Payment Schemes for Forest Ecosystem Services in China
Faced with intensified ecological crisis, the Chinese government has sought policy interventions to reverse its forest degradation. Among the policy instruments is the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) that aims to transform the pattern of traditional forest management and protection and to encourage forest sustainable use by financial incentive. This book provides a policy evaluation on the payment schemes for forest ecosystem services in China. It examines PES schemes with respect to ecological effectiveness, economic and livelihood impacts, participation of local people, and the interlinkages with forest tenure reform. The evaluation is based on different cases across China's main forested regions. The implementation of payment schemes in China shows improvements in forest management and protection and an incentive-based governance method is employed instead of 'command and control'. New forest use practices are also created to couple local livelihood requirements with ecological conservation. In addition, local farmers are more and more involved in the implementation of payment schemes. Providing a comprehensive assessment of payment policies for ecosystem services in China, this book will be of great interest to policy-makers and government advisers in China, international donor agencies, and academics and students with an interest in PES and forest governance.
Farm Animal Proteomics
"Proteomics is a field with growing interest in almost every area of life sciences. Proteomic techniques, along with potential and obtained results have long been key components of biomedical and pharmaceutical research. In agriculture, animal and veterinary research however, use of proteomics is still limited, despite the large number of potential applications. As a result, there is a pressing need for wider use and dissemination of proteomics in animal and veterinary science research. This book meets this need by bridging the gap between experts in the technology of proteomics and those at the forefront of research into many facets of animal physiology and pathophysiology. The book encompasses a wide range of topics: from muscle and meat proteomics to acute phase proteins and proteomics in aquaculture, to name but a few. The book summarily presents the state of the art in farm animal proteomics research in Europe, providing readers with interesting examples of the applications of this set of advanced technologies as well as useful contact details of colleagues with expertise in the field. The book will be of interest to scientists at the cutting edge of animal and veterinary research who are currently, or are considering, analytical investigation and identification of protein in animal tissue and in pathogens in health and disease. Furthermore the book will provide an insight for proteomic specialists in demonstrating the breadth of applications that their technology can have in animal and food research."
The Complete Guide to Building Barns and Outbuildings
With their classic barns and fences, American small farms, and the buildings that support these farms, serve a much-needed purpose as much today as they have in the past. Even with the advent of new technology frequently used on farms, these buildings have changed relatively little and are still used to house the animals that so many small farm owners work with and the feed, supplies, and equipment needed to maintain those animals. Every well-meaning farmer or property owner with livestock, small animals, or farming equipment has need of a barn or a series of outbuildings. Unfortunately, many farmers now rely on expensive contractors and construction companies to do a job many traditional farmers undertook themselves. Knowing how to build these structures is not only a lost American art form, it is also a skill that can save you thousands of dollars. This book has been designed to ensure that everyone who has ever thought of building their own barns, outbuildings, or animal pens knows exactly what is entailed from inception of the design to the final construction stages. You will learn exactly what you need to start building outbuildings, barns, farming equipment, and farm supplies. You will learn how each animal should be cared for, what space they need in a barn, and what other outbuildings might be necessary for the comfort of your animals. For each of the structures described within this book, you will learn the required dimensions, necessities to efficiently use your new building, and extra space you might not have previously considered, including space for your motorized machinery, a workshop for maintaining your equipment, and loft space for hay bales, feed, and farming equipment. Regardless of what you need for your small farm or property, you will have a complete list of detailed building design plans. You will learn which building materials are best for creating your needed items as well as the best designs, methods of building, and places to store materials. The companion CD-ROM contains design plans in PDF format for a variety of structures. Each design plan offers detailed instructions, supply lists, and diagrams. This book offers plans for building barns, storage structures, animal pens, storage sheds, and greenhouses. You will also learn how to build helpful structures such as icehouses, water tanks, cisterns, smoke houses, and root cellars. This book even offers plans for building gates, fences, wagons, farm equipment, irrigation systems, potting benches, beehives and frames, food dehydrators, and other structures and equipment necessary for the success of your small farm. If you are looking to save thousands of dollars by building your own farm structures and equipment, this book will walk you through every step of the design, preparation, and constructions process, ensuring success and capturing the lost art of small farm self-sufficiency. The companion CD-ROM is included with the print version of this book; however is not available for download with the electronic version. It may be obtained separately by contacting Atlantic Publishing Group at sales@atlantic-pub.com Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company president s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in an Era of Oil Scarcity
When other nations are forced to rethink their agricultural and food security strategies in light of the post-peak oil debate, they only have one living example to draw from: that of Cuba in the 1990s. Based on the first and - up till now - only systematic and empirical study to come out of Cuba on this topic, this book examines how the nation successfully headed off its own food crisis after the dissolution of the Soviet Bloc in the early 1990s. The author identifies the policies and practices required for such an achievement under conditions of petroleum-scarcity and in doing so, challenges the mainstream globalized and privatized food systems and food security strategies being driven through in both industrialized and more vulnerable developing regions. Paradoxically, the book dispels the myth that Cuba turned to organic farming nationwide, a myth founded on the success of Cuba's urban organic production systems which visitors to the country are most commonly exposed to. In rural regions, where the author had unique access, industrialized high-input and integrated agriculture is aspired to for the majority of domestic production, despite the ongoing fluctuations in availability of agrochemicals and fuel. By identifying the challenges faced by Cuban institutions and individuals in de-industrializing their food and farming systems, this book provides crucial learning material for the current fledgling attempts at developing energy descent plans and at mainstreaming more organic food systems in industrialized nations. It also informs international policy on sustainable agriculture and food security for less-industrialized countries.
