Does the Corn/Soybean Farmer Have Time for Alternative Crops? [Abstract]

Authors

Lori A. Hoagland, Washington State UniversityFollow
Laurie Hodges, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Glenn A. Helmers, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
James R. Brandle, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Charles A. Francis, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

7-2008

Citation

HortScience (July 2008) 43(4): 1,228

Comments

Copyright 2008, American Society for Horticultural Science. Used by permission

Abstract

Diversification of traditional row-crop farming in the Corn Belt is seen as advantageous in providing a wider economic base, decreasing economic risk associated with the link between commodity grain and cattle, increasing net farm income, and increasing biodiversity in the region. As farm size has increased to provide sufficient farm income, farm operations during the critical planting and harvesting windows are seen as limits to additional on-farm enterprises.