About Amy Stratton
 Amy Stratton is the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Rural Communities Organizer. She works to find viable solutions to economic and environmental challenges rural communities face. "In the Field" is Amy's blog from her travels throughout the Midwest.
For more, visit IATP Rural Communities.
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Yesterday at E3, an energy conference hosted by the University of Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Xcel Energy President Dick Kelly, Eileen Claussen and numerous other renewable energy experts and civic leaders, I heard similar messages about the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because we are experiencing global warming.
At the global scale, we are experiencing hot extremes, cyclones, droughts and abrupt and possibly irreversable conditions though global warming, Eileen Claussen of the Pew Center for Global Climate Change reported. Over 170 nations have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by signing the Kyoto Protocol. The agreement expires in 2012 and negotiations to update the treaty are beginning. The United States has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
Claussen believes businesses will be a major player in the next step toward addressing global warming. Businesses realize that greenhouse gas reduction policy will soon be created and it will impact them. They want a seat at the table.
Additionally, many businesses recognize that reducing emissions is good for business, according to Xcel President Dick Kelly. Xcel uses electricity from solar, wind, hydro, biomass, nuclear and coal sources for their customers. Xcel has over 23,000 Minnesotans signed on as Wind Source customers, demonstrating the public's committment to renewable energy. They are expanding their renewable sources by adding a wind farm near Austin, MN too.
Senator Kloubchar noted that little is being done on a federal level to address greenhouse gas emissions, however, states are making bold decisions and taking action (see States Greenhouse Gas Emissions Targets). Senator Klobuchar noted that 31 states are in discussions about creating regional carbon registries and trading systems.
It's refreshing to see civic leaders, businesses and organizations all recognize the imminent need to make changes in our nation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
The sun pierced through the clouds, soon to dry the dew soaked grass that now dampened my socks. I couldn't help but enjoy it. After all, I just spent the night on a beautiful porch overlooking Fish Lake while a chorus of crickets sang me to sleep.
I was well rested and on my way to help ready the big old diary barn for the days event, the Agroecology Summit. The Summit is an annual event hosted by Windom area farmer Tony Thompson. This year's event provided over 70 attendees the opportunity to discuss the increasing competition for land use across the rural landscape and its impacts on the future of farming. Panelists covered topics on energy, agronomy, ecological function and recreation. The afternoon tour included a stop at nearby POET energy, a corn ethanol plant, and a farm owned wind cooperative. This tour was, of course, after a walk through the farm learning about the various sustainable crop production methods used, native prairies restored and lots of networking.
 All the food was local - I can attest to staying up late the night before pulling edamame beans off the stalk! Truly an educational, fun and social day, I thought as I enjoyed the last kernal on my locally grown corn cob at dinner that evening.
Thank you Tony and all the folks at the farm for the opportunity to truly enjoy a day at the farm.
We've all heard it before --"A picture is worth 1,000 words." Community designers make this a reality. Dr. Arthur Mehrhoff, of the University of Missouri, explained how pictures can be used in community design at the Minnesota Rural Summit in early May. As an example, the Minnesota Design Team gave community residents where they were working on a design plan disposable cameras with the following instructions: use one camera to photograph things and places that are important in your community and one camera for things that need improvement. Community volunteers and designers used these photos to create collages, look for common themes and help the community understand what people really value about their where they live.
Dr. Mehrhoff explained that when working on community design, visuals really help people understand concepts, and giving people photos or drawings of what their community could look like if they implement the design plan is key. Whether or not your community is currently working on a design plan, asking residents to take photos of what they like about the place they live could be a fun activity with results that can be displayed in a public space for everyone to enjoy.
It was an overcast windy, cold day when we met Nasra, a refugee services coordinator, in Barron, WI. Upon entering her office, the bleak weather seemed to contrast with Nasra's cheerful smile and friendly invitation to talk. We had scheduled this meeting to gain a better understanding of a Somali refugee's life in rural America, and Barron in particular.
It was through this initial conversation that we learned the challenges our rural refugees face: housing shortage, transportation needs, culturally appropriate food, lack of interest free businesses loans, limited English proficiency and challenges building cross-cultural relationships. This led to conversations with Somali refugees in other rural communities, and finally a unique partnership with the City of Minneapolis. City Council Member, Robert Lilligren, and Policy Aide, Nimco Ahmed, partnered with IATP to assist rural Somalis in building connections with other communities and share resources to address concerns.
A first step  was taken a few weeks ago when IATP and the City of Minneapolis (Ward 6) hosted a Midwest Rural Somali meeting. The conversation began quickly as participants were eager to share their stories, learn more about their fellow rural friends and gather resource information from metro service organziations and one another. Participants traveled from rural Minnesota and Wisconsin communities to join this conversation, enjoy a delicious meal from Safari Cuisine (a Barron, WI restaurant owned by a Somali refugee) and create plans for future events. Participants agreed that the next step is to invite all Somalis in the region to an event and continue building connections across communities in the Midwest.
