The Center for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CSAS) in the
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is an interdisciplinary
center formed in 1991 for the purpose of bringing together people
and resources to promote an agriculture that is efficient,
competitive, profitable, environmentally and socially sustainable
for the indefinite future. Electronic versions of the CSAS
bimonthly newsletter are sent to SANET, PENPages, and the
internal IANRNEWS 10-14 days before those on our mailing list
receive their hard copy. They are also available along with other
sustainable ag information on the gopher: IANRVM.UNL.EDU.
(Note: The electronic version is not sent to individual e-mail
addresses.) To be added to the "hard copy" newsletter mailing
list, or for questions or comments, contact the newsletter
editor, Pam Murray, Coordinator, Center for Sustainable
Agricultural Systems, 221 Keim Hall, University of Nebraska,
Lincoln, NE 68583-0949, 402-472-2056, e-mail
csas001@unlvm.unl.edu.
* * *
CONTENTS:
NEW UNL CENTER FOR GRASSLAND STUDIES
FARM BILL FOCUS OF MIDWEST GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE
FUTURISTIC SYMPOSIUM AT ASA MEETINGS
SUSTAINABLE AG DIRECTORS WORKSHOP IN FEBRUARY
NEW NSAS DIRECTOR AND NEW EXTENSION EDUCATOR
WHAT HAPPENS TO PESTICIDES IN SOIL AND WATER?
IN THE SEMINAR SPOTLIGHT: PAUL THOMPSON
SYMPOSIUM TO FOCUS ON FUTURE OF GREAT PLAINS
"SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE GREAT PLAINS"
SATELLITE BROADCAST AVAILABLE ON TAPE
USDA DRAFTING NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS
ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVE PROPOSED
EPA AND USDA AGREEMENT ON PEST MANAGEMENT
AG WASTE DATABASE
BIONET BULLETIN BOARD
CONGRESS APPROVES FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE AG AND RELATED PROGRAMS
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
DID YOU KNOW...
RESOURCES
COMING EVENTS
* * *
NEW UNL CENTER FOR GRASSLAND STUDIES
This summer the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) established the
Center for Grassland Studies (CGS). The director is Dr. Martin
Massengale. Pam Murray, who continues on a half-time basis as
coordinator of the Center for Sustainable Agricultural Systems
(CSAS), will serve in the same capacity for the new center.
The mission of the Center for Grassland Studies is the
implementation of focused, interdisciplinary research, education
and service programs. Activities emphasize the role of grasslands
as a natural resource, conservation, and enhanced efficiency,
profitability and sustainability of grasslands and turfs. Center
programs are designed to improve understanding of the importance
of grasslands to our economy, the environment, wildlife and
domestic animals, water quality, soil and water conservation, and
quality of life. The Center draws upon the expertise of many
individuals, units and organizations within and outside of the
University of Nebraska. It is developing linkages and partner-
ships with state and community colleges, universities in other
states, and federal and state governmental agencies. The Center's
clientele includes undergraduate and graduate students, farmers,
ranchers, cattle producers, wildlife managers, turfgrass and
recreational managers, grass seed producers, home owners, and
other interested citizens.
For more information, contact the CGS office, 222 Keim Hall,
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0953, 402-472-4101,
email: cgls001@unlvm.unl.edu.
FARM BILL FOCUS OF MIDWEST GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE
The Midwestern Governors' Conference was held in Lincoln,
Nebraska August 21-23. Featured speakers included Secretary of
Agriculture Mike Espy and Senator Bob Kerrey.
Senator Kerrey said the 1995 farm bill may face speed bumps
getting through Congress, noting that the two organizations that
may oppose the bill are the Congressional Budget Office and the
Environmental Protection Agency. He said it is important for USDA
to maintain its role as lead agency in formulating farm policy,
noting that if the EPA is allowed to write the farm bill, "there
will be a war." Kerrey is in favor of providing flexibility for
the development of alternative crops which will lead to new
market opportunities.
