Groundwork
A Practical Guide to Sustainable Pasture, Poultry & Orchards in Missouri
By Trisha Nieder
In Franklin County, farming isn’t just a way of life, it’s part of who we are. But the land we love won’t take care of itself. It needs farmers willing to carry it forward, to build on what’s been done, and to do it better.
Groundwork is part practical guide, part call to action. It was written for anyone who feels the pull to start farming, or to farm in a way that gives back more than it takes. Whether you’re just beginning or rethinking what’s always been done, this guide offers practical steps for raising cattle, chickens, and fruit–all through the lens of Missouri’s land, weather, and future, along with the local resources you need to get there.
More than a how-to, Groundwork is a reminder that the best farms aren’t built in a season. They’re grown slowly, patiently, and with the kind of care that ensures there’s still something worth passing on.
It’s an invitation to reconnect with the land, to preserve what matters, and to plant the seeds for a farm, and a future, worth keeping.
Copyright © 2025 Trisha Nieder
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the
permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in reviews or educational settings.
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 3002-11032-00099876 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number FNC22-1386. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.
