Tag: farmers

Pictures Don’t Lie: Corn And Soybeans Are Conquering U.S. Grasslands

Pictures Don’t Lie: Corn And Soybeans Are Conquering U.S. Grasslands

| February 19, 2013 | 0 Comments

Farmers in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska converted 1.3 million acres of grassland into soybean and corn production between 2006 and 2011. Images derived from satellite data confirmed that changing landscape, which spells bad news wildlife and for soil integrity in some parts.

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Small Farmers Aren’t Cashing In With Wal-Mart

Small Farmers Aren’t Cashing In With Wal-Mart

| February 4, 2013 | 0 Comments

The world’s largest retailer says its investing in one of the fastest growing segments of American agriculture: local food. But small farmers say they aren’t necessarily seeing the benefits.

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KQED’s Forum: The Changing Face of Farming

KQED’s Forum: The Changing Face of Farming

| January 14, 2012 | 1 Comment

Officials say the average farmer in California is nearly 60 years old — and nearly 20 percent are older than 70. They say without an influx of younger and more ethnically diverse farmers, the state’s $37 billion industry will suffer.

KQED’s Forum discusses the graying of the agriculture industry in a broadcast from our Sacramento studios.

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Touring Bay Area Farms, Brunching at Plow

Touring Bay Area Farms, Brunching at Plow

| July 23, 2011 | 4 Comments

Forget about the food trucks for a minute; let’s go hang out with some farmers! Check out this list of great farm tours, hands-on events, and more happening at farms, ranches, and orchards around the Bay Area and beyond. But what if you want to stay closer to home, enjoying the flavor of local farms without getting mud on your shoes? Then head over to Potrero Hill’s sweet, sunny Plow.

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Hungry for Change: FOOD, INC.

Hungry for Change: FOOD, INC.

| June 9, 2009 | 2 Comments

Last month, Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, an outspoken leader on food safety and animal rights, hosted a special screening of the documentary, FOOD, INC. for a roomful of legislators in Sacramento. Thanks to a friend who works at the capitol, I was able to sneak in.

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Gracias por los Campesinos

| November 11, 2007 | 2 Comments

It’s that time of the year again. Shorter days, colder nights and the realization that yet another year is slipping away. For those of us who clutch to whatever hope we can find, it’s also the time to begin thinking about all the promises ahead for 2008. To help mark the months, calendars that inspire [...]

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Peach Advice.

| August 6, 2007 | 6 Comments

Love is in the air: peaches are here, and all is right with the world. Yes, my sunglasses are rose- tinted, why do you ask? I’ve been on the road, taking my show with me. First NYC, then Portland and most recently, Chicago. It’s been fun, educational, hot, and delicious, but I’ve missed being home. [...]

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It’s Still Strawberry Season

| June 24, 2007 | 0 Comments

As one of my colleagues said the other day, the farmers markets are “lousy with strawberries.” I don’t mind the glut, as my own last meal would be a bowl of strawberries, a taste of life short and sweet. The best way to eat the fruit is whole, out of hand, one after the other [...]

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Plumcots, Apriums, Pluots and Their Father of Invention

| May 28, 2007 | 2 Comments

It’s that time of year. When Bay Area markets are jumping with stone fruits. Names whimsical, actual and unpronounceable and downright silly fill signage over mysterious glowing orbs. People want to know, “What’s the difference between a pluot and a plumcot, a nectarcot and an aprium? Why all the funny names? What happened to the [...]

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The California Report: Farm Bill

| March 24, 2007 | 0 Comments

On Friday, March 23, The California Report discussed the Farm Bill. Go listen to the stories at the CA Report website! Host: Scott Shafer Farm Bill Changes To Be a Lesson in Cascading ConsequencesEvery few years Congress tinkers with the Farm Bill, which determines how much federal money farmers get to subsidize their crops — [...]

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