Growing Niche Crops On The Small Farm For Profit
Small farmers should raise crops and livestock for niche markets. This means relying on alternative crops and livestock, or alternative marketing, rather than the traditional types of farming the universities promote. While universities will claim that their research is size neutral, in the real world, that simply is not true.For example, if your university or seed dealer comes up with a new variety of corn that yields an additional 10 bushels to the acre, who benefits the most? The farmer with 50 acres of corn or the farmer with 2000 acres of corn? The man growing 50 acres of corn gets a 500 bushel increase in his crop. The man with 2000 acres gets a 20,000 bushel increase, which enables him to purchase new technology at a faster rate than can be done on the 50 acre farm.
The 2000 acre farm also has a lower per unit cost of production and more acres to spread his equipment over. You might well say, I have only five acres. I cannot compete, why do it at all? Well, you can compete, but you need to raise different crops, or the same crops for different reasons. Here’s an example.
Selling corn will ordinarily bring you about $3.50 per bushel. A bushel of shelled corn is 56 pounds, so this amounts to about five cents per pound. On the other hand, so you take the same corn and add value to it by processing it into cornmeal. You will make $89 per bushel for about $80 per pound in gross profit. You will have to cover the cost of bags to put the cornmeal in, about $.25 each for a plastic lined cloth bags.
This means 56 1 pound bags would cost about $12. This $12 will have to be subtracted from the amount you make from selling the cornmeal. This leaves about $72, which will pay your labor, management, and marketing costs. A good goal is to have 50% of your income in net profit in this case, about $36 per bushel.
If each acre yields 100 bushels, selling corn at two dollars per bushel will net you $50. Selling it as cornmeal will produce a net income of about $3625 per acre-including payment for labor and management. By selling the corn as cornmeal-or growing high dollar, high-yield varieties, or selling Indian corn for decorative purposes, or any other number of alternative marketing methods-you can vastly increase your level of profit. Of course, selling 5600 bags of cornmeal will require much more marketing effort than would hauling your corn to the nearest elevator and unloading it.
Ethnic Vegetables
The demand for ethnic vegetables is rapidly increasing in the United States. A large ethnic Asian population and health-conscious American consumer’s desire for variety play a major role in boosting the demand for Asian vegetables. Asian vegetables are those that have originated from East Asia (China, Japan and Korea) and Southeast Asia ( Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.). Asian vegetables are sometimes called “Oriental crops.” However, the term Asian vegetables is a more accurate descriptor. Most Asian vegetables are not well‑known to American farmers, due to the fact that they are typically cultivated by the Asian growers exclusively for Asian‑Americans to use. However, some of these Asian vegetables may be considered as options for farmers.
Marketing
In Ohio, agriculture production and acreage statistics are not reported for any of the Asian vegetables. A majority of the U.S. Asian crops production acreage is located in California, Florida and New Jersey. Some production, postharvest handling and marketing information is available from these states but is targeted only for those regions. There is limited research data from other states. growers may have to rely on their on-farm trials and own experience when they venture into this new arena.
Marketing information for Asian crops is not widely published. Since Asian crops are niche items in the produce marketplace, only specialized produce companies deal in these products. Most of these buyers deal with restaurants, some chain stores, and specialty food stores. Few Asian vegetables are sold through retail farm markets. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) market reports are published daily by the fruit and vegetable market news, on produce prices at U.S. terminal markets and terminal markets around the world. Of the Asian crops researched in the field trials in Ohio, wholesale terminal market prices are only reported for Chinese cabbage.
Some of the Asian vegetables could be considered by growers for a double crop situation, i.e., following a wheat or early cabbage or sweet corn crop. Growers who want to diversify their current farming operations by including any of the Asian vegetables need to be very cautious before beginning production. Markets and buyers need to be established before any seeds are purchased. Budgets and further economic data need to be gathered on these crops before profit potential can be determined. All Asian crops are very labor intensive, therefore a strong and dependable labor force will be required for timely harvest and proper cultural management of these crops.
