In 1941, J.I. Rodale bought a farm near Emmaus, Pennsylvania, to test growing concepts promoted by Lady Eve Balfour and Sir Albert Howard. The Rodale Institute expanded and in 1981, moved the farm on health-related research to 333 acres near Kutztown.

In 1954, J.I. Rodale wrote, “Organics is not a fad.... It has been a long established practice—much more fairly grounded than the current chemical flair.”

Present agricultural practices are continuing to lead us downhill, but there is some active opposition. In 1981, the Rodale Institute worked with USDA to start the Farming Systems Trials (FST) studying the transition to organic production from conventional and comparing the two. In 1987, Robert Rodale’s lobbying efforts caused the first-ever federal sustainable agriculture appropriation. In 1988, organic systems from the FST showed comparable yields for corn, soybeans, and small grains.

Robert Rodale said when he first described regenerative ag, “We must go beyond sustainable to renew and regenerate our agricultural resources.” From 1991 to present, the Rodale Institute has been studying and researching soil quality, carbon sequestration, utilization of composts and manures, and other organic and sustainable practices.

J.I. Rodale was a visionary about many farming concepts. Small Farm Today has followed these concepts as they applied to small farms since 1984—a period of 25 years. I cannot think of a better hero than J.I. Rodale. I am not a purist, but his research makes sense. The importance of all this history is that it shows that one man with a vision and an ideal stuck with it and researched the results for the betterment of all.

Think of the people who speak at the National Small Farm Trade Show & Conference. They are agripreneurs—people with a vision and an ideal. Some want to farm part-time, some want to make a living farming, some want to promote health or the environment, and some have concerns about the world situation.

That is why I think our magazine and the Show have something for everyone—from gardeners to part-time to full-time farmers. It helps you to think. Want a place for networking and finding out what works and what does not? Want a place to find new ideas, what will work in your area, and what are the ins and outs? Did you ever think you could find this many like-minded people in one place? Want a ton of ideas and vision from all over the country? Subscribe to the magazine. Come to the Show.

At this year’s National Small Farm Trade Show & Conference, Mark Kastel, cofounder of the Cornucopia Institute (Wisconsin) talks about his concerns and fights for organic labeling. Kelly Klober, farmer, author, and columnist, and Matt John, hatchery producer (Indiana), tell everything you need to know to raise chickens. Kelly will also speak on hogs and marketing. John Ikerd’s views of small and mid-size farms will show you the importance of both in today’s and tomorrow’s agriculture; he will give another talk on the economy—where we’re at and what we can do about it. Pat Byers gets better every year, with 17 years to research and disseminate information on small fruits and vegetables. Rob Myers of the Jefferson Institute of Agriculture speaks on alternative crops and what new crops show promise. Henry Rentze, from Missouri Valley Renewable Energy provides options for alternative energy on your farm. Greg Judy, author and grazing expert, shows how to start farming from nothing and later, the latest on mob-intensive grazing for cattle and sheep. Joan Benjamin and fellow speakers from SARE and other institutions will speak on grants and grant writing—what they are looking for and what you can do to get a grant. Cheryl Simmons (Texas) will speak on Conservation Planning.

We have many more speakers; these are just a few. The Farmers Forum will have about 30 speakers on 30 different topics—all visionaries following their dreams. These are all real farmers, researching an idea to its conclusion, good or bad. Some are experienced, some are first-timers. What a barrage of knowledge for you to take home.

The old saying is, “You can’t learn too much.” Just one miniscule idea might put you on the road to success. I think J.I. Rodale would have been proud—and inspired—if he could have come to the Show.

The National Small Farm Trade Show & Conference is November 5-7 this year. Put it on your calendars. Make a point to not miss getting on the train to success. See you at the Show!