Farmer Stories

Your best source for answers to your farming questions often comes from farmers who have faced – and solved – similar problems. Tap into this wealth of hands-on knowledge through our rich compendium of stories by and about farmers. From vegetable-crop production to natural livestock care to finding just the right piece of land, you’ll learn what has worked—and what hasn’t. Please also share your stories with us.

  • Deep commitments carry family through dramatic double transition at a Kansas family farm
    New Farm classifieds links enterprising farmer to nearby opportunity. His new land leads to his further success in "baking the view" as an artisan baker capitalizing on local demand for high-quality organic food that's miles fresher and better.
  • A Good Deed
    They wanted to farm, and he wanted young farmers on his land. So they—and their lawyers—worked out an agreement tailored to their needs now and into the future. Read how a young farming an Old Virginia couple and established landowner carved out an innovative approach to land access with trust, hard work and patience.
  • From the Garden State to the Sunshine State
    Rosie Koenig was raised on a 45-acre vegetable and poultry farm and now runs a 17-acre CSA - among other things. An in-depth case study in her own words tracks the success story of this farmer, PhD agronomist, mother and cofounder of the University of Florida Center for Organic Agriculture.
  • The end of farming for me, for now
    A people-loving storyteller in an area lacking basic farm-supports tells why his short, valiant effort to be an organic dairyman ended in a total auction to pay off his debts. At once painful and instructive, these confession of a farmer who threw in the towel just might save you from making the same mistakes.

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