CCD-CP-68: Corn Shocks

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Apr. 24, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Potential markets for corn shocks include farmers markets, roadside stands, and garden centers. Stores that specialize in decorative and craft items may present another marketing option. Grocery stores and other retailers who create store displays may be interested in purchasing shocks. Some Kentucky producers have had success in selling entire lawn displays that include corn shocks, along with other fall decoratives. The displays are delivered directly to the customer and set up by the grower.

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CCD-CP-6: Gooseberries and Currants

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Feb. 27, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Gooseberries and currants (Ribes spp.) are woody, multi-stemmed shrubs best known for their tart fruit. While some enjoy eating them fresh, these fruit are especially prized for use in making jellies, jams, pies, and sauces.

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CCD-CP-42: Spelt

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Feb. 6, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Spelt (Triticum aestivum var. spelta) is a subspecies of wheat that is primarily used as an alternative feed grain for livestock. It is generally grown for on-farm use, often as a substitute for oats. Most of the nation's feed-grade spelt is grown in Ohio. Spelt can also be used in many of the same processed foods as soft red winter wheat (for example, pasta, high fiber cereals, and crackers). Some people with allergies to wheat are not allergic to spelt, making spelt an excellent substitute for wheat in their diets. Spelt products are available through organic and health food stores.

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CCD-CP-49: Woody Biomass for Energy

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Jan. 27, 2012 (New)

Biomass, when used in reference to renewable energy, is any biological (plant or animal) matter that can be converted to electricity or fuel. Woody biomass refers to biomass material specifically from trees and shrubs. It is most often transformed to usable energy by direct combustion, either alone or co-fired with coal; however, efforts are underway to develop methods to cost effectively convert woody material to liquid fuels.

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CCD-CP-112: Peanuts

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Jan. 25, 2012 (New)

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), also referred to as groundpeas or groundnuts, are an annual herbaceous legume with an indeterminate growth habit. As these alternate names imply, this unique plant produces its fruit (peanut) below ground. Once the small yellow flowers are self-pollinated, the fertilized ovary elongates into a "peg" which grows downward and penetrates into the soil. Peanuts develop underground at the ends of the pegs. The peanut seed is referred to a kernel and the outer shell is called a pod or hull.

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CCD-CP-24: Canola

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Jan. 23, 2012 (Minor Revision)

Canola (Brassica napus) is a genetically altered and improved version of rapeseed that was developed for its superior edible oil and high value meal. The term "canola" can only be applied to those varieties that produce less than 2 percent erucic acid. Canola oil is lower in saturated fats than any other vegetable oil, making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. The portion of the seed left after the oil is extracted (canola meal) is of value as feed for livestock and poultry. Canola may also be used as an annual forage. In addition, canola is being considered as a source of biodiesel fuel.

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CCD-SP-11: Agritourism

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 26, 2011 (Minor Revision)

Agritourism is any commercial enterprise that combines agriculture and tourism on a working farm, ranch, or other agribusiness operation. The Commonwealth of Kentucky defines agritourism as "The act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operations for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation."

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CCD-SV-1: 2011 Regional Wine Grape Marketing and Price Outlook

Matthew Ernst, Tim Woods | Jul. 20, 2011 (New)

Wine grape producers in the Southeast benefited from a rapid increase in the number of wineries in the region during the 1990s and early 2000s. The steady winery growth indicates continued expansion and demand for winegrapes. This survey was conducted in early 2011 to better understand how business practices are developing among wineries in Kentucky and six contiguous states---Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, and Missouri.

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CCD-CP-30: Grain Amaranth

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Jul. 19, 2011 (New)

Amaranth is a versatile warm-season, broadleaf plant that can be grown as a grain, ornamental, leafy vegetable, or forage crop. In the U.S. it is grown almost exclusively for its grain, which is produced on large, brightly colored seed heads. Most grain amaranth grown in the States is Amaranthus hypochondriacus; however, A. cruentus is grown to a lesser extent. The seeds are high in lysine, fiber, and protein; low in saturated fats; and gluten-free. Amaranth can be ground into flour, popped like popcorn, or flaked like oatmeal. Because many of amaranth's uses are similar to that of cereal grasses, amaranth is often referred to as a pseudo-cereal.

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CCD-MP-12: Adding Value to Plant Production: A Summary of Kentucky Products

Matthew Ernst | Jun. 28, 2011 (New)

While a complete list of value-added crop products is impractical due to the number of these products marketed from Kentucky crops, producers considering new value-added enterprises may be helped by a summary of products with similar marketing characteristics. The major types of value-added products derived from Kentucky-grown crops listed here are grouped by marketing characteristics. This profile also includes brief summaries of several Kentucky value-added producer success stories.