tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34728705880228266612024-02-19T02:02:47.854-06:00The Rural PapersRural Papers is the voice of the Kansas Rural Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes the long-term health of the land and its people through research, education, and advocacy. The KRC cultivates grass-roots support for public policies that encourage family farming and stewardship of soil and water. KRC is committed to economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially sustainable rural culture. KRC is funded by private foundations, grants, and individual contributions.Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-48793011646614607892012-12-19T20:28:00.000-06:002012-12-19T20:28:07.678-06:00Rural Papers, No. 246 November-December 2012<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Table of Contents</span></b><br />
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<b>1) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/seasons-greetings.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Season's Greetings</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><br />
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2) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/agriculture-and-health-summit.html">Agriculture and Health Summit: </a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/agriculture-and-health-summit.html"> Conference Focuses on Mutiple Issues Impacting Food, Farming and Health</a><br />
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3) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/from-executive-director.html">From the Executive Director: Why KRC is Needed Now More Than Ever</a><br />
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4)<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/small-farmer-commentary.html"> Small Farmer Commentary: Drought Year Ponderings</a><br />
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5) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/our-local-food-announcement.html">Our Local Food Program Announcement: KRC Transfers Our Local Food Program to Kansas Department of Agriculture</a><br />
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6) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/policy-news.html">Policy News: </a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/policy-news.html"> Keep Up with the 2013 State Legislature and More</a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/policy-news.html"> 2012 Farm Bill: A When and If Story</a><br />
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7) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/sustainable-farming-news-kga-conference.html">Sustainable Farming News: </a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/sustainable-farming-news-kga-conference.html"> KGA Winter Conference Set for January 19</a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/sustainable-farming-news-kga-conference.html"> Organic Farming Opportunities and Benefits Highlighted at Forum</a><br />
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8) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/local-food-news.html">More Local Food News</a><br />
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9) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/briefs.html">Briefs</a><br />
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Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-67982212664471588222012-12-19T20:15:00.001-06:002012-12-19T20:15:34.191-06:00Season's Greetings!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRZxVwPjHGBrnprNv-wNLXuFDfQXw5A5xPYSBs2IBPV6e52_Rm2CFEvaz5ZUfKkVGoo_rH8nKAOAa4QZcClYEawCmUXn3MJI7h-SXIMThyWvF3y3DkPqdoEp7CkO2ZcsosJvziw0cVtFr/s1600/RP+N-D+2012+Photo+A.+pg.+1+Timber+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRZxVwPjHGBrnprNv-wNLXuFDfQXw5A5xPYSBs2IBPV6e52_Rm2CFEvaz5ZUfKkVGoo_rH8nKAOAa4QZcClYEawCmUXn3MJI7h-SXIMThyWvF3y3DkPqdoEp7CkO2ZcsosJvziw0cVtFr/s400/RP+N-D+2012+Photo+A.+pg.+1+Timber+.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we look down the road toward what<br />next year holds for all of us, we wish you<br />a Happy and Healthy New Year!</span></i></span></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the Kansas Rural Center Staff and Board</span><br /></span></b></td></tr>
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Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-27237415120655276622012-12-19T20:15:00.000-06:002012-12-19T20:15:01.123-06:00Agriculture and Health Summit<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Conference Focuses on Multiple Issues Impacting Food, Farming and Health </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /> by Tracey Graham<br /><br />“How does the way we grow our food affect our environment? the nutrient value of our food? our ability to provide access to food for all? and the health of our food and farm workers?” These were the questions posed by Julie Mettenburg, Executive Director of the Kansas Rural Center, as she framed the day’s discussion at the beginning of the recent Agriculture and Health Summit held in Topeka, Kansas. <br /><br />More than 80 people attended the “Healthy Farms, Healthy People” conference on November 16. The topic of the day was “Exploring Kansas Perspectives on the Connections Between Farms, Our Food System, and the Health of Our Population”.<br /><br />Mettenburg challenged attendees to consider not just community action for change, but also public policy solutions to help support and drive that change. She also challenged them to open their minds to complex problems and solutions, and to set aside preconceived notions, such as that subsidies alone are the cause of food price inequities, or the common statement that Kansas farmers feed the world. “Are we even feeding our own state’s population?” she asked. “You will learn later today that we are not.”<br /><br />Keynote speaker Robert Martin, policy analyst for Center for a Livable Future at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, shared the results of the Pew Commission on Farm Animal Production, a two-year study he led along with former Kansas Governor John Carlin.<br /><br />In 2008, the 16-member commission provided 24 recommendations for industrial animal agriculture, including the elimination of non-therapeutic use of antibiotics, a common protocol in confinement feeding operations.<br /><br />Martin reported that some efforts at reducing antibiotics are being discussed by the FDA and that anticipated water quality policy changes in the Chesapeake Bay region may become a model. Martin said he expects the Pew Commission to release a 5-year anniversary update this coming April.<br /><br />As for action that Kansans could take to improve agriculture for public health outcomes, Martin recommended contacting senators and representatives to demand a more democratic food policy. Also, ask questions at the meat counter, such as “How is this meat raised?” and don’t take “I don’t know” for an answer. He also suggested that HHS head Kathleen Sebelius might be receptive to Kansans requesting that the FDA address antibiotics in animal production.<br /><br />Recent studies on the eating habits of Kansans, as well as issues of access, nutrition, food safety and environ-mental impact, and health impact on farmers and farm workers was the topic of speaker Barbara LaClair, policy analyst for the Kansas Health Institute.<br /><br />LaClair distinguished between food deserts, rural regions and urban pockets where there is little or no access to healthy foods, and Food Swamps, where unhealthy food options are overabundant. Nearly half of Kansas counties contain USDA-designated “food desert” communities, with some western counties having no grocery store at all.<br /><br />She said that KHI recommendations to improve the food environment include changes to farm policy to align food production more closely with dietary recommendations, emphasizing nutrient value and transparency in labeling, and making the healthy choices the easiest and most attractive choices.<br /><br />“We’re all consumers and can vote with our food dollars. Ask the questions, force industry to respond,” LaClair stated. “ If industry can’t sell GMOs and antibiotic-filled meats, they’ll stop.”<br /><br />Speakers Rhonda Janke, Ph.D., of Kansas State Research and Extension, and Paul Johnson, public policy analyst for the Kansas Rural Center, provided an assessment of the Kansas food and farming system.<br /><br />Dr. Janke critiqued the recent controversial Stanford analysis of 230 research studies on organically grown foods, citing several areas of flawed methodology and the exclusion of numerous research projects with organic-favorable results.<br /><br />Both speakers pointed to data that shows that Kansas farmers produce only a small fraction of the fruits and vegetables that we consume -- a total market value of $767 million. Janke said that to feed ourselves the fruits and vegetables that can and do grow well here, we would need 121,000 acres of farmland near our population centers.<br /><br />Johnson shared policy programs that are making a difference in other states, citing Michigan’s Good Food Charter, North Carolina’s Farm To Fork campaign, and Iowa’s Local Farm and Food Plan.<br /><br />Both Janke and Johnson called for citizen and corporate action in Kansas, to change food and farming policy. Janke pointed out that only one food-related bill was proposed in Kansas this last session, and it was defeated.<br /><br />“Kansas state senators and representatives need to learn what we know, and need to know we care.” Johnson also said, “Kansas needs a more comprehensive Food and Farm Policy, with emphasis on diet and health outcomes.”<br /><br />Donn Teske, president of the Kansas Farmers Union, shared the history, status, and prospects for the Farm Bill and the agriculture committees in Washington. He questioned the claim that industrial agriculture is needed to feed the world. “Peasants still feed at least 70 percent of the world population.”<br /><br />With an eye toward finding community food and farming solutions, attendees participated in a series of round table discussions, facilitated by Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Topics included Local Food Policy Councils, Farm to School, Food Cost vs. Food Quality; Work Place Wellness, Local Food Business Development, Food Hubs and Infrastructure (Aggregation/ Distribution), Farmers Markets, Rural Groceries, Organics, and food assistance programs.<br /><br />Participants were asked to make action commitments, which they recorded on postcards that will be mailed back to them in several months as reminders to check their progress. They were also asked, who was not at the summit that should be included? And what policy ideas could drive change? Their answers will be considered by the organizing team and funders as they consider follow-up activities from the summit.<br /><br />In addition to KRC, organizers of the summit included the Kansas Health Institute, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Farmers Union, and Bon Appétit Harvest Café, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control through the National Network of Public Health Institutes, and additional support by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation.<br /><br />Jennifer Billig, of Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis, and liaison for the national organizing team, explained that the summit was one of seven being held across the country to start conversations about the intersection of food, farming, health and public health. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <br /></span>Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-84649093127948374262012-12-19T20:13:00.000-06:002012-12-19T20:13:48.888-06:00From the Executive Director<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the Executive Director: </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Why KRC is Needed Now More than Ever </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /> by Julie Mettenburg<br /><br />This month, I celebrate my first year as Executive Director of the Kansas Rural Center. It doesn’t seem possible that a whole year has passed! We have been busy laying the foundation for a future that’s worthy of all the hard work that has come before.<br /><br />You will read about many of the year’s accomplishments in this issue. We have achieved an unprecedented amount of quality programming for Kansas farmers and ranchers, from new publications to conferences to farm tours and work days. We helped galvanize the formation of new food and farming coalitions in communities around the state. And we engaged the public health community and others concerned about our agricultural system’s impact on our health -- a gratifying fulfillment of one of my first goals as Executive Director.<br /><br />Organizationally, the board and staff have renovated the budget process at KRC and developed a new funding model to help build grassroots support. And we examined, clarified and re-dedicated to KRC’s mission to promote a food and farming system that is ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just.<br /><br />Thus, KRC is poised to move forward to continue to provide a needed vision and voice for a sustainable Kansas agriculture and food system. And we are serious about strengthening that voice, in the face of well-funded opposition as well as the eternal funding challenges that all nonprofits face.<br /><br /><b>KRC- A Strong Voice and Vision.</b><br />Although I personally believe we may be reaching a tipping point in the larger food and farm movement, many days it is hard to see much progress.<br /><br />•In the latest issue of Farm Journal, more than 25 percent of the advertising pages promoted powerful chemicals and “systems” to help farmers combat tougher weeds. But you and I both know why those weeds are tougher these days!<br /><br />•At our “Healthy Farms, Healthy People” Agriculture & Health summit, we learned about the risk that non-therapeutic antibiotic use in animal production poses to our citizens’ health. Eliminating this practice for the good of our environment and our people will prove a tall order, considering the size and importance of the animal agriculture industry to our state, and its reliance on confinement feeding systems.<br /><br />•This year’s presidential race virtually ignored climate change, while we Kansas farmers are experiencing the effects of extreme weather every day.<br /><br />•In California, despite early and overwhelming support by the public, the measure to implement GMO labeling -- Proposition 37 -- was defeated in the wake of a deluge of negative messaging financed by Big Food.<br /><br />•Meanwhile, here in Kansas, Big Oil is developing the controversial practice of horizontal drilling, with its accompanying environmental concerns, such as its competition for our water resources, and what to do with the wells’ salt-laden sludge.<br /><br />•Early this year, our legislature relaxed rules on swine CAFO’s, making it more difficult for citizens to protest large corporate swine facility permits, despite our vocal opposition.<br /><br />•And all of this occurs in the midst of implementation of our state’s new tax structure, expected to bring about a budgetary squeeze that is all but certain to further decimate the watchdog agencies.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Building a Bridge to the Future </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />And yet there is good news. More people are gaining interest in these issues, as grassroots energies swell in communities across the state. Citizens are joining with farmers to work on solutions: organizing healthy food coalitions, farmers markets, environmental action groups, and new businesses to replace our dying rural groceries. Producers have reported that they are overwhelmed by the demand for their local and organic foods.<br /><br />These farmers, citizens and grassroots groups are asking for our help -- but we need YOUR help to provide it.<br /><br />KRC offers alternatives, whether helping established farms transition to organic, helping grow new vegetable producers, helping farms access new markets, or helping graziers or crop farmers implement more drought-resilient options. And farmers are interested: at our all-day organic forum at Salina in November, more than 70 farmers turned out -- double the number we expected. Other workshops to raise hoophouses or learn new grazing management strategies were also full of farmers and ranchers keen to learn about new opportunities and strategies.<br /><br />In addition to the practical information, our Weekly E-Updates in our Policy Watch Project provide a unique, and much needed perspective on state legislative decisions, including the budget’s impact on education and rural schools, and on our most vulnerable citizens. In addition, the Updates keep readers up to date on the Farm Bill action or inaction.<br /><br />As always, KRC is looking toward the future, and asking a critical question: Where are we most needed?<br /><br />Given the pressures of extended drought, extreme heat, those “tough weeds” and increasing fossil fuel-based input costs, the challenges that farmers and ranchers face are immense. Some will focus only on the short-term view that sees seductive record corn prices along with a growing land price “bubble.” But others are seeking alternatives, a path that cultivates resilience in the face of changed environment.<br /><br />The next few years will be critical investment years for KRC—and for your farms and ranches and our future as Kansans. Your financial and volunteer support will help KRC build a bridge to a better future for our state.<br /><br />Just as the board, staff and volunteers of the Kansas Rural Center have re-dedicated ourselves to the mission of an ecologically sound, economically viable and socially just agriculture in Kansas, we hope you will, too.<br /><br />Best Wishes for the New Year from all of us at KRC!</span></div>
Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-13227759010805864172012-12-19T20:11:00.000-06:002012-12-19T20:11:44.788-06:00Small Farmer Commentary<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Drought Year Ponderings </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /> by Mary Fund<br /><br />Late one Sunday afternoon in early December, we saw billowing clouds of smoke on the southern horizon of our farm. Given how incredibly dry it has been, we were alarmed, and jumped into the truck to race around the section to see what was going on. Surely no one would be crazy enough to set a fire on purpose.<br /><br />And yet that is what we found.<br /><br />The local fire department was burning an 80 acre field of former CRP ground so that the farmer could work the ground yet this fall, and plant it to corn or soybeans next spring.<br /><br />It was a warm calm day, so there was not much danger of the fire escaping the field, but it still deeply disturbed me.<br /><br />By all official reports, 2013 will see more of the same here in Kansas as far as drought goes. And yet, farmers are willing to gamble on the likelihood of rain in order to cash in on high grain prices.<br /><br />Or is it just rain they rely on?<br /><br />While in the above instance, I do not claim to know the specific farmer’s plan (and he is but one of many doing the same thing). I am told that crop insurance plays a big role. I’ve heard stories about farmers buying poorer quality land in grass or brush, tearing these out to plant high priced corn or soybeans, and buying federally subsidized crop insurance which guarantees them a payment if they lose that crop due to drought or flood etc.<br /><br />Sounds like poor public policy to me-- especially in a drought year or cycle. Subsidized crop insurance is intended to protect farmers from routine risks. But instead it appears to be encouraging many to take risks they might not otherwise take-- risks that will expose more than just the individual to loss.<br /><br />In mid-November, not long before we saw the billowing smoke, Ken Burn’s documentary “The Dust Bowl” was aired on PBS. I am amazed at the number of old and young alike who were shocked at how bad the drought was in western and southwest Kansas and throughout the Plains. “We never knew it was so bad!”, they claimed. “So hard on young and old. So totally destructive! It can’t happen again, can it?”<br /><br />While the topic of another Dust Bowl happening is fodder for a future article, I fear that the actions of those who tear out grassland to plant crops for short term profit reflects that same lack of historical memory. “Those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it.”<br /><br />My father was a storyteller. So while growing up, I heard lots about the Dirty Thirties and the Depression and yes, the drought. When my son was home from college over Thanksgiving, he unearthed a copy of an interview he’d done for high school with his Grandmother about the Dust Bowl. Ken Burns documentary- impressive. Personal interview- priceless.<br /><br />This holiday season as families, friends and neighbors gather, take the opportunity to ask about the Dust Bowl. Ask your grandparents, older aunts and uncles, and older neighbors about the 1930’s and what they experienced. Learn from history.<br /><br />And, oh yes, talk to your Congressman about conservation compliance for subsidized crop insurance, and putting caps on those insurance subsidies.<br /> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Mary Fund, editor of Rural Papers, farms with her husband in Nemaha County.) </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span><br />
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<br />Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-10658670762896658882012-12-19T19:43:00.001-06:002012-12-19T20:02:30.111-06:00Our Local Food Announcement<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kansas Rural Center Transfers Local Food Program</span></b><div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to Kansas Department of Agriculture </span></b><br /><br />I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n mid-December, the Kansas Rural Center (KRC) and the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced that the state agency will take over administration of “Our Local Food,” a project developed by the Kansas Rural Center.<br /><br />“After several hard years of work establishing the need for and user platforms for this brand, we are thrilled to see the program taken up by our state agriculture agency,” said Julie Mettenburg, executive director of the Kansas Rural Center. “This will be an important next step in growing our local foods infrastructure in Kansas, as farmers, consumers and food businesses receive more support in growing their local food economies and businesses.”<br /><br />Mettenburg said that KRC will continue to work in local foods issues, such as its current role as a partner in Kansas State University’s Rural Grocery Initiative and in sponsoring other producer education and outreach opportunities.<br /><br />“We will continue to promote the OLF program, while seeking to work on the next important needs in local food systems development in our state,” she said.<br /><br />Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, KDA will take over ownership and administration of the OLF brandmark, promotional materials and website, ourlocalfoodks.org. In addition, KDA will assume ownership and responsibility for ksfarmersmarkets.org. These programs have been purchased by KDA from the KRC through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, to promote growth in the production, consumption and sales of fresh fruits and vegetables.<br /><br />The Our Local Food program will join the state trademark program for Kansas products and will specifically promote Kansas-grown fresh fruits and vegetables.<br /><br />“The Our Local Food program will give us additional options for promoting, assisting and supporting producers, food businesses and consumers across the state,” said Sarah Green, local foods and rural outreach coordinator for KDA. “The Kansas Department of Agriculture is committed to supporting the entire spectrum of Kansas agriculture, which is our state’s largest industry.”<br /><br />The centerpiece of Our Local Food is the website ourlocalfoodks.org, which serves as an online “food hub” for Kansans looking to sell or purchase locally grown produce and other farm goods. KRC launched the program in 2010 in several counties in northeast Kansas; in 2011 it expanded into three regions — the Kaw River Valley, or Lawrence-Kansas City region, the Twin Rivers, or Emporia region, and the South Central, or Wichita-Hutchinson region. In 2012, it expanded statewide, including to counties in the Southeast region.<br /><br />The regional chapters will be phased out of the program, and attention turned to recruiting producers across the state. Interested consumers, producers or food businesses may sign-up for the program by visiting ourlocalfood ks.org.<br /><br />Mettenburg said the transfer of the OLF program and websites was a testament to KRC’s long history of work in local food systems.<br /><br />“KRC has served as a pioneer in the agricultural community, listening to the needs of our farmers and rural Kansans and initiating important conversations,” she says. “Our work in local food goes back to our early days, and includes our leadership of the Kansas Food Policy Council. KDA’s further promotion of this program is a major indicator of just how important local foods will be in the future to our state economy and rural community development.”</span></div>
Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-20288788581490942802012-12-19T19:40:00.002-06:002012-12-19T20:02:30.114-06:00Policy News<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep Up with the State Legislature and More in 2013</span></span></b></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Will Kansas try once again to ease rules on important issues, as they did last year on CAFO’s and fracking? How will our tax system changes shape up and potentially impact our state’s services and rural communities? When will we get a Farm Bill out of Washington -- and when we do, will it support sustainable agriculture, diversified farms and rural communities? <br /><br />Once again in 2013, the Kansas Rural Center will send our policy analyst, Paul Johnson, to Topeka to report every week from the State Legislature about issues and action that are important to our rural communities, our environment, and our food and farming system. Plus, we’ll be monitoring activity in Washington through our participation in the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. And we’ll be sending those reports out to you, in our weekly “Policy Watch E-Update” electronic newsletter, direct to your in-box. <br /><br />Make sure you’re on KRC’s list to receive this important e-News. You won’t want to miss any of this info, much of which is not covered any-where else -- and certainly not with our level of depth and perspective. <br /><br />If you’ve donated to our 2013 Annual Giving Campaign -- with a donation since November 1, 2012 -- you’re automatically on the list (if we have your updated e-mail address!) <br /><br />If you have not already donated, please consider doing so. We are asking for a minimum $35 donation to help us support Kansas farmers in sustainable agriculture and a sustainable food system for all Kansans. <br /><br />As our thanks to you, we’ll provide both the Rural Papers and Policy Watch Weekly E-Updates. <br /><br />To ensure that you receive the electronic Weekly Updates from our Policy Watch Project, send in your contribution to KRC, and sign- up today by contacting Mary Fund at </span><a href="mailto:ksrc@rainbowtel.net"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ksrc@rainbowtel.net</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. <br /><br />Back issues of the Weekly E-Updates are available on our website at </span><a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/Policy"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.kansasruralcenter.org/Policy</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. <br /><br />For more information Contact Mary Fund at </span><a href="mailto:ksrc@rainbowtel.net"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ksrc@rainbowtel.net</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> or 785-873-3431. <br /></span><br /></span>2012 Farm Bill: A When and If Story</span></b></div>
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by Mary Fund</div>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hopes for passage of a full five year Farm Bill quickly evaporated after Congress came back to town post-election, as the attention turned to the biggest game in town-- the end of the year “fiscal cliff” drama of tax increases and draconian automatic budget cuts.<br /><br />Commitment to working out the differences between the Senate and House versions established last summer does not exist-- at least not in the usual way where the House would vote on its bill and there would be a conference committee to work out the differences.<br /><br />Instead, as this goes to press mid-December, Agriculture Committee leadership from both House and Senate, or the Gang of Four, are meeting to hammer out a full Farm Bill, that they think will mesh with possible resolutions to the “fiscal cliff”.<br /><br />The Gang of Four, Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Ranking Member Sen. Pat Roberts, (R-Ks.), and House Agricul-ture Committee Chair Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking member Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) are said to be making progress on finding a compromise between the House Committee-passed bill and Senate passed versions. The House Ag Committee cut $32 billion including $16 billion from Food Stamps, and the Senate version cut $23 billion with $4 billion from Food Stamps. Both contained various pieces of the non-commodity and nutrition provisions that sustainable agriculture advocates support, but both cut conservation programs.<br /><br />This comes as the White House and House leadership continue to spar over the lines each have drawn in the sand over solutions to the looming tax increases and budget cuts. But chances are that if there is an agreement, a new farm bill could be absorbed into the overall budget bill that would avoid the fiscal cliff.<br /><br />But that is a big IF.<br /><br />Others argue that, barring the fiscal cliff solution, an extension of the old Farm Bill with direction to the Agriculture committees to cut a certain amount (probably within $23 to $35 billion) from the overall budget by a certain date in 2013, is the most likely.<br /><br />As we have pointed out in earlier articles, some programs that expired September 30 (rural development, beginning farmer, organic cost-share and research, value added, renewable on -farm energy, etc.) will need specific inclusion in an extension if they are to not suffer a further gap in program administration and funding while a full farm bill is being re-debated. Reforms to commodity programs and crop insurance also could begin in an extension-- if specifically included.<br /><br />Also under a simple extension, disaster provisions for the livestock and fruit sectors would not be possible in 2013 unless the extension is modified to include them.<br /><br />So the big question remains who will do what, and when and if any action will take place-- on either the Farm Bill or the fiscal cliff, or both together.<br /><br />I seriously hope this article is moot by the time it is printed, as that means someone somewhere took the steps needed to move us out of this what-if limbo. </span><br />
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Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-90426812989236579222012-12-19T19:26:00.000-06:002012-12-19T20:02:30.126-06:00Sustainable Farming News: KGA Conference and Organic Farming Forum<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kansas Graziers Association Winter Conference</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Set for January 19, 2013</span></b><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The Kansas Graziers Association (KGA) Winter Conference
will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Courtyard
Mariott Hotel in Salina, Ks.
