I hope you and your livestock are ready and in good health for the new year.

I would like all of our readers (that means you) to consider writing a story about your farm and the different techniques you use to operate it sustainably. If you are not a polished writer, do not worry—if good ideas are there, Paul can spiff up your writing. Your good ideas will be passed on to other readers.

Do not be concerned if you are not an “advanced” farmer, either. We have all levels of farmer readers, from beginner to advanced, so your idea story will help somebody. The idea is to share and network.

In the interest of getting the most out of your reading, I would like to offer some ideas on how to read this magazine.

When you receive your magazine, and you have a break from your busy schedule, sit in a well-lit comfortable chair with your magazine and a pencil in hand. The major stories are listed in the Table of Contents (page 3). Take your pencil and number the stories in the order you want to read them. Then turn to the Country Store Books ad (back cover) and the Good Books column (page 15) and check off books you would like to read, even if you do not buy them today. John Ikerd’s new book, Sustainable Capitalism, should be on everyone’s reference shelf.

Next, turn to the About Agriculture section (starting on page 5). There you will find quick news stories of the latest trends and happenings in agriculture. Read all of these first, including the “Available Now” resources. Some of these are free and some have a nominal cost. Check off any of potential interest. This is an important way to gain new knowledge from a variety of sources.

Now return to the Table of Contents and read the stories in the order you picked. Enjoy how other small farmers do their operations. Read all of the stories, even if it is something you are not interested in raising—you may get marketing ideas or the story may mention a sideline that will appeal to you. Make notes of any ideas to develop. Look at the advertisers and see if they have any useful products for your operation. Write down their name and page number. In this issue, note any potentially useful catalogs from the Cornucopia of Catalogs listing.

Once you have read the stories, turn to the back section, where you will find the Town & Country Marketplace, the Breeder’s Directory, the Seeds, Plants & Produce Directory, and the Trading Post. These are places where you can buy plants, breeding stock, equipment, clothes, books, real estate, or other useful items. Check off any potentially useful or interesting ads.

Last, but not least, is the Calendar of Events. Check those you might be interested in attending. Since we cannot fit all of them in the magazine and we receive constant updates, check the Calendar at our website, www.smallfarmtoday.com.

Once you have done this, you have finished your reading; it is time to request more information. Write, call, or e-mail the sources you have checked for more information. If you do not have Internet access, check at your local library. Do it now, while it is still fresh in your mind—do not put it off to some nebulous “later”. As you receive the information, develop a simple filing system with inexpensive manila folders—have files for soil info, beef info, fruit info, etc.

Give any advertisers you have a potential interest in a call or write them a note with any questions you may have about raising the animal or using the equipment—even if you are not buying at this moment, most people are eager to help answer questions or work out solutions for potential customers. Ask about future meetings they might have. Tell them you saw their ad in our magazine, so they know their advertisement worked. Their advertisements are what make the magazine possible and they are frequently a great source of useful information.

Try to get to as many shows and events as you can, and pick up more information (see last issue’s From the Ridge column for my ideas on how to attend a show).

This column came from tips readers have given over the years of how they read their magazines. I hope sharing these helps you get the most out of your magazine.