Young Farmers Restore Rural America

By Excerpted From Youth Renewing Countryside
Published on December 8, 2010
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The Chubby Bunny Farm in northwestern Connecticut.
The Chubby Bunny Farm in northwestern Connecticut.
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Dan Hayhurst readies produce for CSA members.
Dan Hayhurst readies produce for CSA members.
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Roy and Kaylee Benjamin are among the youngest farmers in their part of Montana.
Roy and Kaylee Benjamin are among the youngest farmers in their part of Montana.
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A Chubby Bunny Farm hog stays happy.
A Chubby Bunny Farm hog stays happy.
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Joanna, 9, has a stubborn goat on her hands.
Joanna, 9, has a stubborn goat on her hands.
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Ivin, 12, prepares for deliveries.
Ivin, 12, prepares for deliveries.
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Rosanna Bauman, 20, welcomes new residents to the Kansas farm.
Rosanna Bauman, 20, welcomes new residents to the Kansas farm.
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Marvin, 22, farms his own land down the road from his parents’ place.
Marvin, 22, farms his own land down the road from his parents’ place.
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A wildlife refuge in Georgia.
A wildlife refuge in Georgia.
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Amadou Diop, right, urges Georgia landowners to keep the profit from their forestland in their communities.
Amadou Diop, right, urges Georgia landowners to keep the profit from their forestland in their communities.

Whether we live in Manhattan or Peoria, we depend on a healthy countryside to supply the food we eat. So it’s welcome news that across the nation, a hearty crop is taking root. Smart, young people are changing the world by returning to the roots of American agriculture – roots steeped in a tradition and culture of diversity, quality and respect for the Earth. A new book, Youth Renewing the Countryside, captures their remarkable stories. 

Young Farmers Restoring the Countryside:
Dan and Tracy Hayhurst

Roy and Kaylee Benjamin
The Bauman Family
Amadou Diop

Produced in partnership with young writers and photographers, Youth Renewing the Countryside profiles the next generation of rural caretakers through individual stories from every state. Some of these young leaders are building on their history and culture. Others are creating uniquely 21st-century opportunities like renewable-energy businesses or Internet-based companies. Some are fighting for environmental or social justice. Many have found a foothold in building a stronger, healthier and more healthful food system. 

These young people are not just renewing the American countryside, they are changing the world. Here are excerpts from some of their stories. 

The noisy little farmer 

The name Chubby Bunny Farm conjures up a hearty laugh, but it’s serious business for master farming couple Dan and Tracy Hayhurst. 

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