Sustainable Ranching

Descriptions of fruit varieties suitable for organic production Plant protection, pests and diseases and how they can be countered in organic systems Includes tables, diagrams graphs and photographsThere is great interest in organic horticulture and this title is a timely and much needed addition for practical, science-based guidance. It is a translation of a volume which has been very well received in German and is the product of collaboration between authors in Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The contents include the basics of organic fruit growing, but also cover orchard construction, cultivation, protection and the commercialization of the organic products.

Discusses the evolution of various fruit crops and their genetic resources. Considering that the interspecific hybridisation has played an important role in the evolution of fruit crops ,and further that commercial cultivars have been developed through wide hybridisation, methods for overcoming pre- and post-zygotic barriers in hybridisation have been described which will guide breeders in designing hybridisation programs accordingly.This book will be useful to both undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as teachers and researchers in the field of fruit breeding.

The Holistic Orchard demystifies the basic skills everybody should know about the inner-workings of the orchard ecosystem, as well as orchard design, soil biology, and organic health management. Detailed insights on grafting, planting, pruning, and choosing the right varieties for your climate are also included, along with a step-by-step instructional calendar to guide growers through the entire orchard year.

Strawberry is among the most widely consumed fruits in the world and its cultivation is increasing worldwide. It is a microclimatic crop, which means that its behaviour may vary considerably depending on many agronomical and environmental factors such as temperature, light, moisture, soil type, etc. Strawberry production requires the input of large amounts of water because of its shallow rooting system, its high leaf area and the large water content of the fruit. This book discusses the cultivation of strawberries as well as the antioxidant properties and health benefits of consuming them.

Tomato industries and researchers have advanced tremendously in recent years, however, because of the rapid progress, tomato specialists are sometimes ignorant of fields outside of his/her specialty. Some molecular biologists have little knowledge of climate control in a greenhouse, and some plant physiologists don't know much about how lycopene of tomatoes influences the human body. This book consists of recent topics written by tomato experts in a wide range of fields. The book describes the physiology of tomatoes, such as yield components and photosynthate translocation, cultivation techniques such as sensing and control in a greenhouse and in tomato diseases; effects of cultivation methods on the end-product, and conditions of the international trade of tomatoes. Also discussed is the nutritional contents of tomato fruits, especially antioxidants such as lycopene; the effects of ripening and processing on these contents, and on human health.

In this book, the authors present topical research on the varieties, cultivation and management of grapevines. Some of the topics discussed include grapevine pathogens spreading with propagation plant stock; current status of grape breeding and viticulture; implications for soil and plant nutrition for different cultivation methods in vineyards; the correlation between the polyphenolic content of Greek wines and their geographical origin; biological control for grapevine crown gall; differential expression of osmotic stress-associated ESTS in grapevine cultivars and impact of pruning methods on the yield and the oenological quality of grapevines.

In this book, the authors gather current research in the study of the cultivation, varieties and nutritional uses of grapes. Topics discussed in this compilation include characterisation of wine industry residue and its application in foods; evaluation of grape seeds as a source of added value natural antioxidants; prohexadione-calcium as a regulator of vine growth; extraction and bioactive properties of grape-seed polyphenols; hypersensitivity and allergy to grapes; grapes as an alternative crop for water saving and reutilisation of grape pomace as a solid medium of fermentation for the production of hydrolytic enzymes of industrial interest.

According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics, from 1970 to 2011 the world production of blueberries increased approximately 7 times (FAOSTAT, 2012). According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States is the world leading producer of blueberries, being the second most produced and commercialised small fruit in the country after strawberry. There are three main groups of blueberries commercialised and produced in the world: the lowbush, the highbush and the Rabbiteye (RASEIRA e ANTUNES, 2004). The high amount of bioactive compounds present in both the pulp and in the peel of the blueberries, makes it a fresh fruit rich in natural antioxidants. This book discusses the harvesting methods, antioxidant properties and health effects of blueberries.

