Looking to 2020: Climate Action, the Farm Crisis, and Politics in Rural America
Lindsey speaks with Matt Russell, an Iowa farmer and executive director of Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, an organization that brings people of all faiths together in conversation about critical issues, like climate change and the future of rural America. Matt sees an opportunity for farmers to be on the forefront of climate innovation and […]
Broken Promises: 4-H’s LGBT+ Controversy
The 4-H program’s mission statement includes “a promise to America’s kids to reflect the population demographics, vulnerable populations, diverse needs, and social conditions of the country.” In 2017, however, USDA administration pressured the national 4-H organization to retract its LGBT+ inclusion policies. Shortly after, John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, the progressive 4-H Youth Development Program director who had […]
The Power of Statewide Farming Networks
A recent report by Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems studies the growth and achievements of the Regional Food Systems Working Group (RFSWG), an organization in Iowa committed to building long-term local agriculture commerce in the state. The group is part of Value Chain Partnerships (VCP), an Iowa-based network of food- and agriculture-related […]
Iowa Farm Poll Shows Farmers’ Perspectives on Climate Change, Other Issues
One of the most significant sources of information about farmers’ thoughts on current issues, the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, has just been released. This poll, conducted by the Iowa State University Extension Service, surveyed more than 1,000 Iowa farmers on a wide range of issues key to agriculture policies. The poll found that […]