Farm Anatomy
Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman's charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living. Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life. Also available in Julia Rothman's Anatomy series: Nature Anatomy, Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Wildlife Anatomy.
Applied Equine Nutrition and Training
This book contains specialised information on the nutrition and training of the horse. Practical hints can be drawn from studies showing how apes indicate to us plants which have medicinal properties that can then be applied to equine treatment and also have an effect in nutraceuticals. Overviews are given on the potential of total mixed rations for the future of horse feeding and the practical feeding of obese horses and ponies. Nutrition considerations are given to avoid medical conditions. Methods used for performance diagnosis and training guidance of human athletes are applied here to equine management. In addition, training techniques which reduce the risk of back injury in the horse are explored and a review of the riders interaction with the horse is provided. Practical nutritional information acquired through research is applied to all aspects of managing endurance racehorses. Finally, expanded abstracts of original research are provided in very diverse fields of nutrition and training of horses. All those concerned with training, riding and feeding in the equine industry will benefit from the contents.
Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at the
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Organic Vegetable Production Manual
A must-read for growers considering organic practices; provides detailed information on farming vegetables organically, with essential topics for succeeding in a highly competitive marketplace.
Small Farm Handbook
Drawing upon the knowledge of 32 experts from the University of California, no other publication covers topics, issues, and facets of California's small-scale agriculture with this depth or level of expertise. Throughout you'll get a look at emerging trends and issues for California agriculture, marketing and product sales, and innovative methods for better production and management. Also included are profiles of six small farm operators representing a sample of California's diverse agriculture. From the basics to risk management, specialty crops to marketing and product sales, this guide covers it all.
Four Fish
"A necessary book for anyone truly interested in what we take from the sea to eat, and how, and why." --Sam Sifton, The New York Times Book Review Acclaimed author of American Catch and The Omega Princple and life-long fisherman, Paul Greenberg takes us on a journey, examining the four fish that dominate our menus: salmon, sea bass, cod, and tuna. Investigating the forces that get fish to our dinner tables, Greenberg reveals our damaged relationship with the ocean and its inhabitants. Just three decades ago, nearly everything we ate from the sea was wild. Today, rampant overfishing and an unprecedented biotech revolution have brought us to a point where wild and farmed fish occupy equal parts of a complex marketplace. Four Fish offers a way for us to move toward a future in which healthy and sustainable seafood is the rule rather than the exception.
Fibre Production in South American Camelids and Other Fibre Animals
This book, 'Fibre production in South American camelids and other fibre animals', covers the latest advances in the main fields of animals producing fibre. It deals with a wide scope of fibre animals and a great variety of subjects and is supported by the Animal Fibre Working Group belonging to the European Association of Animal Production. The book can be considered a valuable attempt to prepare the fibre production sector for rapid changes and innovations arising within a globalised world. The focus lies on fibre animals such as alpacas, llamas, vicunas and guanacos, but recent research on sheep, goats and rabbits is also included. The most important themes addressed are meat and fibre production, breeding and genetics, nutrition, reproduction, management, and health. Finally, the book closes with specialised discussions on fibre production related topics, which for example provide a more in-depth look at common management denominators between South American camelids and other fibre animals. The book addresses scientists, professionals, technicians, farmers, specialised governmental policy makers and students all around the world who are involved in fibre animal production (such as sheep, camelids, goats, or rabbits). This book will present them with the most current findings in this area.
