Remove Compost Remove Ecology Remove Ruralism
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Guest Post: Is the Future of Organic Food at Risk? Research Funding Holds the Answer

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

They offer valuable resources and practical solutions for organic and transitioning producers, as well as conventional producers interested in ecologically and economically sound practices. Positive signs are on the horizon.

Food 111
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On the Ground with the Midwest Farmers Going All-In On Agroforestry

Modern Farmer

In addition to organic practices including composting and perennial cover crops, he added a silvopasture for his grass-fed cattle. Elderberry, becoming popular as a hedgerow crop, provides both farm income and ecological benefits. Crombie is optimistic that agroforestry will go a long way in restoring land but also rural communities.

Acre 125
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The Farmers Leaning On Each Other’s Tools

Civil Eats

In this sense, California Plowshares is a return to the kind of rural sharing economies that once arose naturally between farmers in tight-knit communities but have become much less common in recent years. To get [your mulch or compost] spread in a timely manner was really quite impossible,” said Gonzales-Siemens.

Grain 144
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Opinion: To Make a Real Impact on Climate Change, We Must Move Beyond the Carbon Footprint

Modern Farmer

The research from the University of Michigan-led study seems to show that fruit and vegetables grown in urban ag have a carbon footprint six times larger than that of “conventionally grown” food (meaning, on rural farmland). I see that shift happening already on farms both urban and rural, big and small.

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HOMESTEAD TSUNAMI

The Lunatic Farmer

Many have zero rural experience, connections, or history. We need more people in rural America to make a critical mass that will keep the livestock, equipment, and feed suppliers in business. This new generation of homesteaders is a shot in the arm for rural communities. These newcomers need a why.

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Agroecological Crop Selection, Part 2

ATTRA

Where are we in the ecological succession? Trees exist in a different ecological succession stage than pioneering stage plants, also known as weeds. Ecological succession is the process by which plant communities change over time, eventually yielding a climax community. I did my graduate work in cotton.

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SEEN IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Lunatic Farmer

What I do is visit farms and look for cutting edge practical ecological solutions. With its abundant sunshine, I assumed lots of rural folks would be investing in solar panels to make up for the rolling blackouts. Couple that with anti-ecology and you have a recipe for dysfunction. Like chemical fertilizer instead of compost.

Ecology 52