If you take a year off farming to live in Japan, you might just encounter a tool that small-scale diverse vegetable farmers in the United States would find extremely useful. That's what happened to John Hendrickson, founder of Small Farm Works. 

Paper pots and paper pot transplanting equipment were originally pioneered by a major Japanese sugar company growing sugar beets more than 30 years ago. Since then, other types of paper pots and transplanters have evolved. Since John began importing the Chainpot Transplanter, many a farmer's jaw has dropped when they first witness this incredibly efficient approach to putting seedlings into soil.

We spoke with John about his company and some additional farm tool innovations he'll be introducing to American farmers. Welcome to the CNG Business Allies community Small Farm Works!

Farm Brigge connects farmers, eaters, farm workers and farmer's markets through an online platform full of educational resources and communication and marketing tools. Right now, there are thousands of farmers, farmer markets, eaters and more than 500 farmer's markets participating in this thriving online community. We recently had a chance to interview co-founder Troy Rice about the story behind Farm Brigge and its many angles. Thank you for joining our Business Allies program, Farm Brigge!

Farmers win when new technologies lighten their work load while improving crops and soils at the same time. So we're happy to introduce FilmOrganic, offering a full line of biodegradable mulch films for producers looking to boost yields, reduce their environmental footprint, and improve efficiency. 

We spoke with co-founder Roger Tambay to learn how the company was founded on a commitment to farmers' success and ecological sustainability. Welcome to the CNG Business Allies community, FiilmOrganic!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

We know good organic feed can be hard to find. If you're in the south, particularly North Carolina, Reedy Fork Farm has you covered. They're not only a grain mill, but raise their own livestock as well, so they know the business. 

We spoke with Melissa Blanchard to learn more of the rich history of this local institution, and how it's evolved into a premier organic grain supplier. Welcome to the CNG Business Allies community, Reedy Fork Farm!

This garden thrived during a season of drought with a boost from 4G Soil Solutions

4G Soil Restoration is a Business Ally of Certified Naturally Grown with an unlikely history. Their chief product is a soil amendment that improves microbial activity, which in turn boosts crop resilience, quality, and abundance.

We spoke with one of the company's representatives, Tom Wafford, to get the inside story on how the evolution of their product arose from a seemingly unrelated industry.  

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Farming doesn't have to break your back, especially with the wonderful world of tools available in 2020.

Easy Digging Garden Tools offers a vast array of tough-working tools to help you get the job done, while supporting your health the whole way through. They are also a Business Ally of Certified Naturally Grown!

We interviewed Greg to learn more about his philosophies for tools, and how he supports direct-market farmers every day. Welcome to the CNG Business Allies community, Easy Digging Garden Tools!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

A beautiful day for a BCS at Dailey's Farm & Walk-Behind Tractors

Dailey's Farm & Walk-Behind Tractors is a Business Ally of Certified Naturally Grown that also happens to be the the second largest two-wheel tractor dealer in USA!

The Tennessee company offers lifetime support for the vast inventory they sell, plus deeply discounted everyday pricing. If you're local, you're also welcome to swing by the farm to try the equipment before you buy.

We spoke with Founder Richard Dailey to learn the story behind his work, and how he supports direct-market farmers every day. Welcome to the CNG Business Allies community, Dailey's Farm & Walk-Behind Tractors!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Kayla Clark, former apprentice with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), was all smiles on Oggún

You've likely heard of the tractor disrupting the industry: it's called "Oggún."

CleBer's Oggún Iron Horse tractor is an open-source, modern replica of the Allis G that's revolutionizing farming around the globe. The company is also a Business Ally of Certified Naturally Grown!

This modern cousin of the Allis Chalmers Model G incorporates new features such as hydrostatic transmission, 3-point hitch, zero-turn radius, and an optional PTO. It's great for bed preparation, mowing, transplanting, and cultivating.

The tractor is designed specifically for small-scale, direct-market farms. It can be built with off-the-shelf parts that can be purchased from multiple vendors. The tractor's Open System Manufacturing (OSM) model means the CleBer/Oggún gives the design and parts lists to all customers. The simple technology means that a mechanic with a basic understanding of tractor service can execute repairs.

We spoke with Founder Horace Clemmons to learn the story behind this innovative tractor, and what's ahead for the game-changing company. Welcome to the CNG Business Allies community, CleBer/Oggún!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Sometimes, even the crops grown in the nourished soil of a Certified Naturally Grown farm need a boost.

Pacific Gro produces liquid fertilizer from fish, shrimp, and crab caught in, of course, the Pacific Ocean. Their bio-active fertilizer uses shrimp and crab shell in the fertilizer to increase yields. Plus, these shells are micronized in a liquid that will not clog fertigation emitters - an innovation unique to Pacific Gro.

We spoke with marketing director Warren Shoemaker to learn how the addition of shells can support soil health along with whole-farm health. Welcome to the CNG Business Allies community, Pacific Gro!