Barter is Booming

With everyone strapped for cash, bartering - simply trading goods or services you have for those you want - has been on a steady upswing. Bartering and small-scale farming are made for each other. With surpluses of crops, you always have a supply of what people want: delicious, local food. And with a little value added - perhaps you make mead with your bees' honey, or knit with the wool from your sheep - your bartering will go that much further.

Don't hesitate to strike up a barter with someone! Getting started with barter is easier than you think. And don't forget that the Internet has revolutionized the art of bartering. Craigslist is one spot where many folks post what they have and what they're seeking, so cruise the listings for your area, and post your own. There are also many barter exchanges available online, where you can give something to someone and earn credits that you can redeem for an item from a different person - almost like money, but still with a community feeling. (You should be aware that many are for-profit ventures.)

Perhaps the simplest barter for a farmer is to exchange farmgrown food for labor on the farm. You might be surprised how many people will take you up on this. Happy bartering!