The third edition of Fruit and Vegetables reviews and evaluates, in comprehensive detail, postharvest aspects of a very wide international range of fresh fruit and vegetables as it applies to their physiology, quality, technology, harvest maturity determination, harvesting methods, packaging, postharvest treatments, controlled atmosphere storage, ripening and transportation.

The illustrated guide to profitable, vibrant and sustainable permaculture-based market gardening Permaculture tends to be very much in the domain of home gardeners and property owners. But what if we could take it all a step further, and merge the fields of permaculture and market gardening? In The Permaculture Market Garden , author Zach Loeks brings together his passion for sustainable permaculture food production systems and beautiful, vibrant illustrations to provide a highly visual guide to the smooth integration of permaculture into the market garden, in ways that are scalable to specific situations. Profiling crops and ecosystem-based techniques, Loeks demonstrates a profitable, sustainable and approachable model for the future of market gardening. Along the way, Loeks introduces his own system of PermaBeds, season extension techniques, intensive and rotational interplanting, in-depth discussions on soil health, and more, bringing activities, designs and prospects of farming to life through illustrations, so the reader can be immersed within the world of permaculture farming. Playful, informative and curious, inspiring and beautiful and packed with accessible practical information, The Permaculture Market Garden will inspire both the seasoned market gardener as well as anyone aspiring to start a business. Zach Loeks is a market gardener, farm consultant and educator living in the Ottawa Valley. Winner of two regional awards for sustainability and innovation in agriculture, he shares his expertise in farming, design and business through a successful series of on-farm workshops, conferences and schools, as well as a successful year-round CSA.

Smallholding as a concept is not limited to small-scale farming, and anyone can bring parts of it to their everyday lifestyle, whether it's a window box to grow produce, a garden to keep chickens, or a field or two for other livestock. Providing a comprehensive overview of smallholding for the beginner, Smallholding is a practical guide to growing food and farming livestock.

Applied Principles of Horticultural Science is that critical thing for all students of horticulture - a book that teaches the theory of horticultural science through the practice of horticulture itself.

The third edition of Fruit and Vegetables reviews and evaluates, in comprehensive detail, postharvest aspects of a very wide international range of fresh fruit and vegetables as it applies to their physiology, quality, technology, harvest maturity determination, harvesting methods, packaging, postharvest treatments, controlled atmosphere storage, ripening and transportation.

Jo Ann Gardner has been growing herbs for more than 25 years on her Cape Breton Island farm. With this book, she presents an A-Z selection of 80 favourite flowering herbs, with advice on how to grow each herb from seeds or cuttings.'

Perennial vegetables are a joy to grow and require a lot less time and effort than annuals. In this book Martin Crawford gives comprehensive advice on all types of perennial vegetable (edible plants that live longer than three years), from ground-cover plants and coppiced trees to plants for bog gardens and edible woodland plants.

Sweet potato is a short-cycle, dicotyledonous plant in the morning glory family Convolvulaceae. It is a vegetable crop with roots that are sweet-tasting, starchy and tuberous. It is native to the tropical regions in America, from where it spread to other parts of the world. Chapter One of this book focuses on the production, nutritional patterns and diseases of sweet potatoes. Chapter Two studies boron management in sweet potato crops. Chapter Three provides a review of the food applications and health benefits related to antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from sweet potato peels and leaves.

Covers handling and restraint of all domestic and common tamed animals and provides information on normal animal behavior and welfare Discusses how to recognize signs in animals of poor handling and containment Reviews zoonotic disease risks to animal handlers, particularly from normal-appearing animals, and how to avoid transmission of disease Features over 200 informative line drawings for clarity and simplicity of illustration

This book, the culmination of forty years of theorizing about the moral status of animals, explicates and justifies society's moral obligation to animals in terms of the commonsense metaphysics and ethics of Aristotle's concept of telos. Rollin uses this concept to assert that humans have a responsibility to treat animals ethically. Aristotle used the concept, from the Greek word for "end" or "purpose," as the core explanatory concept for the world we live in. We understand what an animal is by what it does. This is the nature of an animal, and helps us understand our obligations to animals.

