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- Here is a recent research paper summarizing two dairy farm studies conducted by the University of Maryland, comparing conventional confinement (CC) farms and management-intensive grazing (MIG) farms in terms of profitability and environment impact, and suggesting that MIG productions methods may be more sustainable than CC production systems. Sustainability of Management-intensive Grazing Dairy Farms versus Conventional Confinement Dairy Farms. This was written by Dale M. Johnson, James C. Hanson, Raymond R. Weil, Rachel Gilker, Eric Lichtenberg, and Kota Minegishi.
- This is a link to a wonderful short film, narrated by Michael Pollan, entitled “Soil Solutions to Climate Problems,” from the Center for Food Safety. The film outlines interrelationships between climate change and the health of the world’s soils. It was produced by Diana Donlan and filmed by Patrick Riggs.
- Feedlot-based cattle farming increases acidity in the animals, which can erode the environment and our health. In Mother Earth News, Richard Manning writes about how well-managed grazing can help balance the acidity in animals, restore the cycle of nature on farms, and provide consumers with healthier food.
- Here is a well-documented UN publication, “WAKE UP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE: Make Agriculture Truly Sustainable Now for Food Security in a Changing Climate.” This is the Trade and Environment Review 2013 from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, the secretariat of which is headquartered in Geneva Switzerland. Many of the articles and commentaries are written by European scientists. The focus of this organization is underdeveloped countries. Recommendations include: encouraging small farms, increasing focus on management for carbon sequestration, placing increased emphasis on grasslands and grazing livestock, rejecting industrial agriculture, and saying that only in this way can the world achieve the fertile soils needed to feed a growing world population.
- This is a well-documented US publication, ” FARMING WITH GRASS,” edited by Alan J. Franzluebbers of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), published by, and based on papers by many US agricultural scholars presented at a 2009 conference hosted by, The Soil and Water Conservation Society of Ankeny, Iowa. Important recommendations include: refocusing agriculture on efficient capture of solar energy, sequestering carbon in soils and vegetation, improving water quality and availability, ensuring food security, incorporating forage grasses and beef cattle grazing into crop rotations, encouraging innovative managers of mixed grazing, cropping, and forestry systems for ecological and economic benefits.
- Carbon Management and Sequestration Center, Ohio State University, Director Rattan Lal (cmasc.osu.edu/; see videos: senr.osu.edu/our-people/rattan-lal)
- Hertsgaard, Mark, “Sun Food vs. Oil Food,” Slate, Web. 2 July, 2013 (Michael Pollan on how changing agriculture could reverse climate change)
- TED talk by Allan Savory (June 3, 2013) (re: desertification) www.SavoryInstitute.com
- Farming with Grass – Soil &Water Conservation Society
swcs.org/en/publications/farming_with_grass/
- Rodale Institute (for organic approach to climate change) www.rodaleinstitute.org
- Eat Wild by Jo Robinson (everything about pastured meats) www.eatwild.com
- Soil Carbon Challenge – Peter Donovan (carbon testing) soilcarboncoalition.org/
- In 2009, Martha Holdridge compiled a Webliography of links for a meeting of the Northeast Pasture Consortium, related to carbon sequestration and grassland management. You can find this at: http://www.westwindfarm.biz/grassfedbenefits/Webliography-on-CarbonSequestration.pdf
Hello, I live in the Baltimore area. I would like to purchase bulk amounts of grass fed meat. Buying it bit by bit from the store is cost prohibitive for me. Can you advise me on a farm or buying club that delivers to this area?
Thank you!
Julie
Please check out eatwild.com. Search for Maryland and you will see many choices.
Martha