The rooster crows and the farm family, already up for some time, is eating a hearty breakfast grown and raised on precious land, theirs. Golden eggs, sizzling bacon, juicy red strawberries, fresh baked bread and a glass of cold milk, break the fast. The sun rises over fields of grains and vegetables while chickens, pigs, cows and goats call to be released into the pasture to greet the day and munch on fresh greens and insects. Honeybees buzz from their hives foraging for sweet nectar, pollinating as they go.

What makes this farm different from the traditional is that on this farm, the land is not worked, but worked with. This farmer has a keen appreciation for the cycles of life on the earth. Ecologically sound farming principals are applied, with consideration given to the environment and the preservation of natural resources. Area farmers gather and share information and pool resources to benefit all.

The family spends the day feeding the animals, milking, collecting eggs, watering, weeding and harvesting the abundant produce. Scouting for pest insects and diseases is an integral part of the daily routine so that problems can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Water, manures and compost are utilized as precious natural resources and crops are rotated among the fields to keep the land healthy and productive. Low till farming techniques along with cover crops are employed to conserve topsoil and prevent erosion. Livestock is given room to forage and wander, contributing to the cycle of life of the land. Not subjected to the stress of being penned day after day, these animals require little antibiotics and other medications to keep them healthy.

After a hard days work, the family gathers to share a meal and talk about the day. They also talk about Saturday when they will bring the fruits of their labor to the local farmers market to sell the harvest at fair market prices. The savvy locals shop at the market for the premium fresh produce as well as area chefs for they appreciate the taste of food grown with such loving care. The neighborhood grocer is also there to buy locally grown products because locally grown is fresher and supports the local economy. After a day of strong sales, the family enjoys some time in the community. All members of the family contributed to the work of the farm and all will share in the reward of the week's earnings. After the market they will go out to see a movie and have an ice cream (form local fresh milk of course).

So basically that's sustainable agriculture. Crops are produced on land that is managed with environmental principals conserving the land for future generations. Animals are raised with respect, fresh air and sunshine. Products are marketed locally and are of high quality to command fair prices. The farmer is regarded as a valuable member of the community growing and raising food for the rest to eat. Last but certainly not least, the farm is a viable business that effectively supports the family and can be passed on to the next generation of food producers.

In order to remain competitive with large corporate farms, the family farm needs to change. Some are finding that the best way to do this is to move into new age of farming. Sustainable agriculture is a developing technology with many federal, state and local agencies doing exhaustive research to discover more efficient techniques to produce high quality products. As this research develops, the findings are communicated through a vast network of farming groups. Not only do these practices help the farm remain vital now, the land is managed and preserved for the future. As topsoil is depleted in traditional farming methods, the quality of the crops produced on that land will exhibit the cost of poor land management. It is in everyone's best interest to purchase food grown and raised on farms that employ Sustainable Agricultural Practices. In supporting these small farmers, we guarantee our future.

How can you Support Sustainable Agriculture

Buy seasonal produce from local growers
Shop at the local farm stand
Buy Organic
Pay a little more for higher quality
Get involved in sustainable agricultural groups
Employ sustainable agricultural techniques in your own backyard

For more information contact

SARE - Sustainable Agriculture Resource and Education Program
ATTRA - The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
NCAT - The National Center for Appropriate Technology
Northeast Region SARE at the University of Vermont
PASA - The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture
NOFA - The Northeast Organic Farmers Association