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Reviving a Hemp Industry in Colorado – An Initiative by Hemp Fortex and Patagonia

Video About In Colorado’s San Luis Valley, worsening drought is causing farmers to face the prospect of losing their livelihoods. Two potato and barley farmers are placing their bets on a drought-tolerant crop—industrial hemp. Shannon Wright and his son-in-law Dion Oakes share a common dream: to pass their generational farm down to their kids and… Continue reading Reviving a Hemp Industry in Colorado – An Initiative by Hemp Fortex and Patagonia

Regenerative Agriculture Resources in the Iowa City Area

Introduction Iowa City is a great place to discover inspiring examples of regenerative agriculture. This page offers a few examples, with a personal story at the bottom of the page about a local urban garden. This list of resources is in alphabetical order. Excerpts and links with more details are provided. Backyard Abundance “We envision… Continue reading Regenerative Agriculture Resources in the Iowa City Area

DOCUMENTARY: The Next Pandemic Could Come From an American Factory Farm (VICE News, 11 Dec 2020)

This video from VICE News examines how big-ag corporate factory farms create conditions that could incubate and spread the next big pandemic virus. (VICE News, 11 Dec 2020) At 5m 19s in the video, VICE News describes the NPPC as the National Pig Producers Council. It is actually the National Pork Producers Council. VICE News… Continue reading DOCUMENTARY: The Next Pandemic Could Come From an American Factory Farm (VICE News, 11 Dec 2020)

Bill Lee – Reference Page

Bill Lee is most notably known through his public service as Governor of Tennessee. His winning campaign was based on civility, respect, and focusing on what he would offer as governor by bringing a unique multi-generational agricultural farming background to leadership. His leadership has been transformational, impactful, and resulted in exemplary solutions for other states… Continue reading Bill Lee – Reference Page

Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Farming – Patagonia Documentary

PART 1: Big Agriculture Is Broken Growing food and fiber with industrial techniques has devastated our climate. Conventional agriculture contributes up to 25% of the emissions driving the climate crisis. But there’s another way. Regenerative Organic methods can build healthy soil which helps draw carbon back in the ground. Part 2: Soil Is the Solution… Continue reading Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Farming – Patagonia Documentary

The 2020 Global Desert Locust Invasion – Climate, Food Scarcity and Desertification

This page offers news and information about the 2020 global desert locust invasion. Stories and reports are listed below in chronological order with emphasis on the source and date. Some unusual fluctuations in climate have resulted in excessive locust populations. These locust swarms can eat more quantities of food than the entire populations of some… Continue reading The 2020 Global Desert Locust Invasion – Climate, Food Scarcity and Desertification

Vegetarianism – Current Trends and Seven Reasons People Choose Plant-Based Foods (Podcast E22)

In Episode 22, I talk about three current trends influencing the discussion about vegetarianism and seven reasons people choose plant-based foods. In addition to the seven reasons given in the podcast for choosing vegetarianism, other reasons might be religious requirements or relationships where vegetarianism or meat eating are a choice in deference to others. Listen… Continue reading Vegetarianism – Current Trends and Seven Reasons People Choose Plant-Based Foods (Podcast E22)

The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

In 1991, the people of Cuba had to quickly embrace some sustainability initiatives that were necessary for survival at a time of great economic crisis which continued for about 9 years. This became known as the “Special Period” or Período Especial. These initiatives impacted housing, transportation, healthcare, agriculture, education, commerce, and other areas of life.… Continue reading The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

Yeah, farming is easy. Just become an expert in these 7 disciplines.

Farming Misconceptions There’s an ongoing misconception that farming is easy work that doesn’t require much intelligence: “Just plant seeds in the ground and the corn comes up.” In reality, farming is a lot more complicated and demanding than most people believe. The comments below by Michael Bloomberg are an example of the misconceptions that many… Continue reading Yeah, farming is easy. Just become an expert in these 7 disciplines.

This Ingenious System Brings Water to the Chinese Desert

China is one of the most wealthy and technologically advanced countries in the world. Yet, when it comes to irrigating desert regions, an ingenious indigenous irrigation system continues to be the most practical and effective solution. “The Karez is a modern-day engineering marvel and a prime example of a native people working with, not against,… Continue reading This Ingenious System Brings Water to the Chinese Desert

Why Italian graduates are choosing life on the farm

Video About Italy’s youth is breathing new life into the country’s rural areas. In the past two years, the number of young graduates – often from urban centres – starting up their businesses in the countryside has increased by 35%. Many are driven by a deep appreciation of Italy’s rich local produce and have a… Continue reading Why Italian graduates are choosing life on the farm