Fair, 55°
Weather sponsored by:

Turn dirt into dollars with an alternative crop

Luke B. Harlow Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
Posted 8/29/18

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The calls I receive usually go like this: I just bought a few acres in Clay County and want to grow something – what can I do with it?

And my answer is usually in the form …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Don't have an ID?


Print subscribers

If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.

Non-subscribers

Click here to see your options for subscribing.

Single day pass

You also have the option of purchasing 24 hours of access, for $1.00. Click here to purchase a single day pass.

Turn dirt into dollars with an alternative crop

Photo courtesy UF/IFAS
UF/IFAS researcher Zhanao Deng is researching the viability of Florida hops at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida.
Photo courtesy UF/IFAS UF/IFAS researcher Zhanao Deng is researching the viability of Florida hops at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida.

Posted

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The calls I receive usually go like this: I just bought a few acres in Clay County and want to grow something – what can I do with it?

And my answer is usually in the form of several questions as I try to figure out their desires and drive to grow crops. It really depends on many factors, but if they are looking to grow, sell and profit from the crop production, I usually suggest they look into an “alternative” crop as our proximity to urban outlets is an advantage for niche markets.

So, what are some alternative crop options? A lot of attention has been focused on certain primary alternatives like shitake mushrooms, sunflowers, rice, olives, blueberries, honey and even hops. Hydroponic food production (growing produce without soil), has become increasingly popular, especially on a small-scale production.

Whether you are interested in diversifying your income or just plain curious about trying to grow a new crop, it is very important to understand several factors before you make the jump. The following step-by-step approach can help you evaluate ways you can make a few extra bucks on your small parcel of land.

First, make sure there is local and regional interest in your product. Unlike conventional commodity markets which are well-known, many new or alternative crops markets may not be stable or may not exist yet. Establishing relationships with potential buyers may be the key to testing your product for success or failure.

Second, do your homework on the alternative crop you want to explore. Understand the growing habits and the management requirements. Also understand that there are reasons why certain plants and crops are not grown in Florida, due to environmental and geographical reasons.

A good example of this is Hops, which is responsible for the bittering, flavoring, and aroma of beer. The largest producing states of hops have been in the northern states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, however, there is now interest in locally grown Florida hops for home brewers and craft breweries.

Florida’s geographical location possesses some difficulty to growing hops which is affected by day length and available light for photosynthesis. Florida hops production is somewhat less than optimal when compared to hops production in the northern states, but UF/IFAS researchers have found that hops production in Florida is possible and are working to develop management recommendations for this new alternative crop. Understanding your specific crop’s benefits and challenges will give you a better understanding of how to manage your crop and how to plan for success.

Third, understand that starting a new enterprise or diversifying your business needs to be carefully planned. I have seen many start-ups fail because they haven’t had a plan.

An important part of starting a new venture is developing a business plan which is a road map to guide the future development of the business. Typically, alternative crops are labor intensive.

Many farmers have been extremely successful and profitable starting into new markets; olive oil, Florida grown hops, pomegranates, crop mazes and farm weddings venues. There is an allure to starting something new, but by doing a little homework and spending a little time to understand what you are about to embark on will save you money in the long run and make your new enterprise more profitable.

If you are interested in exploring your options, growing an alternative crop, or need production advice contact Luke Harlow at the Clay County Extension Office at 904-284-6355 or harlow1231@ufl.edu.