Table of Contents:

I. Introduction
II. Apprenticeships/Mentorships/Farmer Ed
[Link] to Land
IV. Capitalization of Small Diversified Operations:
business planning + accounting, loans, grants
V. Getting started:
what to grow, seeds, pest management, soil fertility,
irrigation, livestock, equipment, staying current
VI. Marketing the Food: certifications, pricing, CSA’s
VII. Community
VIII. Urban Agriculture
IX. Bio-bling: DIY projects, yurts, and permaculture
X. Annotated list of Major Farming Info: clearinghouse sites,
hotlines, short case studies
XI. Big Picture: research watchdogs, activism

“There seem to be but three ways for a nation to acquire

wealth. The first is by war, as the Romans did, in plunder-
ing their conquered neighbors. This is robbery. The second
by commerce, which is generally cheating. The third by
agriculture, the only honest way, wherein man receives a
real increase of the seed thrown into the ground, in a kind
of continual miracle…as a reward for his innocent life and
his virtuous industry.”
-Benjamin Franklin
 Introduction:
For many, the family farmer represents all that is good
about America: self sufficient, productive, independent,
hard-working, community spirited and accountable.
Indeed most of our founding fathers were farmers- along
with their wives, and servants who spent a good deal of
time in agricultural production as well. As late as 1950
over 15% of Americans were farming. Today it is a mere
1.6%.

the greenhorns is a documentary film about the emerging young farming move-
ment in America. At its core, a commitment to sustainable agriculture is a pledge
of patriotism to the land that feeds us. We will not strip, poison or pollute the foun-
dational resource of our country.

This is a guidebook and field guide aimed to support and further encourage new
entrants to agriculture, whom we call “Greenhorns.” This book, a compilation of
existing resources, has been prepared to give an introduction to the various edu-
cational, governmental and other programs which serve to help new, young and
beginning farmers start their business and farm.

If you are reading this because you are considering changing your career and en-
tering agriculture, or if you are already an apprentice or journeyman farmer hoping
to become owner-operator of your own farm, or if you are still a stu-dent hoping
to design your own professional trajectory into agriculture-- we hope to give you a
sense of what kind of expectations to hold about getting started with farming.

The good news is that ever-increasing numbers of young people are enter-ing
agriculture, and successfully. Thhis means that they are able to pay the bills, sup-
port their families, and remain careful stewards of the land. Becoming a farmer is
certainly not as ‘clear cut as becoming a doctor or a lawyer, or even a carpenter. But
that hasn’t stopped a growing, determined and wonderfully dynamic surge of new
farmers from doing it anyway. What it does mean is that there is a certain level of
professional improvisation—as you try to balance learning with earning. For many
people this can mean periods of higher paid nursery work, or carpentry, a side job,
a paid ‘non-profit’ salary or seasonal educational role. In some cases a partner might
have an “off farm” income.

+++

For a more complete listing of resources go to our wiki at To learn more about
the people who have already started their own farms, [Link]
[Link]/.please have a look at our online young farmer mapping project
and census. SERVE YOUR COUNTRY FOOD [Link] You can
also watch our film “The Greenhorns” about the lives of young farmers across
America, the trailer is online at [Link]/trailer.
II. Apprenticeships, Mentorships
and Farmer/Agricultural Education:

In almost every farming culture around the world, farming was traditionally learned
via the apprenticeship model. Essentially this means van exchange of your labor
and time for the housing, food, and an intensive educational opportunity. In many
cases there is also a small stipend or pocket money paid--usually not enough capital,
however, to begin one’s own operation. Therefore it is often the case that a farming
career will move from apprentices, to farm-staff/management, and then eventually to
farm management--not always ownership.

The trick is to figure out exactly what you want to learn, and configure your
apprenticeship, or sequence of apprenticeships accordingly. In many cases your
first farming experience will be the best way to answer those questions. Are you an
animal person, a vegetable person, a cut flower person? At the end of the day at least
some of your farm-design will reflect what you can best “sell” to make the finances
work in your area. So, if you live near the suburbs, you might want to consider fresh
vegetable shares in a CSA. If you are distant from a metropolitan area it might instead
be livestock, potatoes, jam or other less perishable wares. It is also wise to consider
what you most enjoy doing.

What does it take to make it as a farm apprentice, and eventually as a farmer? You
must also be willing to work hard, be self-motivated, attentive and disciplined. You
must be able to derive satisfaction from work that is not always adequately valued
by the market economy. Just because your effort yields delicious food, doesn’t
mean that it will yield a retail price commensurat with that effort. It is important to
be prepared for that reality, and not take it too personally. At the same time we can
focus on advocacy efforts both locally and internationally to change this equation
that has haunted farming for the past century.

Often those coming from a non-agricultural background are not quite prepared for
the discipline of farming-- of the careful handling of equipment, the extra precautions
with animals, or the need for constant observation. These things are quickly learned
on a farm, almost through osmosis--but expect to work hard, and outside of the
physical labor, take notice to the goings on of the farm’s business, management,
maintenance, planting schedules etc. There will be weeding and somewhat
monotonous work--but it will be purposeful, and will likely give you a chance to do
some deep thinking, planning, and digesting.

Education is neverending. If you have already gone through the apprenticeship

process, there are still many options for continuing learning in a structured and
planned manner. Farming courses are often helpful not just for their content but
provide and forum for information exchange between participants. Extension services
often produce materials useful for setting up the processing/cooperative marketing/
disease management aspects of farming.
Apprenticeship/Internship Network Sites
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
[Link]

Organic Volunteers- find on-the-job learning opportunities in sustainable and

organic agriculture by place through clicking on a map of US and Canada
[Link]

Sustainable Living and Farm Jobs- an international directory of jobs in “sus-tainable

living”
[Link]

Stewards of Irreplaceable Land- links Canadian farmers willing to take on and

train apprentices with folks wanting to work and learn on an organic farm using
sustainable practices.
[Link]

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)- become a member and

access an extensive international list of organic farms that welcome volunteer help
(any where from a couple days to years) in exchange for room and board. This is a
wonderful way to cheaply travel around in rural areas abroad, there is a limit to how
much you can learn on a farm over the course of two weeks, and from a farmer with
such a brief working relationship--but its a grreat “first step” in agriculture, and may
very well provide clues about which aspects and type of farming is most appealing
to you. Its also a great way to explore crops that don't grow near you. However be
prepared if things with your host do not work out: Get the train schedule in case you
have to make a quick departure!
[Link]

Paid Internships Apprentice’s

Equipment Checklist:
Americorps is a great way to pay off your
student loans while also working for a non- sunhat
profit organization, they have some regional sunglasses
local food and agriculture programs. work gloves
[Link] water vessel
flashlight
Incubator farmer programs will sometimes pay pruning shears
a small stipend for work (see land sec-tion). sleeping bag
dop/medical kit
Often working part time for a landscaping work boots
business is a good way to morph farming rain gear
+ financial solvency. Particularly if the land- wool sweater
scaping is ecological or even edible. thick work pants
tent
chocolate
 University based programs
Educational and Training Opportunities in Sustainable Agricul-ture-
a comprehensive list and description of Universities and their small
farm oriented/sustainable agriculture programs [Link]
[Link]/afsic/pubs/edtr/[Link]