There has been a lot written about animal welfare in intensive farming systems, but very little about animals reared in extensive agricultural systems. Yet these animals make up a significant proportion of the world's farm animal population, covering a significant portion of the globe. Animals kept in extensive conditions face their own unique set of challenges that are vital for anyone with an interest in farm animal welfare to understand.

The complexities of animal behaviour revealed in the last few decades are astonishing, but what are the implications? In this book, internationally respected contributors are brought together to debate and attempt to answer these questions. It looks at the emotions and mental abilities of animals and other aspects of animal welfare.

Calf Rearing is recognized as one of the most informative and accessible guides on the subject, covering growth, nutrition, health and behavior, with descriptions of various calf raising systems and facilities. John Moran, an expert in the field, also gives considerable coverage to calf welfare, post weaning management and calf communication. Practical economic information on feedstuffs, labour requirements and losses is provided to assist producers in selecting the most appropriate calf rearing system for their farms.

THIS PRINT BOOKS CAN BE MAILED TO ANY ADDRESS. The farming of animals for meat and milk confronts a stark dilemma. While world demand from a growing and more affluent human population is increasing rapidly, there are strong counter-arguments that we should eat less meat and pay more attention to environmental protection, animal welfare and human health and well-being; The aim of this book is to identify and explain the causes and contributors to current problems in animal husbandry, especially those related to 'factory farming', and advance arguments that may contribute to its successful re-orientation.

* Answers real questions asked by those seeking to make a rural lifestyle change * Deals exclusively with small cattle * Information is provided in a detailed, easy to understand format with simple terminology Small cattle breeds are manageable to control and care for, and perfect for lifestyle blocks and small farms. They can be bred commercially for beef but their docile temperaments and small size also make them especially suitable for hobby farms. In this second edition of her popular book, award-winning cattle breeder Margo Hayes provides practical and easy-to-understand information for those interested in keeping small cattle. The book assumes no prior experience with cattle, and covers all the basics to help you set up an enjoyable and viable small farm, including: types of cattle and production systems available, how to select your stock, explanations of equipment required and basic cattle husbandry. It contains simple explanatory diagrams and photographs to make new concepts clear.

It seems an irrefutable truth that raising animals for meat has become unsustainable. Land is being eroded and destroyed, water resources overdrawn, greenhouse gases overemitted, and energy and crops unnecessarily diverted - all to satiate a growing and inequitable global overconsumption of meat. But is all meat unsustainable? Sustainable food systems are multiple and varied and represent the diversity and complexity we see in the world. A range of socio-ecological and political-economic challenges and solutions are involved in the question of whether sustainable meat consumption exists. Green Meat? teases out some of that complexity in order to consider what roles animals and their products might play in the future as the world works towards new ways of living. Through an interdisciplinary lens, scholars and practitioners critically examine the multifaceted dimensions of "green meat": contributors confront the industrial production and slaughter of animals, ask what it means to be a carnivore, and consider the possibilities of regenerative animal agriculture and cellular agriculture. The book analyzes ongoing damage to the landscape, the climate, and water systems caused by conventional livestock production and looks at current debates about the place of meat in sustainable agri-food systems. An expansive inquiry into food production practices, Green Meat? will inspire the kind of discussion and debate necessary to grapple with the complex issue of sustainability.

Herding Dogs: Progressive Training is the only book of its kind to guide the owner toward training the complete herding dog. Whether you are involved in farming or ranching, or simply want to explore your herding dog's heritage, you will find a wealth of information here. For those with competitive goals, Herding Dogs will enhance your knowledge with a philosophy that has the dog's individual breed and personality as the central focus.

The Author describes the dog kept and bred by the shepherds of mountainous Abruzzo in Italy to repel wolves and bears from their flocks. The way it behaves and works, its life history, and its relationship to the environment are recounted. The dog is placed in the wider perspective of the pastoral dogs of the Old World and historical documents are provided to indicate the antiquity of the type.

