I owe an unending debt of gratitude to all who helped produce this book, beginning with the editors and publishers of Hobby Farms magazine and I-5 Publishing. Thank you especially to Andrew DePrisco, whose vision brought the opportunity to a first-time author and whose guidance provided support throughout the project. Thanks also to the keen eyes of my editor, Dolores York, an experienced, well-organized professional whose knowledge of her craft gave shape to these pages. I also thank photo researcher Elizabeth Tunnicliffe and art director Mary Ann Kahn for giving life to the pages through careful photo selection and graphic design.

Beyond those who worked to create this book, there are acres of others deserving recognition—most notably, the organic and sustainable farmers who walked me through their fields or answered questions in between customers at the local farmers’ market. The men and women who dedicate their lives to producing our food perform one of the most underappreciated jobs on the planet, and those who do so while striving to maintain our natural resources deserve appreciation from all. When busy, hardworking farmers can also find time to answer questions from a wide-eyed wannabe, they merit not only thanks but also awards for tolerance.

Sincere gratitude to: Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge of Many Hands Organic Farm; Weston Lant of Lucky Field Organics; John Mitchell of Heirloom Harvest CSA; Pete Lowy and Jennifer Hashley of Pete and Jen’s Backyard Birds; Ryan Voiland of Red Fire Farm; Jim Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Farm; Derek Christianson of Brix Bounty Farm; Lynda Simkins of the Natick Community Organic Farm; Ellen Gould of Sisters Three Farm; and Dan Kittredge of the Bionutrient Food Association.

Thanks also to the many experts who provided information through interviews, lectures, seminars, workshops, and correspondences: Eliot Coleman, Lee Reich, Michael Darre, Marianne Sarrantonio, Dan Kaplan, Jon Frank, Don Franczyk, Al Averil, Cliff Hatch, John Howcroft, Ruth Hazzard, and the staff and volunteers of the Northeast Organic Farming Association’s Massachusetts Chapter.