Food and Fuel
This book is a contribution of the authors to the food - fuel debate. During 2007 and 2008 several factors led to the food inflation problem: growing population, income distribution, urbanization, biofuel, social programs, production scarcity etc.. Biofuel got most of the blame for food inflation but its responsibility was only limited. There are several possibilities of solving the food inflation problem that are discussed this book. It explores the example of Brazil's agricultural sector, where a quiet revolution occurred in the last 15 years. This development is leading to Brazil becoming one of the largest food exporters globally. This position will strengthen as an additional 100 million hectares becomes available for crop development. The second part of the book explores the basics of the sugar cane chain. Sugar cane occupies less than 2% of Brazilian arable land and supplies 50% of Brazilian car fuel. In 2010 Brazil produced 53% of the world's sugar. Sugar cane produces sugar, ethanol (used as car fuel), biogases that are used to co-generate electricity and other by-products. Biofuel is a booming industry. New technologies allow production of diesel and other fuels from cane. Sugar cane ethanol is the only renewable fuel that can currently compete with gasoline. Coca Cola just launched the plastic bottle with sugar cane plastic. This book helps us to understand Brazilian agribusiness and sugar cane economics from various perspectives e.g. international investments, sustainability, future trends and the strategic plan for the Brazilian industry.
Transformation and Sustainability in Agriculture
"Public pressure and societal changes induce interventions and policies, which aim to transform agriculture and food provision. This book shows that for upscaling novel practices and organizational models it is important to include meso-level regime aspects in analysis and practice. The argument presented is that our understanding of the human and social dimensions of transformation processes can be enriched by anchoring practice and policy in social theory. A focus on transitions offers a clear view on the direction and velocity of change. This publication aims to complement this by highlighting theoretical insights in the social or institutional mechanisms enabling or hindering change. Essays on a selection of theorists, varying from idealist or materialist accounts, to actor or system approaches, examine what the presented explanatory framework on social change offers in terms of guidance for intervention and action. The value of these theoretical insights is further explored in a selection of case studies in agriculture and food: rural reconstruction in horticulture and livestock, seed supply systems, and pest control. Each case study systematically applies six theoretical frameworks with the purpose of investigating what novel insights arise from looking at the change process from a particular perspective. Through this exercise the often implicit assumptions of hands-on change processes surface. This book is of interest to practitioners engaged in changing current practices in agriculture and food provision, policy makers interested in grasping why transitions are challenging, applied researchers who like to move beyond individual case studies and social and natural scientists involved in integrative studies of complex change processes."
Sepp Holzer`s Permaculture
The internationally renowned 'rebel farmer' shares a lifetime's worth of skill and knowledge on permaculture gardening and farming. Sepp Holzer farms steep mountainsides in Austria, 1,500 meters above sea level. His farm is an intricate network of terraces, raised beds, ponds, waterways and tracks, productive fruit trees, and other vegetation. A farmhouse nestles neatly amongst them. This is in dramatic contrast to his neighbors' spruce monocultures. In this farming and gardening book, Holzer shares the skill and knowledge acquired over his lifetime. He covers every aspect of his farming methods--not just how to create a holistic system on the farm itself, but how to make a living from it. Holzer writes about everything from the overall concepts, down to the practical details. Readers will learn: - How Holzer sets up a permaculture system- The fruit varieties he has found best for permaculture growing- How to construct terraces, ponds, and waterways- How to build shelters for animals and how to work with them on the land- How to cultivate edible mushrooms in the garden and on the farm- And much more! Holzer offers a wealth of information for the gardener, smallholder or alternative farmer yet the book's greatest value is the attitudes it teaches. He reveals the thinking processes based on principles found in nature that create his productive systems. These can be applied anywhere.
Keeping Pigs
This charming introductory guide is an essential read for all aspiring pig-keepers. The latest edition in the hugely popular "Keeping Series", includes expert guidance on how to feed, house and breed healthy and happy pigs. From introducing the many breeds to sourcing the perfect pig for you, this extensive guide encompasses all aspects of pig keeping and is complimented by magnificent photography. A highly informative and visually appealing handbook suitable for every potential pig-owner, from the pig-lover to the smallholder.
Feedpads for Grazing Dairy Cows
This book is the first detailed and comprehensive guide to the use of feedpads in the dairy industry, from planning and construction to day-to-day management, written especially for farmers. With ongoing droughts and access to water driving up the cost of conserved forages and feeding concentrates, feedpads offer flexible and efficient systems to maximize returns on feeding expensive supplements to grazing dairy cows, and form part of the risk management strategy for dairy farms. Feedpads for Grazing Dairy Cows covers all the aspects of animal husbandry involved in running a successful system and addresses key issues such as formulating rations to balance grazed pasture, management of farm labor and effluent management. The key principles of dairy nutrition are explained along with the concept of partial mixed rations and the range of potential ingredients. The authors also cover the physical features of feedpad design and construction and provide a checklist for planning a feedpad. This book demonstrates a wide range of long-term economic benefits and will play an important role in helping dairy farmers achieve higher farm profitability.
