WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a series of listening sessions this winter. The agencies invite perspectives on the benefits and challenges of the rapidly increasing levels of clean energy being sited on agricultural lands and in rural communities. USDA and DOE seek feedback directly from a diverse set … [Read more...]
USDA looks to expand domestic fertilizer production, double cropping
Kankakee, Ill. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack recently highlighted progress made in partnering with farmers and American businesses to increase innovative domestic fertilizer production and in making it easier for U.S. farmers to grow food through the practice of double cropping. USDA also announced $52.6 million in awards under the Fertilizer … [Read more...]
This Veteran-Owned Farming Startup Is Building a Food Oasis in Kansas
Rock band Jethro Tull and the Covid pandemic planted the seeds for a budding micro farm in Pittsburg, Kansas (population: 20,646) that is meeting a longstanding need for healthy food access. Leafy Green Farms was founded by Brad Fourby, a Navy veteran and California transplant drawn to opportunity in the Kansas plains. But in a state where the average farm is 781 … [Read more...]
Episode 41: Leafy Green Farms
Brad Fourby is the Founder of Leafy Green Farms based in Pittsburg, Kansas. The farm uses shipping containers and vertical hydroponics to deliver hyperlocal vegetables and herbs to area businesses and residents. The farm grows and harvests weekly all year long. Climate does not affect the farm as it grows many specialty herbs and vegetables not normally available to this … [Read more...]
EsoTerra Cider: Reviving Rural America’s ‘Drink of Choice’
Just off the San Juan Highway — a stunning loop through Southwest Colorado — is a cider works on a mission to change the future of hard cider by digging into its past. EsoTerra is nestled next to the river in Dolores, Colorado (population: 825) in the heart of orchard country. The surrounding area is home to an estimated 6,000 apple orchards, many of which were first planted … [Read more...]