Starred review from November 1, 2019
Rather than simply laying out information on how to start a small organic farm, this excellent handbook presents an almost definitive checklist of questions, with possible answers, that would-be farmers must realistically ask themselves before proceeding. In fact, writes editor Stephenson, director of Oregon State University's Center for Small Farms and Community Food Systems, after reading this book, you might decide not to pursue farming?a positive step that may save you hardships. By whole farm management, he means working with both the physical farm as well as such intangibles as neighbors, buyers (from direct-market customers to wholesalers), competitors, land-grant-university cooperative extension staff, state and federal agencies, even bankers. Illustrating his points with real-life experiences shared throughout the book by the owners of nine small farms?from a quarter-acre organic-vegetable plot outside Portland, Oregon, to a 94-acre goat farm in north-central Virginia?Stephenson walks the reader through all aspects of the work involved in running a farm, from strategic planning to farm infrastructure, labor, markets and marketing, the farm ecosystem (including soil requirements), and running the business. Appended worksheets are excellent in helping readers assess farm-team skills, decide the crops or livestock they'd like to raise, balance a farm budget, and even determine tractor needs. An wholly practical, accessible guide on the subject.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)