The Lunatic Farmer

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

Ecological farmers may not agree on everything, but one thing we all agree on these days are these 5 essential elements: 1. The devastation among Florida’s orange groves and the diseases attacking coffee trees are symptomatic of one thing: violating all of the above ecological pillars. Let’s go to the heart of the matter.

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Poultry Livestock Ecology Pasture 66

Modern Farmer

AUGUST 24, 2023

The certification, funded by the Rodale Institute, Patagonia and Dr Bronner’s, insists on five practices to improve soil health: integrating livestock, keeping the soil covered, minimizing soil disturbance, incorporating diversity and zero chemicals, as well as a soil test every three years. Photography courtesy of Cabriejo Ranch.

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Food Ranching Ecology Fertilizer 93

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

They offer valuable resources and practical solutions for organic and transitioning producers, as well as conventional producers interested in ecologically and economically sound practices. These include: Livestock and poultry breed development for organic systems. Yet, knowledge gaps remain that warrant additional research attention.

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Food Seeding Crop Poultry 111

Caff

OCTOBER 22, 2024

Hans Herren, Barbara Gemmill-Herren and their daughter Gis è le Herren spoke about how they utilize their combined studies and experiences in ecology, biological control, entomology, and nematology to guide the operation of their small farm.

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Orchard Farming Farming Construction 52

Caff

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Ross spoke to what makes their partnership work, and the benefits and challenges of incorporating livestock into vineyards: “So from my perspective, it’s great to work for people like LangeTwins that have enough ground to maintain a flock of sheep on it year round. You may have to network with some other farmers and figure it out.

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Livestock Crop Farming Farming 52

Modern Farmer

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

He admits that wolves will present challenges for livestock producers, but he added, “There may be some interesting new opportunities that come up for ranchers and for all of us here in western Colorado. One partner rejuvenated the old apple orchard, planted another 120 heritage-variety trees and started a cider business. “A

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Ranching Livestock Acre Ecology 89

Modern Farmer

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Its farming practices also help re-establish a vital ecological role: The irrigated ponds absorb floodwater and filter sediment flowing to the sea while the crops create wildlife habitat and curb invasive plant growth. We’ll be eating those buggers soon,” he says of the livestock. “We We sell them, we trade them, we give them away.”

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Acre Plantation Cultivation Crop 119

Caff

JANUARY 26, 2022

Together, they’re safeguarding affordable access to the farmland by providing a long-term lease to Mountain Bounty so that it continues to produce local, organic food in an ecologically responsible way for generations to come.

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Farming Farming Orchard Food 52

Modern Farmer

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Photo courtesy Jim Jones) While US farmers have been slower to embrace hedgerows for their ecological benefits, the science of hedgerows as natural havens has become inarguable. If a farmer wishes to contain livestock or create a more structured barrier, living fences can be cultivated in the traditional European fashion.

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Farmland Cultivation Farming Farming 97

ATTRA

OCTOBER 3, 2023

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees into cropping and/or livestock systems, inspired by Indigenous wisdom, and it can be applied in many ways and in many different places – even in cities! What are the skillsets, knowledge, experiences, and resources that the community could contribute to a forest garden or community orchard?

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Food Distribution Rural Development Forestry 111

Modern Farmer

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Later, his focus shifted to urban ecology. In a frequently cited 2009 paper in the journal Frontiers in Ecology , a trio of researchers identified more than 139 shade-tolerant plants that have invaded deeply shaded forests. Plant a holly orchard and let nature do the work for you,” read one brochure.

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Ecology Seeding Acre Processing 117

Modern Farmer

DECEMBER 20, 2024

If we lose our livestock, we lose our culture, our dignity, said Rabari. The conditions impacted crop yields, livestock, the transportation of goods, and the larger supply chain. Other pastoralists are nomadic, walking at least 10 miles a day herding cattle from region to region in the hunt for pastureland.

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Agriculture Agriculture Food Harvester 57

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

AUGUST 11, 2023

As founder of the “Once and Future Green”, Michelle trains and consults Frontline communities, governments, and philanthropy to forward community-driven solutions with transformative anti-oppression and ecological design tools. A disused orchard that had been stewarded by the Sisters of St. Vrain School District , we learned about St.

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Water Rights Food Farming Farming 52