The ultimate guide to growing organic grains on a
small and ecological scale, The Organic Grain
Grower is invaluable for both home-scale and
commercial producers interested in expanding their
resiliency and crop diversity through growing their own
grains. Long-time farmer and organic pioneer Jack Lazor
covers how to grow and store wheat, barley, oats, corn,
dry beans, soybeans, pulse crops, oilseeds, grasses,
nutrient-dense forages, and lesser-known cereals. In
addition to detailed cultivation and processing
information, Lazor argues the importance of integrating
grains on the organic farm (not to mention for the
local-food system) for reasons of biodiversity and whole
farm management. Including extensive information on: The
twenty-first century and the birth of the local-food
movement Considering your farm's scale and climate
Understanding soil fertility and structure Planting your
crop (including spring vs. fall cereals and preparing
your soil) The growing and ripening process
(reproductive, milk, hard-and-soft dough stages) The
grain harvest Preparing grain for sale, storage, or end
use (drying, cleaning seed, grain handling) Seed
breeding and saving Machinery, infrastructure, and
processing (both home-scale tools and larger farm
equipment) Grinding grains for livestock rations
(including how to put together a ration based on protein
content) and sample rations for dairy cows, pigs, and
chickens Processing grains for human consumption
Beginners will learn how to grow enough wheat for a
year's supply of bread flour for their homestead, and
farmers will learn how to become part of a grain co-op,
working alongside artisan bakers and mills.
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