“Back to the Basics of Grazing Management” is the theme for this year’s
conference. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “With so
many new people interested in grazing management or wanting information on how
to manage drought stressed pastures, we thought a full day of state experts on
a number of critical topics was the best idea,” stated KGA secretary Mary
Howell. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Speakers will include David Kraft, and Dwayne Rice, Kansas
based USDA NRCS</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rangeland
Management Specialists. Kraft will address drought management, and Rice will compare conventional
grazing to MIG (management intensive grazing) and mob grazing. Gary Kilgore, retired KSU grass and
forages specialist, will discuss soil health and fertility in grazing systems,
and Dale Strickler, rancher educator, will cover plant physiology, forage
options, and extending the grazing season. Rancher Ted Alexander will also lead
a rancher/farmer panel on drought planning and general questions on grazing.</span></span></span></div>
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Registration fees are $50 for the first person per ranch, and $35 for a
second person. Student
registration is $25. The Courtyard Mariott is located at 3020 Riffel Drive,
Salina, Ks., at the Schilling Road Exit from I-135.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Check the KRC</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">website at <a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/">www.kansasruralcenter.org</a> for registration forms and information, or contact Mary
Howell at <a href="mailto:marshallcofair@gmail.com">marshallcofair@gmail.com </a>or 785-562-8726 or call the KRC</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">office at 785-873-3431. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Cosponsors are Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, Kansas Rural Center, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, and Kansas Farmers Union.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> KGA is
sponsoring a social at the conference headquarters starting at 7 p.m. Friday
night January 18 for those coming to Salina the night before. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSYXFCLzE4lyKgdDkmAgdIUcNzZbbNY7ohJMVVeywzzqazhZO998gvSz_Pin2064W7sdVJmEK4ia6sEUctbFuypr-lo4VnXdb6Z7thDzSOmO36MDcPRIZ5F1C4UcWtFiWP1bnCcBYp3BJ/s1600/RP+N-D+2012+Photo+F+pg+8Org.+Forum+Michel+%2526+crowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSYXFCLzE4lyKgdDkmAgdIUcNzZbbNY7ohJMVVeywzzqazhZO998gvSz_Pin2064W7sdVJmEK4ia6sEUctbFuypr-lo4VnXdb6Z7thDzSOmO36MDcPRIZ5F1C4UcWtFiWP1bnCcBYp3BJ/s320/RP+N-D+2012+Photo+F+pg+8Org.+Forum+Michel+%2526+crowd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dr. Michel Cavigelli, USDA ARS Farming Systems Project<br />Leader, spoke to about 70 organic, transitional<br />and conventional farmers at the forum.</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Organic Farming Opportunities and Benefits<br />Highlighted at Forum</span></b><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> “Dollars for organic research exist because of all of you,” Dr. Michel
Cavigelli, USDA ARS lead scientist for the Farming Systems Program told the
crowd at a recent forum on organic farming in Salina, Ks. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> About 70
organic farmers, transitional or beginning farmers and a number of conventional
farmers and non-farming landowners gathered to listen to Cavigelli’s overview
of organic research across the country, as well as to learn more about organic
cropping systems, certification, marketing opportunities, and USDA NRCS
resources for organic.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Cavigelli was referring to the growing farmer interest and consumer
demand for organic products, and to the funds included in the past couple of
farm bills dedicated to organic research needs. Organic production is one of the fastest growing sectors
within agriculture averaging about 18 to 20% per year the past 15 years. While
research funds have not grown proportionately, forum participants learned that
USDA and a few universities around the country have still been able to
establish some important long- term studies and begin collecting base
data. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Cavigelli and others spoke at the daylong forum organized by the Kansas
Rural Center, and cosponsored by the Kansas Organic Producers Marketing
Association, and Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative
Crops.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> All
farming systems manage ecological processes to provide ecosystem services,
Cavigelli explained. These services include food production, regulating of
water quality, pests, and climate, and supporting soil retention and nutrient
cycling. Soil organic matter is
the new buzzword in agronomy and conservation circles, largely due to concerns
about soil health and carbon sequestration. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Soil organic matter, stated
Cavigelli, provides ecosystems services of increasing fertility, stabilizing
soils to prevent erosion, helping control some pests, increasing carbon
sequestration, and building system resilience in all agricultural systems. But
organic farming, he explained, does all this without synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides, or genetically modified organisms. “Improving organic matter and soil health have long been the
foundation of organic farming systems.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “Organic
farming systems have a mean carbon sequestration rate similar to no till
systems,” he stated. While quick to acknowledge that more research is needed
because the sites were not set up for one-to one comparison, organic systems
fixed carbon in the soil at rates equal or higher than no till, especially at
lower soil profiles at five long term agriculture research sites (LIARS). In addition to the carbon benefits, </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">organic systems also can have erosion or loss rates
comparable to no till despite the tillage used in organic, although reduced
tillage or no till within organic systems had better results than organic with
tillage.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> As for yields,
organic yields are on average lower than conventional systems—about 85 to 90%
of conventional yields on average in all of the LIAR sites. But a closer look
at the research has shown that the longer rotation systems (i.e. a six year
rotation such as a corn followed by a fall rye cover crop, then soybeans,
followed by wheat and then 3 years of alfalfa) brought crop yields closer to conventional
averages. The longer term rotations also showed better weed control and lower
soil erosion.</span></span></span></div>
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Cavigelli pointed to organic farming’s research needs and challenges:
improve manure management, integrate cover crops and perennial forages, and
reducing tillage. “We have learned, “ stated Cavigelli, “ that you must pay as
much attention to the cover crop as to the cash crop.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Crop
rotations and soil building legume's and manure management practices were
emphasized by Ed Reznicek, organic farmer and General Manager of the Kansas
Organic Producers Association, as he outlined the challenges and opportunities
in organic field crop production. Ib Hagsten, independent certified organic
inspector, laid out the basics of organic certification. If you are averse to record keeping,
then organic farming is probably not for you, he advised.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “Demand
for organic crops surpasses the available supply,” stated Rodger Schneider,
Kansas Organic Producers Association Marketing Director. “About 60% of the organic soybeans
processed in this country are imported from China or India. That is opportunity for Kansas
farmers.” While conventional crop
prices are at all time highs, premiums for organic crops have climbed too. “We need more organic farmers to meet
the product demand.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> USDA
official numbers for certified organic farmers nationally was under 12,000 with
400 million in sales in 2002. By
2011, the number was nearly 13,000 with $3.5 billion in sales. The official numbers for organic
farmers certified in Kansas ranges from 83 to 167, depending on which set of
data you are looking at and which definitions of organic farmer they used. Numbers for surrounding states such as
Iowa and Nebraska are much higher (Iowa 677 and Nebraska 211), according to
USDA. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Lyle Frees,
Resource Conservationist, with the USDA NRCS office in Salina described how the
EQIP Organic Initiative can help transitioning or existing organic
farmers. The NRCS program is there
to provide cost-share assistance to transitioning organic farmers in adopting
conservation practices (such as crop rotations, cover crops, nutrient
management, grazing management, etc.) to facilitate the transition, and to help
existing organic farmers in adopting needed conservation measures. Each county should have a staff person
who participated in the organic training workshops coordinated by the Kansas
Rural Center and State NRCS office in 2010 and 2011. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> A range
of farmers attended the meeting coming from all parts of the state and some
from Nebraska and Northwest Missouri.
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> At the
beginning of the day forum organizer Mary Fund told the group, “This is exactly
what we wanted to see today—a broad spectrum of experienced organic farmers and
transitional or beginning farmers or just curious conventional farmers. I don’t want to downplay what you will
learn from the speakers today, but what you’ll learn from each other will be
just as important.” </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">About a third of those attending were currently certified
organic farmers, another third were land-owners or non-organic farmers
interested in learning more, and about a quarter were beginning or transitional
organic farmers. Following the forum, Fund said, “98 percent of those
responding to our forum evaluation asked for additional regional or local education
and information meetings. KRC is
going to see what we can do to help make that happen.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Presentations from the forum are posted on KRC’s website at </span></span></span><a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www. kansasruralcenter.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The
Forum was partly funded by a grant from the National Center for Appropriate
Technology via a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant. </span></span></span></div>
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Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-79778891613182967582012-12-19T17:23:00.002-06:002012-12-19T20:02:30.122-06:00Local Food News<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Niche Marketing Guide Available for Kansas Farmers</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Farm producers interested in selling their goods into local, niche and direct markets will have a new resource this month when the Kansas Rural Center’s “Finding Your Niche: A Marketing Guide for Kansas Farms” rolls off the press. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /> Packed with more than 150 pages of information, tips, resources, links and profiles, the guide has been a labor of love for KRC’s Our Local Food program team. Funding for the project was provided by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant through the Kansas Department of Agriculture and by the USDA Risk Management Agency.<br /><br /> The Guide provides information for farms producing a wide range of products, from specialty crops to livestock products, honey, aquaculture and more. Topics include how to set prices, develop a wholesale business with restaurants and institutions, set-up online marketing, and more. The Guide also includes a special section for beginning farmers.<br /><br /> Cole Cottin, OLF-Kaw River Valley coordinator for KRC this year, served as editor of the guide, and said it is intended for experienced farmers and aspiring farmers alike. “If you are interested in selling farm products of any kind to local or regional markets, this guide is for you!"<br /><br /> The guide will be available at the Kansas Rural Center web site. Or, you may order a print copy while supplies last by e-mailing your full contact information -- including address and phone number -- to <a href="mailto:ddysart@rainbowtel.net">ddysart@rainbowtel.net</a> or call 785-873-3431. A donation to KRC to help cover shipping and handling costs, and to help continue our work with Kansas farmers in sustainable agriculture, is appreciated.<br /><br /> The guide is in production now and expected to be printed by December 31.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Local Connections Workshop Draws Farms, Food Businesses, and Locavores</b></span><br /><br />by Natalie Fullerton<br /><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fifty-six people attended the November 10 “Local Food Connections Workshop” held in Wichita, Kansas.The workshop focused on networking, marketing, and locating local food in south central Kansas. Those in attendance included farms, food businesses, and locavores looking to start or expand marketing and purchasing locally sourced food.<br /><br /> Breakout sessions, comprised of ten different presentations, brought in speakers ranging from a chef Michael Beard, owner of 715 Restaurant in Lawrence, KS using a nose-to-tail meat use approach in his restaurant to Paula Miller, a dietitian offering advice on how to find and use local food in Kansas.<br /><br /> Other speakers included: Rebecca McMahon, Sedgwick Count Extension Agent who presented on “Planning Crops for Consistent Yields;” Brady Krueger, Krueger Insurance, “Liability Insurance for Market Farms;” Pam Paulsen, Reno County Extension Agent, “Post-Harvest Handling for Produce;” Brian Phillips, Store Operations Manager for The Merc in Lawrence, “Local Food as a Marketing Tool”; Cherie Schenker, owner of Schenker Family Farms “Regulations of Buying & Selling Animal Products” and “Niche Livestock Marketing;” and Tracey Graham, Our Local Food-Twin Rivers Coordinator “Eating by the Calendar in Kansas” and “Preserving the Harvest.”<br /><br /> A local food buyers and sellers panel shared their experiences. Challenges to buying and selling local food and how to overcome them, how far in advance connections with farms or businesses need to be made, important regulations and resources were a a few of the topics addressed.<br /><br /> The workshop concluded with keynote speaker, Diana Endicott, founder and president of Good Natured Family Farms (GNFF). The company is a pioneering alliance of over 160 family farms within a 200 mile radius of the Kansas City metro area. Endicott manages the company’s many facets including sales to area grocery stores, a workplace wellness CSA which services employees at companies in the Kansas City community, a partnership with Bistro Kids to bring a farm to school program in eight Kansas City metro YMCA Head Starts, and Good Natured Market at Harvest Learning Center, a non-profit grocery store in Kansas City’s Ivanhoe neighborhood. Endicott discussed her current and future endeavors with the company and filled the room with excitement about the opportunities local food can provide for small farms and businesses.<br /></span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Marketing Discussion Aims to Move Lawrence Forward </span></b><br /><br /> by Cole Cottin<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Niche marketing and under-tapped markets for farms was the discussion topic at a monthly Growing Lawrence (www.growinglawrence.org/) meeting on November 6.<br /><br /> Participants were surveyed about types of wholesale or direct-to-consumer markets they are already selling farm products to. Nearly all were currently selling through multiple marketing outlets, primarily farmers markets, restaurants, and/or grocery stores. Several farms also sold through community supported agriculture (CSA) or on farm sales. Very few attendees were engaged in selling through internet, food distributors, caterers, or institutions (such as schools and hospitals).