The Complete Guide to Growing Your Own Hops, Malts, and Brewing Herbs
Beer is one of the most complex alcoholic drinks with some beers having more than thirty ingredients and most of them requiring the proper mixture and amounts of the right hops, malts, and herbs to taste just right. For anyone considering creating their own beer, one of the most fun and effective ways of acquiring all of these ingredients is to grow your own hops, malts and herbs and experiment in mixing them together. But, with more than fifty kinds of hops alone and hundreds of brewing herbs at your disposal, knowing what you should grow and how to grow it can be quite hard. This book will guide any prospective brew master through the process of growing their own brewing ingredients from inception to harvesting. You will learn all of the many advantages to growing your own beer materials, starting with the control you have over the maturity, strength, types, and volume of those materials. You will learn how to home grow your own hops, with detailed instructions and information about the taste and effect of more than a dozen different strains of hops. You will also learn which grains and malts are used in beer making and how you can start growing your own depending on your needs and your location. You will learn how to concoct your own brewing herbs and finally how to start combining everything into the ideal mixtures to form your own beer. Beer experts from professional brew masters to backyard microbrewers have been interviewed and asked how to best utilize these methods and their insights have been provided to you to help get you through the complex process of beer growing and production. You will learn the proper measurements and conversions for everything you will make as well as being given a source list for every possible supply that might be needed. Finally, you will be provided with a list of the top homegrown recipes for beer available, allowing you to create and enjoy your very own brews in the comfort of your home. Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company president s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.
The Biochar Solution
Conventional agriculture destroys our soils, pollutes our water and is a major contributor to climate change. What if our agricultural practices could stabilize, or even reverse these trends?The Biochar Solution explores the dual function of biochar as a carbon-negative energy source and a potent soil-builder. Created by burning biomass in the absence of oxygen, this material has the unique ability to hold carbon back from the atmosphere while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility. Author Albert Bates traces the evolution of this extraordinary substance from the ancient black soils of the Amazon to its reappearance as a modern carbon sequestration strategy.Combining practical techniques for the production and use of biochar with an overview of the development and future of carbon farming, The Biochar Solutiondescribes how a new agricultural revolution can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to below zero while increasing world food reserves and creating energy from biomass wastes. Biochar and carbon farming can: Reduce fossil fuels inputs into our food system Bring new life to desert landscapes Filter and purify drinking water Help build carbon-negative homes, communities and nations. Biochar is not without dangers if unregulated, and it is not a panacea, but if it fulfills its promise of taking us back from the brink of irreversible climate change, it may well be the most important discovery in human history.
System Innovation for Sustainability 4
Buildings have a long lifetime, and so they are a major target for any structural changes in consumption patterns. Conversely, long lifetimes come with associated strong inertia. This book examines the opportunities to influence energy consumption in housing and buildings, and provides options for implementation at a macro, meso and micro level.
Book of Abstracts of the 61st Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Produc
"This Book of Abstracts is the main publication of the 61st Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production (EAAP) held in Heraklion, Crete Island, Greece, on August 23-27 2010. It contains abstracts of the invited papers and contributed presentations. The meeting addressed subjects relating to science and innovation. Also, important problems were discussed during the sessions of EAAP's nine Commissions: Animal Genetics, Animal Nutrition, Animal Management and Health, Animal Physiology, Cattle Production, Sheep and Goat Production, Pig Production, Horse Production and Livestock Farming Systems. In addition joint sessions on topics interesting several disciplines and species were included in the programme."
Dynamics in Animal Nutrition
Animal nutrition is a fast changing field of expertise. Newly developed scientific knowledge is quickly adapted to better understand the integral balance between different organs and the digestive system. Society demands that the feed industry responds to consumer issues such as food safety, sustainability of animal production, animal health and welfare, carbon foot printing etc. via altering feeding programs. The practising nutritionist needs to implement this vast knowledge into practical feed formulations in a cost effective way in order to produce feeds and animal products efficiently. This book addresses current topics of interest to researchers and nutritionists in animal research, the feed and allied industry. This includes: immunomodulation, gut barrier functions in gut health, oxidative stress in weaned piglets, glutamine as an functional amino acid, energy evaluation of feedstuffs for layers, reduction of the risk of Salmonella infections, glucogenic nutrients as a predictor of milk production, reduction of methanogenesis in ruminants, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in sows and much more. This reference book will be of vital interest to all involved in animal nutrition and the animal production industry.
Proceedings of the 44th Congress of the International Society of Applied Ethology (ISAE)
This publication contains absctracts from the 44th Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology in Uppsala, Sweden, August 4-7, 2010. The main theme is coping in large groups. This topic is not only important to researchers working with farm animals, but also for those working with laboratory, companion, sport and other categories of animals.