Farming for Credit Directory lists hands-on and classroom-based

sustainable ag education opportunities side by side. It’s organized
first by region, then alphabetically by state and within states by
institutional name.
[Link]

Mentorships Curriculum and Programs for

Finding an individual trusted mentor is Teaching Interns/ Teaching
an important step for any young farm- Oneself
ers. An experienced farmer who lives + Farm Internship Handbook is de-
close by will be able to easily answer signed to be used by individual farm-
climate, equipment, pest and liability ers during the course of the work-
questions that arise. The advice of a week. Ideally, a farmer will use the In-
trusted agricultural ally is invaluable-- Field curriculum when he or she is
as may well be his/her blowtorch! Older demonstrating a new task to interns.
farmers are usually glad to pass on their [Link]
wisdom and are mostly quite generous book/
once they establish that you are worthy
of their time. + UC Santa Cruz has a freely down-
+ M a i n e O r g a n i c Fa r m e r s a n d loadable curriculum that it uses to
G ardners Asso ciation (MOFGA) teach its Ecological Horticulture Class.
Journeyper-son Program was created Why not print it off and go through
to fill the continuing education gap the work pages? That program covers
between apprentice and independent plant propagation, row covers, green
farmer, and to provide the resources manures, orchard management, CSA
and oppor tunities for prospective planning… [Link]
new farmers who have completed an education/instruction/esa/[Link]
apprenticeship to further develop the
skills they need to farm independently + B e g i n n i n g Fa r m i n g 1 0 1 -
and successfully. Online Farm Planning Course with
[Link] w [Link]/Programs/ oppor tunities to evaluate another
Journeypersons/tabid/228/[Link] farmer’s mar-keting plan or analyze
+ Land Stewardship Project- Farm a particular property to determine
Beginnings is a farmer-led educational appropriate agricultural uses, access
training and support program designed to live on-line seminars on topics like
to help people who want to evaluate marketing or regulations and “meet”
and plan their farm enterprise. other new farmers and share ideas,
[Link] plans and helpful resources with each
other. Cost for the course is $200. http://
[Link]/
III. Land

Financial Security is a major concern for many parents who hear that their child
is interested to enter a career in agriculture, and it is often the main concern of
potential young farmers who come from a farming background and have seen their
parents suffer financial hardship. If you are a young farmer who someday wishes to
feed your own children, and also pay their medi-cal bills-- it is critical to think long
and hard about land tenure options

.A wonderful book I’d like to mention here is How to start your small Farm by Lynn
Miller, editor of Small Farm Journal and folk hero of the horse-farming set. He
cautions young and new farmers not to rush into acquiring land, if that also means
acquiring debt. The problem with the debt is that its interest is often more than can
be paid within the production values of sustainable agriculture, or at the pace of
production most suitable for human happiness. Wendell Berry calls this the grating
of economics and agronomics. At the outset, then, its often best to ‘borrow’ land, to
steward the land of some holiday home owners, to gently lease some pastures from
an extensive land-owner, “beg borrow or steal” if you have to, or do it as a sideline.
“You can Farm!” by Joel Salatin lays out the groundwork for business planning, and
business growth forcasting that will set you on the path to solid fiscal footing.

One of the biggest barriers to starting a farm is obtaining an actual piece of land:
land prices are on the rise, farms are consolidating into larger sites of monoculture
and U.S. farmers over age 55 control more than half the farmland. To further bitter
the soup hedgefunders and speculators have begun investing in silos and other
mega farm infrastructures since they think food prices will continue to rise and they’
d like a piece of the pie-- these investments don’t usually directly affect the price paid
for agricultural land by young and beginning farmers, but these speculative forces
(particularly associated with agro-fuels such as corn-based ethanol) do push up the
cost of ag land per acre. As a beginning farmer it may seem near impossible to get
your hands into soil you can call your own but do not despair, the land is there-- its
just a matter of the ‘step by step’ progression towards getting tenured access to it.
Charm, persistence, and a ‘Jedi-force’ or “fairy steam” are useful tactics.
One of the ways to find the land is to link up with your state’s FARMLINK program.
These offices facilitate the transition of land between generations of farmers and
ranchers, keeping track of people who have land and are ready to pass it down to
new farmers who don’t have land. They also provide a degree of mentorship, business
planning and banking advice. See next page for state listings of Farm Link programs.

Farm On Program is a service to help preserve the family farm business by

matching beginning farmers who do not own land, with retiring farmers who do not
have heirs to continue the family farm business: [Link]
bfc/[Link]

Incubator farms usually support new farmers by offering access to land, equipment,
infrastructure, and mentorships until farmers feel confident that they have enough
experience to get along on their own tow feet and have the means to acquire their
own [Link] out a great example at: Carolina Farm Stewards Incubator Project:
[Link]

