Country Edge is a group of women living near Abie and Prague who are developing a cooperative marketing structure for their local, sustainably grown produce and pastured poultry. Their educational focus includes alternative crops, direct marketing, and business planning. The group received a SARE Producer Grant in 1999 to cooperatively process and market their pastured poultry.
Members of the Fairbury Cedar Club want to develop and market cedar products to improve their pastures and farm profitability. They explored markets for cedar chips which can be used as mulch, livestock bedding, fuel, and as a natural herbicide. Their activities included workshops on pasture management, cedar harvesting, and cedar products.
Members of the Flying Rye, Friendly Legumes and Cow Tails are investigating rye and vetch as cover crops for corn, and non-chemical fly control in cattle.
Contact: Jim Weber, Purdum, 308-834-3242
The High Plains Grass Seed Association of Alliance promotes grass seed production to control soil erosion, diversify crop rotations, and increase long-term farm profitability. Their educational focus includes grass seed production, seed cleaning and handling, and markets.
Contact: Daniel Laursen, Alliance, 308-487-5591
The High Plains Herbal Company is investigating medicinal herbs and other alternative enterprises to diversify farms and restore the local economy. Group members have test planted herbs, built a greenhouse for seedling starts, and investigated elk production.
Contact: Patrick and Karen Runkle, Hay Springs, 308-232-4474
The farmers in the Main Bow Meats group want to develop alternative markets for their quality pork. They will explore direct marketing opportunities, explore processing options, develop promotional materials for their products, and taste-test new products.
Contacts: Richard and Mary Rose Pinkelman, Wynot, 402-357-3330.
Mid-Nebraska PRIDE influences state policies to support family farms and protect the environment and natural resources for future generations. This group's work on confinement hog issues encourages local land-use planning and zoning through educational meetings, action alerts, and a newsletter.
Contacts: Ron and Carol Schooley, Wolbach, 308-246-5230
The Native Biological Control of Crop Pests group identifies habitats for beneficial insects near cornfields. Their on-farm research project demonstrates management practices that encourage native beneficial insects. Their work has resulted in reduced pesticide exposure and crop losses from corn-damaging insects.
Contacts: Dave and Adena Kreutz, Aurora, 402-694-5338
The Nebraska Organic Alliance wants to advance the acceptance of organic and sustainable farming systems in Nebraska. This south central Nebraska group investigated the development of a collective marketing effort to meet the growing demand for organic foods while ensuring a fair price for farmers.
Contact: Ben Jones, Edgar, 402-224-4007.
The Northeast Ag Support Group wants to improve the economic climate for family farm agriculture in northeast Nebraska. They plan public information sessions on state and local zoning issues, environmental regulations, and economic opportunity for beginning and moderate-sized farmers.
Contact: Karla and Dave Hansen, Hartington, 402-283-9224
The Southeast Nebraska Alternative Crops Association is exploring non-traditional crops for their area, particularly wine grapes. They are learning more about wine grape production by touring vineyards, networking with experienced growers and researchers, and planting test plots.
Members of the Tecumseh Marketing Club wish to increase farm profits by selling locally grown products directly to consumers. Their educational efforts focus on marketing strategies and skills, and visits to successful marketing enterprises. In 1999, this southeast Nebraska group sponsored a workshop on direct marketing that featured Joel Salatin.
Contact: Steve Bartels, Tecumseh, 402-335-3325