures built over ground beds. High tunnels can be used to extend the production season and marketing window of a wide variety of crops. They have been used in Kentucky to produce early season vegetables, cut flowers, brambles, and strawberries. High tunnels can also make it possible to produce leafy greens and herbs during the winter. Shaded, well-vented high tunnels can be used to grow some cool-season crops later into early summer.

CCD-SP-12: Wildcrafting Non-Timber Forest Products: An Overview

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | June 6, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Kentuckians have been collecting plant products from forests, meadows, and other natural habitats for generations. This practice, commonly referred to as wildcrafting, is a tradition in many areas of the state, especially Appalachia. Plant materials other than timber that are harvested from the forest are generally referred to as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) or special(ty) forest products. Although often collected for personal use, many wildcrafted materials also have commercial value and could offer a means of providing additional income.

CCD-CP-68: Corn Shocks

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | April 24, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Potential markets for corn shocks include farmers markets, roadside stands, and garden centers. Stores that specialize in decorative and craft items may present another marketing option. Grocery stores and other retailers who create store displays may be interested in purchasing shocks. Some Kentucky producers have had success in selling entire lawn displays that include corn shocks, along with other fall decoratives. The displays are delivered directly to the customer and set up by the grower.

CCD-CP-6: Gooseberries and Currants

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | February 27, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Gooseberries and currants (Ribes spp.) are woody, multi-stemmed shrubs best known for their tart fruit. While some enjoy eating them fresh, these fruit are especially prized for use in making jellies, jams, pies, and sauces.

ID-195: Sweetpotato Production for Kentucky

Ric Bessin, Tim Coolong, Sarah Fannin, Kenny Seebold, Tim Woods | February 21, 2012 (New)

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a member of the morningglory or Convolvulaceae family. Sweetpotatoes have their origins in tropical America, with early remains having been found in Panama, Peru and Mexico. A perennial plant in their native regions, they are typically killed by frost when grown in a temperate climate. Sweetpotatoes are true roots and not tubers as is the case with the Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum). Because they are true roots they will continue to grow and enlarge as long as the plant continues to grow.

AEC-98: Understanding and Quantifying Year-to-Year Changes in the ACRE Revenue Guarantee

Cory Walters | February 20, 2012 (New)

The United States Department of Agriculture's Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program guarantees producers revenue at the state level, which is tied to state crop production and the National Average Market Price. Payments trigger when the current state revenue is less than the ACRE program guarantee.

CCD-CP-42: Spelt

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | February 6, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Spelt (Triticum aestivum var. spelta) is a subspecies of wheat that is primarily used as an alternative feed grain for livestock. It is generally grown for on-farm use, often as a substitute for oats. Most of the nation's feed-grade spelt is grown in Ohio. Spelt can also be used in many of the same processed foods as soft red winter wheat (for example, pasta, high fiber cereals, and crackers). Some people with allergies to wheat are not allergic to spelt, making spelt an excellent substitute for wheat in their diets. Spelt products are available through organic and health food stores.

CCD-CP-49: Woody Biomass for Energy

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | January 27, 2012 (New)

Biomass, when used in reference to renewable energy, is any biological (plant or animal) matter that can be converted to electricity or fuel. Woody biomass refers to biomass material specifically from trees and shrubs. It is most often transformed to usable energy by direct combustion, either alone or co-fired with coal; however, efforts are underway to develop methods to cost effectively convert woody material to liquid fuels.

CCD-CP-112: Peanuts

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | January 25, 2012 (New)

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), also referred to as groundpeas or groundnuts, are an annual herbaceous legume with an indeterminate growth habit. As these alternate names imply, this unique plant produces its fruit (peanut) below ground. Once the small yellow flowers are self-pollinated, the fertilized ovary elongates into a "peg" which grows downward and penetrates into the soil. Peanuts develop underground at the ends of the pegs. The peanut seed is referred to a kernel and the outer shell is called a pod or hull.

ID-198: Benefits and Costs Associated with the Wheat Storage Hedge

Doug Johnson, Sam McNeill, Cory Walters | January 24, 2012 (New)

Each year producers must decide whether to store or sell their crop at harvest. Market prices are important in guiding producers on whether to store priced grain for future delivery (referred to as a storage hedge), store unpriced grain, or sell. Generally, producers know more about deciding to sell or store unpriced grain than using the storage hedge. This publication explains how a storage hedge works, when to use it, and risks and costs involved. (See glossary for definition of terms.)