Voices From the Farm: How Lea Found Her Farm

In her first contribution to GoodFood World, Lea McEvilly described the decision process it took to finally sell her flock of sheep and retire after farming for nearly 46 years. In today’s contribution, we go back to the time when Lea found her farm.

The 22nd MOSES Conference – What You Missed

The MOSES Organic Farming Conference is the largest organic farming conference in the US. Nearly 3000 attended this year’s event, held February 24-26, 2011. The conference is past but it’s not over; there’s lot’s more to learn.

Voices From the Farm: It’s All about Sheep!

From the frozen hills of southeastern Minnesota, not far from the intersection of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, we got an email recently from Lea McEvilly, 84, shepherdess. After nearly 46 years of raising and caring for as many as 300 sheep on 80 acres with just the help of her dogs for most of those years, Lea is selling her last remaining flock.

Are Food Hubs the Next Big Thing?

The need for aggregating and marketing services is especially great with new and transition farmers. New farmers are challenged to learn the business side of farming while dealing with setting up farm systems. Mid-sized farmers who would like to transition to local markets deal in greater volumes than are typical of direct sales markets. Food hubs can serve these needs.

Passion and Tension: Organic Standards a Hot Topic

There was passion and more than a few tense moments at the USDA National Organic Standards Board Meeting, however agribusiness and the organic community came together in the end on most issues. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) concluded its four-day semiannual meeting in Madison, Wisconsin on October 28 with votes and decisions on several issues impacting the organic industry.