The World Guide to CSR
The World Guide to CSR is the first book to provide comparable national profiles that describe the evolution and practice of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (CSR) for 58 countries and 5 global regions. Each regional and national profile includes key information about the relevant CSR history, country-specific issues, trends, research and leading organizations. The purpose of the book is to give CSR professionals (including managers, consultants, academics and NGOs focusing on the social, environmental and ethical responsibilities of business) a quick reference guide to CSR in different regional and national contexts. The need for the book is premised on the fact that CSR professionals and researchers more often than not have a multinational remit and are required to benchmark performance internationally, but find that country-specific CSR information is ad hoc, limited or non-existent. Even where national CSR research exists, it is often hidden in academic journals that practitioners cannot access or do not have the time or inclination to read. The book is an edited volume, with expert contributors from around the world, all of whom have been screened and selected on the basis of their qualifications and experience in CSR. Each regional/country profile includes the following subsections: CSR in context Priority issues Trends Legislation and codes Organizations Case studies Educational institutions References This unique resource will be an essential acquisition for all organisations who need to benchmark their CSR strategies throughout different regions and cultures and want the best possible intelligence on the key issues and concerns relating to corporate social responsibility in all of the markets in which they operate.
The Organic Farming Manual
Providing expert tips on tending the land, caring for animals, and necessary equipment, Ann Larkin Hansen also covers the intricate process of acquiring organic certification and other business considerations important to a profitable operation. Discover the rewarding satisfaction of running a successful and sustainable organic farm.
Farm Health and Productivity Management of Dairy Young Stock
The rearing of young stock until calving is often neglected on dairy farms, compared to the management of adult cattle. It is often not realized that young stock represent a critical investment in the future of the dairy farm and that sufficient attention should be paid to the rearing period to safeguard that investment and to gain efficiency. Optimal weight gain and health during rearing are essential. The ultimate goals are that the heifer, after her first calving, enters into milk production to her fullest genetic potential and that she will have an optimal health and longevity in the herd. A population medicine approach is used to focus on healthy animals which bring profit rather than costs. Practical tools are provided to manage the complexity of young stock rearing. This approach provides the farmer with structure, planning, organisation and coaching. Risk identification and risk management, like in bio-security and in quality risk management, are key aspects of the population medicine approach. Practical examples are added to illustrate the points. Finally, a section on diseases in young stock is added as a quick reference guide. This book is a valuable reference for practising veterinarians, herd health practitioners, extension officers and other farm advisors, as well as dairy farmers.
The Profitable Hobby Farm
Turn your hobby farm into a successful businessNo experience in farming? No problem! The Profitable Hobby Farm gives you all the tools you need to launch a thriving hobby farm business. Based on the author's expert guidance and the motivating experiences of other small farmers, it shows you how to blend strategy, marketing, and money management in order to prosper.The Profitable Hobby Farm provides sound, friendly start-up advice on a variety of topics essential to making an initial foray into a local foods venture.A must-read book for raising and selling local, sustainable foodsIncludes sample business plan, grant application, marketing and advertising plan, and other formsLengthy resources section directs you to additional readingAlso by Aubrey: Starting & Running Your Own Small Farm BusinessWhether it's growing heirloom tomatoes, raising free-range chickens for their eggs, or making organic wine or cheese, this book shows you how to turn your hobby into a profit.
Book of Abstracts of the 60th Annual Meeting of the Europe Association for Animal Producti
"This Book of Abstracts is the main publication of the 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production (EAAP) held in Barcelona, Spain, on August 24-27 2009. It contains abstracts of the invited papers and contributed presentations. The meeting addressed subjects relating to science and innovation. Also, important problems were discussed during the sessions of EAAP's nine Commissions: Animal Genetics, Animal Nutrition, Animal Management and Health, Animal Physiology, Cattle Production, Sheep and Goat Production, Pig Production, Horse Production and Livestock Farming Systems. In addition joint sessions on topics interesting several disciplines and species were included in the programme."
JIAC Book of Abstracts 2009
The broad range of research topics reported in this abstract book is a valuable resource for researchers, advisors, teachers and professionals in agriculture. ICT in agriculture, the field of EFITA's interest, precision agriculture and precision livestock farming are becoming ever more relevant as the agricultural industry struggles to come to terms with various developments. These include issues of cooperation, Internet, standardisation, software architecture, robotics, environment, animal and human welfare, economics, traceability, farm management, vehicle guidance, crop management, animal disease and livestock management. Whilst some benefits have proved elusive, others contribute positively to today's agriculture. Research continues to be necessary and needs to be reported and disseminated to a wide audience. Also note that the reviewed papers from the 4th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming and the 7th ECPA conference are presented in companion publications.
