Goodrich, North Dakota Golden Flax 4U, Inc. is increasing the value of golden flaxseed, a familiar North Dakota crop, and reaching new markets through innovative packaging, marketing, and distribution.

Wales, North Dakota Early visionaries in the sustainable agriculture movement, the Jacobsons operate a diversified organic farm and ranch operation including a wool shearing, processing, and marketing business.

Wilmington, Vermont · From the bucolic setting on 210 acres of the sixth generation Adams Family Farm in Wilmington, Vermont, one couldn't imagine more diverse -- and integrated -- enterprises creatively woven together to sustain the land and the farmers who farm it. Jill and Carl Mancivalano own and manage one of Vermont's most popular agritourism attractions, Adams Family Farm, leasing the farmlands from Jill's parents. The energetic couple also produce numerous value-added products made in a commercial kitchen using products grown or raised on the farm or from area farmers.

Amado, AZ · Harvest spring lettuce, wander a corn maze, pick pumpkins, flock with the sheep in the petting zoo. Whatever the season, Agua Linda Farm in Amado, Arizona, offers a buffet of reasons to keep coming back to the farm throughout the year. And that's just how owner Stewart Loew likes it. "We always have something available to pick, eat or experience," says Stewart. "We provide a slice of farm life, an opportunity to have fun in a new setting for an afternoon."

Salmon, Idaho · Grass fed beef may appear hip today, given all the current public awareness and media attention on the livestock industry, heightened by Mad Cow disease scares. But garner an understanding of Glenn nand Caryl Elzinga's lifestyle and approach to ranching at Alderspring Ranch and one realizes this isn't a business based on a short-lived fad. "With care, livestock, wildlife and botanical diversity are compatible," explains Caryl.

Marionville, Missouri . In 1996, Rick Hopkins was just about at breaking point with his 100-acre Missouri beef farm on the flat foothills of the Ozark Mountains . He was raising 40 head of adult cattle on a small plot of unmanaged pasture, supplementing their diet with 300 bails of hay per year and weaning calves on grain. As per the advice of extension agents, he gave his animals antibiotics at the first sign of a runny nose, anti-worm medication twice a year, and three to four vaccinations at birth, followed by annual booster shots.

Caledonia, IL · About 75 miles from the booming metropolis of Chicago, Angelic Organics grows a dizzying array of vegetables and herbs on about 25 acres of the entire 90-acre farm. Their fresh vegetables and herbs are sold directly to over 1,000 customers who buy Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares in their farming operations each year, making them among the largest -- if not the largest -- of such operations in the United States, grossing more than $575,000 annually.

A group of apple growers in southeast Minnesota formed the Apple Crisp Cooperative to work together to develop new products and markets.

Covert, Michigan  · From Arellano's Fresh Fruit Market stand, the 50 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries and a diverse selection of other fruits and vegetables entices even the most casual drive-by passengers, many en route to vacation homes or recreational activities on Lake Michigan just two miles from the 60 acre farm. Their jammed-packed farm stand is a well-served reward for their interest in continuing their Mexican farming traditions and those of the previous owner-farmer.

With a vision of how to make their farm a more "interesting and profitable place to live" and with the help of a moderate grant, the Aspelunds are recreating their farm sustainably with pigs, poultry, apple trees, and plum trees.