Tractor Agskills provides a basic guide to some of the skills needed in tractor operation and maintenance. The book contains step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and full-colour pictures. This book will help you: Perform a pre-start safety check, change oil and filter, operate a tractor and implement in field conditions, reverse a trailed implement and attach, operate and remove a PTO driven implement.

The essential reference for engineers who need to understand those aspects of the food industry from farm machinery to food storage facilities to the machinery that processes and packages our foods. The process of getting food from "farm to fork," as the saying goes, involves more than planting, harvesting, shipping, processing, packaging and distributing--though those are all key components. Effective and efficient food delivery systems are built around processes that maximize the effort while minimizing cost, time, and resource depletion.

A couple working six months per year for 50 hours per week on 20 acres can net $25,000-$30,000 per year with an investment equivalent to the price of one new medium-sized tractor. Seldom has agriculture held out such a plum. In a day when main-line farm experts predict the continued demise of the family farm, the pastured poultry opportunity shines like a beacon in the night, guiding the way to a brighter future.

From Christian libertarian farmer Joel Salatin, a clarion call to readers to honor the animals and the land, and produce food based on spiritual principles. What on earth is The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs? It's an inspiring call to action for people of faith . . . a heartfelt plea to heed the Bible's guidance . . . . It's an important and thought-provoking explanation of how by simply appreciating the marvelous pigness of pigs, we are celebrating the Glory of God. As a man of deep faith and student of the Bible, and as a respected and successful ecological family farmer, Joel Salatin knows that God created heaven and earth and meant for all living organisms to be true to their nature and their endowed holy purpose. He intended for us to respect and care for His gift of creation, not to ravage and mistreat it for our own pleasure or wealth. The example that inspires the book's title explains what Salatin means: when huge corporate farms confine pigs in cramped and dark pens, inject them with antibiotics and feed them herbicide-saturated food simply to increase profits, they are not respecting them as a creation of God or allowing them to express even their most rudimentary uniqueness - that special role that is part of His design. Every living organism has a God-given uniqueness to its life that must be honored and respected, and too often that is not happening today. Salatin shows us the long overlooked ethics and instructions in the Bible for how to eat, how to shop, how to think about how we farm and feed the world. Through scripture and Biblical stories, he shows us why it's more vital than ever to look to the good book rather than corporate America when feeding the country and your family. Salatin makes a compelling case for Christian stewardship of the earth and how it relates to every action we take regarding our food. He also opens our eyes to a common misconception many Christians may have about environmentalism: it's not a bad thing, and definitely not just the province of secular liberals; it's really a very good thing, part of heeding God's Word. With warmth and with humor, but with no less piercing criticism of the industrial food complex, Salatin brings readers on a fascinating journey of farming, food and faith. Readers will not say grace over their plates the same way ever again.

Poultry Breeds is a fresh field guide of feathered friends with stunning photos highlighting the beauty and unique attributes of 104 chicken, duck, goose, and turkey breeds. Each profile outlines the bird's history, physical characteristics, and common uses, with specially noted fun facts sprinkled throughout. This pocket-size, browsable guide is easy to use, and author Carol Ekarius knows her birds: she has been writing about livestock for nearly 20 years and has raised her own for decades.

