It’s my last post of 2023, but I’ll be back with you in the New Year.
This is the time of year when we’re all busy with friends, family, events, dinners and more. I find that I have less time for email, but I also like to decompress by going to a favorite blog or website to read articles that are interesting and informative. With that in mind, here’s that kind of reading for you – some from On Pasture and some from other sources I like.
My best wishes to you and yours for Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Thanks for reading!
Kathy
Soil Health History
Hugh Hammond Bennett is the reason for so much of what we’re doing today when it comes to protecting soil health. Yet very few of us know about his work. This mini-documentary is a great summary of his accomplishments and how he affects our lives today. (Yes, I share this video with you every year, and every year the stats show me very few watch it. But I continue every year because I think it’s so valuable.:-))
The Beginnings of Soil Conservation and the Regenerative Agriculture Movement
How to Succeed at Failing
I’ve been thinking about failure lately in the context of a four-part series from Freakonomics about why we fail and how we can avoid failures or rebound from them. You’ll find more about the series and links to listen here. The series provides some good context for some articles I’m working on for the 2024.
Potty Training Cows?
This article in Science just came out. It’s a look at research looking at farm animal cognition and what we can learn about the evolution of cognition and ourselves based on what scientists are learning. I found myself smiling at things they’re learning that many of us already know, and surprised at other things, like cows being potty trained, that I never would have thought of.
Passing Legislation to Allow Communities to Regulate New Mega-Farm Locations
When large-scale chicken producers announced their plans to build mega-farm in tiny Scio, Oregon, neighboring farmers joined together in a grassroots effort to change state and local laws limiting the placement and number that can be built. It could be a good guide for other communities facing similar challenges. From the Albany Democrat-Herald.
And the Funnies… 🙂
This one makes me smile every year.
And another because it’s the Holidays!
P.S. Still shopping?
I’m recommending these books by On Pasture authors:
Chicken Dinner at the Steak House: Stories of the Modern West.
In his first work of fiction, John Marble introduces readers to the lives of hard-working people (and a cattle rustler) behind the cowboy myth. (Includes a story by OP editor, Kathy Voth!)
Ranching Like a 12-Year-Old: Ranching that is simple easy and fun.
Tom Krawiec shows how he grows more grass and makes life easier with practices he developed to graze profitably year-round in Canada. If you enjoyed and learned from his OP articles, you’re going to like this one!
How to Think Like a Grazier: Inspiration, Mentors and Getting it Done
Greg Judy shares some of the traits he’s nurtured in himself to create success. (Bias statement – Kathy edited this with Greg. :-))
Want more ideas? Check out the OP Grazier’s Bookshelf or On Pasture ebooks.
