Guides
311 articles
Practical answers for buying local food, using what is in season, and making more of what comes home from the market.
Mythbusting — Local Food Is Not Just for the Wealthy
Local food has a reputation as something for people with high incomes and lots of free time. Some of that reputation is deserved — but a lot of it is outdated, incomplete, or simply wrong.
Preserving Local Food — Canning, Fermenting, Drying, and Freezing
The best way to eat well year-round from local farms is to preserve the harvest at peak season. Here's a practical guide to the four main preservation methods with safety guidance from USDA.
Pricing Farm Products — Balancing Profit and Fairness
Underpricing is one of the most common mistakes small farmers make. This guide covers how to calculate true cost of production and set prices that keep your farm financially sustainable.
Regenerative Agriculture vs Conventional Organic Farming
Organic farming has a clear federal standard, but regenerative agriculture aims at a higher bar — actively restoring ecosystems rather than simply avoiding harmful inputs. Here's what separates them.
Spring Produce Guide — Ramps, Asparagus, Strawberries, and More
Spring brings some of the most prized and fleeting produce of the year. Here's what to look for, when to find it, and how to make the most of the short window each crop is available.
Summer Grilling With Local Meats — A Practical Guide
Sourcing locally raised beef, pork, lamb, and chicken for the grill changes the experience. Here's what to look for, how farm-raised meats differ, and how to get the best results on the grill.
Top Products to Sell Locally — High Margin and High Demand
Not all farm products sell equally well through direct channels. Some categories consistently command strong prices and high buyer interest at farmers markets and through CSAs.
U-Pick Farms vs Pre-Picked Farm Stands — Which Is the Better Buy?
U-pick farms let you harvest your own produce at lower prices. Pre-picked farm stands offer the same freshness with less effort. Here's how the two compare on cost, quality, and experience — so you can decide what's worth the trip.
Understanding Food Labels — Organic, Non-GMO, Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised, and Regenerative
Food labels can be genuinely informative or essentially meaningless — depending on who defines them and who enforces them. Here's exactly what each major label means, who certifies it, and how much it should influence your buying decisions.
What Is Regenerative Agriculture — and Why Does It Matter?
Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach focused on rebuilding soil health, increasing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems. Here's what it actually means, how it differs from organic, and why it matters for the food you buy.
A beginner's guide to buying local meat online
Buying meat directly from local farms online is easier than most people expect — but it helps to understand how it works before your first order. This guide covers what to expect from browsing to delivery.
A beginner's guide to spring CSA and farm orders
Spring is when most CSA programs open enrollment and local farms start taking direct orders. Here is what you need to know before signing up.