Barn and Land Preservation

+ Tax Credits for barn preservation: [Link]/history/hps/tps/tax/.If your barn
is older than 1936 you could be eligible for an income tax break equivalent to 20%
of the project cost. Of course this privileges the privileged. But its a start, and a great
incentive to property owners who might otherwise destroy their glorious barns.
Young Farmers could be living in these barns folks!
+ Historic Barns: Working Assets for Sustainable Farms, this publication describes how
older and historic barns can provide practical benefits to one of the most exciting
and fastest-growing segments of the rural economy – sustainable agriculture. Using
several case studies, the publication explains how historic barns can meet important
functional, economic and marketing needs of sustainable producers. [Link]
[Link]/issues/rural-heritage/[Link]
+ Farmland Information Center- a clearinghouse for information about farmland
protection and stewardship. The website has fact sheets covering, Transfer of
Development Rights (TDR), Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE),
and more...It also has a very helpful Farmland Protection Toolbox. You can browse for
resources by state! [Link]
 E-mail: stettler@land-
FARM LINK [Link] + Center for Farm Transitions
Programs by State + Montana Farm Link
Pennsylvania Dept. of
Agriculture
(from Farm Transition website Alternative Energy Re-sources 2301 North Cameron
[Link] Organization S t r e e t H a r r i s b u r g , PA
org/) 432 NW Last Chance Gulch 17110-9408
Helena, MT 59601 Toll-free: 877-475-2686
+ Arkansas Farm Link Office: 406.443.7272 Contact: D. Robert Davidson
Arkansas Development Finance Fax: 406.442.9120 Email: ddavidso@[Link]
Authority Co nt a c t : J o n d a Cro s by,
P.O. Box 8023Little Rock, AR Sustainable Ag Program + Vermont Land Link Center
72203 Manager for Sustainable Agriculture
Office: 501.682.5998 E-mail: aero@[Link] Office: 802.656.0233F
Contact: Joyce HutchinsonE- ax: 802.656.8874
mail: jhutchinson@[Link]. + Nebraska Land Link Contact: Deb HelebaVirginia
[Link] Center for Rural Af-fairs1 FarmLinkVirginia
45 Main [Link] Box 136
+ California Farm Link Lyons, NE 68038 + Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 2224 O f fi c e : 4 0 2 . 6 8 7 . 2 1 0 0 Fa x : and Consumer Services
Sebastopol, CA 95473 402.687.2200 P.O. Box 1163
Office: 707.829.1691 Contact: Michael Holton Richmond, VA 23218
Fax: 707.829.1693 E-mail: info@[Link] Office: 804.786.3501
Contact: Steve Schwartz Fax: 804.371.2945
E-mail: info@califor- + Th e B e g i n n i n g Fa r m e r Contact: William P. Dickinson
[Link] Program E-mail: wdick inson@vdacs.
Nebraska Department of [Link]
+ Iowa Farm On - Beginning Agriculture
Farmer Center P.O. Box 94947Lincoln, NE + V i r g i n i a Fa r m B u r e a u
Iowa State University Extension 68509-4947 Federation
10861 Douglas Avenue, Office: 402.471.6890 P.O. Box 27552
Urbandale, IA 50322 Toll-free:800.446.4071 Richmond, Virginia 23261-7552
Office: 515.727.0656Toll-free: Fax: 402.471.6876 Office: 804.290.1017
[Link].1999 Contact: Marian Beethe, Fax: 804.290.1099
Fax: 515.252.7829 Program Ad-ministrator Contact: Brock Her-zberg
Contact: John BakerE-mail: E-mail: marianjb@[Link]. E-mail: [Link]-berg@vafb.
jrbaker@[Link] [Link] com
[Link]
+ Maine Farm Link + New England Land Link [Link]
P.O. Box 1597 P.O. Box 608
Bucksport, ME 04416 Belchertown, MA 01007 + Washington Farm
Office: 207.469.6465 Office: 413.323.4531 Assistance
Fax: 207.469.6470 Fax: 413.323.9594 Puget Sound Farm Trust
Contact: Esther La-Cognata, Contact: Eric Toens-meier P.O. Box 47436S eattle, WA
Coordinator E-mail: landlink@small-farm. 98146
E-mail: susie@maine-farmlink. org O f fi c e : 2 0 6 . 7 6 7 . 7 3 3 4 Fa x :
org 206.767.0111
+ New Jersey State Ag Contact: Melinda McBride
+ Maryland Eastern Shore Development Commit-tee E-mail: mac@[Link]
Land Conservancy P O B ox 3 3 0 Tre n t o n , N J
P.O. Box 169 08625-0330 + Washington Farm Link
Queenstown, MD 21658 Office: 609.984.2504 Cascade Harvest Coalition
Office: 410.827.9756 Fax: 609.633.2004Contac t: 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North,
David Kimmel Room 123
+ Michigan FarmLink E-mail: [Link]@[Link]. Seattle, WA 98103
Michigan Farm Bureau [Link] Office: 206.632.0606
7373 W Saginaw Hwy. Fax: 206.632.1080
Lansing, MI 48917 + New York Farm Link Contact: Mary Emble -tonE-
Office: 517.323.7000 c/o NY FarmNet mail: mary@[Link]://
Toll-free:888.805.4864 415 Warren HallI thaca, NY [Link]/, [Link]
Fax: 517.323.6604 14853 [Link]
Contact: Matthew Smego Office: [Link]
E-mail: msmego@[Link]. E-mail: info@[Link] + Wisconsin Farm Center
com Office: 800.942.2474 or
+ Pennsylvania Farm Link 608.224.5049
+ Minnesota Land 2708 North Colebrook Fax: 608.224.5107
Stewardship Project RoadManheim, PA 17545 Contact: Gwen Garvey
Farm Beginnings Office: 717.664.7077 E-mail: [Link]@datcp.
P. O. B ox 1 3 0 Le w i s to n , M N Fax: 717.664.7078 [Link]
55952 Contact: Marion Bowlan
Office: 507.523.3366 E-mail: pafarmlink@dejazzd.
Contact: Karen Stettler com
IV. Capitalization of Small
Diversified Operations:
Business Planning & Accounting
Whether you want to get into farming because you love working outdoors or you want to make
a positive difference in the current food system, basic accounting and business planning skills are
important in reaching your farming goals. Unless you already have a large fortune, making your
operation economically sustainable for yourself and any business partners or workers makes your
business truly sustainable. Here are a few resources to help you develop a plan and fine-tune your
financial skills.
+ Aubrey, Sarah. 2008. Starting and Running Your Own Small Farm Business. Storey Publishing, LLC.
This book includes small farm success stories, sources for financial assistance, marketing and selling ideas, and
business plan forms and documents.
+ Butterfield, Jody, Sam Bingham, and Allan Savory. 2006. Holistic Management Handbook: Healthy Land, Healthy
Profits. Island Press.
Based on the premise that healthy land leads to healthy profits, this guide includes detailed charts and figures and
a chapter devoted to creating your financial plan.
+ Davis, Poppy. Beginning Farmer and Rancher Resources: Basic Bookkeeping, Budgeting, Tax Recordkeeping, other
stuff. 1 Feb. 2008. [Link]
A simple website written by a certified public accountant with experience working with small farm enterprises.
+ Holistic Management International. Improving Whole Farm Planning Through Better Decision-Making. 2001.
[Link]
Funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture & Research and Growing New Farmers, this collection of case
studies was developed by instructors participating in the Savory Center’s 2001 Northeast Holistic Management®
Certified Educator Training Program.
+ Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Dept. of the Treasury. Small Business/Self-Employed Virtual Small Business Tax
Workshop. [Link]
A series of video workshops to help new and existing small business owners comprehend and fulfill their federal
tax obligations. Available as downloads using Windows Media Player or a transcripts.
+ New England Small Farm Institute. 2004. Exploring the Small Farm Dream: Is Starting an Agricultural Business
Right for You? [Link]
A decision-making tool to help people establish a clear vision, learn what it takes to start and manage a
commercial agriculture business, and decide if this path is right for them.
+ Macher, Ron. 1999. Making Your Small Farm Profitable: Apply 25 Guiding Principles, Develop New Crops & New
Markets, Maximize Net Profits per Acre. Storey Publishing, LLC.
This how-to guide examines 20 alternative farming operations and shows how to target niche markets while
maintaining your farm’s economic and biological health.
+ Salatin, Joel. 1998. You Can Farm: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Start & $ucceed in a Farming Enterprise.
hhAn entertaining read to inspire (or deter) you from farming. Depicting the realities of getting your operation to
turn a profit, this book covers topics such as envisioning your business, value-added products, and useful iinsights
on the lifestyle of a successful farmer.
+ Sustainable Agriculture Network. 2003. Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Busi-ness Plan
for Farms and Rural Businesses. Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. – online PDF available [Link]
[Link]/publications/[Link]
Full of sample worksheets, actual examples, and direction for “alternative and sustainable agriculture entrepreneurs,”
this book will help you create a lender-ready business plan and develop a concrete strategy for success.
+ Zimmer, Gary F. 2000. The Biological Farmer: A Complete Guide to the Sustainable & Profitable Biological System
of Farming. Acres U.S.A.
 Loans
Starting a farm is not cheap; it requires capital for equipment, inputs, and
land. The federal government and states offer a variety of loan programs to
help you start your enterprise:
State Loan Programs
Through various state programs, new farmers may access a few types of
loans that one can use to purchase farmland, equipment, livestock, and
buildings.
+ Aggie Bond Beginning Farmer Loans – Through the state, private lenders can earn
federally-exempt interest income when they make loans to qualified farmers. Lenders
are able to provide loans at reduced interest rates because of the tax savings.
+ Guarantee Loan Programs - Private lenders receive up to 85% guarantee of principal
and interest.
+ Direct Loan Programs - State legislatures allocate funds for direct loans, usually for
specific programs within agriculture, and are provided by a state agency or authority.
+ Loan Participation Programs - In the case where farmers and ranchers have low equity,
a state agency or authority buys part of the loan from a private lender.
+The National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs has more information on
these types of loans and provides an easy-to-navigate directory of state loan programs:
[Link]