Previous blogs have highlighted the importance of immigrants and diversity in our rural communities, so I won't reiterate, except to say yes, we need to value the diversity of our rural areas!
Professor Katherine Fennelly, University of Minnesota, has conducted some outstanding research on the work and achievements of diversity coalitions in rural Minnesota "Study of Diversity Coalitions in Rural Communities." A few weeks ago, she presented her findings to folks from various coalitions, immigrant organizations, resource institutions and concered citizens from across the state.
Some highlights of Professor Fennelly's reseach includes:
- exurban and rural areas are most xenophobic. (i.e. a high percentage believe “immigrants are hurting our quality of life”)
- between 1990 and 2000 MN foreign born population increased 138%, and only 57% nationwide
- Immigrants in rural areas often have lower lewels of education and have higher limited English proficiency as compared immigrants in urban areas
She suggests rural diversity coalitions may choose to focus efforts on educating the white U.S. born community about their new neighbors and improve evaluation techniques for program goals and objectives. Improving cross-cultural relationships in rural areas can be lonely work, Fennelly says. Her recommendation is to build a network of institutions, organizations, businesses and leaders in the community that support diversity work.
Fennelly has yet to put her latest research up on the web. When she does, we'll add the link.
Imagine heading out of the city for a summer weekend of fishing, boating, camping and outdoor fun. You can no longer hear the noises of the city through your open window, you see only farm security lights dotting the landscape every mile or two in front of you, finally, you relax, losen your white knuckle grip and then, you hit a toll booth. A toll road, here? Yes, that is one idea being discussed for funding rural roads. An Associated Press article suggests that toll roads not the answer in rural states....
Now, rural roads may be less traveled as compared to urban ones but, these important routes are used to move our food from farm to table and bring tourists to rural areas. Rural and urban transportation issues are different, and both need to be funded, but maybe the solutions are not the same.
For further information on rural transportation
Citizens for Appropriate Rural Roads
Growing Traffic in Rural America: Safety, Mobility and Economic Challenges in America's Heartland
Rural Transportation
The Toll on Rural Commuters in the U.S.
"Goal: 100% Renewable Energy use at Prairie Woods by 2010," is what the PWELC newsletter states. And I believe it! Earlier last week, I met Dave Pederson, Executive Director at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, in Spicer, Minnesota. On this cold and snowy (yes, still snowing here) day I pulled into the long driveway at PWELC, and stopped within a few feet. The view of the wind turbine was spectacular! I jumped out of my car and snapped a photo. I will have to take new photos and post on a later day due to an unfortunate incident when transferring them to my computer. Anyway, on with the energy story. This 20-kw Jacobs Wind Turbine was installed last year in hopes that it will provide for about 60% of PWELC electric needs.
Further up the driveway, a solar panel sits on a trailer in the yard, waiting for sunshine to spark it up. This portable panel gets connected to the learning urts for lights and fans. Closer to the buildings, I pass a 400 bushel corn hopper that PWELC uses to fire a large corn boiler that heats two on-site buildings. This burner uses about 4-7 bushels of corn each day. The cost was about $9,000 and they anticipate it will pay for itself in 3 years; already they have seen savings from using corn over propane this winter. Dave said it's been a learning experience to increase efficiency, but that's what PWELC hopes to do; learn and share their experiences with others interested in using renewable energy for their personal or commercial use.
And this is just the beginning of their renewable energy story. PWELC utilizes composting toilets, airsource heating and cooling, corn stoves when necessary, and recently purchased a Fuelmeister Biodiesel Processor to make their own transportation fuel.
Rural people trust others more than those who live in cities according to a recently released Pew Research Center report. While the report, and the Pew Research Center, does not focus specifically on rural issues, they do have some interesting research on their website. Check it out at Pew Research Center.
The rural community of Madelia, Minnesota touts itself as the “Pride of the Prairie.” And they really have something to be proud of - it's called the Madelia Model. Rural Advantage recently completed Madelia Bio-Based Eco-Industrial Assessment, an assessment of the available biomass for energy and other bioindustrial operations within a 25-mile radius of Madelia. Linda Meschke, Executive Director of Rural Advantage, brought this concept to the community of Madelia some time ago. The City of Madelia, Chamber of Commerce and local utility have been working with Ms. Meschke to create this competitive advantage for the community, called “The Madelia Model.”
The concept includes a renewable energy plant constructed at Madelia that utilizes mixed biomass from surrounding farms. Farmers have an opportunity to grow perennials, or crops other than corn and soybeans, for profit. Additional bioindustrial plants would be brought to the community, and a system utilizing waste streams from various business sectors would be developed in Madelia and the surrounding community. This model creates local, sustainable opportunities for farmers, industry and citizens of Madelia.
With the assessment now complete, local partners are seeking input from citizens, businesses, public service sectors and farmers on their vision and guiding principles for creating this competitive advantage for the project. You might not know Madelia now, but keep an eye out for this community; they are taking the reins and plowing forward!