The Cattle Sector in Central and Eastern Europe
Countries in Eastern-Europe are in a lengthy period of rapid changes. Ten Central and Eastern European countries entered the European Union in 2004 and two more entered in 2007. Surrounding countries to the east are in a similar process of change following the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. The transition processes were studied in a recent workshop resulting in this book. It is comprised of 13 contributions: four overview articles, one on the topic of animal welfare and eight country reports. The country reports come from a wide variety of countries in Eastern Europe and Asia: Slovakia, Poland, Baltic States, Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, Caucasian countries and Central Asian countries. The country reports describe the transitions taking place in these countries. Both developments in the beef cattle sector and in the dairy chain are described with emphasis on the dairy chain situation. The authors are from a range of academic and professional backgrounds including universities, research and developmental institutions, farmers' organisations, agribusiness and a marketing board. Some analyses are made and several critical points in development are signalled. Thus, barriers as well as opportunities for further development are mentioned and described in this book.
The Cattle Health Handbook
In this practical guide, Heather Smith Thomas provides easy-to-execute solutions for a variety of common medical situations that can afflict your animals, including bacterial diseases, parasites, and nutritional deficiencies.
IPM for Gardeners
A team of experts explains how any gardener can use Integrated Pest Management techniques for success at home. This is a black-and-white edition.
Christmas Trees for Pleasure and Profit
Christmas Trees for Pleasure and Profit is for anyone who enjoys being and working outdoors and is seeking a profitable hobby or small business venture. Robert Wray has updated this fourth edition to include the latest techniques and tools for harvesting trees, new methods of transport, the most recent data on herbicides, and advice on how to run a Christmas-tree business today. A perennial bestseller, this illustrated guide covers selecting land, choosing species, planting, harvesting, and managing a plantation. Wray provides guidance for choosing species suitable for the grower's situation, where and how to get planting stock, and how to care for it. The planting process is described in detail, including both hand and machine methods. The book presents useful techniques for protecting the growing trees from weeds, animals, fire, insects, and disease, and offers a full description of shearing or shaping trees to improve their form and density羅keys to a successful crop.As the grower's job is not done until the trees are sold, issues of grading, harvesting, advertising, and marketing are examined. A chapter on finances deals with costs, profits, and taxes. From novice to experienced grower, there is something in this book for everyone.
On the Political Economy of Plant Disease Epidemics
Food security has been and always will be a human concern. Food security has always been fragile, threatened by a variety of factors including plant disease epidemics. Several plant disease epidemics of the past lead to questions like: What happened? How did people deal with these epidemics? What were the social and political consequences? This volume deals with such questions in six selected chapters. Chapter 1 discusses black stem rust of wheat in antiquity, and how its epidemics were perceived by the ancients. Chapter 2 reconstructs a forgotten epidemic of yellow stripe rust, 1846, on rye, a staple food in Continental Europe. Chapter 3 describes the epidemics of potato late blight in Continental Europe, 1844-46, that caused the Continental Famine and - in the longer reach - contributed to the European revolutions of 1848. Chapter 4 studies the impact of plant disease on the food situation in the neutral Netherlands during World War I. Chapter 5 looks at belligerent Germany during World War I, ravaged by plant disease. Chapter 6 treats the problem of under-rating and over-estimating the effect of plant diseases on the course of history: the effects of ergot on political events in Russia, 1722, and in France, 1779, of black stem rust on wheat on the Russian Famine, 1932/3, and of rice brown spot on the Bengal Famine, 1943. This publication is of interest to plant pathologists, historians, economists and sociologists, interested in history, and with a focus on food.
Cod
The devastation of the North Atlantic cod stocks, particularly the tremendous stocks of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Grand Banks, has become an icon for the unsustainable relation between human exploitation and Nature. Here, George Rose tells the full story of that devastation, in scientific detail, for the first time - from the formation of the North Atlantic marine ecosystems to the massive stock declines in the last half of the 20th century. Politics and the fisheries are inextricably entwined. In Cod, Rose recounts the many political influences on the fisheries over several centuries and describes how neglect from the late 1800s onward led to insufficient scientific knowledge and little protection for the stocks when massive Euro-Russian fleets targeted the Grand Banks after World War II, destroying the greatest fishery the world has known. Cod is no armchair account, but a controversial one that includes original information on the North Atlantic fisheries.
