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Are you thinking about starting a
specialty farm? Perhaps you already farm and are
considering diversification into specialty crops. If so,
you are not alone. With today's global markets,
production of high-value specialty crops and products
can be profitable. Idaho's incredibly diverse climates
and topography also create opportunities for a variety
of unique crops.
With that diversity, however, also comes
challenges. The climate in Idaho ranges from a
relatively balmy zone 6 to a downright chilly zone 3
(visit the
USDA Plant
Zone Hardiness Map for zone descriptions). The
Boise and Lewiston areas provide long, warm growing
seasons and mild winters. For other regions of the
state, short, cool growing seasons and sometimes
bitterly cold winters are the rule. Detailed climatic
information for Idaho's ten northern counties is
available on our Weather Page.
At the University of Idaho Sandpoint
Research & Extension Center, we have long focused on
high-value, small acreage crops, including landscape
nursery stock, Christmas trees, berries, and grapes. We
are a leader in efforts to produce western huckleberries
and bilberries in cultivation and managed forest stands.
We are also a leader in developing haskaps
(edible-fruited honeysuckles) as a commercial fruit
crop. We carry out our roles through both research and
extension activities that are described on this site.
If you are considering starting a
specialty farm or want to diversify your existing farm,
we can help. We recommend the following steps.
1. Start by reading our two guides,
Specialty Farming: Is It For Me? and
Specialty Farming: Selecting a Site. Even if you
already have an existing farm or a site for a farm, the
guides will help you evaluate what you want to do and if
your site and location are suitable for that enterprise.
2. Study various crops and determine what you are
interested in and what might work for you. Publications
describing crops and livestock adapted to the Northwest
can be found at:
3. After you have developed a clear idea
of what you would like to do and consider feasible,
contact your State Extension Service. For growers in
Idaho, contact the
Sandpoint R&E Center for fruit crops, Christmas
trees, and nursery crops. For other crops and livestock,
visit
University of Idaho Extension.
If your farm is or will be located in
another state, contact that state's Extension Service.
For contact information,
click here.
For Idaho growers. we can provide
consultation and technical support. Depending on your
location, a site visit by an Extension Specialist might
be possible.
Good luck! |
