Why should we care about the farm bill?
By Jessica Domel
If you like food, you should support the farm bill.
The Senate voted for a new farm bill yesterday and action now shifts to the House. I’ve been keeping up with the farm bill’s progress in Washington, D.C., and I found myself asking others on our staff, “What does this mean for the typical American consumer?”
I have some answers for you.
The irony of the farm bill is that only about 20 percent of its funding is for farm-related programs. But that 20 percent is vital to American farmers. Without the funding provided through federally subsidized crop insurance, many farmers would probably have to leave the business.
read moreIs organic taking over my produce section?
By Jessica Domel
I absolutely love cooking, but going to the grocery store stresses me out.
I live in a community where the organic section of the grocery store is so large that it makes searching for traditionally-grown produce feel like an Easter egg hunt.
It literally took me at least 10 minutes one day to find traditionally-grown spinach. I found the variety of organic blends right away, but the more affordable, traditionally-grown spinach was hiding over by the seafood freezers behind a cart of other produce.
read moreFood for thought
By Jessica Domel
I’ve decided, after much consideration, that food has the ability to bring families, friends and foes together, brighten someone’s day and sustain our lives. That’s a pretty big responsibility for anyone or anything.
The healing power of food stuck in my mind as I was thinking about a friend of mine who is going through a pretty difficult time. I was dwelling on my lengthy list of things to do when I saw a note on Facebook about her troubles.
read moreMeet a Texas onion plant farmer: Bruce Frasier
By Jessica Domel
Farmers in the Lone Star State are doing more than helping to feed and clothe the world. They’re also helping agricultural production in other states. Did you know the nation’s largest onion plant supplier is located in Carrizo Springs, Texas?
Meet Bruce “Onion Man” Frasier, president of Dixondale Farms.
Dixondale Farms ships millions of onion plants across the nation each year to be planted in states with shorter growing seasons. This year, Dixondale Farms is celebrating a milestone–100 years in business–and millions of plants sold to garden centers, farms and home gardeners across the United States.
read moreCelebrating food on National Ag Day
By Amanda Hill
We Americans have much to celebrate. Nearly all of us have calendars filled with celebrations—birthdays, weddings, new babies. We can almost always find a reason to gather with our friends and family and express our gratitude for someone or something.
Today, we have another reason to celebrate. It’s the 40th anniversary of National Ag Day—a day for Americans to express our appreciation for the nutritious and affordable food that is grown in the United States. It is truly remarkable to think that nearly anything you’d ever crave is grown right here in America.
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