The coffee shop was hopping with activity when I was there one Thursday morning; a couple of women sat near the counter holding a discussion, grandparents were having some morning coffee while chatting with the servers behind the counter about their grandchild who slept in a stroller and a few people came in, got their coffee and left. A farmer whom I know was among those who stopped to get his cup to go. Any of these other folks could also be farmers, too; I don’t know everyone in town.
Do farmers still meet at the coffee shops, or do they just swing by to pick up a cup and then head home to log on? A CNN report states that 51% of farmers have Internet access, and farmers get advice and share crop information on-line. So, do farmers still do this in the coffee shop too? I can’t imagine the Internet entirely replaces this time-honored tradition; I guess the only real way to know is to spend more time in the coffee shop!
Driving into Willmar, Minnesota from the north on County Road 5 you see rolling glacial hills, farm homesteads, wetlands, and lakes. When you eventually come into the city, you pass by the community college entrance, a few manufacturing buildings, the turkey processing plant and residential housing before you end up in Historic Downtown. Entering from the south on Highway 71, Willmar puts on a very different face. A multitude of large big-box retail outlets scattered on either side of the highway give you the feeling that you’ve been here before. And if you’ve never been here, you’ve been to this same development in another city. If you continue to follow this busy major street you pass retail businesses and strip malls, and finally, a left turn takes you to the Historic Downtown.
Willmar is as unique as the roads to get here. Although it has a population of 20,000, over 40,000 people actually work in this rural west central Minnesota town. The community is diverse with many people of Latino, Scandinavian and East African heritage. Farming is the root of this community and many jobs still center on agriculture. The Jennie-O Turkey Store, a turkey processing plant, employs about 1,500 people. Other major employers include medical facilities and public schools according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with many community leaders of Willmar including Steve Renquist, Executive Director, Economic Development Commission. He shared with me some of the exciting ways the community is coming together to make Willmar the “All American City” it is, as designated by a 2005 award from the National Civic League. I met with Steve at his office to learn more about this city and community.
The community has developed a small wind energy guide, set up a task force to connect employers and alumni called “bring them back home,” and developed community committees around ten different community issues. The downtown historic district is being redesigned to renew the city center. The community is also working hard to connect people of all cultures; underdevelopment is a multi-cultural mini market.
Willmar is truly unique - they have lakes and tourism in the center of agricultural farmlands, new developments surrounding an historic downtown, rural areas with an urban center, and diverse citizens with rich heritage. This town has too much to offer for one blog entry, so there’s more to come.
For More Information:
NBC Nightly News-Willmar
Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission
 As I opened the full glass standard-style storefront door, critters of the north woods welcomed me. This rural downtown office building was decorated like a north woods lodge, complete with pine trees, dark colored plaid chairs and lake-themed decorations. When you step into other rooms, the agricultural theme takes center stage. Hard to believe I was in the Economic Development office of Kandiyohi County, MN; it was not the sterile, beige-colored government type offices I’ve seen before.
I asked Steve Renquist, Executive Director, about the reason for such interior decorating, and he said often times their office is the first place travelers and business persons stop when they come to Willmar; they felt welcoming people with a showcase of what the county has to offer provides a unique and memorable first impression. I couldn’t agree more. What a great welcome to their community. I'll write more soon about a number of interesting initiatives in Willmar.
I arrived at the downtown St. Paul cafe, decorated in modern style with beautiful exposed brick, before the noon rush on a Monday. It was there I met Liz Johnson, organizer for The Whitehouse Project. After ordering (a delicious cream of tomato soup by the way) we got down to business. Liz explained that the aim of "The Whitehouse Project" is to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, up to the U.S. presidency. They hold training sessions for women who are interested in running for office - any office from local school board to Senator to U.S. President.
You might be thinking, as I did at first, wow, what a unique program, but what’s the rural connection? In every city, town, small community, village and farm in America, there are untapped leaders-in-waiting who are looking for training, and many are women. This training includes a special session for rural women and provides an opportunity to learn more about candidacy. I personally have not taken the course, but encourage you to find more information at The Whitehouse Project, or check for other training programs if you are interested in making your community better through public service. And for those who currently do serve in public offices, thank you for your service!
Thursday and Friday of last week, I attended the Renewable Energy Conference in Olivia, MN. Wind energy and cellulosic ethanol were the topics that drew in almost 200 people.
Minnesota is 4th in the nation for wind potential and 9th in actual wind energy production. At present, about 70 percent of production is owned by non-Minnesota investors. The production tax credit, CBED, flip models and other project financing strategies were highlighted as opportunities to get a project started in a local community.
Locally owned ethanol plant projects were held up as excellent Minnesota renewable energy projects. The future, according to Bill Lee, General Manager of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company, will be cellulosic ethanol plants grafted onto existing corn ethanol plants. Ethanol plants displacing their electricity and natural gas (or coal) through biomass gasification of cellulosic feedstock simultaneously develop a feedstock market and feedstock production on the farms, thereby, preparing for a cellulosic ethanol plant.
