fewer things by the same means as everyone else while simply responding to
and wants of unique groups of customers they create unique systems of meeting
of major metropolitan areas.� The number
Some would exclude from the definition of �farms� in general
inherently productive capacity of a diverse natural resource base, rather than
capital, and management.� Some own land,
is affected by our relationships with other people � within families,
The shareholders are my parents and brothers. their neighbors would have to go broke, so their farm would come up for
land.� The future of farming is in the
The world’s food supply is depending on millions of family farmers just like the Borgs – families who don’t quit in the face of bad weather, bad luck or even personal tragedy. each consumer dollar spent for food.�
farm, they say, but a �hobby farm� or a �residence farm.�� If we exclude these small farms from our
to be used up, and if necessary, exploited.�
�farmers� left in America.� Corporations
2627 KFB PLZ each specialized in performing only one or two functions in the production
standardized processes that are performed by separate enterprises all across
production tailored to the demands of narrow segments of markets.� The question is not how many niche markets
replacement for the industrial model of agriculture.� They are developing the pattern for farming in the future. convert solar energy into energy forms that are useful to humans.� But industrial agriculture uses up more
Wendell Berry, a
harmony with nature.� Such things would
people to be creative, innovative, productive individuals � not just cogs in
In agriculture today, some are landowners, some are
Independent Farms. We just happen to work together under the umbrella of a corporation.”, Jill Casten (far right), Casten Farms, LLC, “One thing that I get asked on occasion is if we’re a corporate farm. all of the important management decisions.�
sustainably.�, "...if agriculture is to remain
corporate profits and growth for their stockholders, otherwise they will be
customer pick-up at the farm.� They use
pesticides and fertilizers � were polluting groundwater and streams and were
on value rather than costs.� They
process, they could perform each task more efficiently.� By specializing and working together, so
successful lives. degrading the natural environment.� In
just about making money, and environmental stewardship is not just about
moral constraints to their pursuit of self-interests and greed.� Corporations are not people; they only exist
agricultural production process.�
They might play a role in how smaller businesses market products and services, but they do not control other farms. and helping to build stronger local communities. agriculture was not socially sustainable. productive capacities with unique sets of natural resources to serve the needs
the country.� And in the process, we
money, hiring more laborers, and working harder, but they were earning no more
In earlier times, specialization was referred to as
used well, the people who use it must know it well, must be highly motivated to
realize that each of us values things differently, as consumers, because we
industrial systems in ways that are inherently degrading to our uniquely human
Just like small businesses in your community, no two farms are alike or managed the same way. is lacking in height, width, or length quite simply is not a box.�� A farm that lacks economic viability,
Families also might consider incorporating for tax and estate planning purposes. There are no
exist, but how many different markets to serve.� There are plenty of niche markets to allow ecologically
contributing to the degradation of American society � that industrial
everything from the Internet to word of mouth to advertise their services.� They market to people who care where their
Specialization and standardization then allowed production processes to