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Bonnie's Sustainable Blog- news and views on sustainable farming by publisher Bonnie Bucqueroux

Perennial wheat - Dr. Sieglinde Snapp (Michigan State University) recently received a $1 million grant from USDA to continue her perennial wheat research at the Kellogg Biological Station. Great Lakes Echo reporter Steven Davy reports on the project in this video:

The benefits of perennial wheat include reducing the energy use for planting and protecting the soil, thereby enhancing sustainability. A major challenge is that farmers avoid damage from the Hessian fly by planting after the fly-free date each year, so perennial wheat would not provide that protection.

Food for Thought

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HOOPHOUSES - RAISING CHICKENS - DEFINING SUSTAINABLE AG & MUCH MUCH MORE
Adam Montri in his hoophouse in Bath, Michigan
MSU hoophouse specialist Adam Montri can testify that there has been an explosion of interest in using passive solar (unheated) greenhouses for year-round food production in cold climates. Our ever-expanding section on these marvels offers all the latest on every aspect from construction through planting dates to tips on controlling temperatures. Visit often for new information . . . more

Lisa Ostler's chickens
THINKING OF RAISING CHICKENS? - Lisa Ostler started with just a few, just to have fresh eggs for the family. As her flock grew, she began selling a few dozen eggs to neighbors. She offers information and advice for beginners. . . . more

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Erosion on Alabama farm in Depression

Some say sustainable agriculture is a philosophy or an evolving set of ideals and principles. Others insist the term must be translated into a set of measurable practices to have enduring value and global impact. The debate is intensifying now that the Leonardo Academy is attempting to define and codify standards for sustainable agriculture. This new evergreen section of Food for Thought outlines the issues and provide a forum for further discussion . . . more.

BOOK REVIEW: Sharon Astyk and Aaron Newton have written "A Nation of Farmers," which argues for a massive shift to self-sufficiency in our food systems. Concerned about the convergence of climate change, peak oil and economic instability, the authors propose that food security requires creating 100 million new farmers and 200 new localvore eaters over the next decade. . . more

  
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