Comeback Farms
Many folks are hesitant to try Holistic Planned Grazing because of what they think it entails. Comeback Farms responds to such hesitancy with enthusiasm and positive attitude and by articulating the basics in a very simple way, demonstrating to readers that it is possible to make these changes without a lot of infrastructure investment. Greg Judy shows how to add sheep, goats and pigs to existing cattle operations. He explains fencing and water systems that build on existing infrastructure set up for Management-intensive Grazing. Sharing his first-hand experience (mistakes as well as successes), Judy takes graziers to the next level. He shows how High Density Grazing (HDG) on his own farm and those he leases can revitalize hayed out, scruffy, weedy pastures, and turn them into highly productive grazing landscapes that grow both green grass and greenbacks. If you have six cows or 6000, you can utilize High Density Grazing to create fertile soils, lush pastures and healthy livestock. Greg Judy, the master of custom grazing, shows how to earn profits with little risk while using other people's livestock on leased land. Judy details how to work with Nature without costly inputs, and how to let the animals be your labor force. Comeback Farms covers multi-species grazing; developing parasite-resistant hair sheep flocks and grass-genetic cattle; and how to select, train and care for livestock guardian dogs. It includes High Density Grazing fencing techniques, diagrams for HDG fencing and paddock moves; and how to calve with HDG. By following Judy's examples, you'll have your neighbors talking and wondering about how you keep your fields green and your livestock grazing year-around. In the process you'll be pocketing your profits.
Handy Farm Devices And How to Make Them
Those who want to reduce their carbon footprint might do well to consult this century-old guide to low-tech property maintenance. Step-by-step instructions include how to build a lightweight ladder, a small truss bridge, a stump puller, gates that don't sag and can lift over snowdrifts, a wood splitter, and bicycle-powered machines. For anyone who lives a self-sufficient country life-or for those who wish to-this classic guide from the annals of American history remains current and very practical.
Strategic Alighment of Innovation to Business
"This book addresses the crucial question for innovative prospector companies of how to bridge the gap between exploration and exploitation. Whereas exploration deals with the search for new ideas and opportunities, exploitation is about incrementally moving the performance bar a little bit higher. Finding the right balance between exploration and exploitation is essential for the long term survival in today's highly dynamic business environments. In a cross-industry study of ten large, multinational prospector companies, which are world leaders in their respective industries, it was discovered that the 'industry clockspeed', the length between the subsequent product generations, plays an essential role in bridging this gap. The product generation life cycle (PGLC) typically ranged from just several months in short life cycle industries (SLCIs), such as electronics and the mobile phone industry, to (more than) 10 years in long life cycle industries (LLCIs), such as aerospace and pharmaceutics. Our data indicate that companies operating in SLCIs face major problems in maintaining the long term knowledge base of their firms, whereas companies in LLCIs tend to have problems in aligning their innovation strategy to the short term business needs. To investigate the dynamics of strategic alignment, in one of the LLCI companies, a multinational supplier of industrial components, a six-year longitudinal study was conducted. Here our data indicate that finding a funding structure that effectively balances exploration and exploitation, combined with regular structured feedback between the exploration and exploitation function is needed to maintain long term strategic alignment. CTOs and innovation managers can use this book by first establishing the industry clockspeed(s) in their respective industries or product range(s) and then benchmark their innovation processes to those of the first class (SLCI or LLCI) prospector companies included in this book."
Property Rights After Market Liberalization Reforms
"This book discusses the links between land access, property rights, and economic development, analyzing the results and limitations of a public intervention- Land Titling and Registration- that constitutes one of the main instruments for contemporary land policy in Peru. It attempts to provide a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the importance of institutions, like land property rights, in the context of market liberalization reforms. In operational terms, this means verifying whether land titling constitutes a necessary and/or sufficient condition to promote investments and increase land values. This book reveals that titling and registration can be considered as a necessary condition to improve investment opportunities when its implementation procedure is based on the recognition of previous informal land rights and community networks, because its effect on the reduction of transaction costs at a regional level improves the dynamics of land markets and facilitates the entrance of formal financial institutions. A decentralized program is more likely to understand and correctly assess local conditions, as well as to concentrate its work on poorer farmers confronting stronger limitations to acquire tenure security by other means. Targeting must be applied also at the regional level, identifying less-developed areas that can benefit from the externality effects provided by increased levels of titling density. The presence of other limitations that constrain the participation of small farmers in the formal credit market, and the inability of titling to solve them by itself, makes it difficult to consider this policy as a sufficient condition to improve the livelihood of poorer farmers. Complementary policies that provide small farmers with the opportunity to increase their land-holdings, as well as the possibility to acquire insurance against negative shocks, need urgent implementation."
