Machinery and equipment needs are far different for vegetable farms than for commodity production units. This project explored the unique machinery access options for small and mid-sized horticulture operations.

The challenges and opportunities, including financial returns, were studied for six different perennial crops that can be used in agroforestry practices. Crops investigated were aronia berry, black walnut, chestnut, Christmas trees, elderberry and hazelnut.

Ramping up production from direct sales to providing goods for wholesale markets means farmers must acquire new skills and competencies. Working through a farmer cooperative, producers were offered education on food safety and how to expand their operations.

This was the original project description: This is an expansion of a previous Leopold Center competitive grant (M2009-23), which supported the development of a basic semi-automated mechanical intra-row weed removal system for vegetable crops. The investigators will conduct field trials to evaluate and improve the prototype.

An array of equipment is available to help fruit and vegetable growers with specialized production and processing tasks. This study examined ways for these small operators to share equipment and maximize their use of the shared implements.

The project participants researched, developed, tested and implemented technologies for year-round growing seasons designed to be viable under the growing conditions in southwest Iowa. High tunnels, alternative crops, vermiculture and collaborative producer groups were among the options tested.

This project evaluates the long-term practicality of the aquaponic enterprise for economic and environmental sustainability. The investigator is comparing three types of plant-growing materials(rock wool, pea gravel and floating rafts) in a recirculating aquaponic system to grow basil, lettuce and Nile tilapia. Future plans include use of native yellow perch in the system rather than the non-native tilapia.

Work continues in Year 16 of a long-term experiment comparing organic and conventional crop rotations. Adverse weather conditions in 2013 affected the production and performance of several crops in the rotations being studied. As a consequence of extended wet weather in spring, poor stands, delayed weed management and subsequent high weed populations, organic soybean yields were 26 percent lower than 2012. Organic corn yields were, however, greater than conventional corn, even when re-planting occurred on June 8.

This was the original project description: Investigators will detail a value chain analysis of locally grown produce in Iowa. Investigators will identify supply chain structures that support production and distribution using methodologies compatible with sustainable agriculture.

This was the original project description: The goal of this project is to develop a practical mechanical intra-row weed control solution for automatically removing weeds from vegetable crops for small and mid-scale Iowa growers. Investigators will explore an optical sensing system and a mechanism to remove weeds with minimal soil disturbance, crop damage and energy input. The project also will demonstrate the effectiveness and economic viability of the system.