Federal Loan Programs

If you are unable to receive financing from commercial lenders, you may
be eligible for a direct or guarantee loan through the USDA’s Farm Service
Agency. Congress appropriates funding to loans each year with a portion
aimed at beginning farmers. Contact your local FSA office for assistance.
+ Farm Service Agency: Beginning Farmer Loan Program: [Link]
FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=bfl
+ Farm Credit Services of America – Young and Beginning Program: [Link]
[Link]/[Link]

Other
You may find other loan sources in your community from unsuspecting sources -
read the newspaper, talk to local leaders, check out the food co-op bulletin board. A
couple other loan sources worth mentioning:
+ Local Producer Loan Program: Through the Local Producer Loan Program, Whole Foods Market
makes $10 million available annually for low-interest loans to small, local producers. Eligible
products include agricultural crops, value-added food products, and other all-natural grocery
items. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. [Link]
locallygrown/lplp/[Link]
+ Customers: You may find over time, you have a devoted customer base that wants to see you
succeed. While not a realistic loan source to help you get your operation going, you might have
a customer willing to give you a loan to help you expand your business or take on a new project.
For example, many CSA farmers are able to obtain non-collateral loans with low or no interest
rates to buy land or inputs.
Grants
Many trade associations, foundations, and other non-profit organizations involved with
agriculture, rural development, and environmental conservation offer grants to farmers
and ranchers. A great one-stop-shop for current grant opportunities is at NSAIS’ ATTRA
web page for funding oppor-tunities: [Link]
This site is easy to search and current. Many grant programs are research-oriented,
and if you build relationships with agricultural professionals in academia who have
a research interest related to your farming operation, you have a great chance to
capitalize on some of these funding opportunities. This list is by no means complete,
but it gives an idea of what organizations exist to fund farm-related projects:

+ American Farmland Trust: [Link]

+ American Sheep and Goat Center : [Link]
2008%20Grant%20Ann..htm
+ CROPP’s Farmers Advocating for Organics: [Link]
farmer-fund/farmers-advocating-for-organics-fund/
+ David and Lucille Packard Foundation: [Link]
RootCatID=4&CategoryID=252
+ Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture: [Link]
rfp/[Link]
+ National Gardening Association: [Link]
+ Organic Farming Research Foundation: [Link]
+ Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education: [Link]
+ U.S Environmental Protection Agency

Staples for your bookshelf:

* Eliot Coleman’s Fertile Dozen
* Make Friends With Your Land - Leonard Wickenden, 1948
* Soil and Sense - Michael Graham, 1941
* The Stuff Man’s Made Of - Jorian Jenks, 1959
* Farmers of Forty Centuries - FH King, 1911
* The Soil and Health - Albert Howard, 1947
* Agriculture: A New Approach - P H Hainsworth, 1947
* Plowman’s Folly - Edward H Faulkner, 1945
* The Farming Ladder - George Henderson, 1944
* Compost - Alwyin Seifert, 1962
* Nutrition and the Soil - Lionel Picton, 1949
* The Soil and the Microbe - Selman Waksman and Robert Starkey, 1931
* The Pesticide Conspiracy - Robert Van Den Bosch, 1978
V. Let’s get started:

One of the first questions you need to answer is whether you want to grow crops, raise
livestock, or both. Is there something you already enjoy growing or eating? Do you
have a targeted market with a specific demand? What are other growers in your market
selling? These questions should be answered as you map out your business plan. Very
likely, your personality and work style will lead you to what you choose to grow or
raise, and eventually, where and how you plan to sell your produce. Some farmers find
raising livestock to be more engaging than growing crops. Others enjoy being able to
take time off from chores, which taking care of animals makes difficult.

