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Starting a Conversation about Food Justice
“Coffee is a conversation about justice,” said Jana Joramo, co-owner of Copeka Coffee. “The people who are growing food in our fields right now, in the United States, come from the areas that prepare the coffee in your cup. We need to remember it and protect each other.” From sourcing the product, to respecting…
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Irv Alderson: Country of Origin Labeling
Rancher Irv Alderson leaned against an old post near the tack barn at Bones Brothers Ranch near Birney, Montana. The Bones Brothers Ranch brand stamped proudly on the doors of the barn is over 130 years old. Irv readjusted his hat and looked out across the home pastures. “I grew up looking through this…
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Grass King Cattle & Produce Company
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found the average American farm operated at a net loss — requiring off-farm income and health insurance just to break even. Today, Jim and Karen Zezas are defying the odds through niche marketing and a diversified operation. Jim and Karen own and operate Grass King Cattle and…
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4e Winery
4e Winery is a beacon in the soy and corn landscape that makes up most of North Dakota. The winding grapevines at the entrance of the winery, stand proudly, welcoming guests. Greg and Lisa Cook never set out to be wine makers. Greg’s intrigue in wine started as a teen with an interest in…
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Aquaponics and Access: Swanky Roots
Above: Image courtesy of @nathansatranphoto and Swanky Roots. Montana isn’t known for its’ year-round local produce. The harsh winters and short summers can greatly impact growing seasons and deter farmers from planting certain crops. That didn’t stop Billings locals Ronna Klamert and Veronnaka Evenson from pursuing their passion. In the last decade, a significant…
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Holding on to the Ranch: Don Lumbardy
Don Lumbardy was born in 1948 in Mesa County, just 20 miles west of the ranch he stands on today. Lumbardy Ranch is nestled north of the Gunnison River, several miles north of the 209,610-acre Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area, and at the western foot of the Grand Mesa National Forest. Looking out across…
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Growing in Tandem:Diamond G Poultry
Above: Ben (left) and Jacob (right) at Gray Acres Farm. Jacob Gray and Ben Gillespie are not only business partners, they’re friends who share the same values for healthy food systems. Ben and Jacob met six years ago when Jacob was in an internship program with Ben’s family farm, The Living Farm in Delta…
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The Importance of Community Supported Agriculture: The Produce Peddler
Zay & Leah López are first-generation farmers. Together, they own and operate The Produce Peddler. On 26 acres at the west end of the Grand Valley, they grow a large variety of vegetables, melons, and raise chickens and sheep for eggs and meat. Zay and Leah believe that healthy food begins with healthy soil.…
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The Role of a Rancher:Kathryn Bedell
Above: Kathryn Bedell at her ranch in Fruita, Colorado. Ranchers today find themselves needing to do more than ranching to be successful. Ranchers often take on extra roles as stewards of the land, business people, and advocates. Dr. Kathryn Bedell finds herself taking on all of these roles and then some to make her…
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Frank Wallis: Food Freedom
Above: Frank Wallis at the Downtown Gillette Farmers’ Market, a cooperatively owned market in Gillette. Frank Wallis wants Wyoming to be an example to the country that food freedom works — for producers, consumers, and the economy. Standing at E Z Rocking Ranch in Gillette, Wyoming, Frank explained how the Wyoming Food Freedom Act…