Espy presented the following information:
- Less than 2% of the nation's population lives on farms, down
from about 25% when the first farm legislation was created in the
1930s.
- Of the 435 Congressional Districts, only 50 generate 10% or
more of their income from farming. And of the 435 House members,
only 160 came to Congress after the 1990 Act was passed, so
they've never experienced a farm bill mark-up.
- The food and fiber system generates about $950 billion per
year in economic activity (16% of our GDP) and employs one in
seven Americans.
- Conservation tillage is now used on over one-third of our
total planted crop acreage -- a 35% increase in four years.
- Nearly 60% of the total USDA outlay for FY 1994 was spent on
food, nutrition and consumer services programs.
- Since the mid 1980s, annual expenditures for commodity
programs have gone down about 50% while total federal spending
has gone up 50%.
- Farm employment today accounts for just 9% of rural
employment.
The governors from 13 states approved several farm bill policy
objectives including:
- assure a base level of producer income, while allowing
individual producer decisions;
- continue Conservation Reserve Program in some form;
- develop a stable farm credit system;
- increase funding of programs to promote farm products in all
markets;
- strengthen agricultural research and technology transfer.
The governors also passed five resolutions, including one that
requests the Secretary of Agriculture to renew existing CRP
contracts so they are included as part of the Office of
Management and Budget's official baseline for the reauthorization
of the farm bill, and that the Congressional Budget Office
include full funding for a reauthorized CRP in its revised
baseline recommendations.
For a copy of the policy objectives and/or the resolutions,
contact the CSAS office.
FUTURISTIC SYMPOSIUM AT ASA MEETINGS
A symposium titled "Designing a Diverse Future Agriculture"
will be held at 8:00 am on November 14 during the American
Society of Agronomy (ASA) meetings in Seattle. According to Dr.
Charles Francis, CSAS director and co-organizer of this activity,
the presentations will appear in a book to be published by the
ASA in 1995. Topics include: soil micro- and macro-organism
diversity; design of fields and farms; diversity in communities,
markets and landscapes; and bioregional diversity. The
relationships between diversity and sustainability in food
systems will be a major focus. The symposium and book are
partially supported with a grant from the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation.
SUSTAINABLE AG DIRECTORS WORKSHOP IN FEBRUARY
The CSAS is hosting a workshop for leaders of university
centers or programs devoted to the general area of sustainable
agriculture. Among the issues we will explore are funding,
faculty participation, key program areas, use of outside advisory
committees, and long-term planning. We will also discuss the need
for networking mechanisms such as electronic bulletin boards or
newsletters to share information on a continuing basis. There
will be a sharing of written materials published by several
sustainable agriculture centers in the U.S. The workshop will be
held in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 16-17, 1995. For more
information contact Pam Murray in the CSAS office.
NEW NSAS DIRECTOR AND NEW EXTENSION EDUCATOR
Chris Carusi is the new Executive Director of the Nebraska
Sustainable Agriculture Society (NSAS). Carusi spent three years
working with small farmers in Nepal as a Peace Corps volunteer,
and recently received her M.S. in International Agricultural
Development from UC-Davis. One of Carusi's principle duties is to
be the NSAS co-leader of the Kellogg-sponsored IMPACT project to
promote integrated farming systems (see CSAS May-June 1994
newsletter).
Victoria Mundy, the Extension Educator who will be the UNL co-
leader on the IMPACT project, begins in January. Mundy received
her M.S. in Crop and Soil Environmental Science from Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University and currently teaches
at a community college in Virginia.
The Center for Rural Affairs IMPACT co-leader is Wyatt Fraas.
Applications for funding Nebraska farmer innovation groups will
be accepted beginning in November. To learn more about
eligibility and criteria, contact Chris or Wyatt at 402-254-6893.
WHAT HAPPENS TO PESTICIDES IN SOIL AND WATER?
