Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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Steve's family is firmly rooted in upstate New York, although their farm
has changed over time. “I see myself as a farmer first and an organic grower
second. We grew up with the livestock farm.” His parents bought this land
fifty years ago; the family farming tradition continues here.
Evolving
A key component of these farms is that they are not stagnant; rather, they
are constantly evolving. New crops are grown, different markets are tapped,
and particular fieldmethods are employed. These farms aremoving forward
rather than being stuck in the past. Each farmer has plans for the future.
About their Florida citrus, Rob says he'd like to have more time and
money. “That would be nice. Then I can plant my back field heavy in
grapefruits and tangerines. Maybe a row of this and a row of that. I might
plant a row of peaches and one of plums. I had a few peach trees here that,
oh, I had never had a better peach in my life.” Mary knows that marketing
their citrus is an ongoing process. “Never become complacent withwhat you
have. I've been in the business long enough to realize that next year three
of these people may not even be in business any more. You can't depend on
this.” In Illinois, Joel explains how he is trying to direct market more now:
“I am trying to be 100 percent direct because it shields you from these stupid
commodity prices. We are not there yet, unfortunately, but we are working
on it.” In California, Phil hired Terence, who is a marketing specialist, and
they have moved toward “setting up a local delivery system” and away from
wholesale markets. Allen, in Colorado, is keeping more profits on the farm,
as he developed new equipment to clean and load his own grain. “That has
made a difference with our sales.” And Steve's farm has evolved, shifting
from livestock to vegetable production in 1990 and beginning the CSA in
1996. They are planning to increase the CSA or,ashesays,“growtheCSA,”
since it has become an important part of their farm's success.
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FUTUREOFGOODGROWING
Innovative family organic farmers, seeking to confront our failing conven-
tional agricultural system, conduct their own agroecosystems research and
discover how to grow diverse, high-quality crops that can be marketed di-
rectly for a better profit margin. These successful farmers have discovered
how to overcome many barriers in order to make the most of all opportu-
nities. Multiple economic, ecological, social, and personal factors are clearly
influential in the success of organic farms across the United States. The next
question is how to move forward and create a rural landscape that promotes
the very characteristics that support organic farms.
