August 2019 Issue PDF

Acres U.S.A., The Voice of Eco-Agriculture, August 2019 | Issue #578 Copyright 2019, 100 pages (21.5 MB)

FEATURES

Behind Healthy Farms, a Balance in the Soil
BY OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Ohio State University researchers dig in on the science behind soil balancing. Farmers are already doing it. They just want to know why it works.

Much Too Mulch Helps Create Soil Resilience
BY DALE STRICKLAND
Learn how to maintain soil moisture, fight drought and prevent erosion with a deep dive into the use of mulch on commercial farms.

Erosion Strikes Back, Sparking No-till Trend
BY ANNELIESE ABBOTT
In our ongoing series on the history of the organic farming movement, we look at the second coming of soil erosion as a national crisis in postwar America.

Going Buckwheat Wild With Organic Grains
BY JILL HENDERSON
A New York farmer creates his own market for organic, food-grade grains and extols the soil-renewing effects of buckwheat.

Carry the One: Finding Strength in Numbers
BY PAUL DORRANCE
How do you calculate carrying capacity at a multi-species grazing operation? The perpetual answer: It depends.

New Farmers Unite Under Co-op Model
BY STEPHANIE HILLER
Co-ops are one promising way to start a farming operation. The approach allows aspiring growers to find strength in numbers.

Pretty, Pretty Please With a Ground Cherry on Top
BY MICHAEL BROWN
Goldenberries and ground cherries, relatives of the tomatillo, are an intriguing crop to take to your local farmers markets.

Farm Grapples With Growing Big While Keeping its Authenticity
BY ROCKY WOMACK
Seven Springs Farm does it all. The organic family farm runs a CSA, a farm supply business and a catalog. But they do see limits to growth on the horizon.

Cultivate Customers Who Buy Your Story
BY DARBY SIMPSON
Farmers who want to capture their full profit need to be prepared to patiently educate and develop  relationships with their customers.

Interview: Timothy A. Wise
FOOD SYSTEMS UNDER THREAT
In his new book, author Timothy A. Wise takes readers on a whirlwind tour of our dysfunctional global foods systems. Big Ag and billionaires are calling the shots — resulting in environmental degradation and food shortages — but small farmers are pointing the way to more sustainable approaches.

DEPARTMENTS

VIEW FROM THE COUNTRY
Monthly musings from Acres U.S.A.’s editor.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Readers share their thoughts on past articles and words of encouragement.

OPINION: Signs of Sentience
BY ANDRÉ LEU
If plants have feelings, how does that challenge our ethical frameworks around food?

ECO-UPDATE
News in brief from around the world on developments in eco-farming technology, organic food and farming, human health and vital environmental issues.

CONSULTANT'S CORNER: The Spa Treatment
BY JOHN FRANK
The beauty of foliar sprays is that a small increase in plant nutrients can have a major impact in plant health and performance.

MINDING YOUR BUSINESS: Before You Begin
BY TIM YOUNG
Start marketing to your intended tribe before you plant the first seed on your farm. 

THE HARVEST TABLE: A Plaint about Wine
BY NICK BARNARD
Additive-addled industrial wine pulls the fermented drink away from its natural roots.

THE HARVEST TABLE: Preserving a Tasty Family Tradition
BY ABBEY SMITH
Making jams or jelly with wild fruit is a nourishing way to bring friends and families together.

STOCK & FLOCK: Lions and Bears and Goats — Oh My!
BY BRENDA M. NEGRI
California goat ranchers find success in big predator country with help of trained guard dogs.

REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
From in-depth book reviews to innovative websites and beyond, here’s what’s on our radar.

MARKETPLACE

CLASSIFIEDS

ECO-MEETINGS
We let you know when and where exciting eco-farming events are happening.

MEET AN ECO-FARMER
Get to know fellow innovative farmers putting ecologically correct production principles to work, resulting in profitable, sustainable operations.

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