When the kids get out of school and are around all summer, sometimes parents need to get creative on how to keep them busy and get them out of the house. And each year, some families wonder what is the perfect gift to give dad for Father's Day. Well, how about checking out the way life was back in the 19th century agricultural industry?
Well doesn't that sound like fun? Ok, maybe not at first blush, but this event sounds like a blast for those families who like to be outside and working with their hands. This event, hosted by the
Kelley Farm staff, would be a great day for dad...!--more-->
The Food Connection
A common factor of the American food system has been the industry that surrounds a food item and its production. While other countries have been influenced through the progression of mass production, America has also been influenced and has experienced a shift in their food relationships.
In the past, Americans farmed locally and had a close relationship to the production and consumption of their food items. Now, during the industrial economy of mass production, Americans and other global producers do not hold this close relationship to the production practices associated to their food.
This food...!--more-->
Earlier this month, one Minnesotan lost his chance to be heard by the Supreme court. In fact, his story failed to get much attention at all; dead cows aren't the most catchy subject. Greg Herden represents the latest test against the unassailable force we know as the Federal Government.
The story starts out with a federal project called the "Environmental Quality Incentives Program." As its name suggests, the goal behind the program was to get farmers to plant more environmentally friendly crops. Herden got involved...!--more-->
How much money do you make in one year? Take that number, and divide it by
four — that'll give you an idea of what the average Minnesota farmer dealt with in 2013.
In 2012, the net median income for a Minnesota farm was $189,679.
In 2013, it was $41,899 — down 78% from the previous year. That's also the lowest it's been since 2009 according to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities annual report which was released last week and
reported on by the Star Tribune.
An almost 80% year-over-year...!--more-->