By Megan Reuther
5/23/2012
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47542600
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| A family farm that produces fresh, organic foods. |
Summary
Eric Morrison owned and operated an electrical contracting company. Now, he and his wife are two of seven full time seasonal employees working at Grinnell Heritage Farm which was built in 1857. Its a family farm so it benefits small businesses. Andrew Dunham owns the certified farm with his wife Melissa and his Aunt Janet. He started a vegetable farm in 2006. At first, he raised about three acres and sold it at farmers’ markets. Now he has 15 acres. Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and antibiotics. They cannot be genetically engineered. Dunham brings organic food in fresh from the farm, places it in a cold water bath and then lets it dry. Then he puts it in coolers, which allows him to harvest produce and take the field heat out. Most California farmers store food like this. His coolers cost more than $50,000, but he says he will save about $6,000 by taking advantage of a loan program typically used by corn and soybean farmers. Investments like this are serious because it helps to grow the local food economy. Dunham food, especially lettuce, is sold at many locations, including Whole Foods.
Opinion/Reaction
This article was a easy, pleasant read. Family farms that grow organic food are so environmentally friendly, unlike industrial agriculture operations, which pollute communities with chemical pesticides, noxious fumes and excess manure. Family farmers live on or near their land and strive to preserve the surrounding environment for future generations. Since these farmers have a vested interest in their communities, they are more likely to use sustainable farming techniques to protect natural resources and human health. The existence of family farms also guarantees the preservation of green space within the area. Unfortunately, once a family farm is forced out of business, the farmland is often sold for development, and the quality land and soil for farming are lost. I think it would be cool to live in the countryside and go horseback riding. I remember learning about famring methods in the 1990's during environmental science class. I am glad Dunham is helping out small industries and companies, making our economy stronger.m
Questions
1. Do you eat organic food? What is your opinion on them?
2. Which one do you think is better a factory farm or a family farm? Explain.
3. Have you ever been on a farm? Why are many of them running out of money? Explain.
Opinion/Reaction
This article was a easy, pleasant read. Family farms that grow organic food are so environmentally friendly, unlike industrial agriculture operations, which pollute communities with chemical pesticides, noxious fumes and excess manure. Family farmers live on or near their land and strive to preserve the surrounding environment for future generations. Since these farmers have a vested interest in their communities, they are more likely to use sustainable farming techniques to protect natural resources and human health. The existence of family farms also guarantees the preservation of green space within the area. Unfortunately, once a family farm is forced out of business, the farmland is often sold for development, and the quality land and soil for farming are lost. I think it would be cool to live in the countryside and go horseback riding. I remember learning about famring methods in the 1990's during environmental science class. I am glad Dunham is helping out small industries and companies, making our economy stronger.m
Questions
1. Do you eat organic food? What is your opinion on them?
2. Which one do you think is better a factory farm or a family farm? Explain.
3. Have you ever been on a farm? Why are many of them running out of money? Explain.
I enjoy talking to farmers about a range of issues. Occasionally the subject turns to farming as we get older and when it is time to retire. Some farmers look forward to retiring so they can farm for as long as possible. I admire this spirit. What better way to keep fit and mentally stimulated than caring land and its livestock. Some tough independent old people hang on when they are no longer capable of looking after their property. Most farmers need the advice from their friends and families to realise it is time to leave the farm and try something different.
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