Common Asian Vegetables
Asian vegetables have different names depending upon the language used. The list below summarizes some of the crops that have performed well in research trials in Ohio. The crop must be identified properly when it comes to marketing the product, as well as when selecting appropriate pest control measures since common names vary depending on the language used (Chinese, Mandarin or Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese, for example). This list is not meant to be complete and should serve as a starting point. Other Asian vegetables can be grown on a trial basis.
Crucifer or Cabbage Family: Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy), and Daikon Radish
Cucurbit Family: Bittermelon, Edible Luffa Gourd and Winter Melon
Legume Family: Asparagus (Yardlong) Bean, Edible Snap Sugar Peas and Snow Peas
Solanum Family: Oriental Eggplant
Crucifer or Cabbage Family — Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy), and Daikon Radish
Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy): Chinese cabbage has been grown in Asia since the 5th Century. It is now grown primarily in California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Florida. The name Chinese cabbage is applied to a wide range of types and varieties. Following are the main types and varieties of Chinese cabbage.
Group I: Napa Cabbage, Brassica campestris, is commonly called pe-tsai group. Its common names also include celery cabbage, Chinese white cabbage, Peking cabbage, pe-tsai, won bok, nappa (Japanese), hakusai (Japanese), pao and hsin pei tsai.
Napa cabbage includes broadleafed, compact-heading varieties of which there are two forms, ‘Chihili’ and ‘Che-foo.’
‘Chihili’ Type: This form of Napa cabbage forms a cylindrical head 18 inches long and 6 inches in diameter, with an erect, upright growing habit. Some of the varieties of this form are ‘Chihili,’ ‘Michihli,’ ‘Market Pride,’ ‘Shantung’ and ‘Shaho Tsai.’
‘Che-foo’ Type: This type forms a compact, round head of green-bladed, white petioled leaves. Some varieties in this group are ‘Che-foo,’ ‘Tropical Pride,’ and ‘Oriental King.’
Group II: Bok Choy, Brassica campestris is sometimes called Brassica chinensis. The most commonly accepted designations
are bok choy or pak choy. Many refer to it as Chinese mustard.
Bok choy is a nonheading form of Chinese cabbage, with several thick white leafstalks. The smooth, glossy, dark
green leaf blades form a celery-like cluster. There aren’t as many varieties as there are of the napa type. Two are ‘Canton
Choice,’ and ‘Long White Petiole.’
Chinese cabbage is a cool season annual vegetable. It grows best with short days and moderate to cool temperatures
(60-70 degrees F mean temperature.) Their cultural requirements are similar to those of cabbage and lettuce. Chinese
cabbage is fairly quick in maturing. It varies from 40 days from sowing to harvest for some cultivars to 75 days for the
longer maturing ones. Space Napa cabbage 18 inches apart and bok choy types 8-12 inches apart and 24 inches between
rows.
Daikon Radish, Raphanus sativus, var. longipinnatus, is also called Chinese radish. This root crop is very closely related
to the common radish. The main planting times are spring and fall, but some varieties can be planted almost year‑round.
Bolting (premature seedstalk) can be a problem. Plant the seeds 3/4 deep in April for a spring crop or July for a fall crop.
Plant spacing should be 4-6 inches between plants and 3 feet between rows. To compensate for large root size, plant
daikon radishes in high raised beds that are amended with organic matter, such as compost. At each cultivation, work
the soil higher and higher around the root as it grows. Most daikon radishes reach their useable size in 60-70 days.
Cucurbit Family — Bittermelon, Edible Luffa Gourd, and Winter melon
Bittermelon, Mormodica charantia, is a native of India. Like cucumbers and squashes, bittermelon is a member of
the Cucurbit family. It is a warm season vegetable. It is usually grown on a trellis system and its fruit is about the size
of a summer squash. The trellis should be 6-feet high and 4-6 feet apart. The seeds can be directly planted or grown as
seedlings with spacing at 1.5-2 feet between plants and 3-5 feet between rows. Bittermelons are harvested green before
there is any color change. Bright orange fruits are saved for seed collection.
