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Food Safety Rules for Fruit & Vegetable Growers: FAQ
It seems rules and guidelines for growing fresh produce safely are constantly changing, as new laws and regulations are implemented each year.
Determining Hay Prices
Before pricing forages, producers will want to have a good understanding about the cost of growing a ton of hay, alfalfa or straw.
CSA Subscription ‘Box’
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscriptions vary by producers; there is no set rule on the package size or box contents.
Developing a Vision Statement for a Farmers Market
The Vision Statement is a picture of what the market organizers want the market to look and feel like in the future.
Farmers Market Food Safety: At the Market
Displaying food and produce safely requires attention to reducing the risk of contamination.
Drafting Farmers Market Documents: Market Rules
It is strongly recommended that new and existing farmers markets draft rules to govern the daily operation of the market.
Agritourism
When a producer has decided to sell a product directly from the farm, entertainment or tourism-based activities could be incorporated to create larger appeal. Agritourism could add value to the farm visit though education, entertainment, outdoor recreation, dining, relaxation or other avenues, potentially drawing more customers in.
Community Gardens: Garden Rules - Operational Guidelines
When developing garden rules or participate guidelines it is important to address activities related to the operations of the garden. Clearly state that gardeners are expected to maintain their plot for the entire season and list the dates of the season during which they are responsible.
Haying With Wildlife in Mind
Anyone who has spent time cutting hay knows that hayland can be a magnet for wildlife in late spring and early summer. Hay fields are often considered an “ecological trap” for wildlife; that is, they appear to be high quality habitat for nesting or feeding due to tall, dense grass and legumes, but often lead to increased mortality once harvesting is under way.
High-Quality Silage Making & Safe Practices: Both are necessities
Throughout the forage growing season many producers are putting up silage piles. To this point they have been predominately forages such as haylage or small grain silage; however, we will soon be moving into corn silage cutting season.