February 2016 Issue PDF

The Acres U.S.A. February 2016 issue; Vol. 46, No. 2; contains the following:

FEATURES

A Passion for Quality Meat
by Samm Simpson
Farmer, author Joel Salatin makes a case that ecological farmers have a responsibility to educate consumers on the key aspects of why sustainably produced food is the superior option and provides six points to drive home the message when communicating to customers.

Proper Winter Poultry Care
by Kelly Klober
Earthworms play an important host of roles in agriculture — find out how they benefit production and what their presence reveals about landscape function and health.

Strengthen Flock Performance
by Kelly Klober
If you are looking for an alternative berry crop, consider the honeyberry (haskap). Some varieties are preferred for fresh eating, while tarter selections typically add more depth to processed goods, and studies show honeyberry may even offer higher levels of nutrients than the long-time favorite, blueberries.

Aronia Berry Benefits
by Barbara Adams  
For more than 20 years the Maryland-based Miller-Tanner family made a living selling their milk through a co-op system, but they embraced a new path and found success selling directly to consumers. 

Avian Influenza: Flock Security
by Tamara Scully
There is a tremendous amount of new knowledge to gather and skills to learn when you choose the life of a beginner farmer. Andrew French shares the lessons he learned through experience — oftentimes the hard way.

Snap!
by Cary Rideout
More than 1,300 attendees from across the country and around the world came together at the 2015 Acres U.S.A. Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A Furrow Horse for the Community
by Andrea Watts
During winter months, most jalapenos come out of Mexico in a season that ends in May, and southern California doesn’t ramp up until the early part of July. RK Farms helps fill this supply gap. 

New FDA rule for Food Businesses
by Judith McGeary
During winter months, most jalapenos come out of Mexico in a season that ends in May, and southern California doesn’t ramp up until the early part of July. RK Farms helps fill this supply gap. 

Interview: Jonathan Lundgren
The Future of Better Pest Management
Scientist, author Jonathan Lundgren discusses ground-breaking research into insects and species diversity.

DEPARTMENTS

View from the Country
Monthly musings from Acres U.S.A.’s publisher. 

Letters to the Editor
Readers share their thoughts on past articles and words of encouragement.

Opinion: Nurturer’s Lament
Looking forward to the future of agriculture the place to thrive may be in the space where scientists and artists connect, interact, question and create a new vision for resilience based on a greater appreciation of nature’s inherent wisdom.

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.

Science on Your Side
Acres U.S.A. highlights research on our radar and what it means for you.

The Harvest Table: The Incredible Edible Onion
Of all the vegetables, herbs and spices that are used to season food and heal the body, the unassuming onion is rarely given its proper due.

Stock & Flock: Harnessing the Power of Clay
Healing or medicinal clays have a long history as treatment for human aches, bruises and wounds, but they may also benefit livestock and land.

First-Generation Determination: California Farmer Focuses on Community
Young female principal farm operators are rare in the United States. Kate O’Brien of Homeward Bounty Farm is bucking that trend and finding CSA success in California.

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 principals to work, resulting in profitable, sustainable operations.