March 2018 Issue PDF

FEATURES

Success from Scratch
by Tamara Scully
The Smith family has successfully grown their Mohrsville, Pennsylvania, poultry operation from 200 birds raised in two batches in 2011, to the much larger-scale pastured poultry operation that they profitably operate today.

America’s Lost Poultry Genome
by Allie Hymas
Fourth-generation turkey breeder and poultry expert, Frank Reese of Good Shepherd Farm in Kansas, asserts that the critical flaws in the poultry industry can only be solved by reintroducing the historic genetics of standard bred poultry.

Beer Barley, Bees & Beef Cattle
by LeeAnne Bullman
Wisconsin farmer Jimmy Ellis plants about a third of his land to barley and has diversified the rest of his production to include beef cattle and honey production among other pursuits.

The Mythical Dual-Purpose Chicken
by Kelly Klober
A chicken cannot be pushed very far beyond the role for which it was developed. Each breed was put together for both practical and aesthetic traits and often to play a modest role in a hard or demanding environment.

Dog on Duty!
by Brenda M. Negri
No two dogs are exactly alike. Making assumptions about LGDs is where many people go wrong. Learn how to safely approach and/or interact with any strange dog that does not know or recognize you.

Alternative Livestock Guardians
by Andrew French
Wisconsin farmer Andrew French challenges farmers to think outside the box when it comes to livestock guardians — from donkeys and alpacas to geese and pigs.

Controlled Environment Agriculture
by Lee Allen
Statistics show that over the last decade, CEA production has continued to rise across the country.

Greenhouses Made Simple
by Robert Kressa
With manufacturers offering a wide range of purchasing options and price points, understanding the fundamentals of how greenhouses are built is essential to buying an efficient and affordable greenhouse.

Worm-Friendly Vermicomposting
by Bill Palmisano
Continuous-flow worm bins are designed to provide a continuous output of finished vermicompost without disturbing the worms that produce the compost or taking any part of the bin out of production.

Interview: Maryn McKenna
Growing Antibiotic Resistance: Journalist and author Maryn McKenna tackles the trouble with antibiotics and its ties to industrial poultry agriculture.

“All of the genetics of broiler chicken in the world now belong to two companies. It was three as I wrote the book, but one just bought another one. The lack of both biodiversity and ownership diversity is a problem someone ought to look at, and no one is.

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: Dicamba and Bees
Agroecologist and farmer Jonathan Lundgren points out that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, and it would be in beekeepers’ best interest to figure out how new formulations of dicamba are influencing the bee industry.

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 recent research and what it means for you.

The Harvest Table: The Hashimoto's Kitchen
For those diagnosed with Hahismoto’s disease, Leigh Glenn shares an overview of things to consider, include and avoid to help manage symptoms.

Stock & Flock: The Homemade Incubator Revisited
Audrey Stallsmith offers her experience of hatching eggs in a homemade incubator constructed from an old cooler.

Small-Scale Success: Regenerative Ranching
Liorah Crockett and her husband Marc Biggins own a 208-acre ranch just outside of La Veta, Colorado, where they raise cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens on pasture.

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

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.