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Non-Traditional Ranch and Farm Animals and Crops

Many ranches and farms are diversifying by introducing non-traditional crops or animals into their operations. Some of these include:

Fruit and/or nut trees Organic fruit and/or vegetables Seeds or plants under protection Heirloom plants/seeds Berries (e.g. raspberries, strawberries) Herbs (medicinal and culinary) Nursery plants, trees or shrubs Bulbs, flowers or seeds Woodlot products (logs, lumber, firewood)

Grapes Mushrooms Soybeans Specialty grains Pumpkins/gourds Native plants Sod Christmas trees Insect habitats (bee, butterflies)

Miniature animals Horse products (e.g. semen) Cattle products (e.g. semen) Buffalo or bison Deer and/or elk Emus and/or ostriches Llamas and/or alpacas Mink and/or rabbits Fish or shellfish in captivity

 Useful websites:

• Wildlife Management 
• Marketing and Management of Exotics
• Sustainable Farming Connection
• Southern Region Sustainable Ag Res. & Extension
• Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
• Univ. of California, Davis, Small Farm Center
• USDA Small Farm Program
• Back to the Farm
• Agroecology/Sustainable Ag Program
• American Small Farm Magazine - virtual farm show
• Horticulture Alternatives for Texas Agriculture
• Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
• Center for Rural Affairs:  Beginning Farmer & Rancher Opportunities
• Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture
• Missouri Alternatives Center
• University of Kentucky:  New Crop Opportunities Center
• Seed Savers Exchange

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