Crisis & Opportunity
With the decline of family farms and rural communities and the rise of corporate farming and the resulting environmental degradation, American agriculture is in crisis. But this crisis offers the opportunity to rethink agriculture in sustainable terms. Here one of the most eloquent and influential proponents of sustainable agriculture explains what this means. These engaging essays describe what sustainable agriculture is, why it began, and how it can succeed. Together they constitute a clear and compelling vision for rebalancing the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of agriculture to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. In Crisis and Opportunity, John E. Ikerd outlines the consequences of agricultural industrialization, then details the methods that can restore economic viability, ecological soundness, and social responsibility to our agricultural system and thus ensure sustainable agriculture as the foundation of a sustainable food system and a sustainable society.
EU Beef Farming Systems and CAP Regulations
The new Common Agricultural Policy, launched in 2003 and implemented since 2005, appears as a big change mainly due to the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme and the decoupling of subsidies from production. EU beef production is one of the sectors mostly affected by the existing CAP regulations. This book addresses what the impact could be on the future of European beef farming systems and in what ways could beef farmers adapt in order to ensure the sustainability of their farms. Within the Cattle Network Working Group of EAAP, a group of European economists, The Beef Task Force, composed of experts and researchers from a number of EU countries, engaged in a common project with the object of monitoring and developing studies on policy impact and farm strategy analysis. The BTF joined national studies into a common report, which is divided into four parts: the current picture of beef farming systems in Europe; CAP implementation at national level; first impact of reformed CAP on farming systems; future evolution of European beef production and land use. This book highlights disparities in CAP implementation and presents the main developments regarding EU beef farming systems: size increase, farm/regional specialization, adaptation to market requirements and, eventually, social expectations. It is of interest to policy makers and all those who concern themselves with the cattle industry.
South American Camelids Research
South American camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicu簽as and Guanacos) are receiving increased interest not only in South America but also on a worldwide scale. They possess some unique features such as their fine fibre and healthy meat, and their high adaptivity to many climatic regions across the world. Apart from the important productive aspects, their physical attractiveness and friendly temperament also makes them popular as pet animals. There are still many gaps in the scientific literature with regard to South American camelids. In part, this gap can be diminished by this collection of papers which brings the experience of both European and South American researchers working together. The main themes considered in this book are the following: nutrition and feeding, meat production and the meat market, ecology, fibre production and the fibre market, animal breeding, animal health and pathology and socio-economical aspects. The particular advantages of South American camelids for the sustainable use of fragile ecosystems with native pastures are also outlined. 'South American camelids research' is aimed at scientists and animal breeders as well as students studying veterinary, animal and applied biological sciences. It can be of further reference to farmers and traders of fibre and meat products. Please note that most articles are written in Spanish.
Experiences, Innovations and Issues in Agricultural Extention in Uganda
Emerging Pests And Vector-Borne Diseases In Europe
"This is a multi-authored book concerning the perceived threat and recorded increase of emerging pests and vector-borne diseases affecting man and animals in Europe. Historically, Europe suffered from numerous pests and vector-borne diseases, including yellow fever, malaria, plague and typhus. Introduction of hygienic measures, drugs and vector control caused the disappearance of many of these diseases from Europe. In the (sub)tropics, however, many of these diseases still thrive, causing serious health problems for humans and animals. Increased trade, leading to animal and human movement and climate change cause reason to assume that several of these diseases might become re-established or allow 'new' diseases and pests to be introduced in Europe. The recent outbreaks of bluetongue virus in North-western Europe highlights this concern, requiring an effective surveillance systems for the early detection of pests and vector-borne diseases. In 24 chapters this book provides examples of the most likely pests and diseases affecting man and animals in Europe, with emphasis on ecological factors favouring these diseases and methods for prevention and intervention. The authors are recognized experts in specific fields. All chapters are peer reviewed."
Environmental Management In The Dutch Food And Beverage Industry
"Because of the growing societal concerns regarding industrial environmental pollution, it is essential to get a deeper understanding of the factors influencing firms to reduce their environmental impact. This book considers these concerns by evaluating the importance of these factors in reference to environmental management in the Dutch food and beverage industry. It develops an integrated research framework building on the inside-out and outside-in perspectives on environmental management. Empirical data were gathered in 2002 and 2005. This book provides interesting insights into the developments in this period showing that the impact of the business environment has extended from the traditionally important stakeholders, such as government and societal groups, to include commercial chain and network actors as well, including buyers and suppliers, but also bank and insurance firms. Furthermore, the analyses demonstrate that public-private voluntary agreements can be an effective policy instrument. Firms with a proactive business strategy appear to pay more attention to environmentally friendly product (re)design, which is crucial to reduce environmental impact from a cradle-to-cradle perspective. This book is of interest to environmental and general management in firms that want to reach environmental excellence. Policy implications are drawn for environmental policy-makers, environmental agencies and environmental interest groups that aim for stimulating firms to clean up."