 One final note for those who don’t already know, Olivia is the self-proclaimed "Corn Capital of the World," and a great location for ethanol plants. However, the citizens of Renville County, of which Olivia is the County Seat, are energized and ready to become leaders in wind too. Over the past four years, Renville County has been taking wind readings to better determine if a wind project has potential for the county. The results are looking good for a local Renville County community wind project. Don’t you think wind turbines would look great next to Olivia’s Ear of Corn?
The conference presentations will be posted on the Renville County HRA and CERTS web sites.
So often, when talking about the bioeconomy and biofuel production, cellulosic ethanol is brought up as the next generation biofuel. It will be, when enzyme technology is developed. Special enzyme technology will be used to breakdown and ferment cellulosic feedstocks into ethanol. These specific enzymes are not commercially viable yet. Ethanol from corn, on the other hand, uses yeast; it goes right from sugar into the fermentation process and results in ethanol.
The chicken-or-the-egg situation we are in is this, even if tomorrow someone found “the” enzyme, there is no commercial biomass production. Farm fields are filled with corn and beans. No large-scale commercial production of biomass; crops such as switchgrass, big bluestem or, even, reed canary grass are available. Sure, we can use corn stover, residues and waste for some of the raw material, or maybe even expired Conservation Reserve Program land could be harvested. But the question remains, how can we simultaneously grow biomass and a market for biomass before cellulosic ethanol is a viable commercial opportunity?
Ethanol industry experts offer this potential solution: utilize biomass gasification techniques to replace the natural gas used in the plant. This reduces the plant's fossil fuel consumption and increases its energy ratio. At Central Minnesota Ethanol Co-op in Little Falls, MN, their energy ratio is planned to increase from 1.34 to 3.15 by gasifying biomass to produce green electricity and steam. More on their process can be found here.
If we start to build biomass markets by using other biomass conversion technologies, such as the one at Little Falls, just think where we will be when the announcement comes that “the” cellulosic ethanol enzyme has been commercialized! Biomass is not just for cellulosic ethanol anymore.
“Pathways Toward a Renewable Energy Future,” a conference on moving our nation from fossil fuels to sustainable, renewable biofuels, drew quite a crowd at the University of Minnesota late last week. Researchers from University California Berkeley, Princeton University, National Renewable Energy Lab and University of Minnesota spoke about renewable energy.
John Sheehan, National Renewable Energy Lab analyst stated that cellulosic ethanol does a better job reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG) than ethanol produced from corn, according to their life cycle analysis. Another presenter, Eric Larson from Princeton Environmental Institute, noted that we should look at cellulose, not just cellulosic ethanol, for renewable energy. Cellulose can be used in gasification, pyrolysis or other technologies to create syngas, electricity, heat or fuels.
David Tilman, University of Minnesota, shared information about his recently released report in Science, “Carbon-Negative Biofuels from Low-Input High-Diversity Grassland Biomass.” His research shows that high diversity mixed prairies have 238 percent greater bioenergy yields than monocultures after a decade of production. Professor Tilman stated that we could use this biomass right now; we don’t have to wait for celluosic ethanol. It can be used in home heating pellets or co-combusted with coal.
During discussion the panelists noted that it is hard for us to change our habits. We know that if we keep our tires properly inflated, we get better fuel efficiency, however, we don’t always do this. Therefore, many strategies for renewable energy come from polices that target the supply side.
 Professor Alexander Farrell, U C Berkeley, who will direct Governor Schwarzenegger’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Study Executive Order S-01-07 in California, provided an overview of the Study at an earlier meeting with ethanol industry representatives and stakeholders. Study members will look at ways to reduce GHG to 1990’s levels by 2020. A target was set to reduce GHG to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. This is the most dramatic goal that has been set by any state leader, and according to climate scientists, this is the type of dramatic change that is needed. The rules have not been set, but will be market driven and not use subsidies.
Overall, the take home message was very positive - we can create a sustainable renewable energy future. All we need is a little research, policy, entrepreneurship and big thinking.
For Further Reading:
The Role of a Low Carbon Fuel Standard in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Protecting Our Economy
Campus Leads State Study of Carbon Alternatives - UC Berkeley News
Pathways Toward a Renewable Energy Future
Making Gas from Prairie Grasses (NPR)
The young Truman, Minnesota grocery store owner who was highlighted in a December blog caught the eye of CBS. He is a “hometown hero.” Check out the
video clip from CBS.
David Monson wants to be the first industrial hemp farmer in the U.S. Well, not the first ever, hemp was commonly grown throughout the Midwest before the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. But, he wishes to be the first licensed under the current rules in North Dakota. Monson, a North Dakota state legislator, has gone through applications, fingerprinting, background checks and paid fees to various departments and agencies to apply to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for a license to grow industrial hemp.
