LINKS FOR NEW FARMERS

If you're investigating farming as a career choice or change, as a part time job, or as a business opportunity, these websites are full of excellent information to examine and research.

CHOOSING THE ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY

THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE: AGRI-ENTREPRENEURSHIP TOPICS

SUSTAINABLE AND ORGANIC PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

THE FARM AS HABITAT: ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS

ANIMAL PRODUCTION

AGROFORESTRY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

UPCOMING NEW FARMER TRAINING EVENTS

TRAINER RESOURCES

CHOOSING THE ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY

The websites below provide introductory information that describe the principles and strategies of sustainable agriculture, case studies about farmers and ranchers employing sustainable ag, and resources to help you as a potential new farmer understand and assess whether you have the personality, farming and business skills, and resources to be successful in this challenging career.

Exploring Sustainability in Agriculture (SARE), Available in both html and Adobe Acrobat versions, this is a great introduction to the concept of sustainable agriculture (what is sustainability, elements of sustainability) with ten excellent case studies (farmer profiles) to illustrate how these concepts can be applied.

What is Sustainable Agriculture? ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas). The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is a very comprehensive source of information about all aspects of sustainable agriculture. Major topic areas include: what is sustainable agriculture, horticultural crops, field crops, soils and compost, pest management, organic farming, livestock, marketing and business, energy and agriculture, education, resources.

Sustainable Agriculture in Hawaii, UH CTAHR website for local sustainable ag information and resources.

The New American Farmer (SARE), a collection of 50 in-depth interviews with farmers and ranchers which illustrate the great variety of production methods and the marketing creativity of sustainable farming operations thriving around the country.

The New Farm: Farmer-to-Farmer Know-How from the Rodale Institute, The Rodale Institute's farming website features information, articles, products and services for “regenerative agriculture.” The Rodale Institute works worldwide to achieve a regenerative food system that renews the earth. Their activities include research, training, workshops, and information dissemination. See on-line bookstore.

Acres USA, A Voice for Eco-Agriculture, describes itself as a national magazine devoted to sustainable agriculture. Their on-line catalogue features a wide array of publications relating to alternative agriculture.

You Can Farm: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Start and Succeed in a Farming Enterprise, by Joel Salatin; published by Chelsea Green Publishing. Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm is a model of creativity and innovation for modern farmers. “While this book can be helpful to all farmers, it targets the wannabes, the folks who actually entertain notions of living, loving and learning on a piece of land.”

Exploring the Small Farm Dream: Is Starting an Agricultural Business Right for You? Description and ordering information about a self-study guide from the New England Small Farm Institute.

The SARE Program (episode 9) (streaming video by USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service) gives several examples of how farmers are changing their production strategies to benefit the environment and improve their income sources. Includes footage about a rotational grazing system being used at a dairy farm, direct seeding for wheat production, a deep bedding system for swine production, and introducing and marketing new plant products in New England.