SPECIAL FEATURES

Everything you ever wanted to know about hoophouses

Winter in the hoophouse with Adam Montri
These passive solar greenhouses called hoophouses are revolutionizing the way food is raised in this country, especially in colder climates. Michigan State University Hoophouse Specialist Adam Montri shares his expertise. Check back often for updates and additions. Click here for more . . .


Lisa Ostler shares tips and techniques for first-time
backyard chicken producers - click here for more


Michael Hamm, the current holder of Michigan State University's CS Mott Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, gives opening remarks at the Michigan Good Food Summit held in February. The summit is part of a process to develop sustainable food strategies for the state of Michigan for which they hope to secure widespread political support. Click here to learn more on the Michigan Good Food website.

Michigan Humanities Council
Many of the Sustainable Farmer profiles on this site were developed with grant support from the Michigan Humanities Council (Michigan People, Michigan Places). The MHC theme is "our stories, our lives."
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Bridget Patrick's Happy Goat Lucky Ewe Fiber Farm

. . . for the full story, click here

International Foods - New niche markets for sustainable farmers

Sustainable Farmer recognizes the importance of helping our readers serve unique and growing markets nationwide. In our Catering to Cultures section, we offer information and advice on growing specialty crops for diverse racial, ethnic and religious groups. We also offer information the cultural context that can be so important in demonstrating cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Senior Editor Alisha Green offers three new and important text and video packages on:

Alisha Green is an Honors College student at Michigan State University's School of Journalism. She has spent the past 18 months researching various national and international food cultures, with the goal of helping sustainable farmers understand these important niche markets.

MARKETING - Farm Markets & Consumers: What do the labels mean?


Do consumers understand the difference between home grown and farm direct? What does it mean to say that something "locally grown"? Do consumers know what to ask? As consumers become more sophisticated, farm markets are often strugging to keep pace. Senior Editor Alisha Green explores the issues. Click here for more . . .
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