What to grow Buying Seeds

Most growers of field crops tend to Gardeners and farmers have many seed
raise annuals, as opposed to perennials, vendor choices to choose from. A good
because they do not have to make such starting place is the NCAT’s Organic Seed
a long-term investment. Growing grapes Supliers Search, by Katherine L. Adam and
and fruit trees requires a bigger commit- Nancy Matheson:[Link]
ment than lettuce and cucumbers. Keep new_pubs/attra-pub/altseed_search.
this in mind when you derive your crop
plan. Demand can change over time, but Note: I f you choose to cer tify your
higher-value crops can pay off. operation as organic, you must use
organic, non-GMO, untreated seed when
It is helpful to contact your local or state available. If it is not commercially available
extension office to determine what crops as organic, you must be able to prove
are best suited to your area. The USDA so. Financial cost is not a factor in its
CSREES maintains a directory of Extension availability.
Offices here: [Link]
qlinks/partners/state_part-[Link] Seed exchanges are wonderful ven-ues
to obtain rare and diversity-rich varietals.
Crop diversification is one proven way for They are any place where gardeners and
successful small farms. farmers can request and share seeds that
+ SARE pro-vides a useful introductory they have saved. Many exist online, such
publication, Diversifying Cropping as:
Systems: [Link] w [Link]/ + Seed Savers Exchange: [Link]
publications/[Link] [Link]
+ List of Alternative Crops for Small Farm + Southern Exposure Seed Ex-change
Diversification: [Link] [Link]
afsic/pubs/[Link]#resources [Link]
+ Questions to ask about alternative You can look for seed exchanges at some
crops: [Link] agricultural conferences and festivals as
AgHorizons/notes/[Link] [Link]?id=Massachusetts|Suppliers of
+ Alternative Crop Suitability Maps: Seed for Certified Organic Production
[Link] Database
Sustainable Pest Management
In managing insects, weeds, and disease, sustainable farming relies on cultural
practices and management decisions that forgo chemicals and activities harmful to the
environment. Biological and economic success are possible through more labor and
different inputs and equipment compared to “conventional” agriculture. To learn more
about integrated pest management, beneficial insects, weed management strategies,
and beating crop diseases, see the resources below as a starting point.
+ Altieri, Miguel. 2005. Manage Insects on Your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies.
Sustainable Agriculture Network.
+ Bowman, Greg. 1997. Steel in the Field: A Farmer’s Guide to Weed Management Tools.
Sustainable Agriculture Network.
+ Ellis, Barbara W., and Fern Marshall Bradley, editors. 1996. The Organic Gardener's
Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control: A Complete Problem-Solving Guide to
Keeping Your Garden and Yard Healthy without Chemicals. Rodale Books.
+ Flint, Mary Louise, and Steve H. Driestadt. 1999. Natural Enemies Handbook. Uni-versity
of California Press.
+ Flint, Mary Louise. 1999. Pests of the Garden and Small Farms: A Grower’s Guide to Using
Less Pesticide. University of California Press.
+ Helyer, Neil, Kevin Brown, and Nigel D. Cattlin. 2003. A Color Handbook of Biological
Control in Plant Protection. Timber Pres, Inc.
+ McCaman, Jay L. 1994. Weeds and Why They Grow.
+ Jay L. McCaman. Starcher, Allison Mia. 1995. Good Bugs for Your Garden. Algonquin
Books.
+ SARE. A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests. [Link]
farmpest/[Link]
+ Walters, Charles. 1999. Weeds: Control without Poisons. Acres U.S.A.
+ Weinzierl, Rick, and Tess Hearn. 1991. Alternatives in Insect Management: Biological and
Biorational Approaches. North Central Regional Extension Publication 401. Cooperative
Extension Service, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Illinois. [Link]
[Link]/%7Evista/abstracts/[Link]
+ American Farmland Trust. Center for Agriculture in the Environment. [Link]
[Link]/resources/cae/[Link]
+ Association of Applied IPM Ecologists [Link]
+ ATTRA Publications on Sustainable Pest Management - a series of publications on
how to deal with common weed, insect and disease [Link]://[Link]/
[Link]
+ Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University. The Organic Weed
Management Website. [Link]
html
+ Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University. Biological Control In-
formation Center. [Link]
+ Krasta, Thorsten. Plant Pathology Internet Guide Book. [Link]
ppigb/[Link]
+ Rodale Institute. The weeds page: Integrated weed management. [Link]
[Link]/depts/weeds/[Link]
+ Organic Farming Research Foundation. Weed Management Project Reports http://
[Link]/funded/weed_mgmt.html
Equipment
+ Kubik, Rick. 2005. How to Use Implements on Your Small-Scale Farm. Motorbooks Workshop.
+ Quick, Graeme R. 2006. The Compact Tractor Bible. Voyageur Press.

Buying & Leasing

If you are looking to buy farm equipment, such as a tractor, you can buy it new at a
dealership or use your local newspaper’s classifieds to look for or post a wanted ad. You can
also find postings at your farm supply store’s community bulletin board if they have one.
A few classifieds websites for farm equipment exist:
[Link] - used and new farm equipment for sale
AgriSeek [Link]
U.S. Farmer [Link]
IRON Classifieds [Link]
Hall, Mike, ed. 2007. The Official Tractor Blue Book 2008. Price Digests.

Making
Knowledge of basic electrical skills, plumbing, carpentry, and welding can save you money
in building your operation’s infrustructure and equipment arsenal. Many community
colleges offer affordable classes in these vocational skills. You can also find how-to books
on these topics as well as homesteading and farm books with specific project plans and
directions. Below is a small sam-pling of how-to books available:

+ BuildEazy- wood working plans for pretty much anything you might want to build http://
[Link]/fp_start.html
+ Braren, Ken, and Roger Griffith. 1980. HomeMade: 101 Easy-to-Make Things for Your Garden,
Home, or Farm. Storey Publishing, LLC.
+ Ching, Francis D. K. 2008. Building Construction Illustrated. Wiley.
+ Cobleigh, Rolfe. 1996. Handy Farm Devices: And How to Make Them. The Lyons Press.
+ Damerow, Gail. 1999. Building Chicken Coops: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-224. Storey
Publishing.
+ Ekarius, Carol. 2004. How to Build Animal Housing: 60 Plans for Coops, Hutches, Barns, Sheds,
Pens, Nestboxes, Feeders, Stanchions, and Much More. Storey Publishing.
+ Freeman, Mark. 1997. Building Your Own Greenhouse. Stackpole Books.
+ Haun, Larry. 1999. Homebuilding Basics Carpentry. 1999.
+ Marshall, Roger. 2006. How to Build Your Own Greenhouse. Storey Publishing.
+ Pangman, Judy. 2006. Chicken Coops: 45 Building Plans for Housing Your Flock. Storey
Publishing.
Maintenance and Repair
Your vehicle or equpiment’s manual is the best guide in terms of keeping it
serviced and repaired. You can often call the maker for assitance as well. Farm
equipment dealerships employ mechanics or service technicians who will help
as well.

+ Florida Department of Agriculture and Conservation and the Florida

Department of Environmental Protection. 2003. Best Management Practices for
Agrichemical Handling and Farm Equipment Maintenance.
[Link]
+ Harrison, Dalton S. November 1992. Farm Tractor and Equipment
Maintenance. University of Florida, Florida Cooperative Extension Service.
[Link]
+ Kubik, Rick. 2006. Farm Safety Handbook. Voyageur Press.
+ Kubik, Rick. 2005. How to Keep Your Tractor Running. MBI.
+ US EPA. Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance and Repair. Provides pointers
and links to additional information on proper disposal of used oil, spent fluids,
batteries and machine shop wastes.
[Link]
+ Welsch, Roger. 2005. From Tinkering to Torquing: A Beginner’s Guide to Tractors
and Tools. MBI.

Soil Fertility
Abundant crops and livestock rely on fertile soil. Ample nutrients and minerals,
organic matter, microorganisms, sufficient moisture, and good pH are the basis
of healthy soil which will ultimately feed you and your consumers. Below are a
few resources on how to build hearty soil:
+ ATTRA NSAIS. Soils & Compost. 28 Dec. 2007. [Link]
+ Crop Rotation Planning Procedure: [Link]/croprotation/
[Link]
Books
+ Donahue, Roy L., Raymond W. Miller, and John C. Shickluna. 1983. Soils: An
Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth. 5th ed. Prentice Hall.
+ Lal, Rattan, ed. 1999. Soil Quality and Soil Erosion.
+ Manure Application Planning workbook [Link]
waste/[Link]
+ Organic Farming Research Foundation. Fertility Management Progress
Reports. 2008. [Link]
+ Soil and Water Conservation Society. [Link]
Irrigation
+ Hoffman, Glenn J., Robert G. Evans, Marvin Eli Jensen, Derrel L Martin, Ronald L.
Elliott. 2007. Design and Operation of Farm Irrigation Systems.
+ Keesan, Larry, and Cindy Code. 1995. The Complete Irrigation Workbook: Design,
Installation, Maintenance and Water Management.
+ Southorn, Neil. 1997. Farm Irrigation: Planning and Management. Butterworth-
Heinemann. GIE Media, Inc.
+ Styles, Stuart W., and Charles M. Burt. 1999. Drip and Micro Irrigation for Trees,
Vines, and Row Crops. Irrigation Training and Research Center.
+ Yeomans, P.A. 2008. 4th Edition. Water for Every Farm: Yeomans Keyline Plan
Createspace.

