The Back 40

By Brent M. Haglund, Ph.D. A decade and a half passed between completion of Aldo Leopold’s two most significant books.  In Game Management – released in 1933 – he stated that recovery of wildlife habitat and wildlife species dependent on such could often be accomplished with more skillful, careful use of the same tools which [...]

With the number of farmers dwindling, a group of young farmers in Australia recognized a need recruit more young people into their ranks. The group, Young Agribusiness Professionals, is calling for producers, educators, and agribusinesses to work together to develop a strategy that will help attract young people into the field of agriculture. The campaign [...]

Tom Arrandale writes that an increasing number of farmers are taking advantage of the “locavore” movement by directly connecting with consumers through participating in farmers markets and contracting with neighborhood groceries and restaurants. In response, state and local governments are developing regional food policies that help improve citizens’ eating habits and keep local farmers in [...]

Texas recently established the bi-partisan “Farm-to-Table Caucus.” Started by State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D – Austin), the caucus is reported to be the first of its kind in the nation. The caucus will focus on issues related to family farms, ranches, coastal fishing operations, food security, child obesity, and hunger. “This diversification of food sources spurred [...]

Ray Hilborn and Ulrike Hilborn argue that there is a misunderstanding in the United States about what constitutes a sustainable fishery. They write that many fish species can be naturally recovered, so some species are not in as much peril as some retailers and environmental organizations assert. Instead, they suggest that the focus should be [...]

Farmers, crop consultants and watershed association leaders have a unique opportunity to delve into nutrient management issues in the Mississippi River basin and explore the latest on hypoxia – the low-oxygen “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico – on the 2012 Conservation In Action Tour in Clarksdale, Miss., on May 30 and 31. “Nutrient [...]