According to the media, he has not received a license yet. Why go through all the trouble for one crop? Does he see hemp as the new silver bullet for rural America? Are American farmers currently missing a good crop opportunity that our neighbors to the north in Canada are enjoying?
Hemp can be processed into rope, textiles, paper, fiberglass and insulation. It can be eaten and fed to birds and livestock. Hemp is grown for its long fibers, seed (high in Omega-3 oil) or both. It generally has few pests and competes well with weeds, therefore requiring few chemical inputs. The economic research is varied; some show good profits and others losses.
I applaud Congressman Monson for his efforts to bring a new crop with sustainable attributes to the American farmer, but I’m not ready to claim Hemp for Rural America. Certainly adding a sustainably grown crop, which improves natural resources, provides profits to farmers and makes rural America strong, is a step in the right direction. But let’s not stop solely at hemp when looking for alternative crops to make a vibrant rural America. Let's consider all the alternatives: switchgrass, mixed prairie grass, big bluestem, camelina, miscanthus, flax and many other crops could be added to a rotation, or planted for their perennial attributes and biodiversity on the landscape.
For further reading:
Star Tribune Article “Industrial hemp producer? Plan raises feds' suspicions”
USDA Farmers’ Bulletin No. 1935
Byron Kunisawa, a favorite cultural diversity speaker of mine, says we create a new “normal” every generation. He was talking about year-round school. But, I think we can use this idea to look at other things in life, such as how our rural youth grow up in a new “normal.”
As a young child, it was “normal” for Denny the milkman to walk into our house and place the milk and other dairy products right into the fridge. It was “normal” for us to plead for chocolate milk, and to our dismay, he would reply that our mom did not order it.
Neighbors knew one another, and they took turns watching each other's house when a family was away on vacation; watering plants, feeding cats, etc. Some rural communities had no home delivery mail service and a daily trip to the post office was the social outing of the day. I experienced this post office ritual when living up in northern Minnesota for a summer.
I imagine that there are still communities like this. There are still a few milk companies that provide home delivery and some places where you go to the post office to pick up your mail. I, like many others, swing by the store when the milk is low, and am glad for home delivery mail. Who has time to run to the post office every day? And now, most people lock their house up tight. Some even have security systems to make sure people don’t go into our homes when we are away. What a change - we used to let everyone know we were leaving, and now we try to disguise it with light timers, held mail and snow service.
The “normal” of many youth today will be different than when I grew up. Is this social progress? Is it good, bad or sad? Are we missing a social connection? Are we losing the “community” in rural community? In this article, Jonathan Rowe shares the meaning of rural community with his young son as they discuss the rural post office, social connections it brings and the new “normal.”
Some believe people in rural towns and inner city urban areas have little in common. But that’s not entirely true; many people living in both locations can’t readily access healthy food.
In small rural towns, if a grocery store closes, residents need to find ways to travel to a nearby town to get groceries. The same is true in urban areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul, where urban grocery stores are getting harder to find. A St. Paul Pioneer Press article on the growing urban grocery gap depicts the struggles and time commitment many people in the city go through to bring home simple staples like milk, bread and vegetables.
Could a Food Policy Council help increase access to healthy food? You betcha!
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy has been working on a Minneapolis Mini Market Project to bring small farmers markets with fruits and vegetables to low income communities. Through this project IATP has learned about City policies that regulate farmers markets. A Food Policy Council, if developed in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, could recommend policy improvements for a more efficient system of starting farmers markets. They could also ensure access to healthy food for everyone by promoting local farmers markets, increasing community gardens, increasing distribution and transportation services, providing incentives for local grocery businesses and sharing policy recommendations with the City Councils.
A Food Policy Council in rural communities, created at a town or county level, could also recommend local policies to promote farmers markets, provide incentives for rural businesses that sell groceries, assist local farmers to grow and distribute food, coordinate transportation to access food and create community gardens. Iowa has a statewide Food Policy Council that helps address food access for all people in the state through policy changes.
Urban and rural people do have something in common; now, if only that connection were equal access to healthy food by all people - urban, rural and suburban.
For additional information check out Drake University's web site, The State and Local Food Policy Project; it’s clearinghouse for Food Policy Council information.
As we pulled off the highway to enter my hometown of Alexandria, Minnesota we chose to drive through downtown. It was the longer route, but the best way to see what’s going on in this small Midwest prairie town. A white marquee with large black faded letters announced a celebration that evening for a long-time community leader.
The celebration for Steve Deitz, the high school choir director, included a 20-year reunion concert of the Carolers - a very talented group of 12 high school students selected annually to be part of this extra-curricular caroling ensemble. Mr. Deitz taught and inspired these, and many other local high school students, for over 20 years. Many of his former students went on to pursue their musical dreams in professional careers.
