Whole Farm Management: From Start-up to Sustainability

Farming is a business, as well as a way of life. Whole Farm Management is a comprehensive guide developed by the Small Farms Program at Oregon State University to help aspiring and beginner farmers make smart business decisions to ensure lasting success. In clear, accessible language, this book covers every essential step, from developing a strategic plan to acquiring equipment, establishing infrastructure, finding markets, budgeting, managing day-to-day operations, and selecting a business structure for long-term viability. The emphasis throughout is on using sustainable agricultural systems and managing the whole farm, whether raising grass-based livestock, perennial food crops, or annual crops such as flowers. Case studies of successful farms, along with guidance and solutions to common problems from long-time farmers, round out this essential handbook.

Order from: Powell's Books, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Workman, or Amazon.

What people are saying about Whole Farm Management:

"Whole Farm Managment will be your one-stop shop for everything you need to know to start your farm. Whether you're super new to farming or seasoned and savvy, you will find this book a resource you'll keep coming back to. This empowers anyone to start planting seeds for a future farm business."

- Lisa Kivirist, author of Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers and Homemade for Sale

 

"Whole Farm Management is an indispensable resource. It has just as much value for the beginning farmer learning how to produce a crop at profit as it does for the journeyperson who is already in business, looking to avoid burnout."

- Andrew Mefferd, farmer, author, and editor of Growing for Market