National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Photo credit: Vilicus Farms Farmers Are Coping with Severe Weather Many of the stories gathered by NSAC members highlight the climate impacts to which farmers are responding. For example, at Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, MO, Chris Eckert has seen extreme freezes killing off parts of his peach orchard.

Pasture 117

Pasture Crop Farming Orchard 117

Modern Farmer

DECEMBER 13, 2023

Seasonal crops rotate through expansive pastures, cattle graze the rich sea grasses and several colonies of bees hurry about their business. But unlike neighboring farms that focus on production for faraway markets or keep a single family afloat, the farm at Kiawah River is supporting 185 families who live in the surrounding homes.

Farmland 126

Farmland Food Farming Farming 126

Caff

MAY 31, 2023

Photo by Nolan Kirby) The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Locke Ranch on May 23rd. Attendees were treated to a walk through the orchard with Chris and Christy Locke, who were participants in the original BIOS project over twenty years ago.

Ranching 52

Ranching Orchard Crop Ecology 52

Modern Farmer

JULY 14, 2023

It’a not just because it’s cheaper and not just because Capay Hills Orchard , his farm just north of Sacramento, is in an area of California that is increasingly drought-prone. Treehouse Almonds sources nuts from roughly 50,000 acres in California’s Central Valley, and Gardiner’s family farm provides about 20,000 of them.

Orchard 72

Orchard Crop Family Farming Farming 72

Modern Farmer

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

A small sheep herd that was on the property from when her parents farmed the land was integrated into organic crop rotation. The Joia Food & Fiber Farm farmstead pictured with sheep, sheepdogs, and cattle grazing. Agroforestry is family farming, and agriculture is a family and community-based, hands-on activity.

Acre 104

Acre Farming Farming Pasture 104

Modern Farmer

JULY 10, 2023

But thirsty crops and cattle have taken their toll: Amid California’s cycles of drought, excessive groundwater pumping has left Central Valley basins the most overdrafted in the state. Dairy farmer Joseph Goni’s grandfather witnessed the 1955 deluge that flooded their farm.

Farming 80

Farming Farming Manure Agriculture 80

Modern Farmer

JUNE 6, 2024

Truth be told, cattle farmers are no fans of lupine. But on Mallonee Farms , a Washington State dairy farm , things are different. Without pollinators to fertilize berry crops, orchards or field crops such as squash, all of us eaters are also endangered. Instead of eradicating the undesired plant, it is protected.

Agriculture 88

Agriculture Agriculture Crop Farming 88