The fate of commonly used pesticides in soil and water is the
subject of a new circular published by the University of Nebraska
Cooperative Extension titled "Understanding Pesticides and Water
Quality in Nebraska." Every year in Nebraska an estimated 33
million pounds of pesticides are applied. Nationally the estimate
is 1.2 billion pounds, with about 70% being used in agricultural
production. The publication explains and illustrates all of the
processes, biological and chemical, that affect pesticide fate.
Dr. Steven Comfort, one of the co-authors, points out that
Nebraska has one of the largest underground water supplies in the
nation, and feels the state's residents have an obligation to
protect this resource. (See Resources section to order.)
IN THE SEMINAR SPOTLIGHT
Paul Thompson, Director of the Center for Biotechnology Policy
and Ethics and Professor of Philosophy and Agricultural Economics
at Texas A&M University, Oct. 4.
* * *
How do the philosophies of major contemporary personalities
compare as they relate to holistic thinking and research?
Starting with Aldo Leopold's SAND COUNTY ALMANAC as a basis,
Thompson analyzed the work of four current leaders in the search
for sustainability in agriculture. He contrasted their roots in
game management (Alan Savory), prairie ecosystems (Wes Jackson),
environmental philosophy (Baird Callicott), and farming/English
teaching (Wendell Berry), yet came back to their similarities in
dealing with the complexity of ecological and agricultural
systems. In this analysis, Thompson introduced us to a better
understanding of how systems are viewed and what can be done to
better design them for the future. With prime emphasis on the
issue of reductionist versus holistic world view, Thompson
explored the productionism, stewardship, and economic dimensions
of systems as viewed by the four authors. Savory's educational
efforts focus on goal setting and the efficient use of available
resources. Jackson and The Land Institute have worked with the
prairie ecosystem as a model, and now are moving toward
regeneration of Matfield Green, Kansas, as a model community
ecosystem. Callicott argues for community-based ethics and
values, and a new focus on environmentally benign approaches to
development. Berry, a poet and farmer, explores the problems of
specialization and the need for putting the pieces together in
agricultural systems.
This topic is discussed extensively in a chapter of Thompson's
forthcoming book, THE SPIRIT OF THE SOIL: AGRICULTURE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS. For more information on the book contact
the Center for Biotechnology Policy and Ethics, Texas A&M
University, College Station, TX 77843-4355, 409-847-8921.
In a second seminar Thompson discussed the ethical issues
involving recombinant bovine somatotropin. A tape of both
seminars may be borrowed from the CSAS office.
Submitted by Charles Francis
NEXT SEMINAR: Joel Salatin presents "Profits from Pasture Raised
Livestock and Value Added Marketing," on November 28, 12:00-1:30
in 327 Keim Hall. This is open to the public.
Joel Salatin of Swoope, Virginia, is becoming increasingly
well known on a national basis for his profitable and
environmentally sound systems approach to production agriculture.
That approach includes "value added" through direct retailing to
customers. In addition, utilizing value added direct marketing to
consumers has allowed him to build a rapport which otherwise
would not exist with many urban people.
Joel, his wife and their two children operate a farm that has
no row crops but produces broilers, eggs, beef, pork and rabbits
from pasture and hay as the primary inputs. Grain is not fed to
any of the beef cattle.
About one-third of the net farm income is from the pastured
broilers, one-third from beef cattle, and one-third from other
enterprises such as firewood, egg production, rabbits, pork and a
few vegetables.
Joel is able to fluently tell the story of his operation along
with his reasons for the decisions he has made. If you would like
to hear a message of profitable family farming with minimal
financial investment that is environmentally sound, join us on
November 28.
Submitted by Paul Swanson
SYMPOSIUM TO FOCUS ON FUTURE OF GREAT PLAINS
"Planning for a Sustainable Future: The Case of the North
American Great Plains" will be held May 8-10, 1995 in Lincoln,
Nebraska. It is the sixth in a symposia series jointly sponsored
by Environment Canada and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) focusing on sustainable development in the
context of global environmental change. This symposium will
emphasize the North American Great Plains, a critical
environmental zone, where the impacts of climate change are
likely to be more severe and to materialize more rapidly than in
environmentally stronger ecosystems.
