Small-Scale Grain Production Resources

Small-Scale Grain Production Resources Organic Growers School March 5 & 6 2011

Jamie and Sara Jane Davis at A Way of Life Farm [email protected]

BOOKS:

Small-Scale Grain Raising by Gene Logsdon. Second Edition. Chelsea Green Publishing First published in 1977 and just recently brought back to life with a revised 2nd edition. This is the most comprehensive book we’ve found on growing a variety of grains organically on small to medium scales, with a focus on the homesteader.

How to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons; Ten Speed Press This book lays out the principles and practices of biointensive growing which aims to harvest high yields from a small area. Includes data on spacing, yield, and days to harvest for a wide array of grain crops.

One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka; New York Review Books Originally published in 1978, it was increasingly hard to find, but it’s back in circulation with a 2nd edition out in 2009. It lays out the principles and practices of Fukuoka’s “Natural” or “Do Nothing Farming” philosophy, which aims to mimic natural plant cycles and minimize labor. He details his growing of rice, barley, clover, ducks, oranges, and vegetables on his farm in Japan.

Homegrown Whole Grains by Sara Pitzer; Storey Publishing Geared toward the backyard grower, this book provides information on growing wheat, barley, oats, corn, millet, rice, and more. Includes possible yields from small areas, threshing techniques, and recipes. We have not read this book.

Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth; Seed Savers Exchange Very good guide to seed saving in general. Focuses primarily on vegetables, but has good information on various beans, corn, and grain sorghum.

(Continued on back) OTHER:

NC Organic Grain Project, NCSU; www.organicgrains.ncsu.edu/NCgrainproject.htm Provides information to those interested in growing grain in NC on commercial scale. Contact: Molly Hamilton 828-273-1041 [email protected]

NC Organic Bread Flour Project; www.ncobfp.blogspot.com This group aims to link farmers, bakers, and millers in North Carolina to promote a viable local and organic grain economy. Contact: Jennifer Lapidus [email protected]

Anson Mills; www.ansonmills.com Based in South Carolina, Anson Mills encourages the preservation and growth of heirloom grains and has built a high-end market to support it. Contact: [email protected], (803) 467-4122

NC Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Protection Division This department regulates grain processers, large and small. All commercial processing facilities for grain, such as a mill, are regulated and inspected by this division. All corn and wheat for sale is tested for mycotoxins (for free) by this division as well. Contact: Lawrence Thomas [email protected] 919-733-7366 or 910-322-2703

Washington State University, Sustainable Seed Systems http://sustainableseedsystems.wsu.edu/nicheMarket/smallScaleThreshing.html Provides links and pictures of the chipper/shredder conversion to a thresher and a homemade seed cleaner