Farming Alternatives

This workbook was written for rural and farm residents considering alternative income enterprises. It takes readers through the steps to evaluate personal and family considerations, resources, market potential, production feasibility, profitability, cash flow, and all factors combined.

More and more farmers are adopting a diverse range of alternative practices designed to reduce dependence on synthetic chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and antibiotics; cut costs; increase profits; and reduce the adverse environmental consequences of agricultural production. Alternative Agriculture describes the increased use of these new practices and other changes in agriculture since World War II, and examines the role of federal policy in encouraging this evolution, as well as factors that are causing farmers to look for profitable, environmentally safe alternatives. Eleven case studies explore how alternative farming methods have been adoptedâ€"and with what economic resultsâ€"on farms of various sizes from California to Pennsylvania.

A list of the available video and audio materials containing practical and helpful information about alternative farming practices.