The organization aims to engage women in building an ecological and just food and agricultural system through individual and community power. How would you transition a conventional, large-scale farm into a human-scale, manageable, sustainable, organic,...
Also be sure hands are very clean while you work!” Moira McGhee Realizing the Dream Chaparral Gardens now produces private-label and bulk-sales business each year, as well as selling vinegar for the public.
If you own farm land, skip to the next one. Row cover might be essential for early and late crops. Those two essential elements can easily be the most expensive part of the farm, but also the most important.
Did you plant too early? Keep Your Seed Order Close As you go through each of your crops it's important to decide how well the varieties you chose worked for you. List—And Post—Your Winter Projects I am a big fan of lists.
So in theory, a 100-foot bed, with three rows of parsley, could be worth $600 wholesale to more than $2,000 retail per cutting per bed. Doesn't hurt to ask, and while you're at it, see what other herbs they might need.
Using a combination of steer manure, bat guano, effective microorganisms (a microbial inoculant) and organic pest control methods, they're building up healthy soil in a place that's vastly inhospitable to farming culture.
Although Bourne advertises the benefits of aquaculture, he also raises awareness of certain detriments. American agribusiness entrepreneurs may find aquaculture an attractive option, especially for those seeking to save the family tobacco farm through...
Why would someone want to farm in the winter, when its cod and plants grow extremely slow, even under cover? These crops can then easily be cleaned and distributed throughout the winter.
If we're being honest, there are only a set number of people who are interested in joining a subscription-style farm at any one time. And those people have access to increasingly more options of how to get their produce, so standing out among the crowd...
Inspiration can come through the eyes of others . Because believe me, we've all been there. Take a day or two and go do something not farm-related. Go see a movie. With some concerted effort, there is still time to recover the farm and farmer.
Scottie Jones The family is also in the process of building a workshop with hot running water and an outdoor shower, a pole barn with a cement floor for their tractor, and a loafing shed to increase cover for the sheep.
He quickly learned that few banks make agricultural loans to new, small-scale farmers. The McKenzie Inn features three rooms, each with their own special charm and amenities to enjoy reflecting the character of the person that inspired its decor.
“It's not like I had a big marketing strategy, but I thought out what my different posts would be on different days and how they would evolve through the campaign.” Leaning On Community To start a Kiva Zip campaign, a business needs to bring in its...
The ranch is part state land, part National Forest and part privately owned. Originally established in the 1870s as part of the larger Davis Ranch, Cold Creek is named for the stream that carries two other creeks from their confluence to the Gila River.
“Diversity is important in farming; when a crop doesn't do well it's helpful to have other crops as a backup to make up the difference and keep the business going.” Kaminsky is a true businessman and has carved out a valuable niche in his community.
Be Polite and Nonjudgmental Always remember that there are no stupid questions. To a farmers' market customer, sometimes the biggest difference between any two items is the farmer himself.
The open space has a variety of wildlife, active farming, fellow outdoor enthusiasts and links to acequia irrigation routes. A mural on the wall of the Farm Shop depicts scenes of those days.
What do you grow? We chose these for their demand and adaptability to greenhouse environment growing conditions. Hydroponics literally means “water working,” but in practical use, it means growing plants in a nutrient solution without soil.
Chelsea Green Publishing Published by Chelsea Green, The Lean Farm Guide looks in-depth at the practices Hartman uses on his own farm, how he utilizes many lean principles in the garden and greenhouse, and how anyone can use lean to increase profits with...
More than $60 million worth of maple syrup is produced each year in Vermont, accounting for 41 percent of the entire country's production. As a working and demonstration farm, Sugarbush stands out from the crowd to draw a huge following.
This led to several years of apprenticeships and fellowships at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, N.Y., where she describes the education in farming that she received as one that she is “continually humbled by and grateful...
It's an incredible spectacle to see as many as 20,000 birds flying low overhead in a kind of an avian safari experience. Architecturally, the farm resembles a farm stay in Pennsylvania's Amish country.
Remember that there might be a seasonal component to your tourism business, as well. It's important to get this information up front in writing to ensure that you can operate a bed-and-breakfast on your potential property.
Knowing what you want to grow or raise helps determine the types of land you should seek. If you have never farmed, it's important for you to gain some physical experience. Leave open the possibility of leasing land.
Chuck and Lynn Pugh “The incubator farm will provide land, infrastructure, training and mentoring for farmers that have some experience but are not yet ready to branch out on their own,” Lynn Pugh says.
You just need to get prepared, find some help and learn to let go. You'll have somewhere to start for subsequent trips, as well. If your farm includes selling produce at a farm stand or market or to restaurants, add the marketing and delivery tasks to...
Rabbits Raising rabbits for pets, fiber (Angora) and table meat makes good sense, but don't go big-time right away. Can you afford to support your animals when things go awry? Can you weather the inevitable livestock keeper's lows?
