Successful Alternatives for a Small Farmer

When 78-year old Bob Foster decided to transition out of tobacco farming, the agricultural industry had plenty of alternatives for him.  He wanted something that would help him maintain or increase farm income, sustain his lifestyle and conserve natural resources.

Today, consumers are looking for local, fresh, organically and naturally grown products.  According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Resource Economics and Social Services Division, consumers want to know who produced their food and how.  Most are willing to pay extra for these products.  To Foster, it seemed like the right opportunity at the right time.

He tried alternative crops on his small farm in Amelia County, Virginia.  He grew about three acres of sweet potatoes, white potatoes and sweet corn.  He also planted a few acres of traditional crops- soybeans and corn. This conversion of crops involved new production techniques and processing methods. It also meant a new conservation plan for his operation.  NRCS Soil Conservation Technician Horace Adams worked with Foster to implement the best conservation practices for his land—no-till and crop rotation.

He uses no-till on his soybeans and corn because it saves him time and money by not plowing.  The organic matter left on the fields helps conserve moisture in the soil and prevents it from washing away.  Mr. Foster also rotates his alternative crops to different fields every year.  “Any crop does better when it’s rotated.  Planting the same crop year after year is not good,” said Foster.  Crop rotation helps control diseases and increases the productivity of the soil.  In return, Mr. Foster sees higher yields and a larger profit.

Virginia State University Outreach Agent, J.D. Hutcheson, worked closely with Foster during his transition.  Hutcheson helped Foster get crops into production, find markets and customers for his crops, although word of mouth has proved to work best for him.  The agent also gave him information on fertilization, irrigation, plant spacing, and grading.

Foster, who has never wanted any job other than farming, considers himself retired but continues to manage the successful operation by himself, except during harvest season.  He says that producing alternative crops is a great way for him to stay occupied.  “I don’t believe in sitting down, but working while you’re able.”

< Back to ...