Electrical Wiring
+ Editors of Creative Publishing. 2005. The Black and Decker Complete Guide to
Home Wiring. Creative Publishing International.
+ Richter, Herbert P., and F. P. Hartwell. 2005. Practical Electrical Wiring: Residential,
Farm, Commercial and Industrial. Park Publishing, Inc.
+ Richter, H. P., W. C. Schwan, and F. P. Hartwell. Wiring Simplified. Park Publishing,
Inc.
+ Shapiro, M. 2007. Dr. Watts Pocket Electrical Guide 2008. W Marketing.
Welding
+ Finch, Richard. 2005. The Farm Welding Handbook. MBI.
+ Galvery Jr., WIlliam L., and Frank B. Marlow. 2007. Welding Essentials. Industrial

Livestock
+ [Link]
+ Storey Books [Link]
+ Holistic Management®, [Link]
+ Allan Savory (dig up this book & conference material at Adam’s)
+ Carol Ekarius. Small-Scalle Livestock Farming: A Grass-Based Approach for Healthy,
Sustainability, and Profit.
+ Nation, Allan. Grass-Fed to Finish: A Production Guide to Gourment Grass-Finished
Beef.
Staying Current
Being up-to-date with the latest agricultural news can be crucial to a successful farm
operation. Periodical, journals, and newsletters, on paper or the web, are accessible
resources for current information.

Acres U.S.A: Good Fruit Grower Magazine:

[Link] [Link]
[Link] html
“ N o r t h A m e r i c a’s o l d e s t , l a r g e s t
magazine coveringcommercial-scale Growing: Fruit, Nut and Vegetable
organic and sustainable farming Production
…” offers much literature and media [Link]
on sustainable agriculture, as well
aseducational events." Home Grown Poultry: Chickens,
Waterfowl & Exotic Poultry-
American Vegetable Grower: [Link]
[Link] A “how to” magazine that is all about
com raising, showing and marketing chickens,
waterfowl, and exotic poultry
ATTRA Weekly Harvest Newsletter
(email) & ATTRA news: Practical Poultry:
htt p : / / at t ra . n c at. o r t /n e ws l e t te r / [Link]
[Link] A magazine dedicated to keepers of
chickens, waterfowl and exotic poultry
BEEF Magazine:
[Link] Sheep! The Voice of the Independent
Cattle/cow herding news and resource Flockmaster:
[Link]
Brownfield Network: Ag News for
America: Small Farmer’s Journal:
[Link] “More like a community odyssey than
View market and commodity reports, a periodical, Small Farmer’s Journal
keep up to date on farm and food policy, is packed to over-full with more
find out about the latest agricultural information than you might find in
innovations, and much more. three or four conventional magazines
…a vibrant and excit-ing platform for
Elite Farmer: Farming for Tomorrow engaging far-flung ideas about anything
…Today: pertinent to the small family farm
[Link] experience…”
“Inside you’ll find links and articles
about crops, livestock, breeders The Goat Magazine:
societies and associations, colleges, [Link]
agricultural machinery manufacturers, “A leader in all-breed goat periodicals”
auction markets, newspapers –
anything related to farming on the
web.”
VI. Marketing the food:

Marketing
Not only need one be fit to endure the physical labor of farming-- the work beyond
the land is a whole different mind game. As someone who has chosen to opt out
of a mainstream consumerist lifestyle it may seem counterintuitive to have to
strategically translate the fruits of your labor into an actual living, but you must have
some business savvy to get by (unless you are completely self-sufficient). Becoming
certified organic (an often costly procedure) can open up more stringent markets.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and farmer's markets are more direct
marketing methods with the closest relationship between producer and consumer
but are most time intensive.

+ Organic Farmers Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM)- as a member

you can: Share reliable price information with other OFARM producer groups,
develop reliable inventory information, remain current on markets and market
trends, strengthen your position in the market by eliminating one-on-one nego-
tiations with buyers, develop and monitor producer-friendly contracts, develop and
monitor a list of sound, creditworthy buyers for OFARM member groups and enhance
opportunities to add new crops and agronomic practices to farm rotations.
[Link]

+ Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS): Teaching

Direct Marketing and Small Farm Viability: Resources for Instructors- organized into six
units, three focusing on marketing and three covering other topics related to making
a small farm economically viable. Included are lessons and resources for running a
CSA project, selling at farmers’ markets, forming col-laborative marketing groups
and grower cooperatives, and selling to restaurants. Also covered are strategies to
improve small farm planning, including enterprise visioning and market assessment;
creating a business plan, including marketing and crop plans; and managing cash
flow.
[Link]

+ Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES): ”Brokers,

Buyers, Cooperatives and Processors” a list of companies that buy organic goods in
order to process and/or resell the goods
[Link]
Certifications
Organic Trade Association: How to go Organic- a collection of existing re-
sources for anyone exploring how to transition to organic [Link]
[Link]
+ Organic Ag Info- The site provides current, accurate,
scientifically-based or practically validated information
about organic agriculture. Contains information on
production, economic data, research results, farmer
anecdotes, certification information, transition strategies, as
well as many other subjects related to organic agriculture.
[Link]

+ Organic Certifiers Database, New Farm- search,

browse and compare certifiers. [Link]
ocdbt/

Pricing
To help you stay competitive, here are a couple resources
showing current market prices for food and agricultural
products.
+ USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Economics, Statistics, and Marketing Information System.
Agricultural Prices. updated monthly. [Link]
[Link]/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.
do?documentID=1002
+ Rodale Institute. Organic Price Report. 8 Jul. 2008.
[Link]
+ University of California Agricultural Issues Center.
[Link]
*Check your Cooperative Extension for price
information for your region or state. Cooperative
Extension System offices [Link]
Extension/
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
A great way to eliminate the uncertainty of selling your harvest, insure yourself
against risks of the season and have direct contact with consumers! Typically,
members or “share-holders” of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover
anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they
receive shares in the farm’s bounty, usually in weekly shares, throughout the
growing sea-son, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land
and par-ticipating directly in food production.

CSA Resources for Farmers (USDA)- [Link]

[Link]

Locate a farm near you: The Robyn Van En Center provides a national re-
source center about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for people
across the nation and around the [Link]://[Link]/wilson/asp/
[Link]?id=804

LocalHarvest helps consumers find CSAs, farm markets and product infor-
mation for small farms nationwide (USA) [Link]

Eat Well Guide Find wholesome, fresh, sustainable food in the US and
Canada; search by zipcode, [Link]

Farmers markets- USDA Farmers Market Directory, [Link]

gov/Farmer-sMarkets/
VII. community

”The community I desire is not grudging; it is exuberant,

joyful, grounded in affection, pleasure, and mutual aid. Such
a community arises not from duty or money but from the
free interchange of people who share a place, share work and
food, sorrows and hope. Taking part in the common life means
dwelling in a web of relationships, the many threads tugging at
you while also holding you upright.”

