www.sare.org publications social-sustainability-in-agriculture entrepreneurship-as-an-engine-for-innovation-and-adaptation Entrepreneurship as an Engine for Innovation and Adaptation When we hear the word entrepreneurship, we usually think of the profitability leg of the sustainable agriculture three-legged stool: the willingness to take risks and try something new in order to make a profit. However, like entrepreneurs in other fields, farmers and ranchers are often motivated by more than just monetary goals. Vision, leadership, innovation, […]
www.sare.org publications social-sustainability-in-agriculture health-and-wellbeing Health and Wellbeing The agricultural profession is unique in the many ways it can influence health and wellbeing. For example, farming and ranching is oftentimes physically demanding and dangerous, and it can also be isolating and stressful. Success is often influenced by many things beyond a farmer’s control, from weather to markets to pest or disease outbreak, as […]
www.sare.org publications social-sustainability-in-agriculture pathways-for-the-next-generation Pathways for the Next Generation Developing ways to smoothly transition both farming assets and knowledge to new owners, and to prepare beginning farmers for the challenges they’ll face, is essential to reversing trends that threaten the role agriculture plays in maintaining vibrant communities. These trends include the low rate of young farmers entering the profession compared to those retiring, the […]
www.sare.org publications social-sustainability-in-agriculture starting-with-people Starting With People True sustainability in our food system ultimately involves, and benefits, everybody who participates in it. When we take steps to understand the challenges that members of our community face, and when we support improvements in the social conditions of all farmers and farmworkers, we’re creating a community that is like the farm we wish to […]
www.sare.org publications managing-stress planting-seeds-of-help Planting Seeds of Help Leroy Hardy’s journey into financial crisis began when tight finances kept him from sticking with the schedule of payments on a farm loan. As a fifth-generation farmer and operator of Hardy Family Farm near Sedley, Virginia, Hardy had years of experience growing and marketing produce and cut flowers. But trying to navigate the muddy waters […]
www.sare.org publications managing-stress changing-lives-through-better-communication Changing Lives Through Better Communication When Marc Cavatorta heard about a reflective, supportive retreat for farmers being offered not far from his organic vegetable farm near Palermo, Maine, he jumped at the chance to attend. It was late 2021, and he was just finishing his first year of farming on his own. The year had been particularly stressful. “I was […]
www.sare.org publications managing-stress the-biggest-asset-is-you The Biggest Asset Is You Utah State University (USU) Extension professor Josh Dallin had just wrapped up a presentation about livestock before an audience of farmers and ranchers, and he asked if there was any other information his listeners needed. The response was surprisingly out of the ordinary. “One of our largest cattle producers raised his hand and said, ‘I’m […]
www.sare.org publications transitioning-to-organic-production organizations-and-resources-for-transitioning-farmers Organizations and Resources for Transitioning Farmers USDA Resources The National Organic Program The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has comprehensive information about the NOP on its website, including regulations, enforcement, the certification process and training resources. www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program Sound and Sensible The Sound and Sensible Initiative was a collaboration between USDA and 14 organizations that produced a set of resources to help make […]
www.sare.org publications transitioning-to-organic-production making-the-transition-to-organic-cropping-systems Making the Transition to Organic Cropping Systems Many farmers who want to transition to organic production will need to change their practices or adopt new farming strategies in common areas of management, regardless of what they produce. These include building and maintaining soil health, responsibly incorporating tillage, managing pests and omitting prohibited substances. Generally, organic production becomes more management intensive because it […]
www.sare.org publications transitioning-to-organic-production transitioning-livestock-field-crop-and-horticulture-systems-to-organic Transitioning Livestock, Field Crop and Horticulture Systems to Organic Developing a farming system that ties together principles of sustainability and productivity is complex. Organic farmers must consider how the various components of their system—rotations, pest and weed management, and soil health—will maintain productivity and profitability. If you’re already using some of the practices discussed in previous sections, you’ve already started thinking about your farm […]