Biodynamic Next Generation Farmers
The Biodynamic Initiative for the Next Generation (BING) has been breaking ground for next generation farmers since their unveiling at the Biodynamic Youth Gathering, part of the 2010 Biodynamic Conference in Spring Valley, NY. The project creates opportunities for the next generation of farmers, apprentices, educators, activists, and others inspired by biodynamics to connect, share, and […]
Value Up for U.S. Cropland
Ag Economy: USDA Stats- Cropland Values, Production Expenses Categories: Agricultural Economy The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) noted in its annual Land Values report on Friday that, “The United States cropland value increased by $460 per acre (13.0 percent) to $4,000 per acre.” Friday’s report pointed out that, “In the Northern Plains and Corn […]
Family Farms Still Outnumber Corporate Farms
Cropland Consolidation and the Future of Family Farms by James MacDonald Highlights: During the past three decades, U.S. crop production has been shifting to larger farms for most crops and in most States. Despite the shift, family farms continue to dominate U.S. crop production, accounting for 87 percent of the total value of U.S. crop […]
Interview with Joel Salatin
The Greenhorns Radio Program covered the ground of agricultural land use and transition with forward-thinking farmer Joel Salatin on the Heritage Radio Network. Salatin described the hurdles for young start-up farmers and offers solutions to the growing problem of the aging farm population. Salatin offers as a case model, the innovation brought forth by young […]
Back on Home Soil: Veteran Small Farm Training
The 2013 Armed to Farm training begins tomorrow in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The week-long session of farm tours and practical information is offered free to a limited number of U.S. veterans and their spouses. It is organized and hosted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Priority was given to returning service personnel from Operation […]
Land Grabbing in Europe
The message that land grabbing is happening in Europe is urgently being spread by the agricultural activist group Via Campesina. Via Campesina is an international movement of peasants, small- and medium-sized producers, landless, rural women, indigenous people, rural youth and agricultural workers. Land concentration and land grabbing do not occur only in developing countries in […]
Small Dutch Farm in Cooperative Venture with Large Farm
The three women of Tuinderij de Stroom in the Netherlands started off their 3 hectacres CSA-type model by borrowing start up capital from friends and acquaintances. They’ve been there now for 7 years and have collaborated with a larger Dutch farmer. The trio rent 3 hectacres of the larger 100 hectacres farm. They are on […]
To Market: Growing an Economy Around Food
The Vermont Farmers Food Center is the home of Rutland, Vermont’s winter farmer’s market. Its founders maintain that the bright young farmers that are the future of agriculture are bringing new energy and innovation that will create a viable economic model around food and farming. Of themselves they say: VFFC is dedicated to furthering public […]
How Do We Trust?
As the Agrarian Trust project forges forward, it seems important to check back and define what this trust idea is really about. I remember my first reflections on mishearing our name as a growing trust, and all the connotations that came along with my understanding of what a trust is. In current language, as applied […]
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Speaks on The State of Farming
US Department of Agriculture studies have shown that the average age of farm operators is rising. The fastest growing group is those 65 or older, and in 2007 the average age was 58. In 1945 the average age was 39. Partner this with the prediction that the world’s population growth will cause a 50% increase […]