FEATURES Keeping Regional Crops Aliveby Tamara ScullyCrops that fed our ancestors and provided a sense of place are disappearing, but some growers and researchers are dedicated to the continuation of these old favorites, refusing to allow them — and our food roots — to disappear. A Kentucky Success Storyby Barbara Berst AdamsAs the tobacco market waned, the small blue fruit became a successful, sustainable and healthy new crop for a region in which it had never previously been grown. From Grass to Glassby Leigh GlennAs dairymen across the country face tough times, pastured organic milk is still going strong. Find out how two Virginia farmers are keeping their eye on soil and animal vitality for healthy returns. Contain the Cute: The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media Picturesby Dr. Roxanne Bruce, D.B.A.Learn how to successfully navigate the world of online marketing for your farm, ranch or other agricultural enterprise. Sunn Hemp: Soil-Building Superhero with Forage Potentialby Anne Cumbie RandleSunn hemp possesses many soil-building traits, including high rates of biomass production and has the potential to fill an important gap in summer annual grazing. Manure Happens: Usage & Benefitsby Christopher CumoFor eco-farmers striving to use the best inputs available, the quality of manure used to boost crop and soil health is a growing concern. Interview: Defending a Way of LifeProfessor, farmer and author Philip Ackerman-Leist discusses how one European town was able to push back against pesticides and Big Apple. DEPARTMENTS View from the CountryMonthly musings from Acres U.S.A.’s publisher. Letters to the EditorReaders share their thoughts on past articles and words of encouragement. Opinion: Organic Seed Follow-UpMark Keating continues the discussion over the seed sourcing requirements in the organic standards and what he believes is an organic farmer’s statutory right to determine the variety and source of the seed they plant. Eco-UpdateNews in brief from around the world on developments in eco-farming technology, organic food and farming, human health and vital environmental issues. Science on Your SideAcres U.S.A. highlights recent research and what it means for you. The Harvest Table: Self-Reliant GardeningCarel Struycken has long been interested in the principles of permaculture, not only as they relate to growing fruits and vegetables but also because of the perspective it gives him on human activities. Stock & Flock: Noble Beasts on the FarmRetired veterinarian, consultant and farmer Will Winter shares tips for getting the most of out of a canine farm hand in part one of this two part article. Small-Scale Success: America’s Native BambooJill Henderson shares ways to identify, cultivate and utilize America’s three distinct native species of bamboo. Reviews & RecommendationsFrom in-depth book reviews to innovative websites and beyond, here’s what’s on our radar. Marketplace Classifieds Eco-MeetingsWe let you know when and where exciting eco-farming events are happening. Meet an Eco-FarmerGet to know fellow innovative farmers putting ecologically correct production principles to work, resulting in profitable, sustainable operations.