Advances in Poultry Welfare provides a targeted overview of contemporary developments in poultry welfare. The reviews in the volume address topical issues related to poultry welfare research and assessment, with a focus on identifying practical strategies for improvement as well as information gaps that remain to be filled. Part One provides an introduction to poultry production systems and gives a broad overview of current poultry welfare issues. Part Two moves on to review several aspects of poultry management, focusing on hatchery practices, early rearing, and slaughter. Part Three deals with welfare assessment on the farm, while Part Four explores continuing challenges, such as feather pecking and skeletal problems. This is followed in Part Five by a discussion of emerging issues, with chapters covering alternative parasite control methods, backyard poultry production, mass depopulation, and genetic approaches to reducing the impact of environmental stressors on welfare. This book is an essential part of the wider ranging series Advances in Farm Animal Welfare, with coverage of cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. With its expert editor and international team of contributors, Advances in Poultry Welfare is a key reference tool for welfare research scientists and students, veterinarians involved in welfare assessment, and indeed anyone with a professional interest in the welfare of poultry.   Provides in-depth reviews of emerging topics, research and applications in poultry welfare Integral part of a wider series, Advances in Agricultural Animal Welfare, which will provide comprehensive coverage of animal welfare of the world's major farmed animals Covers a range of topical issues within the field, from beak-trimming and skeletal problems, to early rearing and the design and management of poultry production systems Edited by a distinguished leader in the field

Organic animal production has increased rapidly in recent years to keep up with the increasing consumer demand for organic meats. There are many guidelines and restrictions on what go into the feedstuffs of organically farmed animals, from which difficulties arise when trying to ensure a well-balanced nutritious diet without the use of any supplements. The first comprehensive text on feeding organic pigs, this book presents advice on formulating appropriate diets and integrating them into organic pig production systems. It outlines the international standards of organic feeding, the breeds of pig that are most suitable for organic farming, up to date information on the nutritional requirements of pigs, and examples of diets formulated to organic standards.

Authored by renowned animal scientist Robert Blair, who has a peerless reputation in organic livestock nutrition, A Practical Guide to the Feeding of Organic Farm Animals aims to translate the science of feeding organic livestock and distil it into practical guidance for farmers and producers. The latest research is broken down into a practical approach to on-the-farm feeding, providing applied methodology backed up by scientific research. There is also advice on making the transition from conventional to organic farming systems regarding feeding. Sections cover poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats, including topics such as: the nutritional requirements of each species, identifying suitable ingredients and feeds, overviewing husbandry techniques and system approaches, providing advice on selecting suitable breeds, and advising on nutrition and its relationship to health with a preventative approach. The final section provides advice on organic nutritional regimes under integrated farming operations. This book is an ideal resource for the smallholder farmer, as well as traditional and aspiring organic livestock farmers. [Subject: Farm Life, Organic Farming, Animal Husbandry]

Build your own passive solar greenhouse for year-round food production in any climate The Year-round Solar Greenhouse is the one-stop guide to designing and building greenhouses that harness and store energy from the sun to create naturally heated, lush growing environments even in the depths of winter, covering principles of solar greenhouse design and siting, glazing material properties and selection, controlling heat loss, ventilation, and construction methods. Additionally, an in-depth section covers sustainable ways of heating the greenhouse without fossil fuels, including using thermal mass and storing heat underground with a ground to air heat exchanger. Variations include attached solar greenhouses, earth sheltered greenhouses, plus integrating hydroponics and aquaponics. More than a dozen case studies from across North America provide inspiration and demonstrate specific challenges and solutions for growing year-round in any climate. Fresh, local nutrient-dense fruits vegetables are hard to find in winter in cold climates. Growing warm-weather crops like tomatoes, bananas, avocados, and other perennials is nearly impossible using conventional structures. The solution for millions of backyard and small-scale commercial growers is self-heating solar greenhouses. Grow your own food, anytime, anywhere using the power of the sun!

Chapter 6 The Impact of Greenhouse on Food Security

In today's fast-paced, fast-food world, everyone seems to be eating alone, all the time - whether it's at their desks or in the car. Carolan argues that this needs to change if we want healthy, equitable, and sustainable food. In No One Eats Alone he tells stories of people getting together to change their relationship to food and to each other, from community farms where suburban moms and immigrant families work side by side to online exchanges where entrepreneurs share kitchen space to "hackers" who trade information about farm machinery repairs.

