Tower's Switchgrass Co-op

[silverback]

An earlier thread was getting too long, so I will move it up a notch.

Tower has basically suggested to our farm that we stop fertilizing and switch to switchgrass and deep rooted alfalfa as an alternative to growing crops controlled by the cwb. However, he has not helped me to find where the current market for my new crop is so I am looking for suggestions and help with marketing our new enterprise.

I am also in a bit of a bind since we have an extensive lineup of crop production equipment and now will be switching to organic forage production. I am not sure if I will need to provide any added nutrients to the new system or if it will be self sustaining forever.

I appreciate his help in finding the solution to demanding freedom for our family by suggesting that we just stop grain production, but will need some help in the transition. I apologize to him for thinking that it would be ok to use commercial fertilizers and produce food for the citizens of Canada and the rest of the world.

Any helpful hints for our new direction will be appreciated.

ps. I also have some permit books for rent now.

[tower]

I think this is just great, just great, I had no idea that you could adopt a progressive solution to your dilemma so quickly. Please rest assured that I will continue to give what poor aid I can.

Don't feel bad about the food for humans bit, there may be a lot of us going in this direction. May we learn from your initiative.

[tower]

PS, I didn't actually suggest a co-op approach for you.... perhaps I was under the misunderstanding that it wasn't your bag. However if you would like I could talk to some co-op organizer types who I'm sure would be glad to give suggestions on who to contact in your area and what needs to be done to set it up. Just say the word.

[dalek]

Can't help you on the switchgrass but I have a couple of neighbours growing organic hemp, they've both been at it for about 5 years now. They've found great markets, all they have to do is truck it 3 hours away for free and they'll be paid 60% of what it cost them to grow it. Big square bales of it make great windbreaks for wintering cattle, they won't eat it.

[wilagro]

There is a relative of hemp which is very profitable but the government won't let me grow it. I tried it years ago on a small-scale plot and it grows well in Alberta. I don't know if the cattle will eat it or not, but somehow I doubt it as it is too tough. The flowers are nice though.

[tower]

Do you suppose that if we formed a co-op, or a board to manage that particular variety that the government would see the light? That would probably be one of those high hopes. :>)

[parsley]

Hemp contracts being signed now:


Specs:

Certified Organic Hempseed
#2 or better
< 2.5ppm vomitoxin

Peroxide Value: max 1.0 meq/kg oil
FFA: max 0.3%
Moisture: 8.5-9.5%
Test Weight: Min 44lbs
Purity: 99.9%

.85Cents/lb Canadian dollars

2 year contracts

$200.00 per tonne for baled organic hemp straw

Parsley