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.

Mike Jacobs studied biochemistry in college and saw agriculture as something that could actually have a positive effect on the environment. He markets most of his vegetables to 109 CSA subscribers in western Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

Finke's Berry Farm is a family operation focusing on two acres of blueberries and 11 acres of strawberries. The University of Minnesota's Farm and Family Recognition Program honored Doug and Diane for their contributions.

In July 2000, The Oregon-based Food Alliance and Food Alliance Midwest forged an alliance to work together in promoting regionally produced foods.

Just southwest of Duluth, the Fisher-Merritt farm, Food Farm, is a carefully plotted set of fields set around a collection of small greenhouses, chicken coops, and a climate-controlled vegetable storage building.

The Gieskes moved to their farm in 1991 with their children's health in mind. They wanted a place where their children could eat vegetables fresh from the garden and not worry about added chemicals or pesticides.

The Hoch's have been replanting their orchards and using creative farming practices to support their family's rural lifestyle. With somewhere between 4000 and 5000 young trees planted on 15 acres, they now grow over 50 varieties of apples.

Foster and Karen Mooney are sold on the benefits of plastic mulch, which they use extensively for weed control.

Jan and Tim King began gardening together in 1970 and harvest organic vegetables and fruit on their 36-acre farm. The garden is a joint partnership and project that they both enjoy.