The robber barons of today’s food corporations
Iowan Austin Frerick saw his home state transform from a world of farms to one of toxic factory food and hollowed out rural communities. Yet he offers optimism and real solutions.
Farm Aid: Food, festivity, and fighting for farmers
In 1985 Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young organized a concert to benefit farmers and spread awareness of the farm crisis. Since then Farm Aid has become a force for farm justice––and ongoing music and culinary celebration.
Healthy fish snacks––what cod be better?
Nick Mendoza studied marine science, but felt he could make a bigger difference as an entrepreneur, bringing sustainably-produced fish products to market.
The Carbon Credit Conundrum
What are carbon credits? And do they actually work to reduce carbon in the atmosphere? Ecosystem scientist Jane Zelikova explains––including the role of farmers and ranchers in this emerging market.
At The Table: Chefs advocating for a better food system
Katherine Miller talks about the power that chefs, with celebrity and visibility in their communities, can bring to everything from sourcing healthy food to passing legislation.
The six-legged livestock: Bees
For beekeeper Melanie Kirby , honey is only one part of her business. Bee breeding and pollination service are essential to keeping the food system thriving.
Bonus episode: Ask Me Anything!
Quivira Coalition communications director Anica Wong and Down to Earth host MaryCharlotte Domandi team up to answer listener questions and look back on 2023.
Photographing grasslands: beauty, community, life
Sally Thomson‘s gorgeous new book of photographs and texts, Homeground, is all about Southwestern grasslands and their flora, fauna, and the human stewards who work and care for the land.
Land, sheep, and the inefficiency of being too efficient
Elena Miller Ter-Kuile is a sixth-generation farmer living in Colorado, raising sheep for wool and grass-fed meat, and restoring her family’s damaged land.
Transforming 40 million acres of lawns into thriving ecosystems
Erik Ohlsen, author of The Regenerative Landscaper, is helping people, municipalities, companies, and farms create thriving landscapes at every scale––and cultivate native plants, wildlife, and food.