Our theme for November is about tools and equipment … and good old-fashioned ingenuity. We have a number of pieces to help you as you look at your equipment needs on your farm or ranch, with articles by Marty Travis, Tim Young, Ryan Slabaugh, Jill Henderson, Abbey Smith, Paul Dorrance, Anneliese Abbott, and a special interview with Claire Robinson, editor of GM Watch.
The November issue of Acres U.S.A. magazine is now available for sale, both in digital form and in print, for just $6.00. The issue, volume #581 in our catalog, features 100 pages of information focused on building biodiversity on your property.
Inside the November 2019 issue:
Tools of the Trade
BY MARTY TRAVIS
Buy what you need, get it used and take care of it — those are principles one Illinois farmer puts into action at his organic farm when it comes to equipment.
Bring Out the Bug Gun
BY RYAN SLABAUGH
When California farmer and inventor Daniel Unruh is faced with a problem, he doesn’t just buy something off the shelf — he starts building the solution.
A Rooted Approach
BY JILL HENDERSON
A Minnesota farm relies heavily on cutting-edge root cellar technology to supply its booming CSA business.
Does Biodiesel Pay?
BY MARIA DIMENGO
The buzz around alternative fuel technology is real, but farmers should think twice about market forces before jumping into a new venture.
The Proper Context
BY ABBEY SMITH
Allan Savory’s ideas on land management can act as a problem-solving techology for a host of challenges on the farm — and off.
The War on Pests
BY ANNELIESE ABBOTT
After World War II, militaristic language entered the vocabulary of American farmers. The enemy? Bugs. The solution? Better farming through poison.
Blueberry Pioneers
BY ANNELIESE ABBOTT
Learn how a Michigan farm paved the way for organic fruit farming in its state and built a thriving business in the process.
Interview: Claire Robinson
The editor of GMWatch explains the scientific evidence that suggests GMO crops are a real threat to human health — and a false promise for farmers.
VIEW FROM THE COUNTRY
Monthly musings from Acres U.S.A.’s editor.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Readers share their thoughts on past articles and words of encouragement.
OPINION: Regenerative Rejoinder
BY MIKE SNOW
Why regenerative agriculture — and not GMOs, soil-free laboratories or Impossible Burgers — is the true savior of our dysfunctional food system.
ECO-UPDATE
News in brief from around the world on developments in eco-farming technology, food and farming, human health and vital environmental issues.
CONSULTANT’S CORNER: Reaping the Rewards
BY JON FRANK
Bringing soil up to a state of full fertility, capable of growing outstanding crops and incredible-tasting food, is a wise and admirable undertaking.
MINDING YOUR BUSINESS: Selling Farm Meat Online and Managing Inventory
BY TIM YOUNG
Selling meat online can be tricky when it comes to pricing. Find out a strategy that helps the farmer and consumers.
STOCK & FLOCK: A Grazier’s Toolkit
BY PAUL DORRANCE
Learn about equipment that works from a regenerative rancher.
HARVEST TABLE: Food That Travels
BY NICK BARNARD
Life on the road doesn’t always present opportunities for healthy eating. These recipes will help you make nutritious food for your time in transition.
REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
From in-depth book reviews to innovative websites and beyond, here’s what’s on our radar.
MARKETPLACE
CLASSIFIEDS
ECO-MEETINGS
We let you know when and where exciting eco-farming events are happening.
MEET AN ECO-FARMER
Get to know fellow innovative farmers putting ecologically correct production principles to work, resulting in profitable, sustainable operations.
