Kody McCleary, a 24 year old producer, says that maintaining the family farm for the next generation is his number one goal.
Livestock
Revitalizing Rural Communities Means Supporting Small Farms
Between 1935 and 2023, the number of farms in the U.S. decreased by 72 percent, while the average farm size nearly tripled.
Cream Co. Meats Is Reshaping the Meat Industry One Farm at a Time
By sourcing meat locally, the company is working to promote resilience, reduce reliance on centralized production methods, and empower small farmers.
Catastrophic Floods Cause Major Disruptions to Brazil’s Agricultural Sector
Record rainfall caused destructive flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, resulting in major disruptions to the Brazilian food system.
Field to Plate: Walla Walla Community College’s Hands-On Approach
Uncover a hands-on culinary journey at Walla Walla CC, where students learn the art of sustainable cooking and agriculture in the heart of Washington’s renowned wine region.
Young Farmers Bring Small-scale, Humane Hog Farming Back to Iowa
Neighbors love to drive by and see a young family raising hogs outdoors again—a rare sight in Eric and Mikala Boors’ part of Iowa.
Finding Balance as a Sixth-Generation Pig Farmer
Family farmer Aaron Williams is committed to raising hogs sustainably. Now, he’s traveling across the country to explain why.
Marketing that Matters: Audubon Seal Connects Ranchers and Consumers
The Audubon Society’s bird-friendly seal was developed to help eaters choose meat products produced in way that conserves grasslands.
Nurturing a Path to Success for Small, Sustainable Sheepherders
Family farmer Levi Wahl hopes to build a business that he can pass on for his children to enjoy as much as he does.
Leather Companies Can Play a Critical Role in Stopping Deforestation
Tanneries are starting pilot projects that are intended to improve traceability and help end deforestation.
Silver Fern Farms’ Net Carbon Zero Program: A Pioneer in Sustainable Meat Production
Discover how New Zealand’s Silver Fern Farms is revolutionizing the meat industry with its innovative Net Carbon Zero program, pushing the boundaries of sustainable farming.
FAO Releases Assessment of Soil Carbon in Grasslands
Grasslands sequester carbon, drawing it out of the atmosphere. But despite their importance, these ecosystems are some of the least protected.
From Farm to Planet, Lessons on Building Multigenerational Farming and Food Systems
Conversations with family farmers, retailers, food producers, journalists, chefs, and advocates serve as a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting farmers.
World’s First Vaccine for Deadly African Swine Fever Approved for Commercial Use
While African Swine Fever has a near 100 percent mortality rate, top scientists are hopeful that the African Swine Fever vaccine will soon be made available around the world.
A New Hog Farming Model for the Next Generation
Steven and Alaina Imhoff knew they wanted to expand their hog farming at Triple Creek Farms in southeast Iowa. And they were convinced that the industrial route wasn’t going to suit them. In 2019, they connected with Niman Ranch, which…
USDA Organic Livestock Standards Set to Improve Animal Welfare and Public Health
The proposed rule has the potential to increase animal welfare for livestock raised in the United States.
New Research Shows Animal Agriculture Is Making UTIs Worse. Factory Farms Could Make Them Untreatable
This is more than just a foodborne illness problem—it’s a factory farming problem.
Is Corporate Consolidation Leading to Higher Egg Prices?
Between December 2021 and December 2022, the cost of eggs more than doubled.
Diversified Pastured Poultry Models Can Reduce Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Shifting away from an industrialized model of poultry production can help reduce the risk of disease and protect animals.
A Network for Independent Family Farmers: “It’s Like a Family”
Niman Ranch’s network allows farmers to maintain their independence while receiving critical resources and support.