Salt reduces the bitterness. Slice lengthwise and stuff with pork or seafood and top with oyster sauce; or cut halves
into 1/4-inch chunks and add to meat/vegetable stir‑fries. The young leaves and tips can be steamed.
Edible Luffa Gourds: There are two types of luffa gourds. They are Smooth Luffa and Angled Luffa.
Smooth luffa, Luffa cylindrica, originated in India and was later taken to China. If left to mature on the plant, the
smooth luffa gourd produces the familiar “Luffa sponge” that is found in stores. This luffa sponge can be used as a
dishrag or great back‑scrubber. Soak the light brown mature gourd in 10% bleach for 24 hours, then peel off the skin
and allow to dry. The plants need to be trellised. This is a warm season vegetable. The smooth luffa is mainly grown for
the young squash-like fruits. Slice Luffa into 1-inch pieces and stir‑fry with shrimp in a tempura batter and cooked in
oyster sauce; or simply stir‑fry in butter by itself or with other vegetables. Be careful not to overcook as it will become
mushy. Some of the luffa cultivars are ‘Smooth Boy,’ ‘Smooth Beauty,’ and ‘Southern Winner.’
Angled Luffa, Luffa actuangula, is very similar to the smooth luffa except that the actuangula seems somewhat
more susceptible to spider mite attacks. Luffa gourds are trained on trellises to encourage straighter fruits, which can
become more curved if allowed to grow on the ground. Just like smooth luffa, the angled luffa is a warm season annual
vegetable.
The quality of this squash as a sponge gourd is not as desirable; however, in stir fries and other foods it excels and
does not become mushy as readily. It is sweeter and has a better flavor than zucchini. This type should be peeled, as the
ridges are fairly hard. Most plantings will have both types of luffa for the varied tastes of consumers, but the popularity
of angled luffa predominates. Some of the angled luffa cultivars are ‘Hybrid Green Glory,’ ‘Hybrid Asian Pride,’ ‘Lucky
Boy’ and ‘Summer Long.’
Winter Melon, Benincasa hispida, can be quite big and usually weighs in excess of 30 pounds. Winter melons are
harvested when mature and have developed the white wax bloom on the skin. Because of its size, it is not trellised but
allowed to spread over the ground. Its grows very similarly to pumpkins.
Winter melon can be stored for 3 to 4 months over the wintertime, much like winter squash. The flavor of winter
melon is very mild. The flesh or rind is white and is a main ingredient in chicken soup with other vegetables. It can be
stir-fried with pork and onions.
Legume Family — Asparagus (Yard Long) Bean or Chinese Long Beans, and Edible Pod
Sugar Peas and Snow Peas
Asparagus (Yardlong) bean or Chinese long beans, Vigna sesquipedalis, is a long trailing vine that should be grown
on trellises. This plant is more closely related to black-eyed pea than to the common green snap bean. Dark and light
green varieties are available as well as a red type. The darker varieties are generally preferred. It is a warm season vegetable.
Yardlong beans are cut into 2-inch pieces and added to various stir‑fries. The paler green is sweeter and more
tender than the dark green.
Marketing
In Ohio, agriculture production and acreage statistics are not reported for any of the Asian vegetables. A majority of the U.S. Asian crops production acreage is located in California, Florida and New Jersey. Some production, postharvest handling and marketing information is available from these states but is targeted only for those regions. There is limited research data from other states. growers may have to rely on their on-farm trials and own experience when they venture into this new arena.
Marketing information for Asian crops is not widely published. Since Asian crops are niche items in the produce marketplace, only specialized produce companies deal in these products. Most of these buyers deal with restaurants, some chain stores, and specialty food stores. Few Asian vegetables are sold through retail farm markets. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) market reports are published daily by the fruit and vegetable market news, on produce prices at U.S. terminal markets and terminal markets around the world. Of the Asian crops researched in the field trials in Ohio, wholesale terminal market prices are only reported for Chinese cabbage.
