Stephenson Garry

Excellent farm management course also available online

Garry Stephenson has been studying small farms and farm marketing for decades and I trust what he has to say. It was Dr. Stephenson and his colleague Larry Lev who years ago noticed that it isn't the cost of items at a farmers market that limit what people buy, it's the weight! They recommended that markets invest in trolleys or that the pay teens to carry purchases to shoppers' cars. Garry Stephenson has an excellent eye for reality.

"Whole Farm Management" is a curriculum in the form of a book. The training is also available online. The book is divided into 6 chapters that can be read in any order. Buying it in book form is a bonus because you can refer to any chapter at any time.

Building a successful commercial farm is a circular activity. Discovering what you can grow and discovering what you can sell profitably are the yin and yang. One cannot exist without the other. This book is a starting place for exploration. There are lessons here for aspiring farmers and people with years of experience. The principles are eternal.

If I were to discuss all of the good information in this book, my review would go on for pages. It is better just to say that if you are interested in starting to farm or want to gain deeper insights into the work you are already doing. Please try this book.

I received a review copy of " Whole Farm Management: From Start-Up to Sustainability" edited by Garry Stephenson from Storey Publishing through NetGalley.com.

Dr. Stephenson writes that royalties from the sale of the book will support the Oregon State University Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems and its work in sustainable agriculture and community food systems.… (plus d'informations)