March 27, 2012 | MISA

News Release – ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture has released the second case study in an online series that provides beginning and transitioning farmers with a unique virtual resource.

“Profiles in Sustainable Agriculture” is a project that uses graphics and narratives to integrate personal stories of profiled farmers with detailed information on their practices.

The case studies include technical assistance via extensive tips and links to finance, production and marketing resources.

“They both tell an engaging story and provide useful, practical, in-depth information that beginning farmers need to know,” said Jane Grimsbo Jewett of MISA.

The new case study features Cindy Hale and Jeff Hall of Clover Valley Farms in Duluth. They raise pastured poultry and hogs, produce herbs in a passive solar greenhouse and use integrated pest management to grow heritage varieties of apples in new and restored orchards.

Sarah Stai of EcoSmith Consulting, who manages the project in collaboration with MISA, said the case study explores how Clover Valley Farms is taking a highly integrated approach to small-scale farming.

The project is supported with advisors from University of Minnesota Extension, Renewing the Countryside, the Land Stewardship Project and the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota.

The case studies are located at http://sustagprofiles.info. Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback in a five-minute survey.