The Back 40

A recent study in the journal, Water Policy, compares the water supply histories of four major cities: San Diego, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Adelaide, Australia. The major conclusion of the report was that urban water conservation, recycling, and desalination can’t nearly come close to the level of water conservation that can be provided by upstream farmers. [...]

By Jeannette E. Warnert, Conservation Agriculture The timeworn water tower that stands in front of the Giacomazzi Dairy in Kings County is a hallmark of the farm’s endurance. It proclaims, “Since 1893.” Dino Giacomazzi, the fourth generation to run the operation, said cows have been producing milk and the land producing feed every single day [...]

Next year, the passenger pigeon will have been extinct for 100 years. This is significant for a number of reasons, including recent thoughts of whether or not the species could be brought back through the process of “de-extinction.” The passenger pigeon and the wooly mammoth are top of mind for scientists who are interested in [...]

As the bluebonnets bloom in Texas, the wildflower’s popularity creates some concerns for Texas residents. The state flower of Texas, this time of year causes a fanaticism among Texans and tourists who absolutely must have a photo of themselves basking in all of the bluebonnet goodness. It’s not all wine and bluebonnets, however. Given the [...]

In celebration of Earth Day, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman announced the Beel family  as the recipient of the 2013 Leopold Conservation Award, the state’s premier award for private lands conservation, during a ceremony at the State Capitol on Friday. The award, which is presented by Nebraska Cattlemen, Cargill, and Wisconsin-based Sand County Foundation, recognizes outstanding, [...]

Although nearly half of the country still struggles with the lingering drought, recent precipitation is providing some relief. 47.82 percent of the nation is experiencing moderate to severe drought, which is the first time that stat has dropped below 50 percent in 10 months. Snow and rainfall are helping Great Plains states such as Nebraska, [...]