Some of the Asian vegetables could be considered by growers for a double crop situation, i.e., following a wheat or early cabbage or sweet corn crop. Growers who want to diversify their current farming operations by including any of the Asian vegetables need to be very cautious before beginning production. Markets and buyers need to be established before any seeds are purchased. Budgets and further economic data need to be gathered on these crops before profit potential can be determined. All Asian crops are very labor intensive, therefore a strong and dependable labor force will be required for timely harvest and proper cultural management of these crops.
Common Asian Vegetables
Asian vegetables have different names depending upon the language used. The list below summarizes some of the crops that have performed well in research trials in Ohio. The crop must be identified properly when it comes to marketing the product, as well as when selecting appropriate pest control measures since common names vary depending on the language used (Chinese, Mandarin or Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese, for example). This list is not meant to be complete and should serve as a starting point. Other Asian vegetables can be grown on a trial basis.
Crucifer or Cabbage Family: Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy), and Daikon Radish
Cucurbit Family: Bittermelon, Edible Luffa Gourd and Winter Melon
Legume Family: Asparagus (Yardlong) Bean, Edible Snap Sugar Peas and Snow Peas
Solanum Family: Oriental Eggplant
Crucifer or Cabbage Family — Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy), and Daikon Radish
Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy): Chinese cabbage has been grown in Asia since the 5th Century. It is now grown primarily in California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Florida. The name Chinese cabbage is applied to a wide range of types and varieties. Following are the main types and varieties of Chinese cabbage.
Group I: Napa Cabbage, Brassica campestris, is commonly called pe-tsai group. Its common names also include celery cabbage, Chinese white cabbage, Peking cabbage, pe-tsai, won bok, nappa (Japanese), hakusai (Japanese), pao and hsin pei tsai.
Napa cabbage includes broadleafed, compact-heading varieties of which there are two forms, ‘Chihili’ and ‘Che-foo.’
‘Chihili’ Type: This form of Napa cabbage forms a cylindrical head 18 inches long and 6 inches in diameter, with an erect, upright growing habit. Some of the varieties of this form are ‘Chihili,’ ‘Michihli,’ ‘Market Pride,’ ‘Shantung’ and ‘Shaho Tsai.’
‘Che-foo’ Type: This type forms a compact, round head of green-bladed, white petioled leaves. Some varieties in this group are ‘Che-foo,’ ‘Tropical Pride,’ and ‘Oriental King.’
Group II: Bok Choy, Brassica campestris is sometimes called Brassica chinensis. The most commonly accepted designations
are bok choy or pak choy. Many refer to it as Chinese mustard.
Bok choy is a nonheading form of Chinese cabbage, with several thick white leafstalks. The smooth, glossy, dark
green leaf blades form a celery-like cluster. There aren’t as many varieties as there are of the napa type. Two are ‘Canton
Choice,’ and ‘Long White Petiole.’
Chinese cabbage is a cool season annual vegetable. It grows best with short days and moderate to cool temperatures
(60-70 degrees F mean temperature.) Their cultural requirements are similar to those of cabbage and lettuce. Chinese
cabbage is fairly quick in maturing. It varies from 40 days from sowing to harvest for some cultivars to 75 days for the
longer maturing ones. Space Napa cabbage 18 inches apart and bok choy types 8-12 inches apart and 24 inches between
rows.
Daikon Radish, Raphanus sativus, var. longipinnatus, is also called Chinese radish. This root crop is very closely related
to the common radish. The main planting times are spring and fall, but some varieties can be planted almost year‑round.
Bolting (premature seedstalk) can be a problem. Plant the seeds 3/4 deep in April for a spring crop or July for a fall crop.
Plant spacing should be 4-6 inches between plants and 3 feet between rows. To compensate for large root size, plant
daikon radishes in high raised beds that are amended with organic matter, such as compost. At each cultivation, work
the soil higher and higher around the root as it grows. Most daikon radishes reach their useable size in 60-70 days.