<br /><br /> Following the survey, discussion focused on the benefits and challenges of selling to various market outlets. Participants addressed issues of scaling-up to meet growing demands for higher volumes of farm products. Ideas for the way forward included:<br /><br /> *Saving on overhead expenses through the creation of an agricultural production co-operative for purchasing farm inputs (such as fertility irrigation supplies) and sharing farm equipment (such as a grain mill, or root washer);<br /><br /> * Labor-savings through the creation of a agricultural marketing co-operative and/or “food hub” – to increase efficiency of local food distribution by aggregating and delivering higher volumes of farm products from multiple farms to a broader range of marketing outlets;<br /><br /> *Exploring options for opening a food processing facility that could take raw local food products and process them into the types of foods needed by institutions, such as schools, that may not have access to equipment or labor for accomplishing food processing themselves.<br /><br /> As a follow-up to the identified need for collaboration, Growing Lawrence’s December 4th meeting will center around sharing resources, such as seed catalogues, equipment catalogs, or other farm related resources with the group. Growing Lawrence meetings are open and free to the public and take place on the first Tuesday of every month, from 7:00am to 8:00am at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce (7th and Vermont). </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>R</b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ural Brainstorm Sparks Discussion in Northeast Kansas</span></span></b><br /> by Jamie Dysart<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> One woman is taking the initiative to sustain rural communities, while letting the younger rural generation who are “rural by choice” have an active voice in their communities.<br /><br /> Marci Penner, the director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation and the author of “8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook”, was the facilitator of the Northeast Kansas Big Rural Brain-storm (BRB), which was held November 12 at the Holton Evangel United Methodist Church.<br /><br /> The BRB brought local citizens of Northeast Kansas together to discuss issues of living rural and how to solve their concerns, in hopes to have “collective brilliance”.<br /><br /> “If we are all the same, we will always have the same thoughts,” said Penner. Penner explained the “power up movement”, which includes six divisions of agriculturists. These groups include the “power ups” who are people between the ages of 21-39 who are rural by choice and struggle with the connotation that “rural isn’t cool,” Penner said, while “sparks” are people under 21 who add good energy to community spirit.<br /><br /> “Power Ons” are ages 40 and older who are passionate about rural living, she said. Citizens 80 years and older, Penner said, who are still offering positive input in the community are known as “super powers”.<br /><br /> She said, “power generators” include those who live in bigger cities, but work to better rural communities, while “rural enthusiasts” are comprised of people who live anywhere and are supportive of rural Kansas.<br /><br /> When Penner traveled Kansas to do research for her book she went to all 626 incorporated towns. She said half of those towns had less than 400 citizens. Those 313 towns only thrived when they accepted the voice of young people, Penner said, “Those were the towns that had the most ‘explorer value’.”<br /><br /> Discussion groups were asked to answer the question of how well northeast Kansas is connected, and how can we communicate better ? “Before we can communicate in a region, you must communicate in your town,” Penner said.<br /><br /> Penner introduced the “We Kan! Bank” to the BRB group. This is a system that matches community needs with those who can donate services, labor or money, she said. Everyone participated in the exercise of posting their accounts of service and their towns accounts of needs, and later could look at these to find out if they could help someone or if a services would be beneficial to a community need.<br /><br /> Teresa McAnerney, a facilitator at the Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation, said she is surprised at the amount of resources there is in a community and the willingness of people to work together. Courtney Schmelzie, Seneca Chamber of Commerce, said she is excited about the community involvement especially in the “power ups”. With almost 60 people in attendance at the northeast Kansas BRB only eight people were “power ups”. Penner said that the results of other BRBs are a lot different when there are more “power ups” in attendance.<br /><br /> At the end of the BRB everyone wrote down how they can help sustain rural northeast Kansas on their “This is my Rural Action” card, and was encouraged keep working on it when they went home.<br /><br /> “We need to fight for what we need, “said Penner, “if we don’t say what we need, it will not get done.” <i><br /> (Jamie Dysart is a senior in agriculture communications at Kansas State University.) </i></span><i><br /></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-42070810637102582372012-12-19T17:00:00.002-06:002012-12-19T20:02:06.771-06:00Briefs<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Report on Coexistence of GMO's and Organic</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Sharply Criticized</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In mid-November, the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and
21st Century Agriculture (AC21) released its recommendations regarding
transgenic contamination of organic and non-genetically engineered crops. The
Committee was charged by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack with developing
practical recommendations strengthening coexistence among different
agricultural production methods.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The
National Organic Coalition, a national alliance of organizations representing
organic farmers, environmentalists and organic industry, sharply condemned the
recommendations. Of
particular concern in the report is the recommendation that organic and non-GE
conventional farmers pay for crop insurance or self-insure themselves against
unwanted GE contamination. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
NOC strongly asserts that this proposal allows USDA and the agricultural
biotechnology industry to abdicate responsibility for preventing GE
contamination while making the victim of GE pollution pay for damages resulting
from transgenic contamination. “The AC21 report takes responsibility for GE
contamination prevention out of the hands of USDA and the biotech industry
where it belongs and puts it squarely on the backs of organic and non-GE
farmers,” said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director at Center for Food Safety
and a NOC member. “This ill-conceived solution of penalizing the victim is
fundamentally unjust and fails to address the root cause of the problem –
transgenic contamination.” </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The
underlying assumption of USDA’s work plan for the committee was that as long as
farmers are adequately compensated, GE contamination is a permissible and
acceptable cost of doing business for organic and non-GE farmers. NOC has rejected
this assumption, as did several members of the AC21. According to NOC, the committee’s final report failed to
make a single recommendation holding the patent holders of genetic engineering
technologies responsible and liable for damages caused by its use. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
The report can be viewed </span></span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></b>at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://www.usda.gov/documents/ac21_report-enhancing-coexistence.pdf">http://www.usda.gov/documents/ac21_report-enhancing-coexistence.pdf </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.usda.gov/documents/ac21_report-enhancing-coexistence.pdf"><br /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Plowed Under" Report Documents Loss of Habitat and Grassland</span></b><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between 2008 and 2011, more than 23
million acres of grassland, shrub-land and wetlands were plowed under in order
to plant commodity crops, according to a recently released report by the
Environmental Working Group and Defenders of Wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plow down is in response to high
crop prices and unlimited crop insurance, according to EWG, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>signals a need for public policy such
as payment limits on crop insurance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>premiums and requiring conservation practices.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
analysis uses U.S. Department of Agriculture satellite data to produce the most
accurate estimate currently available of the rate of habitat conversion in the
farm belt. It shows that more than 8.4 million acres were converted to plant
corn, more than 5.6 million to raise soybeans and nearly 5.2 million to grow
winter wheat. Most of the destroyed habitat was in states in the Great Plains
and Upper Midwest. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
report contains maps showing grassland, shrub land and wetlands converted to
crops<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>including counties in
Kansas. To view the report go to: <a href="http://static.ewg.org/pdf/plowed_under.pdf">http://static.ewg.org/pdf/plowed_under.pdf</a>.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">NRCS Launches Soil Health Initiative</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In October, USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) launched a national initiative to highlight the benefits of healthy soils. “By focusing more attention on soil health and by educating our customers and the public about the positive impact healthy soils can have on productivity and conservation, we can help our Nation’s farmers and ranchers feed the world more profitably and sustainably – now and for generations to come” states the website.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> At the initiative’s launch in Ohio, NRCS Chief Dave White explained that there are four keys to “unlock the secrets of the soil.” First, you want to increase the diversity above the ground to increase the life diversity below the ground,” said White. “You want to keep the soil covered as much as possible, you want to have a living root in the soil and you really want to optimize the inputs you put in.”</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> For more information visit the NRCS website at <a href="http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/soils/health/">http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/soils/health/</a> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<b><div style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></b></span></div>
<b><b><div style="display: inline !important;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">or talk to your local conservation district. </span></span></div>
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</b>Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-61095679587953989722012-10-21T22:35:00.000-05:002012-10-22T08:04:37.583-05:00RURAL PAPERS NO. 245 September-October 2012Table of Contents<br />
<br />
1) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/small-farmer-commentary.html">Small Farmer Commentary: Consideration of the Wild Cards</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/briefs-crop-insurance-may-cost-taxpayers.html">2) Brief:</a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/briefs-crop-insurance-may-cost-taxpayers.html"> Crop Insurance May cost Taxpayers</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/briefs-more-weed-resistance-more.html">3) Brief: More Weed Resistance, More Pesticides Used</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/briefs-study-finds-gm-corn-roundup.html">4) Brief:</a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/briefs-study-finds-gm-corn-roundup.html">Study Finds GM Corn, Round Up Linked to Tumors and Organ Damage</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/briefsstanford-organic-study.html">5) Brief: Stanford Organic Study Criticized</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/policy-news-farm-bill-uncertain.html">6) Policy News: Farm Bill Uncertain</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/sustainable-farming-news-workshop-on.html">7) Workshop Focuses on Water and Fencing As Drought Intensifies</a><br />
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<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/organic-farming-forum-set-for-november.html">8) Organic Farming Forum Set for November 13 in Salina</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/agriculture-and-health-summit.html">9) Agriculture and Health Summitt Planned for November 16 in Topeka</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/local-food-news-strategic-marketing.html">10) Strategic Marketing Workshop Draws Enthusiastic Crowd</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/local-food-news-community-feast-event.html">11) Community Organizes on Food Issues</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/sustainable-farming-news-grazing-school.html">12) Grazing School Covers MIG Benefits to Livestock, Soil and Plant Health, and</a><br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/sustainable-farming-news-grazing-school.html"> Bottomline</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/events.html">13) Events</a>Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-66402623893953922472012-10-21T16:25:00.000-05:002012-10-21T22:26:55.703-05:00SMALL FARMER COMMENTARY<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Small Farmer Commentary: </span></b><br />
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Consideration of the Wild Cards </span></b><br />
<br />
<i>by Mary Fund </i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cooler temperatures and the colors of the fall landscape help us forget the extremes of the summer, even if we have not yet had the rains that would signal recovery or back to normal. Unfortunately, the political and economic landscape is much the same— it is uncertain and may prove as extreme as the weather.<br /><br />Everyone hopes their vote will signal a return to the safety and surety of days gone by. Many are adamantly sure of their candidates and the path forward. But the world is a changing and increasingly complicated place, and regardless of who is elected, solving problems requires us to work together to meet new challenges—not something we have done very well the past few years. Solving problems also requires us to face certain realities and ask tough questions—another casualty of an ever more polarized populace and political leadership.<br /><br />Frankly, I don’t see any “back to normal” for weather, economics or politics anytime soon. And unfortunately, these all have a major impact on the future of food production and natural resources, and our communities, our lives.<br /><br />Despite their importance, there has been a general lack of focus on food, agriculture and climate issues in the major campaigns. Sure there are ample stories about the farm bill limbo we find ourselves in (and stories of both sides blaming the other for that). You can find the obligatory candidate-views of agriculture and energy policy in the mainstream ag press. But the politics of food, water and climate are largely no man’s land when it comes to responsible debate and discussion.<br /><br />Surveys indicate that for farmers and ranchers, talking about climate change is a dead end. The majority don’t believe it, and if they do, they certainly don’t want to hear that they are contributing. And they darn sure don’t want their actions to be regulated. Surveys of the general public indicate that belief in climate change is on the upswing—and this was before the weather extremes and news of accelerated Arctic ice melts of the past summer. I myself have heard farmers and ranchers expressing more doubts about their previous denials after the second year of weather extremes. Yet, the politicians and decision makers play to fears and stick our head in the sand platitudes.<br /><br />On other food and farming fronts, we hear conflicting stories or we hear nothing at all. Although the direction of Big Agriculture remains full throttle on genetically modified seed and products, studies pointing to problems with GMO’s keep popping up.<br /><br />A recent French study of the impact on rats given a diet of GMO corn, or given water containing Roundup at levels allowed in our drinking water, found that the rats suffered from tumors and kidney and liver damage—pointing to a need for more research on the health impacts of GMO’s. Emergence of herbicide resistant weeds also creates increasing problems for GMOs; and carry over of herbicides hinders adoption of conservation minded cover crops on farms. All but buried studies of the impacts of GMO crops on soil microbiology raises questions of overall soil health and what long term damage are we inflicting? These are the wild cards of modern agriculture.<br /><br />Facing certain realities and asking the right questions—real consideration of climate change impacts on agriculture and the impact of our technological fixes like GMO’s -- changes where the money goes (i.e. research, tax credits, farm programs, etc.) But change that is forced upon us by mistakes or disaster is far more painful than if we plan for it.<br /><br />Farming and food production has always been about adaptation, and whether we accept climate change or not, or question the impact of GMO crops on our soil and personal health, farmers already find themselves adapting. Whether planting earlier in the spring because of warmer spring weather, double cropping behind those early harvests, planting more winter wheat or other small grains to hedge bets on another dry year, planting forage crops to provide fall and extended season pasture to offset hay losses due to drought, or constructing hoophouses with shade cloth and irrigation to produce fruits and vegetables—it is all about adaptation. All of these changes increase diversity on the farm, and in nature, diversity means survival.<br /><br />Whether or not our politicians and leaders want to honestly look at the problems and issues facing our food, farming, climate and energy future, producers and consumers may be well ahead of them. There will always be wild cards, but asking questions and joining in a continued conversation about these and other issues is critical for a better future. </span></div>
Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-64259945128122110172012-10-21T16:24:00.001-05:002012-10-21T22:42:10.265-05:00BRIEFS: Crop Insurance May Cost Taxpayers<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CROP INSURANCE MAY COST TAXPAYERS </span></b><br />
<br />
A recently released working paper from the American Enterprise Institute found that future crop insurance may cost the American taxpayer dearly. Findings showed the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Supplementary Coverage Option (SCO) programs proposed in the House version of the 2012 farm bill could cost taxpayers over $20 billion annually (or four times the current cost of the direct payment programs which the PLC would replace). Cost depends on what crop prices do in the future. If prices remain high, program costs would be $1.1 billion per year. If they drop to historical averages, insurance costs climb to nearly $20 billion.<br />
<br />
The study also found that the pro-grams would disproportionately subsidize certain crops, specifically rice and peanuts. With subsidies tied to farm acreage, the PLC and SCO programs would be new and potentially very lucrative entitlement programs that would provide the greatest benefits to the largest farmers. (See <a href="http://www.aei.org/papers/economics/field-of-schemes-mark-ii-price-loss-coverage-and-supplementary-insurance-coverage-programs/">www.aei.org/papers/economics/field-of-schemes-mark-ii-price-loss-coverage-and-supplementary-insurance-coverage-programs/</a>.)Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-36053004785598639512012-10-21T16:24:00.000-05:002012-10-21T22:43:53.046-05:00BRIEFS: More Weed Resistance, More Pesticide Use<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">MORE WEED RESISTANCE, MORE PESTICIDES USED</span></b><br />
A recently published study by Washington State University research professor Charles Benbrook finds that the use of herbicides in the production of three genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops - cotton, soybeans and corn - has actually increased. This finding is based on an exhaustive analysis of publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agriculture Statistics Service.<br />
<br />
Benbrook’s analysis is the first peer-reviewed, published estimate of the impacts of genetically engineered (GE) herbicide-resistant (HT) crops on pesticide use.<br />
<br />
In the study, Benbrook writes that the emergence and spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds is strongly correlated with the increase in herbicide use. Marketed as Roundup and other trade names, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide. Approximately 95 percent of soybean and cotton acres, and more than 85 percent of corn, are planted to varieties genetically modified to be herbicide resistant.<br />
<br />
"Resistant weeds have become a major problem for many farmers reliant on GE crops, and they are now driving up the volume of herbicide needed each year by about 25 percent,” Benbrook said.<br />
<br />
The annual increase in the herbicides required to deal with tougher-to-control weeds on cropland planted to GE cultivars has grown from 1.5 million pounds in 1999 to about 90 million pounds in 2011.<br />
<br />
Herbicide-tolerant crops worked extremely well in the first few years of use, Benbrook's analysis shows, but over-reliance may have led to shifts in weed communities and the spread of resistant weeds that force farmers to increase herbicide application rates (especially glyphosate), spray more often and add new herbicides that work through an alternate mode of action into their spray programs.<br />
<br />
A detailed summary of the study's major findings, "Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the U.S. - the first sixteen years,” is available online at <a href="http://www.enveurope.com/content/24/1/24/abstract">http://www.enveurope.com/content/24/1/24/abstract</a><br />
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<br />Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-64714787059212345412012-10-21T16:23:00.003-05:002012-10-21T16:49:12.274-05:00BRIEFS: Study Finds GM Corn, Roundup Cause Tumors<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">STUDY FINDS GM CORN AND ROUNDUP CAUSE TUMORS AND ORGAN DAMAGE</span></b><br />
<br />
The first animal feeding trial studying the life-time effects of exposure to Roundup tolerant corn, and Roundup herbicide shows that levels currently considered safe can cause tumors and multiple organ damage and lead to premature death in laboratory rats. The study was published online in the scientific journal Food and Chemical Toxicology.<br />
<br />
Conducted at the University of Caen, France, researchers found that rats fed a diet containing a strain of Roundup tolerant GM corn, or given water containing Roundup at levels permitted in the U.S., died earlier than rats fed on a standard diet. They suffered mammary tumors and severe liver and kidney damage.<br />
<br />
Researchers claim the study suggests that licensed GM crops should be re-evaluated and that in the future, safety studies in laboratory animals must be conducted over significantly longer periods of time that are equal to their normal life span and not just their adolescence.”<i> (From The Organic and Non-GMO Reporter, October 2012. Learn more about the Organic and Non-GMO REporter at <a href="http://www.non-gmoreport.com/organicnongmo/aboutnewsletter.php">http://www.non-gmoreport.com/organicnongmo/aboutnewsletter.php</a>) </i><br />
<br />Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-33496104648233690022012-10-21T16:23:00.002-05:002012-10-21T16:49:43.359-05:00BRIEFS:Stanford Organic Study<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Stanford Organic Study Criticized by Scientists </span></b><br />
A recently released study by Stanford University that found organic food had no significantly higher nutritional value than conventionally produced food created ripples through-out the consumer and research world. Findings of the study also said that organic vegetables and fruits do have considerably less pesticide residues and that organic meat contained considerably lower levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria than conventional meats. But the media pounced on the easy headline of “little evidence of health benefits from organic foods”.<br />
<br />
According to researchers who reviewed the study and the same materials reviewed in the study, the Stanford researchers failed to include several benefits of organic foods. According to Charles Benbrook, Washington State University research professor, these include a reduction in pesticide induced changes during fetal and childhood development, and a health balance of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids in organic dairy and meat products.<br />
<br />
Jim Riddle, organic outreach coordinator at the University of Minnesota, also said the Stanford researchers overlooked the documented beneficial benefits of organic farming on water sources, and other multiple benefits of organic farming to farmers, farm workers, and rural residents.<br />
<br />
Riddle concludes that the “most favorable outcome of the study is that is has opened up a conversation about the multiple benefits of organic production and the need for expanded research.”<br />
<br />
For a copy of Benbrook's response, go to <a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/">http://www.kansasruralcenter.org</a>, What’s New Column.<br />
<div>
For Riddle's full reponse, click <a href="http://landstewardshipproject.org/posts/326">here.</a><br />
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<br />
<br /></div>
Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-29791323504602228692012-10-21T16:23:00.001-05:002012-10-21T16:50:40.769-05:00POLICY NEWS: Farm Bill Uncertain<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>FARM BILL FUTURE UNCERTAIN</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Bold';"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B<i>y Mary Fund</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JKq7n03zoTZiu3M4zSw9mQdWb7vnwMKCFnptwC3MBpuy-lMrskuRxvPg2uVCEcjcVc05QbhbTaKfbvJ9JmUM-fBmODNbNnwV1-QkVzYIZ_1ZpPwrkx4uzafdjdbhEsq3Rj_7zxUmDjGY/s1600/RP+Photo+D.+Pg.+4+S-O+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JKq7n03zoTZiu3M4zSw9mQdWb7vnwMKCFnptwC3MBpuy-lMrskuRxvPg2uVCEcjcVc05QbhbTaKfbvJ9JmUM-fBmODNbNnwV1-QkVzYIZ_1ZpPwrkx4uzafdjdbhEsq3Rj_7zxUmDjGY/s320/RP+Photo+D.+Pg.+4+S-O+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The federal farm bill expired September 30 with no fanfare
or immediately discernable impacts, and without passage of a new 2012 farm
bill. This is unprecedented, but then again, a farm bill has never come up for
renewal during a presidential election year. The perceived lack of impact,
though, is not accurate. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True,
commodity program changes won’t begin until January 2013, and the food and
nutrition program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) continues
to assist the nation’s vulnerable population as Congress saw to it that its
authority was part of the just-passed Continuing Resolution that keeps
government running through March 2013. Crop insurance, the new sacred cow of
agricultural policy, is not technically part of the farm bill, as it is
authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act, so remains unaffected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
current commodity program payments are covered until the end of 2012 with some
payments being made in 2013, any bill passed now, whether in the lame duck
session or by a new Congress next year, will make big changes in commodity crop
programs—based on those proposed by both House and Senate in their respective
versions of a farm bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Administratively those changes don’t happen quickly or easily, and
farmers (and their bankers or credit providers) need time to make decisions. So
the longer the limbo, the greater the impact and the greater the confusion.</div>
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</span>Conservation programs present a mixed bag. The Environmental Quality
Incentive Program (EQIP) and its sub-programs and special initiatives, should
continue normal enrollments due to an earlier extension of their program
authority to 2014. The just passed Continuing Resolution, which keeps
government running, provides continued funding for EQIP – albeit at a lower
level than before, but funding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), while also authorized to
2014, only has funds to pay for existing contracts but not enough to pay for
any new ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until Congress takes
action, new enrollments to CSP are on hold.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and Conservation
Reserve Program (CRP) have acres remaining under the acreage cap of the 2008
farm bill. But the legal authority for all of these expired September 30, so
according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), there can’t
be new enrollments until Congress passes a new farm bill, extends the current
farm bill or extends these authorities in a continuing resolution or final
appropriations bill. Payments and maintenance of existing contracts is allowed.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Additional programs important to building a better food and farm future
are also impacted by the lack of a new farm bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The past two farm bills (2002 and 2008) included programs
and funding beyond the traditional food stamps, commodity subsidies, and
conservation. Programs impacted, according to NSAC, include: Beginning Farmer
and Rancher Development Program, Conservation Reserve Program- Transition
Incentive Program, Farmers Market Promotion Program, National Organic
Certification Pro-gram, Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative,
Rural Energy for America Program, Specialty Crop Research Initiative, and the
Value Added Producer Grant Program. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These programs continue to exist on paper, but after October 1 have no
renewed funding; and will remain so until after Congress takes action on a new
farm bill, or extends the current bill. Without these programs, beginning
farmer training opportunities and minority farmer assistance programs dry up.
Microloans and training for very small businesses end. Researchers will not be
able to get dedicated funding for organic or fruit and vegetable research.
Funds to help move expiring CRP land into the hands of beginning farmers ends.
Incentives to create sustainable biofuels based on perennial crops will end. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
short, programs to create jobs related to food (not commodity crops), renewable
energy and improved production and access to healthy food are on hold and may
not be restored.</div>
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Furthermore, there are programs that like the above-
mentioned conservation programs (CRP, GRP, and WRP), have funds but lack the
authority to spend them. These include programs like the Specialty Crop Block
Grant Program and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While many of the above “non-traditional” programs have been included in
both the Senate and House versions of the new Farm Bill, their fate is
uncertain. Will there funding be restored? And will they be included in the new
bill? </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Indeed, the fate of the farm bill during the lame duck session is
uncertain. Will Congress come together and work out a compromise bill by the
end of the year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or will
Congress work out an extension of the current bill with some modifications
until spring, summer or fall 2013? This option means the new Congress beginning
in January 2013 starts the farm bill process all over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Add to all this the questions surrounding major issues also before
Congress before the end of the year (tax issues and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>deficit reduction/fiscal cliff), and the already thick fog
of the farm bill’s future gets thicker. But whether there is an extension
(short or long) or a full bill, all of the farm programs should be included.