The first edition of Food processing technology was quickly adopted as the standard text by many food science and technology courses. This completely revised and updated third edition consolidates the position of this textbook as the best single-volume introduction to food manufacturing technologies available. This edition has been updated and extended to include the many developments that have taken place since the second edition was published. In particular, advances in microprocessor control of equipment, 'minimal' processing technologies, functional foods, developments in 'active' or 'intelligent' packaging, and storage and distribution logistics are described. Technologies that relate to cost savings, environmental improvement or enhanced product quality are highlighted. Additionally, sections in each chapter on the impact of processing on food-borne micro-organisms are included for the first time.

With global inequalities becoming more pronounced, ingredient costs climbing, and global warming a major political issue, food producers must now address environmental concerns, social responsibility and economic viability when designing their food processing techniques for the future. Sustainable food processing is all about finding new ways of meeting present needs without comprising future viability, given constantly changing economic and environmental conditions. This is not just a corporate social responsibility issue, but relates directly to efficiency, cost-saving and profitability, and so the food industry must increasingly embrace sustainable food processing in order to succeed. This book provides a comprehensive overview on both economic sustainability and environmental concerns relating to food processing. It promotes ways of increasing sustainability in all the major sectors of the food industry, and will establish itself as a standard reference book on sustainable food processing. It will be of great interest to academic and industrial professionals. Opening chapters cover the concept and principles of sustainable food processing, with reference to various food processing sectors (dairy, meat, seafood, grain, fruit and vegetables). Further chapters on brewing, cold chain, consumption and packaging provide a comprehensive guide to making these key processes more sustainable. Issues such as cleaning, sanitation, and carbon footprint are discussed, before dedicated chapters covering energy and water consumption in the food industry address economic sustainability. Environmental impact assessment and food processing, waste utilization, risk assessment, and regulatory and legislative issues are also addressed. Contributors include a combination of leading academic and industrial experts, to provide informed and industrially relevant perspectives on these topics.

Advances in Agricultural Animal Welfare fully explores developments in the key areas of agricultural animal welfare assessment and improvement. Analyzing current topical issues, as well as reviewing the historical welfare issues, the volume is a comprehensive review of the field. Divided into five sections, the book opens in Part One by reviewing advances in animal welfare science, examining cognitive psychology, genetics and genomics. Part Two then looks at transdisciplinary research in animal welfare, with coverage of bioethics, welfare and sustainability from both environmental and food safety perspectives. Part Three explores the process of translating science into policy and practice, followed by discussion on the global achievability of welfare standards in Part Four. Finally, Part Five highlights some emerging issues in agricultural animal welfare. This book is an essential part of the wider ranging series Advances in Farm Animal Welfare, with coverage of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and aquaculture. With its expert editor and international team of contributors, Advances in Agricultural Animal Welfare is a key reference tool for welfare research scientists and students, practicing vets involved in welfare assessment, and indeed anyone with a professional interest in the welfare of agricultural animals. Provides in-depth reviews of emerging topics, research and applications in agricultural animal welfare Provides coverage of topics important to all agricultural animals and complements the wider series, Agricultural Animal Welfare, which will provide comprehensive coverage of animal welfare of the world's major farmed animals Edited by a world leading animal welfare academic, with contributions from a writing team of both leading academics and practitioners

Most livestock in America currently live in cramped and unhealthy confinement, have few stable social relationships with humans or others of their species, and finish their lives by being transported and killed under stressful conditions. In Livestock, Erin McKenna allows us to see this situation and presents alternatives. She interweaves stories from visits to farms, interviews with producers and activists, and other rich material about the current condition of livestock. In addition, she mixes her account with pragmatist and ecofeminist theorizing about animals, drawing in particular on John Dewey's account of evolutionary history, and provides substantial historical background about individual species and about human-animal relations. This deeply informative text reveals that the animals we commonly see as livestock have rich evolutionary histories, species-specific behaviors, breed tendencies, and individual variation, just as those we respect in companion animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. To restore a similar level of respect for livestock, McKenna examines ways we can balance the needs of our livestock animals with the environmental and social impacts of raising them, and she investigates new possibilities for human ways of being in relationships with animals. This book thus offers us a picture of healthier, more respectful relationships with livestock.