“Livestock changes the focus of everything,” says third-generation farmer Randy Hutton, Jr. “It completes the loop.”
Family Farmers Are the Future. Let’s Celebrate Them!
Family farmers produce more than 80 percent of the world’s food value, but face significant hurdles from land access to market access.
Sustainable Harvest International: Empowering Central American Farmers
Sustainable Harvest International is working to empower Central American farmers, promote sustainable practices, and drive community development.
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.
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.
Finding Childcare is Near-Impossible in Rural Communities. Bipartisan Policies Can Fix That.
In the U.S., about three-quarters of farm families have faced childcare challenges over the past five years.
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…
A Farmers’ Network Offers Sound Business Advice—and Community
After inheriting his family’s deep respect for the land and animals, Jake Beeler faced financial hardship and struggled to maintain his farm. But a network of family farmers has helped him develop a sustainable business.
Three Years into the United Nations Decade of Family Farming: Lessons and Opportunities
The Decade of Family Farming was established to empower family farmers and rural communities while promoting food system reform. What has it accomplished so far?
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.
A Market for Small-Scale Hog Farmers to Thrive
In central Iowa, small-scale hog farmer Travis Flaherty takes pride in raising his animals more sustainably, allowing them to exhibit their natural behaviors.
Sustainable Hog Farming to Keep the Next Generation On the Land
On Alderland Farm in Iowa, this family of hog farmers is working to raise their livestock sustainably.
Farming Must Be Economically Sustainable
For Mindy and Drew Duff, sustainability also means being able to keep farming in the family.
Memoir Recounts Landmark Case that Helped Save Family Farmers
The book follows Sarah Vogel’s journey in the 1980s as she represented more than 245,000 farmers in a historical lawsuit that radically reformed how the USDA treats farmers.
Senator Booker’s Legislation Aims to Reform U.S. Farm Systems
Senator Booker has drawn a wide range of support from farm advocates, public health and environmental justice groups.
Why Agroecology, not Agribusiness, Will Save Our Food System
The global food system needs transforming. Family farmers can get us there, through agroecology and the equitable use of resources.
New on the Podcast: Marcus Benedetti on the Future of Dairy Farming and Robert Jones on Sustainable Aquaculture
Aquaculture expert Robert Jones of The Nature Conservancy and third-generation owner and CEO of Clover Sonoma dairy company, Marcus Benedetti discuss sustainable farming and the future of our food system.
Jim Perdue, Tom McDougall Talk Supply Chain, COVID-19
Danielle Nierenberg interviews Jim Perdue of Perdue Farms and Tom McDougall of 4P Foods.
They discuss farmers, the impact of COVID-19, and how they’re responding to the crisis.
Future Family Farmers Help Communities Grow
Niman Ranch farmers Chris and Joan Scheer of Lowden, IA are revamping generations of farming tradition: switching to sustainable practices for the sake of future generations.
“Our Motivation Wasn’t Just Organic: It Was Saving Family Farms”
On Food Talk, George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley, talks about what drives the co-op: an exciting mission, love for organic, and care for farmers and their communities.