This is not a time to abandon newer important programs that aim to establish a
next generation of farmers and ranchers, answer critical production questions
for specialty crops, organic practices, and biofuels, and ensure access to
healthy food for urban and rural citizens alike. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic";"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(With help from the
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). For ongoing information on
farm bill developments, go to: <a href="http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/">http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span><br />
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Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-35310785684604552752012-10-21T16:23:00.000-05:002012-10-21T16:45:32.299-05:00SUSTAINABLE FARMING NEWS: Workshop on Fencing and Water<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WORKSHOP FOCUSES ON WATER AND FENCING AS DROUGHT INTENSIFIES</span></b><br />
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<br />
<i>by Tom Parker </i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAGGXRpyRu9WKvEnuTqhLP_Kuq3aKoDMRfp6veH13WcS-QgPZctx2-dcNeouO8SQpTjkCC2veJYb1tNqkxJFhCzlmSmenb11zhFd0_SMny2YvvLF6xoOjUl1yYpaNpBh3YPdZOc5o37zf/s1600/RP+Photo+N.+Pg.+12+S-O+2012+Mark+Green++Crowd+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAGGXRpyRu9WKvEnuTqhLP_Kuq3aKoDMRfp6veH13WcS-QgPZctx2-dcNeouO8SQpTjkCC2veJYb1tNqkxJFhCzlmSmenb11zhFd0_SMny2YvvLF6xoOjUl1yYpaNpBh3YPdZOc5o37zf/s320/RP+Photo+N.+Pg.+12+S-O+2012+Mark+Green++Crowd+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Green, regional coordinator for the SW MIssouri Regional<br />
Management Intensive Grazing Schools, spoke to over 70<br />
farmers and ranchers in mid-September in North <br />
Central Kansas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<i><br /></i>With exceptional drought conditions crippling 60 percent of Kansas and the rest of the state not much better, water is on a lot of minds lately, notably livestock producers and farmers. But it wasn’t just graziers discussing water at the Kansas Rural Center’s Livestock Water and Fencing Workshop in Courtland on Sept. 11—a pair of BBC reporters were also there interviewing attendees for an upcoming documentary on water issues.<br />
<br />
“People are concerned about drought and water,” said Johnny Dymond, BBC reporter. “How to use it, how to get it, how to save it. It’s a global issue, and we’re in Kansas to see how people on the Great Plains are coping.”<br />
<br />
Mark Green, regional coordinator for the Southwest Missouri Regional Management Intensive Grazing Schools and Missouri NRCS district conservationist, responded with a one-word assessment: “Flexibility.”<br />
<br />
If there’s one thing the weather has taught us, Green said, it’s that no two years are alike. Producers must find solutions in an ever-changing environ-ment, requiring systems that are flexible, practical and dependable. His two-prong approach incorporates water distribution and electronic fencing for intense rotational grazing, and of the two of them, water takes precedence.<br />
<br />
“Water is the most limiting factor in maintaining flexibility,” he said. “It’s the most important nutrient for cattle, but you have to deliver adequate amounts of water at the right location.”<br />
<br />
The key is to determine how much water is needed and to understand cattle behavior, he said. Cattle require eight to 12 gallons of water per day, and double that during hot weather. While the moisture content of feed should be considered, equally determining is the travel distance. Cattle within 600 feet of their food source drink 15 percent more water than cattle that walk more than 1,000 feet, Green said.<br />
<br />
On shorter distances cattle tend to drink individually, but at greater distances it becomes a social event. Unfortunately, only the lead cows get their fill because the herd heads back before the last cows have their turn.<br />
<br />
“How flexible is a pond location?” Green asked. “The goal is for livestock to never travel more than 800 feet. You need water in every paddock.”<br />
<br />
Concrete tanks, implement tire tanks, portable watering systems and even converted bathtubs are options available for water distribution in paddocks. All have their pros and cons, but they share the need for the correct type of piping to deliver the right amount of water. Whether installing permanent, belowground pipes or laying out aboveground plastic or PVC tubing, diameter and materials play equally important roles.<br />
<br />
Gravity-flow systems should never use less than a one-and-a-half inch pipe, he said. Below-ground pipe should be buried at least 30 inches and, in rocky soil, pea gravel added for bedding. For aboveground piping, PVC has limited durability because of a lack of UV-stabilization, often becoming brittle after as little as two years. Black polyethylene pipe works good but 150 psi is best for durability, and should be run along fences to minimize impact. “After one season you won’t even see it,” he said.<br />
<br />
Shut-off valves and hydrants offer an extra measure of flexibility especially when isolating paddocks or making repairs. “Hydrants should be placed at every cross fence,” Green said. “They’re inexpensive and easy to install. And you can never have too many shut-offs.”<br />
<br />
Though frost-proof tanks are popular, Green questioned their need. “They’re the most expensive part of supplying water,” he said. “It’s what breaks the bank.”<br />
<br />
Green prefers focusing on water management for the rest of the year and using common sense measures such as site placement when available, such as locating buried concrete tanks on south-facing slopes to capture winter sunlight and shield against winter winds.<br />
<br />
Heavy implement tires make excellent tanks, he said, though it should be noted to avoid steel-belted tires. If it can’t be helped, a Sawzall is the best resort for cutting through the treads.<br />
<br />
Pads should be placed around the tanks to prevent erosion and to ensure that cattle stay long enough to drink but not to socialize. “You want it uncomfortable for them to stand around,” he said. “I want them to get in and get out.”<br />
<br />
Keeping cattle from wandering across the top of buried tanks, limiting pond access or dividing paddocks requires the right kind of fence, something he described as “any fence that keeps livestock where you want them to be.” There are two types of fences, he explained—barrier fences and psychological fences. The latter require electricity, and enough to “buckle their knees and water their eyes,” as he put it. “You want a charger that’ll get their attention.”<br />
<br />
Electric fencing has three components: chargers, fencing and grounding. Chargers should be low impedance with a minimum of 5,000 volts output, and with as high a joule rating as possible. “Buy bigger than you think you need,” Green cautioned. “I guarantee you’re going to want to add some fence down the road.”<br />
<br />
A minimum of three six-foot ground rods tied together should be used, and should match the type of wire. Mixing types of metals such as copper to galvanized steel can lead to electrolysis, or corrosion, and should be avoided. Lightning protection is a must and requires the same number of ground rods plus one. For instance, if three ground rods are used, four rods are needed for lightning protection, and should be placed at least 65 feet from ground rods. And even then it’s only an educated guess. “There are no guarantees for lightning,” he said.<br />
<br />
For fencing, 12.5 gauge high tensile wire is best but requires a spinning jenny to unroll without having the bale explode into an instant Slinky. “Beg, borrow or steal one, but don’t do it without one,” Green said. Barbed wire isn’t a substitute because of the spiral threading and the barbs themselves, both of which toss off electrical current.<br />
<br />
Portable fencing needs at least 90-strand braided wire and quality posts, preferably with long metal spikes and adequate bases for pushing into the ground. Fiberglass poles tend to splinter and unravel, he said, but the new composite-material posts look promising as long as a pilot hole is used.<br />
<br />
“Like with all things,” he said, “quality varies. Get the right tool for the job.”<br />
<br />
Connectors, insulators, testers and tighteners also play pivotal roles. Green explained at length the various features and foibles of each type of gadget, and said that a more detailed explanation of fencing types can be downloaded at: on the home page of KRC’s website at <a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/">www.kansasruralcenter.org</a> under the What’s New column: Electric Fencing for Serious Grazers.<br />
<br />
Following the meeting, participants convoyed to the farm of Dale Strickler, where Green demonstrating installing a 45-degree angle corner post. “This was exactly what graziers were asking for for years,” said Mary Howell, Kansas Rural Center Field Organizer, Frankfort. “The number one thing graziers have requested is information on livestock fencing and water systems.”<br />
<br />
The workshop was sponsored by the Kansas Rural Center, Kansas SARE, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternate Crops, and the Kansas Farmers Union, and funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency.</div>
Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-40639418616780848402012-10-21T16:22:00.001-05:002012-10-21T16:46:03.859-05:00ORGANIC FARMING FORUM SET FOR NOVEMBER 13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlJXjKmKEl1Sv_6NS9CVFgOi2dmbTgcVwWoFNaDV0MJ1ZRHO-9DbdraipezS3mxoZep-UlEDY3JVzH8YRs_Je8DDwaeoQ-bZVTjqmyWGXODX5BsbsTqfWtW_8kir_hmq-7p5ieGAdIudd/s1600/RP+Photo+B.+Pg+1+cS-O2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlJXjKmKEl1Sv_6NS9CVFgOi2dmbTgcVwWoFNaDV0MJ1ZRHO-9DbdraipezS3mxoZep-UlEDY3JVzH8YRs_Je8DDwaeoQ-bZVTjqmyWGXODX5BsbsTqfWtW_8kir_hmq-7p5ieGAdIudd/s320/RP+Photo+B.+Pg+1+cS-O2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ORGANIC FARMING FORUM SET FOR NOVEMBER 13 IN SALINA, KS.</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Resources, information and networking opportunities for existing and beginning organic farmers, and conservation professionals, as well as anyone interested in learning more about organic farming, will be the focus of a day-long forum on organic agriculture on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. The “Organic Farming Forum: Resources, Research and Marketing Opportunities for Organic Agriculture in Kansas”, hosted by the Kansas Rural Center, will be held at the Quality Inn, Conference Room, 2110 West Crawford, Salina, Kansas from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br /><br /><br />“Demand for organic grains surpasses the available supply nationwide,” states Mary Fund, workshop coordinator for the Kansas Rural Center, “which means there is opportunity for growers. Organic farming offers a way to reduce production costs, adopt a cropping system that offers multiple conservation benefits, and provides a premium in the market place. Like all agriculture, it is not without challenges, and the forum provides a chance to discuss those. The day will also provide an opportunity for conservation district personnel and others who work with organic farmers to learn more about organic agriculture.”<br /><br /><br />Keynote speaker will be Dr. Michel Cavigelli, lead scientist for USDA’s Farming Systems Research Project at Beltsville, MD. The major focus of the long-term field cropping systems study is to evaluate the sustainability of no-till, conventional till, and organic cropping systems by evaluating the agronomic performance, nutrient dynamics, and soil biological activity, and predicting long-term sustainability of cropping systems. Dr. Cavigelli has Kansas ties as in the 1980’s he was an intern at the Land Institute and also worked as an intern at the Kansas Rural Center where he completed case studies of five Kansas organic farms before going on to complete his graduate and PhD work.<br /><br />Workshops sessions will focus on the challenges and opportunities for organic farming including organic system plans and crop rotation basics, organic certification, USDA NRCS and other resources available for organic farmers, and marketing options. The day will conclude with a roundtable of organic farmers, researchers and others on the challenges and needs facing organic farmers including drought adaptation or management, production issues, and research needs.<br /><br />“The forum also provides organic farmers and beginning or want-to-be organic farmers an important net-working opportunity to learn from each other,” stated Fund. “The final roundtable of the day will provide time to discuss production problems or issues, certification questions, and list research needs – all helpful in planning future workshops, farm tours, or research projects, or answering a particular question for your farm.”<br /><br />Forum registration cost is $15 per person, which covers lunch, snacks and hand-out materials. The deadline for RSVP for the meal and registration is Wednesday November 7. To register </span><a href="http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=haxabybab&oeidk=a07e6hg8pgsa0ca4aea"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> or go to KRC’s website at </span><a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.kansasruralcenter.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for more information, or contact KRC at 785-873-3431, or </span><a href="mailto:ksrc@rainbowtel.net"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ksrc@rainbowtel.net</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.<br /><br />The Kansas Organic Producers Association is also holding its annual meeting the following day at the same facility, so the Quality Inn is providing a conference rate for those interested in lodging. See the registration information at KRC’s website for more.<br /><br />Organic Forum co-sponsors are the Kansas Rural Center, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops (KCSAAC), and Kansas Organic Producers Association. (KOP) .</span>Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-59333636495065007832012-10-21T16:22:00.000-05:002012-10-21T16:46:38.178-05:00AGRICULTURE AND HEALTH SUMMIT<!--StartFragment-->
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AGRICULTURE AND HEALTH SUMMIT PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER 16</span></b></div>
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The influence of agriculture on Kansans’ health will be the topic of an all-day “Healthy Farms, Healthy People: Agriculture and Health Care Summit” in Topeka on November 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washburn University’s Bradbury Alumni Center. The event is coordinated by the Kansas Rural Center, in partnership with the Kansas Health Institute, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Farmers Union and others, with funding support from the Center for Disease Control through its National Network of Public Health Institutes.<br />
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Registration for the summit is open to those interested in learning more about the intersection of the Kansas health, agriculture and food environments, including dietitians, nurses, doctors, worksite wellness coordinators, agency officials, public health practitioners, community development officers, farmers, ranchers, grocers, restaurateurs.<br />
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The daylong event will explore Kansas perspectives on the connections between farms, food systems, and health, with a goal of learning more about the challenges and specific to Kansas communities.<br />
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Morning sessions and presentations will explore healthy eating behaviors and influences, farming and food systems in Kansas, the role of food and farm policy, and the challenges in producing healthy food.<br />
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Speakers will include Barb LaClair, M.H.A., of the Kansas Health Institute; Anthony Randles MPH, Ph.D, of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Rhonda Janke, Ph.D, of Kansas State University; Paul Johnson, public policy contributor to the Kansas Rural Center, and Donn Teske, president of the Kansas Farmers Union.<br />
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Featured Keynote speakers will include Dr. Elizabeth Ablah, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita and Bob Martin, Senior Policy Advisor for John Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.<br />
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Afternoon roundtables will provide participants with an interactive opportunity to generate potential solutions of interest to their own communities and work. Roundtable topics may include beginning farmer programs, farm to school, farm-raised food distribution infrastructure problems, access to healthy food, incentive programs such as SNAP, and workplace wellness. The organizers seek to bring together stakeholders from health and agriculture to create the dialogue that is needed to create an understanding of challenges, opportunities, and actions for change around identified food, farming and health issues in Kansas.<br />
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Cost to attend is $35, which includes beverages, snacks, and a locally sourced lunch. For more information or to register, visit <a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/">www.kansasruralcenter.org</a>.<br />
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KRC has partnered with the Kansas Health Institute, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Health Consumer Coalition, Kansas Farmers Union, and Bon Appétite Management Company to coordinate this event.<br />
