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AGRICULTURE by Chuck Hassebrook |
1. Successful Farming Magazine
Touting itself as the largest paid circulation farm publication, Successful Farming recognizes a broad range of issues related to agriculture and rural America, including the human and social elements. It oozes with the commercialism prevalent in all farm magazines which are facing tough financial times.
An interesting mix of progressive issues is found here--rural America, affirmative action, reports from Chiapas, Mexico. A good example of providing a valuable service to grassroots groups
3. Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture sites abound; the Leopold Center, housed at Iowa State University will provide a good entree to the issue. The Center takes an appropriately broad approach to sustainability
4. Farm Bureau
With 4.7 million "members," the Farm Bureau is one of the most politically powerful agriculture groups. A conservative voice for America's established agricultural interests.
A good example of what a concerned citizen can do for grassroots organizing. Changes in the hog industry are dramatic, not just in the Corn Belt, but from North Carolina to Oklahoma to Utah.
Other...Most land grant institutions offer a wealth of resources and links to the wide world of agriculture. Here's a good one:
Chuck Hassebrook is Program Director at the Center for Rural Affairs in Walthill, Nebraska.