300 acre organic farm promised to Practical Farmers of Iowa
In a move inspired by one couple’s love of the land, 300 acres was entrusted into the hands of Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI). Tom and Irene Frantzen spent more than a year developing a generational plan to keep their 300 acre organic New Hampton farm in sustainable practice for years to come. Through help […]
Farm Profile: Burnt Rock Farm
When Justin Rich called Yankee Farm Credit to see about a loan for the $40,000 in improvements to one of his barns, he faced a complicated system not set up for small farmers. “They said they didn’t have a way to process such a small loan,” said Justin. “They’re set up for commodity loans. Real […]
Chicago ‘Cooperation Operation’ to Transform South Side Lot into Creative Farm-scape
The Cooperation Operation (Coop Op) is a diverse group of young social & food justice activists working to create a cooperatively run urban community garden in Chicago’s South Side Pullman neighborhood. A quarter of the homes in Pullman lay vacant. The abandonment is a result of riots in the 1960s and the spoils of an […]
Creating Social Capital – the Peacework Farm Story
First Published in The Natural Farmer Providing fresh, nutritious organic food for people is a deeply appreciated service. That appreciation can inspire them to reciprocate with unexpected generosity. At least, that has been our experience in establishing Peacework Farm. Our customers have helped us stick to our resolution to only buy what we could pay […]
Agrarian Ecology
From garynabhan.com One might wonder whether any 21st century preoccupation with agrarian values, agrarian ecology and agrarian ideals comes as too little, too late. Less than two percent of the North American public lives in rural areas outside towns, cities and suburbs, and less than half of the world’s population now lives outside cities. But […]
Farmer Profile: Byron Palmer
Byron Palmer Summary: Byron Palmer is a Grazing Specialist for the Sonoma Mountain Institute, a non-profit in Sonoma County, California. In that role, Byron uses the combination of regenerative grazing practices and proper stockmanship to do custom grazing for local ranchers, using their cattle to preserve and restore land at Sonoma Mountain Institute. He also […]
Farm Profile: Sheepscot General Store
Sheepscot General Store Summary: Ben Marcus and Taryn Hammer own and operate Sheepscot General Store at Unca’s Farm in Whitefield, Maine. The general store supplies staples as well as locally produced products, goods, and produce. They grow diverse vegetables and specialize in growing certified organic strawberries for sale at the store as well as a […]
Farm Profile: Little Bridge Farm
Little Bridge Farm Summary: Jonathan Ault is a 27-year-old new farmer in Dresden, Maine. He and his partner, Kate Harris, will be breaking ground spring 2013 for their first season as Little Bridge Farm. They are a lucky breed of new farmers leasing land from an established farm. In doing such, they are benefiting from […]
Farm Profile: Sprout Urban Farms
Sprout Urban Farms Summary: Sprout Urban Farms is a community organizing non-profit focused on food accessibility in Battle Creek, Michigan. Sprout Urban Farms operates a 2-acre urban farm that works with local youth, fosters a network of 35 community gardens, and runs a mobile market to underserved neighborhoods. Their work promotes greater food accessibility and […]
Farm Profile: Markegard Family Grass-Fed
Markegard Family Grass-Fed Summary: Markegard Family Grass-Fed is family owned and operated by Erik and Doniga Markegard. Located in California’s San Mateo and Sonoma Counties, Markegard Family Grass-Fed provides pastured, locally born, raised, and processed meat and eggs. They primarily raise grass-fed beef with small grass-fed lamb and pastured pork operations in addition to a […]