After only one afternoon of practice, the 20-year Caroler reunion concert and celebration was held at the arts center, a converted downtown movie theater. Fortunately, my family had already purchased tickets as the venue was sold out long before we arrived in town. It was beautiful, not only the music, but also the excitement of childhood neighbors, friends and family filling an old brick building to celebrate with the local choir director and former students whose lives he had affected.
I had never taken part in choir as a student, quite possibly due to the fact that I can’t even lip-sync in tune. But, sitting there, and being a part of this event in the stuffy crowded “theater,” invoked a feeling of community spirit and inspiration from the people who live in and call small rural towns home.
Wishing you the inspiration and happiness one finds in the simple pleasure of a rural high school concert all the days of this New Year.
For the last 50 years, California has been the number one agricultural state in the nation, with over $28 billion in cash receipts annually. Over 350 agricultural crops are produced in California. So why then, would Oakland, California form a Food Policy Council?
Heather Wooten worked with the City of Oakland to develop the Council. This week she visited IATP to talk about why and how the Food Council was formed. She explained that the original goal was to increase local food consumption in Oakland. But over time, goals were expanded to include food security, public health, local agricultural support, energy efficiency, environmental resource preservation, zero-waste, community and economic development and education, outreach and advocacy goals.
While Oakland itself has few farms, it does have a lot of consumers, and felt there was a lot a Food Council could do to encourage local food. The City can set up commercial kitchens, advocate for farmland preservation at the state level, work with food distribution systems, create local incentives and support economic development.
The Food Policy Council process included a large research project, Oakland Food System Assessment. After reviewing the assessment, the City Council adopted a resolution earlier this year to allocate funds for the Food Policy Council to move forward on projects.
Oakland residents feel the same as many community’s residents; they want safe healthy food, sustainable natural resources, a secure economic base and reduced waste and energy consumption. Their proactive choice to create a Food Policy Council helps ensure they will meet their goals. So the question becomes, why doesn’t my community have a Food Policy Council?
Last week, Department of Homeland Security immigration officials executed warrants and raids at six meatpacking plants around the U.S. They were looking for identity thieves, but detained numerous immigrant workers, parents, friends, and neighbors. The damage to the fabric of these rural communities is felt, as their threads of trust and support are yanked apart. They lack comfort from family members and friends who were taken away or gone into hiding. Soon, money to pay the rent and purchase food will be missing too.
Immigrants in our rural communities, like Worthington, Minnesota and Marshalltown, Iowa, bring hope and renewed entrepreneurship to our main streets. Some of these rural towns were losing population, businesses, jobs and community. New immigrants help these communities reinvigorate: small locally owned businesses open, community leaders emerge and new cultural celebrations are added to the community calendar. New immigrants play a vital role in their communities.
You can read more about the impact of the Worthington raid in the Star Tribune article, Worthington shaken after ICE raid. And more about the challenges for families in Marshalltown in the Des Moines Register's article Mom, kids spend three days in agony.
After turning off the main highway south of Carver, MN, the road turns into a rollercoaster, weaving back and forth and up and down through the Minnesota River Valley. It’s mid December and still no snow (lucky for me as the Briggs and Stratton snow blower isn’t quite working yet). The river valley is bare, no leaves, no snow - just the contours of the earth, rolling hills, ridges and flat river bottom filled with dry grasses, cattails, and willows, but, on this cloudy day - beautiful. It’s all too easy to forget about the treasure Minnesota has in its namesake river.
We continue traveling at a good pace, enjoying the valley view, until reaching the gravel road that leads to Harri Rinta’s farm. We soon turn into Harri’s farm nestled within the river valley. I never asked, but I wonder if this farm and the river valley remind him of his native homeland, Finland. Upon arrival, Harri and his loyal friend, a herding dog, welcome us. Harri leads us to his machine shed loft turned coffee shop, complete with a sofa, desk and coffee bar. As we settled in, Harri and a friend talk with us about their farms.
Harri operates a typical southern Minnesota farm, complete with corn and soybean crop rotation. Additionaly, he produces edible soybeans and has a woodlot too. During winter, Harri said, he loves to make wood; spending a day outside on a crisp winter day cutting wood is as enjoyable as snowmobiling or skiing. It’s important for Harri to have wood too; it’s how he heats his shop and home. We went outside to have a look at his renewable energy system.
Harri has two separate boilers on his property, one to heat his shop and one for the home and home hot water. The boiler is buried in the earth and has a double chamber. Not being an expert on the workings of boilers, Harri draws a schematic in the gravel using a stick. Then, he shows me how it works. Two large latches are undone on the steel plate that lies flat to the ground. It opens to a pit about 10 feet deep. Harri throws some wood into the pit to demonstrate its operation. The boiler heats water that, in turn, runs though pipes located under his shop; he has a similar one for his home. He uses only downed and damaged trees or waste materials for heating.
 Why does Harri go through this trouble of using renewable on-farm energy? Harri says, for peace of mind; we can all do our part. His renewable energy projects are catching on. Four neighbors have, or are in the process of, installing similar systems at their homes.
