Between 2007 and 2012, the number of farms in the U.S. decreased as their average size increased, indicating further erosion of the small family farm market share in relation to Big Ag and conglomerates. It’s increasingly difficult for small family farmers to make money or shape farm policy in an environment where Big Ag rules. Yet […]
Tag: agriculture
A group in Maine are developing a small farms and local food economy specialized credit union. Called the Maine Harvest Credit Project, the group is working toward a nonprofit, member-owned credit union that fills a critical financial services need: small, low interest loans for the acquisition of land and financing of specialized food processing and […]
Farm Planning is one of the most important aspects of operating a farm generation after generation. Over time, the logistics of farm planning have become more and more complex. We are a long way from that simple stick that many less technologically developed people used to dig their holes and plant their precious seeds. As a […]
Categories
Apps for Farmers
An app, short for application, is a software program for mobile devices like phones and tablets, computers, and online use. Most commonly, apps are referred to as being used on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Some apps are free and some cost; they can be purchased or downloaded from several “app stores” that are […]
Harvest Power’s bacterial mascot, Burp Reynolds, describes the anaerobic digester. “Anaerobic digestion is awesome! You put stuff, like pizza crusts, banana peels and fish guts – into a warm, airtight box. Then tiny bugs eat up the yummy things like the fats, sugars and starches. Then the bugs burp and fart! And if you capture those burps and […]
Many people come back to farming after careers off the land. Others find themselves wanting to keep up with new research and trends in agriculture. There are a number of training programs designed for new farmers, many of which are available as webinars and online. The National Farmer’s Union has the Beginning Farmer’s Institute. The […]
The Food Sovereignty Movement is a growing international movement that supports a community’s right to choose how and where their food is produced and what food they consume. This basic human right stands in opposition to corporate agribusiness, and family farmers and fishermen are leading the fight. The National Family Farm Coalition is supporting this […]
Protecting the land from development is a critical piece of succession planning. Land trusts and conservation easements are a popular model. Less well known is the option to turn a farm or ranch into a nonprofit corporation. There are two non-profit models that can apply to farms: the 501(c)(3) and the 501 (c)(5). In addition […]
Whether you and your loved ones are currently practicing the family farming lifestyle, are considering implementing some farming techniques, or simply want to celebrate the unique farming way of life, try picking up some literature that everyone can indulge in together. 1. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan This classic takes place in the Midwestern […]
Categories
Addressing Food Waste on the Farm
Climate change and a projected population of 9 billion by 2050 means we are looking at a future of food insecurity. Agencies across the world are making plans and working on solutions. Food waste is a global problem, with 24% of the calories we grow in the world being wasted. Waste is assessed as being loss […]
