Every once in a while, I read a book so inspiring that it sets in motion a process of visioning, planning, and action. The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben Falk is such a book, one that has me re-imaging extraordinary possibilities for our homestead on a hill. Imagine a homestead and research farm set on a hillside in Central Vermont. Now picture lush gardens, food and fuel forests, and innovative projects such as small-scale rice paddies, compost hot water heating systems, mushroom cultivation, and perennial food crop and grazing integration. Author Ben Falk's homestead, Whole Systems Research Farm is such a place, and he takes what he has learned from years of experience on his land, … [Read more...]