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The summit is a part of the Healthy Farms, Healthy People (HFHP) State Meetings Learning Community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has supported the learning community through its cooperative agreement with the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI). NNPHI has provided funding to selected state meetings and contracted with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) to provide technical assistance to meeting organizers. The views expressed during this meeting do not necessarily represent the views of NNPHI, IATP, CDC, or the Healthy Farms, Healthy People Coalition. ##Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-21726429552972756792012-10-21T16:20:00.002-05:002012-10-21T16:52:30.279-05:00LOCAL FOOD NEWS: Strategic Marketing Workshop Focuses on Livestock <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">STRATEGIC MARKETING WORKSHOP DRAWS ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD</span></b><br />
<i>by Tracey Graham </i><br />
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Forty-two people attended the September 21 “Strategic Marketing for Livestock Producers Workshop and Tour” focusing on direct and niche marketing “how-to’s” in Concordia, Ks. Speakers ranged from livestock producers who are successfully using direct or niche marketing to increase revenue and manage risk to Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas State University and other experts on business development, marketing and regulations.<br />
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Lisa Roberts of the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University challenged participants to evaluate the costs and values associated with their farm enterprises, while discussing the multivariate factors that must be considered when setting pries for farm products.<br />
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Direct costs, indirect costs, opportunity costs, and values--tangible and intangible, quantifiable and emotional-- must all be part of the equation. Roberts who comes from a farm background, said, “Everything I know about business I learned on my family’s farm and I learned it from my grandfather!”<br />
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Panelist Norm Oeding of Janzen Farms (grass-fed beef and whole grains, Harvey County), Rosanna Bauman of Bauman’s Cedar Valley Farms and Anco USDA Poultry Processing Plant (Pasture-raised eggs, chicken, turkey, and ducks, and 100% grass-fed beef ; Anderson County), Noah Goddard of Goddard Farms (Goats, Grade A Dairy; Douglas County) and Laura Fortmeyer of Jubilee Farm (sheep and lamb products; Brown County) shared their experiences with pricing issues and the importance of record-keeping. Speakers answered questions related to marketing, pricing, processing, added value, shipping, diversification, cooperative marketing, “coopetition” and collaboration with other producers, and working with interns.<br />
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Julie Mettenburg, KRC Executive Director, covered the Basics of Marketing, Sales and Branding,<br />
through a marketing mix of 7 key decision points: Place, Price, Pro-motion, People, Process, Physical Environment, and Product. Each of these areas overlap, and provide an avenue for niche marketers to tell their unique story, thereby increasing the value of the products offered.<br />
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Panelists Andi Dale of Dale Family Farms (grass-finished beef, pastured pork and poultry; Comanche County), Cherie Schenker of Schenker Family Farms (all-natural beef, lamb, pork and poultry; Crawford County), and Tonia Rupe of Lucky Star Farms, (grass-fed Angus beef; Greenwood County) shared their marketing and sales experiences and fielded a wide range of questions.<br />
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Transitioning from traditional commodity crops to niche marketing of specialized products (and becoming debt-free as a result), obtaining and maintaining Naturally Grown and Animal Welfare certifications, and determining the optimum mix of direct market retail and wholesale sales, were topics of interest.<br />
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“Pay attention to detail. Be so conscientious people think you’re anal,” advised Cherie Schenker. “Give stuff away” and “Be prepared to fail,” added Andi Dale. “Show you’re committed to the lifestyle and find ways to preserve this way of life,” offered Tonia Rupe.<br />
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Rosanna Bauman, known as the youngest HACCP writer in the state of Kansas, moderated the session on Processing, Rules and Regulations. KDA Dairy Inspection Program director George Blush, KDA Meat and Poultry Inspection Program director Julie Ehler, and Dr. Liz Boyle of Kansas State University Animal Sciences, shared challenges and opportunities livestock producers face in processing and selling their products.<br />
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They encouraged livestock producers to not be afraid to contact specialists at KSU and KDA for answers to specific questions concerning processing, labeling, liability insurance, inspection programs. <br />
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According to the panelists, it is widely recognized that the majority of food safety regulations were written with large producers in mind, and that many regulations do not apply well to smaller niche marketers. Most state regulators will work with producers to see to it that the intent of the regulations are addressed, and are not looking to overregulate small producers beyond their abilities. Efforts are being made at KDA and at USDA to streamline and clarify processing and handling regulations and procedures.<br />
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The workshop concluded with a tour of an example of a successful direct/niche marketing farm: the Lazy S Farm near Glasco where Larry and Madonna Sorrell raise heritage pigs (Red Wattle, Gloucester-shire Old Spot, and Mule Foot), turkeys (Standard Bronze), cattle (Scottish Highland), and sheep (Katahdin and Jacob). They also operate Rustic Remembrances Bed and Breakfast on the farm.<br />
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The majority of their livestock is purchased, processed, and marketed by Heritage Foods USA. Their meats are popular with world-famous chefs on the west and east coasts, including Mario Batali, Jason Denton and others.<br />
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Heritage Foods offers farm to fork traceability for their meats. This level of attention to heritage breeds and knowing specifically where each cut of meat comes from commands high dollar prices in top restaurants in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Chicago, Washington D.C., New York City and Las Vegas. The Sorrell farm has been featured in a number of magazines including Time and Sunflower Living, and newspaper articles, including the Salina Journal and Kansas City Star in recent years.<br />
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Workshop participants will receive a copy of KRC’s soon-to-be published Finding Your Niche: A Direct Marketing Guide for Kansas Farmers. The 150+ page guide, due out later this fall in both paper and online versions, will be full of information similiar to that offered at the workshop, guaranteed to help farmers and ranchers get successfully established in direct marketing.<br />
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The workshop was co-sponsored by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops and the Kansas Farmers Union, and funded in part by a grant from teh USDA Risk Management Agency.</div>
Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-48445052142897869882012-10-21T16:20:00.001-05:002012-10-21T16:47:36.221-05:00LOCAL FOOD NEWS: Community FEAST Event<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Community Organizes Around Healthy Food: Brown County Hosts FEAST Event </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E6WHXNyg9VuVbtM55n6C7wOgICtgWV8OFpwDC9yYu_UJbswKECxs8iXHJ46ADw_Nta_Wsx6fhxJQPjQE7NRR2YmOzqoqNqwF66l2MjiCsWxBW_yl6Y209ZqSkY2jpnIu2g8qDbo8SkG5/s1600/RP+Photo+J.+Pg+8+-O+2012+FEAST+participants++.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E6WHXNyg9VuVbtM55n6C7wOgICtgWV8OFpwDC9yYu_UJbswKECxs8iXHJ46ADw_Nta_Wsx6fhxJQPjQE7NRR2YmOzqoqNqwF66l2MjiCsWxBW_yl6Y209ZqSkY2jpnIu2g8qDbo8SkG5/s320/RP+Photo+J.+Pg+8+-O+2012+FEAST+participants++.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Participants in the Brown County FEAST shared<br />
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<i>by Chhaya Kolavilli & Cole Cottin </i><br />
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On Monday, September 24, 2012, over 70 people gathered at
Highland Community College’s historic Klinefelter Barn to engage in Kansas’
first ever “Community FEAST.” FEAST (Food, Education, Agriculture Solutions
Together) is a model for community organizing created by the Oregon Food Bank
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According to the Brown County Healthy Foods Coalition (BCHFC), the primary goal of Brown County Community FEAST was to unite a broad range of community members under one roof to discuss challenges to and opportunities for responding to regional health issues and food access needs.</div>
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FEAST participants included: local farmers, school workers, food business owners, tribal representatives, government employees, and food bank staff members.</div>
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With one of the highest food insecurity rates in Kansas and a health status ranking of 89 out of 100 Kansas counties, the Brown County Healthy Food Coalition identified FEAST as a tool to generate greater community involvement in improving the availability of and access to healthy foods. It was supported by a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation to the Community Foundation of Northeast Kansas.</div>
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FEASTs held elsewhere in the nation have resulted in increased nutrition education efforts, farm-to-school partnerships, local food hubs, new farmers markets, food producer networking groups, community gardens, food policy councils, and more.</div>
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After attending a FEAST Facilitator’s Training, held at Kansas State University (K-State) in June, BCHFC partnered with the Kansas Rural Center, K-State’s Center for Engagement and Community Development (CECD), Kansas Farm Bureau, and Glacial Hills Resource and Conservation Development (RC&D) to make this event happen.</div>
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The evening featured presentations from local and state agencies, plus small group discussions. Karla Harter, of the Brown County Health Department, kicked off the evening with a presentation on the challenges to community health in the area.</div>
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Just four grocery stores serve all of Brown County’s predominantly rural population. Harter asked participants: “What do you do when you can’t even afford to get to the grocery store? Then, if you do get there, the only food you can afford is highly processed, high sodium, calorie dense, and nutritionally poor.” In order for healthy food to become a regular part of residents’ lives, Harter says it must be available, reachable, affordable, and prepare-able. “The days of grandma in the kitchen teaching you how to prepare wholesome foods are gone, folks,” she emphasized – pointing to the need to educate people about healthy foods identification and use.</div>
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Next up, from the Kansas Department of Education, Cheryl Johnson and Barb Depew shared information on the many programs public schools can choose to offer to respond to issues of access and education. Often, they said, healthy eating “starts with the kids.” Just getting kids excited about different types of healthy foods can have a great impact on how families eat.</div>
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“October is national Farm-to-School Month,” they pointed out, “We hope Brown County will be a shining example for the state!” In fact, later that evening, connections were made between farmers and school food service directors interested in purchasing healthy, local food for their schools.</div>
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Other speakers included: Matt Young, Brown County Extension Agent, who encouraged participants to use his office as a resource for increasing the local food supply. Brown County farmers, Mark Ward and Jake Johannes, emphasized the economic potential of marketing farm products locally and regionally.</div>
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Annarose Hart, Agribusiness Development and Farmers Market Specialist for the Kansas Department of Agriculture, spoke about creative models for improving food access in communities. Hart pointed out that programs like Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which facilitates vision card (food stamp) and credit card sales at farmers markets, have doubled the income of some farmers markets: “It’s a huge way to be able to capture the food dollar, to help make sure that farmers can keep farming and that people can have access to healthy foods.”</div>
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After the presentations, participants enjoyed a locally-sourced meal followed by small group discussions on a variety of topics, which included access, education, production, and distribution of healthy foods in Brown County. Driven by the premise that sustainable solutions to community challenges must be community-based, the groups submitted their ideas to the Brown County Healthy Food Coalition with a list of allies and resources that might be useful for addressing different areas of concern.</div>
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Some of these ideas included “mobile food trucks” as a solution to the challenge of physical access to food. “Brown County has limited grocery stores and only one farmers market,” they said, “but a mobile food truck operation, perhaps run through a local grocery store and in collaboration with area farmers, could deliver food to outlying communities.” Others suggested that a virtual food store, in which customers order food online and receive a delivery to their door, could increase food accessibility.</div>
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In his closing speech BCHFC Chair, Steve Smith, addressed the FEAST participants: “The things we are discussing tonight are not easy fixes. They are total societal changes. We have a lot in front of us.” His sentiments echoed Harter’s opening statement, “We can change history. We can change the course of Brown County.”</div>
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For photos and story about the Brown County FEAST, visit <a href="http://www.kawrivervalley.org/2012/10/feast-on-this-community-organizes.html">here</a> for more.</div>
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If interested in organizing community around food and agriculture, or learning more about hosting a FEAST-like event, you can download a “FEAST Planning Guide” from the Oregon Food Bank’s website at: <a href="http://oregonfoodbank.org/Our-Work/Building-Food-Security/Community-Programs/">http://oregonfoodbank.org/Our-Work/Building-Food-Security/Community-Programs/. </a></div>
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Also, keep an eye out for KRC’s soon-to-be posted “FEAST Toolkit,” full of resources from the planning of Brown County Community FEAST, at: <a href="http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/publications.html">http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/publications.html</a> </div>
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Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-43333619977349028232012-10-21T16:20:00.000-05:002012-10-21T22:42:35.888-05:00SUSTAINABLE FARMING NEWS: Grazing School Covers Managed Gralzing Benefits<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbd6wD02NdcpPkG5bz-UDwigfW8d0bo6JFCg72IKba8Euaw04CWSOPwdMvweyxJsDUpRJQvsv5VEncZ-YfxxxbsXmG4d1WsbzLu_WZprfMhgOXn94ENRsrBSK3-tXMRgyTUJc2Rv3FU9n/s1600/RP+Photo+M.+Pg+11++S-O+2012+Gr+schl++Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbd6wD02NdcpPkG5bz-UDwigfW8d0bo6JFCg72IKba8Euaw04CWSOPwdMvweyxJsDUpRJQvsv5VEncZ-YfxxxbsXmG4d1WsbzLu_WZprfMhgOXn94ENRsrBSK3-tXMRgyTUJc2Rv3FU9n/s320/RP+Photo+M.+Pg+11++S-O+2012+Gr+schl++Group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Participants at the Eastern Ks. Grazing School had some outside<br />
class time estimating available forages.</td></tr>
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<b>EASTERN KANSAS GRAZING SCHOOL COVERS MIG BENEFITS TO LIVESTOCK, PLANT AND SOIL HEALTH AND BOTTOMLINE </b><br />
