The Organic Farming Manual : A Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Running a Certified Organic Farm

Providing expert tips on tending the land, caring for animals, and necessary equipment, Ann Larkin Hansen also covers the intricate process of acquiring organic certification and other business considerations important to a profitable operation. Discover the rewarding satisfaction of running a successful and sustainable organic farm.

as The Organic Food Market Continues To Expand, So Too Do The Opportunities For Small Farmers. For The Farmer, The Benefits Of Running An Organic Operation Are Great. Organic Farms Conserve Nonrenewable Resources, Offer Better Conditions For Farm Animals, Produce High-demand Goods, And Boost Farm Income. As The Organic Food Market Continues To Expand, So Do The Opportunities For Small Farmers.

the Organic Farming Manual Is A Comprehensive Guide To Growing, Certifying, And Marketing Organic Produce, Grains, Meat, And Dairy. Beginning Farmers Committed To Launching An Organic Operation And Experienced Farmers Hoping To Transition From Traditional Farming Techniques Will Find All The Information They Need. The Organic Certification Process Is Lengthy And Demanding, But Author Ann Larkin Hansen Clarifies Every Usda Requirement And Offers Complete Advice On Selecting Equipment, Tending The Land, Caring For Animals, And Marketing Farm Products.

readers Will Also Find Profiles Of Successful Organic Farmers Throughout The Book. Their Experiences Provide Inspiration And Valuable Tips For First-time Farmers Looking For Real Success Stories. Hansen’s Thorough Coverage Of The Subject And The Positive Words Of Established Growers Will Set Countless Farmers On A Healthful, Organic Path.

A brief history: the story of organic farming Land: finding good earth Soil: the cornerstone of sustainability Equipment: choosing, using, and maintaining machinery Plants 101: basic organic growing Garden crops: vegetables from spring through winter Field crops: grains and forages on a large scale Orchard crops: fruits, berries, and nuts Livestock 101: basic organic husbandry Pigs and poultry: raising smaller livestock for meat and eggs Ruminants for meat: raising goats, sheep, and cattle on pasture Dairying: raising cows, sheep, and goats for milk Biodiversity: managing habitat for a thriving farm ecosystem Organic certification: preparation, application, and inspection Going to market: turning farm products into profit The larger context: organic farming's effect on the wider world. In a comprehensive guide to growing, certifying and marketing organic produce, grains, meat and dairy, the author clarifies every USDA requirement and offers complete advice on selecting equipment, tending the land, caring for animals and marketing farm products, in a book that includes profiles of successful organic farmers. Whether you're just starting out or transitioning from traditional farming techniques, this guide has everything you need to know about growing and marketing your own organic produce, grains, meat, and dairy