Year: 1987

Who: Booker T. Whatley

Where: Tuskegee, AL

In 1987, Booker T. Whatley, an agriculture professor at Tuskegee University, published his seminal work Handbook on How to Make $100,000 Farming 25 Acres, revolutionizing the world of sustainable agriculture. At a time when small-scale farmers struggled to compete against industrial operations, Whatley’s regenerative farming system emerged as a lifeline, emphasizing self-sufficiency, customer engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Whatley’s contributions to agriculture extended beyond theoretical frameworks, as he introduced practical strategies that are now staples in sustainable farming. His concepts, such as pick-your-own (PYO) farms and the Clientele Membership Club, reshaped how small farmers approached business. By encouraging direct marketing and year-round cash flow through crop diversity, Whatley empowered farmers to bypass traditional middlemen and establish personal relationships with consumers. His “10 Commandments for Small Farms” provided a comprehensive guide to achieving economic independence, influencing modern trends like community-supported agriculture (CSA) and local food movements.

Today, Booker T. Whatley’s innovative strategies remain highly relevant, celebrated as a cornerstone of sustainable farming practices. His advocacy for small-scale, regenerative agriculture has inspired countless initiatives aimed at promoting food security and reducing environmental impact. Programs based on his principles continue to support farmers, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring that Whatley’s vision of resilient, profitable farms lives on. His legacy underscores the enduring value of innovation, resourcefulness, and a commitment to uplifting marginalized groups in agriculture.

Sources

Website

• Communications, O. of. (2022, February 28). Home. Newsroom. https://sebsnjaesnews.rutgers.edu/2022/02/booker-t-whatley-gsnb57-phd-horticulture-black-innovator-who-reshaped-farming/ 

• Whatley, B. T., & DeVault, G. (1987). Booker T. Whatley’s handbook on how to make $100,000 farming 25 acres: With special plans for prospering on 10 to 200 acres. Regenerative Agriculture Association : Distributed to the trade and libraries by Rodale Press.