After saying our goodbyes, we head for my car, and, on the way, notice a wind turbine lying on the ground in two pieces, as if waiting to be erected to its proper upright position catching a breeze. I make a mental note; next time we meet, I’ve got to hear more about this renewable energy project.
As I cruise through the grocery store aisles searching for quality food for my family, I immediately look to products labeled “organic” or “natural.” To me, and many other consumers, these labels say something about the product. Whether fact or fiction, I assume the food is minimally processed, contains no artificial additives or hormones and was processed without altering the product. “Organic” standards and certification processes assure me that the product is truly “organic,” but what does “natural” mean? Is it defined it as “whole unprocessed food,” or is it “any food that once came from a plant or animal?” Is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) “natural?” Is it “natural” to add sodium lactate to foods? How does processing fit into “natural?” I am not the only one asking these questions.
In May of this year, the Center for Science in the Public Interest planned to sue Cadbury Schweppes over their claim for “natural” 7UP. This product contains HFCS, which CSPI claims is not “natural.” They noted that the Food and Drug Administration does not have a definition for natural. Check out the CSPI news release.
Hormel Foods recently asked the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for a definition of a voluntary claim for “natural.” Officials at USDA FSIS are now seeking public comment on voluntary “natural” claim. You can link to the Federal Register notice and provide your comments. The comment period closes January 11, 2007, and USDA FSIS will begin rulemaking.
The final rule will impact everyone from the rural “naturally” raised and processed poultry farmers to the large multi-national corporations, agencies, and consumers. So let your voice be heard. Rural Americans, how do you define “natural?”
Renewable energy is an issue of national security - that’s the take home message I received from James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence and Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton International Consultants. Mr. Woolsey gave his presentation “Energy, Security and the Long War of the 21st Century” at the Midwest Energy Independence: Taking Ownership conference sponsored by the Midwest Ag Energy Network in St. Paul yesterday.
He reminded us of event a few years ago; a tree took out a power line in Ohio and much of the East Coast went dark. Regionally produced wind energy, he said, could reduce the impact of downed electrical lines, from both Mother Nature and terrorists. Additionally, if American farmers could produce one quarter of our transportation fuel we could double net farm income to $160 billion annually, and reduce borrowing to purchase foreign oil by $80 billion a year. That’s good news for farmers, rural communities and the nation's security.
Minnesota is ready to play its part in national security. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his Next Generation Energy Initiative for Minnesota at the conference. The initiative wants 25 percent of Minnesota’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2025; this includes initiatives on more renewable energy, more energy conservation and less carbon emissions. According to economist Dr. Burton English, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Tennessee, 25 by ’25 is completely achievable! Check out the 25 x ’25 report.
The real take home message for me - Rural America, improving national security, one renewable energy project at a time.
As winter snow will surely pile up in the streets, parking lots and even my driveway, I'll wait until some family member either gets the old Briggs and Stratton snow blower working or picks up a shovel. I will also plan my errands with greater consideration for distance, number of stops and convenient parking. My local grocery store is less than six blocks away, and has great parking. Where would I go if they ever closed? I would be forced to travel on potentially windy, snowy roads to another town many miles away.
Here's a story of what one young entrepreneur did to keep his rural grocery store open; he bought it!
Success is in the bag for young, small town grocer
Thanksgiving is coming soon and I am now prepared with farm fresh, sustainably raised turkey for the whole family! Joe and Liza Domeier operate Pehling Bay Farm in Nicollet, MN. They graze sheep, goats, turkeys and chickens. There is also a horse of course. They sell fleece, meat and poultry all raised on their pasture.
I preordered my turkeys in the spring and picked them up last night. I really enjoy visits to their farm - beautiful pasture with a nearby woodlot and Swan Lake. Upon pulling up the dogs greet you (and sometimes Judas the sheep - but he must have been out chomping on the pasture because he was not up by the homestead). Joe and Liza have been operating the farm for about five years. They started by purchasing a few goats from an ad in the paper and now they have 30 acres of pasture and a growing market. Many of their customers are new immigrants.
Their farm has been in Joe’s family for generations and was most recently in corn and soybean production. It’s so exciting to see a young couple building a sustainable farm. Joe and Liza recently developed a business plan and continue to grow their operation. At present they are working on a web site.
To find a local farmer near you, check out Minnesota Grown, a Minnesota Department of Agriculture publication.
Adding perennial crops to the landscape reduces soil erosion, excess nutrients and sediment from reaching our waterways. Perennial crops can also be a diverse source of income for farmers. Minnesota farmers have opportunities to plant alternative perennial crops, including biomass crops like switchgrass or hybrid poplar trees, and receive some financial assistance.
Today, Linda Meschke, Rural Advantage Executive Director, and Sheila Barsness, WesMin Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Executive Director, met with Jim Kleinschmit and myself to discuss perennial crops. We shared IATP’s
Sustainable Biomass Production Principles and Practices.
