Manuals/Guides

Organic Broccoli Production Manual

Steps that farmers took to scale up organic broccoli production to meet local wholesale demand.

Guide to Starting a Locally-Scaled, Local-Foods Based Cooperative

Information on planning for and running a cooperative can be found in this handbook.

Community-Based Food System Assessment and Planning

This guide was created to help communities conduct their own food system assessment and provide them with guidance on planning the development of a local food system.

Applying for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

This plain language guide discusses eligibility and the application process for the USDA-NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Design and Construction of a High Tunnel in West Virginia

Detailed information on hoop house or high tunnel construction, with specific considerations for West Virginia.

Season-Long Strawberry Production with Everbearers for Northeastern Producers

This 70-page guide outlines profitable production techniques and research on everbearing strawberry varieties, including information on both field production and the use of high tunnels for season extension.

How to Begin Your Small Farm Dream

This plain language guide is for people who want to start a small farm. It covers skills you need to start a small farm; risks and rewards of farm ownership; financial resources; creating a business plan; and marketing.

Wholesale Packing Resource Guide

This plain language guide is for farmers and ranchers interested in selling to supermarkets, produce distributors, restaurants and institutions.

Guide to Designing a Small Red Meat Plant

Learn how to construct, expand or upgrade a locker-type meat plant.

Crop Rotation on Organic Farms

Crop rotation strategies that can be applied under various field conditions for conventional or organic crops to improve soil quality and health, and manage pests, diseases, and weeds

Applying for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

This plain language guide introduces readers to the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and explains eligibility for EQIP, how to apply and how the money can be used.

Selling at a Farmers Market

This plain language guide guide explains how to begin selling at a farmers' market, including choosing a market, applying for space, designing displays, setting prices, making sales and keeping records.

Sustainable Food Purchasing Guide

This guide was written to help institutions determine how to source more sustainable food options.

Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices for Small-Scale Noncommercial Use and Production

This publication reviews some of the accepted practices associated with small-scale biodiesel production to make it a safe, environmentally sound practice that generates a quality product.

Guide to USDA's NASS End of Season Fruit and Vegetable Inquiry

This plain language helps farmers complete the USDA-NASS End of Season Fruit and Vegetable Survey. The guide explains the survey's purpose and step-by-step instructions for completing the forms.

Financing the Farm: Applying for an FSA Loan

This plain language guide has information on the types of FSA loans available, and includes instructions for applying and developing a business plan.

Harvesting Crops for Market

This plain language guide has information on when to harvest vegetables, how to prepare produce for harvest, and safe handling of produce after harvest.

Managing Risks on the Small Farm

This plain language guide explains the five types of risk—production, marketing, worker, legal and financial—and provides worksheets.