- Scott Russell Sanders

‘The Common Life’ in Writing from the Center

Incorporating yourself into your community and being neighborly are important
factors in successful farming. Especially if you are moving to a rural community
for the first time, your neighbors can help you find local resources, get you
acquainted with the history of your land and weather conditions, or assist you
in times of need if you are willing to reach out to them, too. You might find
you need to rely on your neighbor to feed your animals while you are gone, to
lend you their front end loader, or help you rebuild your barn. Regardless as to
whether they use harmful pesticides or don’t believe in composting, connecting
with other farmers and ranchers is also key to finding camaraderie in an ever-
rarer vocation, as well as being accepted in the greater community.

Ways to get involved in your community:

- Enter the county fair and volunteer time there.
- Have your children join 4-H. [Link]
- Help at events such as your fire department’s barbeque or the local horse show.
- Be personable and remembered at the farm supply store.
- Patronize businesses in the community.
- Join the local food co-op and attend membership meetings.

Other Avenues
+ Rooted In Community: [Link]
+ Community & Countryside is a two-day educational workshop during
which 30 community leaders learn from top experts about the best tools for
community revitalization and historic preservation, and how to solve land-use
management and community design challenges currently facing small towns
and rural communities. more info at: [Link]
sources/training/community-countryside/
VIiI. Urban Agriculture

Cities cover only 2% of the Earth’s surface, but consume 75% of its resources (Journey
to Forever). This is where the huge disconnect between people and their food began.
The average inner city teenager wont be able to tell you where their food came from
beyond the shelves of a supermarket. But, there is no need to feel discouraged if you
are an urbanite: not only is it getting easier to seek out local food, you can also take
matters into your own hands, get the best of both worlds, and grow food yourself.
Whether it’s a victory garden in a small patch of land, a roof garden or potted plants
on your windowsill, there are innovative ways to make urban agriculture surprisingly
productive and satisfying. Check these:

+ Ecology Action- aware of intensifying world challenges and the

basic need of people to feed themselves, we have developed a small-
scale agricultural system — GROW BIOINTENSIVE®- Sustainable Mini-
Farming — that nurtures soil, produces high yields, conserves resources
and can be used successfully by almost everyone. Our goal is to help
this system be known and used locally — on a worldwide scale. http://
[Link]/[Link]

+ How To Grow More Vegetables*, than you ever thought possible on less
land than you can imagine (Ten Speed Press) by John Jeavons.

+ Urban Permacultutre Guild facilitates artistic and ecologically-

oriented place-making and educational projects that honor the
interconnection of human communities and the natural world. http://
[Link]/[Link]

+ City Farmer’s Urban Agriculture Notes, by City Farmer, Canada’

s Office of Ur-ban Agriculture -- large and excellent site, at the centre
of the burgeoning ur-ban farming movement -- thorough coverage
of all aspects of this fascinating and hopeful subject, from green roofs
in Berlin and Chicago, through school gardens, organics, compost,
vermiculture, composting toilets, and edible parks to the millions
of destitute people fighting hunger and pollution in Third World
shantytowns, and much more.

+ The Food Project: our mission is to grow a thoughtful and

productive com-munity of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
who work together to build a sustainable food system. Has amazing
resources for starting up an urban farm and community programming
that can go along with it. [Link]
* Bio-Bling *
Living it up Sustainably
Farming is way more than a job, it is a lifestyle. You are essentially shaping the
growth of an ecosystem that never sleeps. As key manipulator of this ecosystem,
it is your responsibility to make sure your “non-farm” actions are just as holistically
planned as your fields. There are many choices you can make to limit pressure on
the land, for the good of your farm and for the broader environmental picture.
They can be as simple as the old brick in the toilet trick to minimize water usage,
to harvesting alternative energy through rooftop solar panels or a windmill. A
lot of these projects are fun to set up yourself and addicting...once you get your
hands on some “bio-bling” you just can’t stop! There are always new experiments in
conservation to test out. Here are some ideas:

Build it Solar: “The Renewable Energy Site for Do-It-Yourselfers.” This site has over
500 projects from bubble wrap window insulation to constructing your own
windmill
[Link]
Experiments in Sustainable Urban Living- descriptions of easily implemented and
cheap sustainable projects (including a compost powered solar water heater)
[Link]
Permaculture:
+ ATTRA’s Introduction to Permaculture: Concepts and Resources- This publication
offers definitions and descriptions of permaculture and its central principles. It
offers listings of resources and publications on permaculture in the United States,
Australia, and worldwide.
[Link]
+ Housebuilder Sustainability Toolkit- provides clear guidance for housebuilders
seeking to address a wide range of sustainability issues. The toolkit, compiled
by Upstream (a strategic sustainability consultancy specialising in the built
environment) tackles a variety of concerns including climate change, community
involvement, the sustainable use of materials, and waste.
[Link]
+ Holmgren, David. Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability.
2002
+ Mollison, Bill, Permaculture: A Designers Manual. 1997
+ Chiras, Dan, Wann, Dave. Superbia: 31 Ways to Create Sustainable Neighborhoods.
2004.

Yurts:
(resource list from [Link] a hub on all that is yurt)
+ The Complete Yurt Handbook by Paul King, Ecologic Books, 2001.
Yurt builder Paul King provides detailed instructions on how to make
both Mongolian and Turkic yurts. Online resource available at [Link]
[Link]
+ Mongolian Cloud Houses: How to Make a Yurt and Live Comfortably by Dan Kuehn,
Shelter Publications, 2006.
A re-issue and update of Dan Kuehn’s 1980 plans for making a 13-foot diameter
Mongolian yurt from bamboo or willow with a canvas cover.
+ The Real Mongol Ger Book by Froit
Construction details for an authentic Mongol ger. A beautiful handmade book
with samples of wood, felt and canvas
included.
+ How to Build a Yurt by Steve Place
Factsheet on building a Turkic style
yurt by Welsh yurt craftsman Steve
Place of Handmade Hardwood Yurts.
+ Yurt/Ger Notes In 2005 Rene K.
Muller built his own traditional ger
and these are his notes, along with
a Yurt Calculator for the dimensions
of yurt components. An amazing
resource!
+ The Construction of a Yurt by By
Ellisif Fkakkari (Monica Cellio)
VIII. Agriculture
Information Clearinghouses:
Still have questions?
These websites have pools of information waiting for your click...

+ American Farmland Trust: [Link]

+ ATTRA The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service:

[Link]
Free publications on specific organic and sustainable production methods, crops, market-ing,
and organizations. Also has educational programs, apprenticeship listings, and an extensive
informational website.

+ American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA): [Link]

Resources, infor-mation and networking for those interested in raising birds on pasture.

