- + Font Size

About SARE

Can't find something? Ask or send feedback.

SARE's mission is to advance—to the whole of American agriculture—innovations that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life by investing in groundbreaking research and education. SARE's vision is...

The 2002 Patrick Madden Award for Sustainable Agriculture

2008 Winners | 2006 Winners | 2004 Winners | 2002 Winners

SARE’s Patrick Madden Award for Sustainable Agriculture recognizes farmers or farm families who advance sustainable agriculture through innovation, leadership and good stewardship. The award is named for SARE's first director, Patrick Madden, who was a pioneer in the movement toward a strong, independent agriculture.

2002 Winner

Tom Trantham

Trantham's Dairy Farm/Happy Cow Creamery, Pelzer, S.C.

In brief:

Seventy-five milking cows on 70-acre grass-based dairy
25 paddocks ranging from 2.5 to 3.2 acres with multiple forages
New milk processing plant produces milk for on-site sales

"The beauty of this kind of dairying is that, every day, you wake up with more ideas you want to try."
Tom Trantham

2002 Finalists

Carmen Fernholz

Madison, Minn.

Raises organic grain crops and 1,000 hogs annually on 410 acres
Started collective bargaining, marketing agency
Prairie restoration, terracing, tree plantings

"When you use organic practices, you expend significantly fewer dollars to produce a crop. And if there is a premium, you're that much farther ahead."
Carmen Fernholz

Alex and Betsy Hitt

Peregrine Farm, Graham, N.C.

Intensive vegetable and cut flower production on five acres
Sales to farmers market, specialty store, restaurants, guaranteeing premium prices
10-year farm rotation: 57 kinds of flowers, 60 varieties of vegetables

"Each year has been the best we've ever had. We reduced our dependence on outside labor and now raise the crops we like best."
Alex Hitt

Richard Ha

Kea'au Banana Plantation, Hilo, Hawaii

800 acres of bananas on two plantations
Long-term view, minimizing agri-chemicals, erosion and water use
"Eco-friendly" labels; crew of 70 workers enjoy profit-sharing

"I had a philosophy that we should take a long-term view of how we affect our workers, our community and the environment. So far, this also has meant profitability for our company."
Richard Ha

Larry Thompson

Thompson's Berry Farm, Boring, Ore.

140 acres of strawberries, raspberries, cauliflower and broccoli
All produce sold at farm stand or at area farmers markets
Crop rotations, flowering species attract beneficial insects
Educational seasonal events for school children, residents

"Instead of seeing my farm as a secluded hideaway, I am getting the community involved, bringing them to see our principles in action."
Larry Thompson

Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens

Penn Yan, N.Y.

Organic grain and processing vegetables on 1,300 acres
Diverse, long-term rotations for pest management and soil fertility
Founded organic feed and seed business, expanding markets for N.Y. growers

"Successful organic farming involves much more than simply the avoidance of certain prohibited materials."
Mary-Howell Martens

From the Field

Have you seen this resource?

From low covers to high tunnels, from hoop houses to greenhouses – producers are finding ever more innovative ways to extend the growing season, and their income stream. Visit the Season Extension Topic Room to learn more.