<DIV><BR>In Organic Hobby Farming, Andrew Tomolonis, an award-winning Boston journalist, long-time garden writer, and part-time organic hobby farmer, strips down the concept of ?organic” and explains why organic farming has emerged as a popular and viable method of production for hobby farms and other small-scale and mid-sized farms. In addition to the improved taste of the produce and the appeal of excluding toxic chemicals in our food, organic farming is good for the environment, for consumers and their families, and it offers many economic plusses as well. The current consumer demand for ?local” and ?organic” underscores the need for small hobby farms offering unique high-end produce and dairy and meat products. Tomolonis explains the basic principles of organic farming and describes how hobby farmers can get started converting their existing farms or establishing a new farm.<br>The first chapter of the book discusses the advantages and pitfalls of organic farming, from the health benefits to people to the challenges of agriculture the ?natural way.” This discussion of ?Why Organic?” is followed by a chapter on establishing a business plan. The author is pragmatic and straightforward: the reader’s dream to run a small organic farm can be a disaster without a sensible agribusiness plan, hence an organic hobby farm can literally ?cost you the farm.” The author lays out a step-by-step plan to compose a mission statement, set specific and tangible goals for the first harvest (and years down the road), assess your skills and abilities, manage farm finances, create a budget, decide upon insurance, and maintain control of the flow and size of your agribusiness.<br>The chapter entitled ?The Good Earth” brings readers down to earth, i.e., dirt: how to assess the land and determine the health of the soil. The author explains what’s needed for ?good dirt” and offers remedies to improve soil, ways to test it, and how to nurture, build, and maintain it. These opening chapters also address the selection of the right crops and livestock to complement the farmer’s climate, region, and local infrastructure. The chapter entitled ?The Rake’s Progress” addresses the kinds of tools and specialized equipment a hobby farmer will require, offering many tips about avoiding mishaps, uninformed purchases, and making the right decisions about the tools required to do specific jobs.<BR>Further chapters discuss seed selection and planting of crops, weed control, preventing and dealing with pests and diseases during the growing season, as well as soil preparation in spring and fall, rotation of crops, and harvesting. For the creative hobby farmer, the book offers a hosts of profit-making ideas and proposed plans for specialized production, including heirloom vegetables and fruits, wine grapes, medicinal and culinary herbs, nuts, maple syrup, Christmas trees, mushrooms, ornamentals, and more.<BR>Organic Hobby Farming covers the selection of the right livestock breeds for a hobby farm, taking into consideration, climate, terrain, and the farmer’s ability to find or produce feed and the amount of time available to commit to the animals. Establishing a herd of specialized animals, whether it’s rabbits, ostrich, llamas, ducks, or goats, requires management, breeding expertise, and the harvesting of meat, milk and/or eggs. Other hobby farmer options discussed include raising less demanding livestock, such as chickens, honey bees, fish, or even earthworms.<br>The book also discusses the advantages and demands of organic certification, how to get the hobby farm certified, the essential recordkeeping and inspections. The author offers excellent advice for marketing and selling organic produce and how to establish cooperatives in surrounding communities with farmers’ markets, local restaurants, and direct sales. With Organic Hobby Farming, readers will learn to think outside the crate to find ways to increase the profitability of their organic ventures. The