Sheila talked about the Productive Conservation on Working Lands project at WesMin RC&D. Through this program, a farmer in Minnesota can sign up to receive payments for some establishment costs of a perennial crop (limited funds available). Currently, funding is provided through a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant. WesMin RC&D is seeking additional state support for a larger project.
Linda shared information on 3rd Crops. A farmer can sign up to receive payments for a 10-year easement on perennial crops. This funding is focused in the Greater Blue Earth River Watershed and the Lower Minnesota Watershed (limited funds available). Currently, Linda is seeking additional funding to expand the project in the Greater Blue Earth River Watershed and for the Upper Des Moines River Watershed in Minnesota.
One concern farmers have expressed when looking into the perennial market is the loss of base acres for federal assistance and loans. This is a risk farmers take when they chose to plant perennial crops instead of commodity crops. We recognize this as a serious concern and applaud those of you who have taken the chance on perennial production!
Hopefully, projects like the ones listed above can help reduce the risk for farmers and we can soon see more perennials on the landscape. Please contact Linda and Sheila for information on their specific project opportunities if you are interested. As always - feel free to contact Rural Communities at IATP for more information.
To better understand ethanol production I took my third ethanol plant tour today. The tour was great, but the weather, not so much. Can you believe snow on October 11th? That didn’t stop the General Manager from providing us with a great tour and valuable information.
Western Wisconsin Energy LLC began production just last month at their $65 million dollar plant. Over 60 percent of the investment came from local farmers (over 500 farmers). They plan to operate 24/7/365 and have a staff of 37 people. Plans are to produce 45 million gallons of ethanol annually. They will also have about 420 tons of dried distillers grain (better known as DDG’s) per day! This product goes to feed cattle.
It’s amazing that it only takes four people to run the plant. The computer system is unbelievable. Everything is automated, and the staff had eight weeks of training before bringing the plant on-line. I appreciated the tour so quick after beginning production.
Ethanol Fast Fact:
1 bushel corn = 2.8 gallons denatured ethanol
Ethanol is known as a renewable transportation fuel. But ethanol can be more than that; ethanol can be a "sustainable" renewable transportation fuel. By growing the crops using sustainable production methods, such as reducing soil erosion, providing wildlife habitat, and ensuring a fair crop price for the farmer, ethanol can be sustainable as well as renewable. We are reviewing research on sustainable production of cellulosic biomass crops. From there, standards for sustainable production are the next step. I’m off to continue on this research.
Professor Wen Tiejun, Renmin University of China; Jim Harkness, IATP President; and myself toured two Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms today. We visited May Farm at Minnesota Food Association’s Wilder Farm and Foxtail Farms in Osceola, Wisconsin operated by Chris and Paul Burkhouse.
CSA is described as producers sharing the risk with members. Members pay at the beginning of the growing season for a “share” of what the farm produces. Each week the members receive a box of food harvested that week at the farm. Each CSA has different products, prices, delivery methods, structure, etc. Members receive fresh food and an opportunity to know their farmer. Farmers receive financial resources up front and share their finanical risk.
The purpose of our tour was to provide information and dialogue exchange between Professor Wen and sustainable agricultural producers who utilize the CSA model.
At May Farm, Alvaro Rivera and Yimeem Vu met with us and provided an overview of the New Immigrant Agriculture Project and the May Farm CSA. To learn more about these exciting projects go to the Minnesota Food Association.
While we were at the farm a member came to pick up her box from the CSA. Professor Wen had an excellent opportunity to talk to her and find out why she chose a CSA. It was an excellent visit and dialogue.
Our next stop was at Foxtail Farm where Paul Burkhouse provided a view of a subset of American agriculture that was relatively new to Professor Wen. Mr. Burkhouse explained how he farmed organically on their small farm. He enjoyed his work and having time off in the winter. He explained that organic agriculture is very knowledge intensive and that planning years in advance was necessary. Mr. Burkhouse did not receieve or want government subsidies. This surprised Professor Wen as did the fact that Mr. Burkhouse did not view traditional agricultural farmers or other local food producers as competition. Mr. Burkhouse said there was enough market for everyone. Mr. Burkhouse leads by example and provides his customers a service with fresh, healthy, chemical-free food.
Professor Wen spoke to us about his viewpoint of American agriculture from international meetings like at the World Trade Organization where representatives of large agricultural producers often had the loudest voice. We had the opportunity show him American agriculture is also comprised of small family farmers who provide healthy locally grown food to neighbors and friends.
America began as a rural place with small towns where most people farmed. Still today there are entrepreneurs and hardy people who have close connections to the land and live on the rural landscape - these are whose stories I wish to tell.
I am the Rural Communities Organizer, new to IATP, but not new to working with rural communities. I will be out in the field working with leaders of rural communities to help them develop strategies and take advantage of opportunities to keep their communities strong and resilient. As I travel the countryside meeting people and hearing their stories I will share them here.
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