+ Center for Food Safety: [Link] A national non-profit working

to curb the proliferation of harmful food production technologies and promote sustainable
alternatives.

+ Cornell University Small Farms Program: [Link]

Information for New Farmers, including help for immigrant farmers and opportunities for
training.

+ The Cornucopia Institute: [Link] The Cornucopia Institute is

dedicated to the fight for economic justice for the family-scale farming community. Through
re-search, advocacy, and economic development our goal is to empower farmers both
politically and through marketplace initiatives.

+ Farm Start: [Link] Aims to support and encourage a new generation of

farmers to develop locally based, ecologically sound and economically viable agricultural
enterprises.

+ National Agricultural Library: [Link]

+ The Land Institute and Wes Jackson: [Link] Our purpose is to

develop an agricultural system with the ecological stability of the prairie and a grain yield
comparable to that from annual crops.

+ New Farm, The Rodale Institute: [Link] [Link] presents

compelling success stories with expert resources for crop and livestock production, direct
mar-keting, local food systems, policy campaigns and community-building collabora-tions.

+ Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC): [Link]

html. Committed to build-ing sustainable environmental and economic communities that
balance economic growth with the health of people and stewardship of their land, water,
and air resources.

+ WiserEarth: [Link] A community directory and networking forum

that maps and connects ngo’s and individuals addressing the central issues of our day:
climate change, poverty, the environment, peace, water, hunger, social justice, conservation,
human rights and more. Also a wiki.
Hotlines
Sometimes its really nice to be able to just call up an expert. The best is to have a
trusted “ex-boss” or mentor that also happens to have a real stake in your success, but
thankfully our tax-dollars do go to support a program that provides similar services.

+ Farm Aid: Connects you to direct services of many kinds, including: financial and
credit counseling, legal advice, technical assistance, sustainable and organic transition
support, new farmer support, disaster and emergency services, and much more....http://
[Link] or Call 1-800-FARMAID (1-800-327-6243) or e-mail:Farmhelp@farmaid.
org

+Soil Association Food and Farming department--become a member and get

access to amazing advice: [Link]
producer_member-[Link]

+ Master Gardener hotline (530)889-7388

Case Studies/Profiles + T h e N e w A m e r i c a n Fa r m e r : Pro fi l e s

of Agricultural Innovation: An excellent
collection of geographically grouped profiles
of innovative farms published by SARE.
[Link]

+ 1000 Stories The New Farm’s archive

of “stories about organic, regenerative
agriculture that illustrate holistic, values-based
ways to farm satisfyingly and successsfully.”
[Link] w [Link] wfar [Link]/archive/
1000_stories/1000stories_archive.shtml

+ Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs,

Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renew-
ables
[Link]

+ Finding the Niche: Case Studies of Beginning Small-Scale Farmers [Link]

[Link]/library/[Link] Farmers, Creative Beginnings (MOFGA)
[Link]
IX. Big Picture
Through making the decision to farm you are becoming part of an exciting emerging
sustainability movement, while simultaneously joining the historically under-
appreciated ranks of farmers that have been the backbone of the US since colonization.
Given the increasingly grave effect of a growing global food crisis, this is a particularly
pivotal time to get into farming. Food crises will not be abated through the opportunist
plans of industrial agriculture. Relief happens bit by bit through custom growth that
encompasses real people. This means small-scale conscientious agriculture is not just
an alternative; it is the way people will survive in a just, healthy and sustainable manner
for many generations. It is easy to become food/farm centric and wonder why the
US hasn’t been especially supportive of its bread bearers in the past. Agriculture has
been rigged by other political and economic influences; therefore as an in-dependent
farm owner it is important to keep up with the agricultural climate and how national
and international policies and circumstances may affect you. The newest Farm Bill was
passed in May 2008, with some gains in beginning farmer and rancher support (new
loan and development programs) but we still have a long way to go towards fostering
a nurturing climate for small-scale farmers. Here is a list of organizations dedicated to
keeping tabs on agricultural policy and it’s effect on agricultural communities and food
systems. Stay informed and active!

Research, Watchdogs
+ ETC Group- dedicated to the conservation and sustainable advancement of cultural and ecological
diversity and human rights. It supports socially responsible developments of technologies useful to
the poor and marginalized and addresses international governance issues and corporate power.

[Link]

+ Food First Institute looks at root causes of global hunger, poverty, and ecological degradation and
developing solutions in partnership with movements working for social change.
[Link]

+ Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)- promotes rural communities and ecosystems
around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy.
[Link]

+ National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture- a nationwide partnership of diverse individuals and
organizations cultivating grass roots efforts to engage in policy development processes that result
in food and agricultural systems and rural communities that are healthy, environmentally sound,
profitable, humane and just.
[Link]

+ Oakland Institute: a policy think tank who aims to increase public participation and promote fair
debate on critical social, economic and environmental issues in both national and international
forums.
[Link]

+ Sustainable Agriculture Coalition- alliance of groups taking common positions on critical federal
agricultural and environmental policy concerns. Provides financial and in-kind support for collective
representation before Congress and federal administrative agencies. (sign up for their weekly farm bill
updates and action alerts!)
[Link]
Activism
Let’s not forget the social side of agriculture. Agriculture in the US would not exist
without the labor of undocumented immigrants. Industrial agriculture has exploited
its workers immeasurably. Small-scale agriculture makes us more accountable in our
relationships co-workers, peers, partners, and consumers...but let’s not forget about
the inequality that persists in modern agriculture. Below is a list of organizations
working for change, social justice and solidarity within agriculture.

+ Alliance for Fair Food: We promote principles and practices of socially re-
sponsible purchasing in the corporate food industry that advance and ensure
the human rights of farm workers at the bottom of corporate supply chains.
[Link]

+ Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) fight for, among other things: a fair
wage for the work we do, more respect on the part of our bosses and the in-
dustries where we work, better and cheaper housing, stronger laws and stron-
ger enforcement against those who would violate workers’ rights, the right to
organize on our jobs without fear of retaliation, and an end to indentured ser-
vitude in the fields. Sign CIW’s national petition to “end modern day slavery and
sweatshop in the fields.” [Link]

+ Glynwood Center: We aim to listen—carefully—to the voices of community

lead-ers as they express their visions, concerns, and needs. In response, we
have created programs to train leaders, catalyze community change from the
inside out, present innovative new ideas, and supply resources to those who
strive to resolve the tension between development and conservation. http://
[Link]/[Link]

+ Student/Farmworker Alliance: A national network of students, youth and

other community members organizing with farm workers to eliminate
sweatshop conditions and modern-day slavery in the fields. [Link]
[Link]/

+ La Via Campesina: The international peasant movement. [Link]

org/main_en/[Link]

+ National Family Farm Coalition: The North American “branch” of Via

Campesina. “We envision empowered communities everywhere working
together democrati-cally to advance a food system that ensures health, justice,
and dignity for all.” [Link]

+ Building a Local Food Networks: toolkit for organizers [Link]

org/foodfarms/[Link]