The response by pro-organic types to the Stanford study last week was swift and defiant (pretty sure I predicted it). The organics responded that nutrition is not the only reason they purchase the overpriced produce! No, they also do it for all sorts of supposedly environmental reasons. But a lot of … [Read more...]
America’s Favorite Farm Market Winners Announced
And the winners are:Small: Arlington Farmers Market, WAMid-sized: Sulphur Springs Texas Farmers Market, TXMedium: Winter Garden Farmers Market, FLLarge: Fayetteville Farmers Market, AR Check out the rest of the results here (including a list of the top 20 overall and top 5 in your state). … [Read more...]
Study: Organic Food NOT Healthier
Some mornings are better than others, so when I woke up to a tip regarding this new study I knew it was going to be a good day. Frequently questioned by patients on whether or not they should switch to organic food, doctors at Stanford decided to conduct a study to determine if organic food … [Read more...]
AFBF National Day of Prayer for Drought Victims
The American Farm Bureau Federation issued this statement today: On Thursday, Aug. 23, the American Farm Bureau Federation will be asking Americans to remember the many individuals and families facing severe struggles due to this year’s devastating drought. Suggestions for a National Day of … [Read more...]
Colleges See Increase in Ag Majors
One of the most popular majors in college these days is apparently Agriculture.Colleges that have strong programs are all seeing increases in students entering those programs. At Penn State, for example, student enrollment in the Agriculture department is up 40%. Iowa State University shows a 95% … [Read more...]
National Farmers Market Week
This week is the official week dedicated for Farmers Markets. The USDA is reporting that there is an increase in the number of markets again this year (and has been for the last 18 years). "After 18 years of steady increases, the number of farmers markets across the country now registered with … [Read more...]
UPDATE: House Passes Bill Prohibiting Labor Rules on Minors
Remember back when the Department of Labor was trying to pass those rules that would prohibit children from working on family farms? (Check out the post here if you don't.) DOL pulled the regulations after a firestorm of complaints about the new rules from the agricultural community.Now, the House … [Read more...]
Senate Considers Egg Laying Standards
It didn't quite make the farm bill, but the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee is debating requirements for housing conditions of egg laying hens. The legislation would require an increase in space for hens and labeling so consumers know in which conditions the hens were kept. The … [Read more...]
California Attempts to Label GMOs
Watch the latest video at <a href="http://video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a> Scare tactics. This is just another attack on conventional farming by niche farms and … [Read more...]
The Danger of Dirt (And Nature)
The beautiful thing about this time of the year is undoubtedly the fresh produce available, especially from farmer's markets and roadside stands. What could be better than buying local, fresh produce right from the farmer that grew it? Of course, that makes people at the FDA and other government … [Read more...]