Cucurbit Family — Bittermelon, Edible Luffa Gourd, and Winter melon
Bittermelon, Mormodica charantia, is a native of India. Like cucumbers and squashes, bittermelon is a member of
the Cucurbit family. It is a warm season vegetable. It is usually grown on a trellis system and its fruit is about the size
of a summer squash. The trellis should be 6-feet high and 4-6 feet apart. The seeds can be directly planted or grown as
seedlings with spacing at 1.5-2 feet between plants and 3-5 feet between rows. Bittermelons are harvested green before
there is any color change. Bright orange fruits are saved for seed collection.
Salt reduces the bitterness. Slice lengthwise and stuff with pork or seafood and top with oyster sauce; or cut halves
into 1/4-inch chunks and add to meat/vegetable stir‑fries. The young leaves and tips can be steamed.
Edible Luffa Gourds: There are two types of luffa gourds. They are Smooth Luffa and Angled Luffa.
Smooth luffa, Luffa cylindrica, originated in India and was later taken to China. If left to mature on the plant, the
smooth luffa gourd produces the familiar “Luffa sponge” that is found in stores. This luffa sponge can be used as a
dishrag or great back‑scrubber. Soak the light brown mature gourd in 10% bleach for 24 hours, then peel off the skin
and allow to dry. The plants need to be trellised. This is a warm season vegetable. The smooth luffa is mainly grown for
the young squash-like fruits. Slice Luffa into 1-inch pieces and stir‑fry with shrimp in a tempura batter and cooked in
oyster sauce; or simply stir‑fry in butter by itself or with other vegetables. Be careful not to overcook as it will become
mushy. Some of the luffa cultivars are ‘Smooth Boy,’ ‘Smooth Beauty,’ and ‘Southern Winner.’
Angled Luffa, Luffa actuangula, is very similar to the smooth luffa except that the actuangula seems somewhat
more susceptible to spider mite attacks. Luffa gourds are trained on trellises to encourage straighter fruits, which can
become more curved if allowed to grow on the ground. Just like smooth luffa, the angled luffa is a warm season annual
vegetable.
The quality of this squash as a sponge gourd is not as desirable; however, in stir fries and other foods it excels and
does not become mushy as readily. It is sweeter and has a better flavor than zucchini. This type should be peeled, as the
ridges are fairly hard. Most plantings will have both types of luffa for the varied tastes of consumers, but the popularity
of angled luffa predominates. Some of the angled luffa cultivars are ‘Hybrid Green Glory,’ ‘Hybrid Asian Pride,’ ‘Lucky
Boy’ and ‘Summer Long.’
Winter Melon, Benincasa hispida, can be quite big and usually weighs in excess of 30 pounds. Winter melons are
harvested when mature and have developed the white wax bloom on the skin. Because of its size, it is not trellised but
allowed to spread over the ground. Its grows very similarly to pumpkins.
Winter melon can be stored for 3 to 4 months over the wintertime, much like winter squash. The flavor of winter
melon is very mild. The flesh or rind is white and is a main ingredient in chicken soup with other vegetables. It can be
stir-fried with pork and onions.
Legume Family — Asparagus (Yard Long) Bean or Chinese Long Beans, and Edible Pod
Sugar Peas and Snow Peas
Asparagus (Yardlong) bean or Chinese long beans, Vigna sesquipedalis, is a long trailing vine that should be grown
on trellises. This plant is more closely related to black-eyed pea than to the common green snap bean. Dark and light
green varieties are available as well as a red type. The darker varieties are generally preferred. It is a warm season vegetable.
Yardlong beans are cut into 2-inch pieces and added to various stir‑fries. The paler green is sweeter and more
tender than the dark green.
Sugar Snap Pea and Snow Pea, Pisum sativum, are cool season vegetables of the Legume family. Seeds should be sowed in April for a spring crop or sowed in July for a fall crop. Plants deteriorate quickly in the heat of summer. The plants of sugar snap pea and snow pea grow similarly to bush beans. It is often helpful to grow them on trellis to facilitate the picking; however, if grown for the tender shoot tips, they are usually left un-trellised.
Both the pods and seeds are edible and are essential in oriental dishes. They are also used in soups, beef and other meat dishes, and stir fry.
Both the pods and seeds are edible and are essential in oriental dishes. They are also used in soups, beef and other meat dishes, and stir fry.