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<i>by Jason Schmidt </i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With increasing feed and input costs, cattle producers are interested in increased forage utilization by their grazing animals through better grazing management. This interest brought together 55 individuals from over 30 farms to the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Emporia to spend two full days learning about management intensive rotational grazing on September 12 and 13.<br /><br />This third annual Eastern Kansas Grazing School brought together Kansas and Missouri grazing experts to educate farmers and ranchers on how to become better grazing managers. The school combines hands-on learning experiences in the field with classroom education on subjects including plant and soil management, livestock nutrition, fencing and watering options for designing a rotational grazing system, and the economics of grazing.<br /><br />David Kraft, State Rangeland Management Specialist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) kicked off the school with an introduction to Management Intensive Grazing (MIG). Kraft said that MIG is a new idea to many.<br /><br />The basic concept of rotational grazing is to encourage the grazing animal “to remove as much forage as possible in a short amount of time,” then move the animals to let the plants rest and allow the roots and leaves recover. The more paddocks or cells that are in a rotational grazing system, the higher are the rates of forage utilization.<br /><br />The class observed a rotational grazing system with a field trip to Fuller Farms near Emporia. Gail Fuller has incorporated a form of rotational grazing called mob grazing into his no-till cropping system to utilize cover crops.<br /><br />At Fuller Farms on day one, the class was given the assignment to partition off an area big enough to give Fuller’s beef herd enough forage for one day plus ensure half the standing forage in the area was left at the end of one day of grazing. Doug Spencer, NRCS Rangeland Specialist from Marion, explained that it is important to leave half of the growing leaves to ensure rapid recovery of the roots below the ground.<br /><br />The exercise taught the class how to estimate the amount of forage available in a pasture, calculate the amount of forage consumed by a beef herd, and ultimately determine an appropriate stocking rate. On the second day the class returned to the farm to observe whether they had given Fuller’s cattle herd enough forage for one day.<br /><br />Along with learning how to estimate how much forage is available and how much forage cattle consume, the class learned about forage species common to eastern Kansas.<br /><br />David Hallauer, Jefferson County Extension Agent, gave an overview of the growth patterns of different forages and the soil fertility needs to maintain healthy pastures. Hallauer stressed the importance of adequate soil phosphorus levels for healthy plants.<br /><br />With this year’s grazing school located in Flint Hills, KC Olson, Kansas State University (KSU) livestock specialist, gave an appropriate talk on managing the KSU beef herd year-around on native prairie. Olson told the story of how he has increased the profitability of the beef herd through maximizing grazing utilization of rangeland.<br /><br />Olson says the number one factor for determining profitability is to “maximize the percent of nutritional cost that can be absorbed by the grazable forage.” This is accomplished by making livestock fit their nutritional environment. For Olson, this meant adjusting the calving season to coincide with the peak forage quality of the prairie in April. Also, to match the harsh environment of the range, Olson is reducing the size of the cows to reduce the maintenance cost of the animals. He said there is a 40% increase in maintenance cost for a 1400 lb cow compared to a 1000 lb cow.<br /><br />Included among the harsh conditions challenging producers is the historic drought experienced this summer. Olson challenged every livestock producer to have a drought management plan. He outlined how KSU has implemented their drought management plan this summer.<br /><br />Mark Green, Missouri NRCS, instructed the class on the nuts and bolts of designing and installing a rotational grazing system. Green brought his van packed with fencing and watering tools for hands on demonstrations. Green preached for the need to build flexibility into a rotational grazing system. This means minimizing permanent fences and permanent frost- free waterers, and maximizing the use of electric fences and unburied waterlines.<br /><br />Wesley Tucker, University of Missouri Extension, drove home the importance of managed grazing. By far the most important variable in determining profitability is feed cost, Tucker said. Feed cost can vary drastically between cow-calf producers ranging from $200-$900 per cow per year. Tucker challenged the school that the cattle industry is undergoing a major shift. The cattle industry was built on “cheap land, cheap feed, cheap fuel, and cheap fertilizer.” Between 2007 and 2008 we saw the disappearance of all these.<br /><br />Tucker encouraged the class to re-think how we manage our animals to adjust to this change. During the grazing season this means maximizing pasture utilization through grazing management. Over time we can increase the grazing utilization of our cattle from 30% in a continuous grazing situation, to approximately 70% utilization with 24 paddocks, or moving cattle to a new paddock every one or two days. This increase will not happen overnight, but essentially with management we can double our forage base without buying more land. Tucker encouraged participants not to get overwhelmed by the thought of moving cattle every day, but to “move as much as your lifestyle allows.”<br /><br />During the winter, Tucker said we must stretch grazing as far into the dormant season as possible. Feed and hay drives cost, while grazing drives profitability. Wesley says the Tucker Farm philosophy is that “cows, sheep, goats, and horses can all harvest forages cheaper than you can.” And, with managing our pastures, the only ingredient that we can affect for growing grass is soil nutrients. So, make sure we evenly distribute manure with rotational grazing, and feed hay back on the pastures. Every 1000 lb round bale has approximately $20 worth of nutrients.<br /><br />Tucker left the school with a final challenging quote from Jim Gerrish, “The more metal and fuel you put between solar energy and a cow’s belly, the less profitable you will be.”<br /><br />The Grazing School was sponsored by Kansas NRCS, KSU Research and Extension, and the KRC and was funded in-part by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Agency.</span>Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-81444807255000955732012-10-21T14:28:00.001-05:002012-10-21T14:47:15.275-05:00EVENTS<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><b></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>LOCAL FOOD CONNECTIONS WORKSHOP IN WICHITA <br />NOVEMBER 10</b></span><br /><br /> Our Local Food – South Central Kansas will host a Local Food Connections Workshop Saturday, November 10, 2012, from 9am -4:00pm at the Sedgwick County Extension Center in Wichita. Local food connections can be the most challenging step for food businesses and producers interested in making local food an option for consumers.<br /><br />For consumers it can sometimes be challenging to find local food, especially year round. Busy schedules can add yet another tier to the challenge. Local producers, grocers, restauranteurs, institutional food buyers, other food businesses, and locavores (supporters of local food) are invited to attend this daylong event that will focus on networking, and building marketing skills and business relationships to simplify these challenges.<br /><br />Featured morning workshop sessions will cover the following topics: Planning Crops for Consistent Yields, Regulations of Selling & Buying Animal Products, Post-Harvest Handling, Liability Insurance for Market Farms, Niche Marketing, Livestock Products, Nose-to-Tail Meat Use, Local Food as a Marketing Tool, Love Local Food, Eating by the Calendar, and Preserving the Harvest. A full schedule can be found at www.ourlocalfoodks.org or the pdf link below.<br /><br />In the afternoon a panel of local food buyers and growers will provide opportunity for questions about buying and selling local food. Diana Endicott of Good Natured Family Farms in Kansas will be the featured Keynote afternoon speaker.<br /><br />Cost to attend is $25 for members of the Our Local Food program and $35 for non-members, which includes a local food lunch. The registration deadline is November 7, 2012.<br /><br />Register online <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e68h394u864d23e6&llr=zwpiyvdab">HERE.</a> For questions about the event or membership status, contact Natalie Fullerton, Our Local Food – South Central Coordinator, at 402-310-0177 or <a href="mailto:southcentral@ourlocalfoodks.org">southcentral@ourlocalfoodks.org</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">KANSAS ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM SET FOR NOVEMBER 10 </span></b><br /><br />Join the Kansas Natural Resource Council, Kansas Interfaith Power and Light, and partners at the “Making Connections, Growing the Grassroots” Environmental Forum Saturday November 10 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fiedler Auditorium, KSU Engi-neering Complex, 17th St. and College Heights Road, Manhattan, Kansas.<br /><br />Presentation and discussion topics include: Kansas Environmentalism – Where we’ve been and where we’re going; Crafting an effective advocacy campaign; and How to build an effective education message. Breakout sessions on Clean Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Water Quality/Quantity, and Wildlife and Land Conservation<br /><br />Registration is free. To register, send an email to ksenviroforum@gmail. com. For more information about registration contact: Moti Rieber with KS IPL at 913-232-2336, <a href="mailto:rebmoti@kansasipl.org">rebmoti@kansasipl.org</a>, or Kim Bellemere with KNRC at 785-840-8104, <a href="mailto:kim@knrc.ws">kim@knrc.ws</a>, or go the KNRC website: www.knrc.ws.<div>
<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ORGANIC FARMING FORUM IN SALINA NOVEMBER 13 </span></b><br /><br />An Organic Farming Forum is set for Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at the Quality Inn, 2110 W. Crawford, Salina, Ks. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Resources, information and networking opportunities for existing and beginning organic farmers, and conservation professionals, as well as anyone interested in learning more about organic farming, will be the focus of the day-long forum. <br /><br />Keynote speaker will be Dr. Michel Cavigelli, lead scientist for USDA’s Farming Systems Research Project at Beltsville, MD. The major focus of the long-term field cropping systems study is to evaluate the sustainability of no-till, conventional till, and organic cropping systems by evaluating the agronomic performance, nutrient dynamics, and soil biological activity, and predicting long-term sustainability of cropping systems. Dr. Cavigelli has Kansas ties as in the 1980’s he was an intern at the Land Institute and also worked as an intern at the Kansas Rural Center where he completed case studies of five Kansas organic farms before going on to complete his graduate and PhD work. <br /><br />Workshops sessions will focus on the challenges and opportunities for organic farming including organic cropping system plans and crop rotation basics, organic certification, USDA NRCS and other resources available for organic farmers, and marketing options. The day will conclude with a roundtable of organic farmers, researchers and others on the challenges and needs facing organic farmers including drought adaptation or management, production issues, and research needs.<br /><br /> Forum registration cost is $15 per person, which covers lunch, snacks and hand-out materials. The deadline for RSVP for the meal and registration is Wednesday November 7.<br /><br />To register online (and for more info), click <a href="http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=haxabybab&oeidk=a07e6hg8pgsa0ca4aea">HERE.</a> or contact KRC at 785-873-3431 or <a href="http://ksrc@rainbowtel.net./">ksrc@rainbowtel.net.</a><br /><br /> The Kansas Organic Producers Association is also holding its annual meeting the following day at the same facility, so the Quality Inn is providing a conference rate for those interested in lodging. Contact the Quality Inn directly at 785-285-2111 to make your own reservations. Tell them you are with the Organic Farming Forum.</div>
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Forum co-sponsors are the Kansas Rural Center, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops (KCSAAC), and Kansas Organic Producers Association.<br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HEALTHY FARMS, HEALTHY PEOPLE: AGRICULTURE AND HEALTH CARE SUMMIT NOVEMBER 16</span></b><br /><br />The influence of agriculture on Kansans’ health will be the topic of an all-day “Healthy Farms, Healthy People: Agriculture and Health Care Summit” in Topeka on November 16, at Washburn University’s Bradbury Alumni Center. The event is being directed by the Kansas Rural Center, Whiting, in partnership with the Kansas Health Institute, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Farmers Union and others, with funding support from the CDC through its National Network of Public Health Institutes.<br /><br />Registration for the summit is open to those interested in learning more about the intersection of the Kansas health, agriculture and food environments, including dietitians, nurses, doctors, worksite wellness coordinators, agency officials, public health practitioners, community development officers, farmers, ranchers, grocers, restaurateurs.<br /><br />The daylong event will explore Kansas perspectives on the connections between farms, food systems, and health, with a goal of learning more about the challenges and opportunities on these topics that are specific to Kansas communities.<br /><br />Morning sessions and presentations will explore healthy eating behaviors and influences, farming and food systems in Kansas, the role of food and farm policy, and the challenges in producing healthy food. Speakers will include Barb LaClair, M.H.A., of the Kansas Health Institute; Anthony Randles MPH, Ph.D, of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Rhonda Janke, Ph.D, of Kansas State University; Paul Johnson, public policy contributor to the Kansas Rural Center, and Donn Teske, president of the Kansas Farmers Union. Afternoon roundtables will provide participants with an interactive opportunity to generate potential solutions of interest to their own communities and work. Roundtable topics may include beginning farmer programs, farm to school, farm-raised food distribution infrastructure problems, access to healthy food, incentive programs such as SNAP, and workplace wellness. The organizers seek to bring together stakeholders from health and agriculture to create the dialogue that is needed to create an understanding of challenges, opportunities, and actions for change around identified food, farming and health issues in Kansas.<br /><br />Cost to attend is $35, which includes beverages, snacks, and a locally sourced lunch. Click <a href="http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=haxabybab&oeidk=a07e6ce0mh81ea25609">HERE</a> to register online.<br /><br />The Kansas Rural Center has partnered with the Kansas Health Institute, Kansas Department of Health & Environment, Kansas Health Consumer Coalition, Kansas Farmers Union, and Bon Appétit Management Company to coordinate this event.<br /><br />This summit is a part of the Healthy Farms, Healthy People (HFHP) State Meetings Learning Community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has supported the learning community through its cooperative agreement with the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI). NNPHI has provided funding to selected state meetings and contracted with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) to provide technical assistance to meeting organizers. The views expressed during this meeting do not necessarily represent the views of NNPHI, IATP, CDC, or the Healthy Farms, Healthy People Coalition.</div>
Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472870588022826661.post-46358779860721325102012-07-31T09:01:00.000-05:002012-07-31T09:13:33.694-05:00Rural Papers No. 244 June-July-August 2012<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Table of Contents</span></h2>
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<b>1) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/gerrish-grazing-workshops-set-for.html">Gerrish Grazing Workshops Set for Topeka and Hays</a></b><br />
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<b>2) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/small-farmer-commentary.html">Small Farmer Commentary:Drought and Cultivating Resilience</a></b><br />
by Mary Fund<br />
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<b>3) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/briefs.html">GMO Myths and Truths Report Released</a></b><br />
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<b>4) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/policy-news.html">Policy News:</a><br />House Ag Committee Passes Farm Bill; Waiting on Full House Action</b><br />
by Mary Fund<br />
<b><br />The Future of Kansas Budget: The Big Gamble Begins</b><br />
by Paul Johnson<br />
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<b>5) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/clean-water-farming-news.html">Clean Water Farm News:</a><br /> Beware of Blue Green Algae Threat to Farm Ponds</b><br />
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<b> Clean Water Project Wraps Up; KRC to Explore Emerging Resource Issues</b><br />
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<b>Does Your Cover Fit? (Cover Crops Review)</b><br />
by Lyle Kohlmeier<br />
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<b>6) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-local-food.html">Our Local Food News:</a></b><br />
<b>Niche Marketing Guide and Workshop Due this Fall</b><br />
by Joanna Voight<br />
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<b>Savor the Season Helps Promote Specialty Crops</b><br />
by Tracey Graham<br />
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<b>Mobile Food Prep Unit Helps Garnett Farmers Market Promote Products</b><br />
by Tom King<br />
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<b> Glacial Hills RC& D Hosts Local Food Bus Tour In May</b><br />
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<b>7) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/resources.html">Resources</a><br /><br />8) <a href="http://kansasruralcenter.blogspot.com/2012/07/events.html">Events</a></b>Mary Fundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392072716955257329noreply@blogger.com0