A critical element of the program will be several sessions
showcasing environmentally sound, resource-efficient projects
that embellish the concept of sustainability. These projects will
be showcased in a poster demonstration session and also in a
plenary session illustrating a diverse set of projects as case
studies. The conference organizers encourage the submission of
abstracts for projects in the following areas: sustainable
agricultural production, water quality and use, value-added
products, natural resource management, wildlife habitat and
management, community economic viability, marketing programs,
solid waste management, area-wide transportation, wetlands
preservation and restoration, job generation, and environmental
education.
To submit an abstract (deadline January 1) or for more
information, the U.S. contact is: Dr. Donald Wilhite, Director,
International Drought Information Center, PO Box 830728,
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728, phone: 402-
472-6707, fax: 402-472-6614, e-mail: agme002@unlvm.unl.edu.
"SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE GREAT PLAINS"
SATELLITE BROADCAST AVAILABLE ON TAPE
The CSAS arranged the downlink site for the satellite
broadcast of the above public forum held October 5. The program
highlighted the Northwest Area Foundation's multi-state three-
year research project that explored the social, economic and
environmental implications of sustainable agriculture. Results of
this project will be contained in the forthcoming publications,
"A Better Row to Hoe" and "Planting the Future." For more
information contact Marty Strange at the Foundation, 332
Minnesota St, Suite E-1201, St. Paul, MN 55101-1373, 612-224-
9635.
Also on the program were representatives of the International
Institute for Sustainable Development who highlighted their
recently published report, "Sustainable Development for the Great
Plains: Policy Analysis," focusing on sustainable agriculture,
which may be borrowed from the CSAS office.
UNL staff wishing to view the two-hour tape of the forum can
contact Betty Castan in the ICCS office, 402-472-3035.
USDA DRAFTING NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), appointed by the
Secretary of Agriculture in 1992, has been submitting
recommendations to USDA over the past few months. Based on the
recommendations, USDA plans to draft regulations and circulate
them for public review in early 1995. Contacts for more
information: Dr. Harold Ricker, National Organic Program,
AMS/TMD/USDA, Rm 4006-S, PO Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456,
202-720-2704; Michael Sligh, NOSB chairman, PO Box 727, Mauldin,
SC 29662, 803-297-8562.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVE PROPOSED
The National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture (NCSA)
supports the development of an environmental reserve as an
alternative to set-aside programs in which farmers would be paid
for removing land from production or producing in an ecologically
friendly manner. An August 15 article in FEEDSTUFFS magazine
gives details. For more information contact the NCSA, 32 N.
Church St., Goshen, NY 10924, 914-294-0633.
EPA AND USDA AGREEMENT ON PEST MANAGEMENT
On August 15 Secretaries Browner (EPA) and Espy (USDA) signed
a Memorandum of Understanding that commits their agencies to
providing the agricultural community with pest management
techniques and tools that reduce pesticide risks. The agreement
states that within six months a list will be developed of
pesticides for which regulatory action might affect farmers'
ability to fight pests (Browner expects 30-40 pesticides to be on
the initial list), and that USDA will work to identify and
develop alternative methods of pest control. Also stated is the
intention to establish a competitive grants program at USDA for
research and development of safer alternatives.
AG WASTE DATABASE
The Ag Waste Database system provides an up-to-date,
exhaustive listing of research-based published works on the
management, disposal and productive use of agricultural wastes,
and on the use of industrial and municipal wastes in agriculture.
It was developed by Auburn University College of Agriculture and
the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, with support from the
Tennessee Valley Authority. The service is available to anyone
seeking information on scientific, economic, practical,
environmental, or legal aspects of agriculture-related wastes. To
access this database via gopher select:
USDA Extension Service
Information Servers -- Cooperative Extension System (CES)
Alabama CES (Auburn U.)
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Agricultural Waste Database
If you have any questions or comments, email James Murray
(jmurray) or Jeff Hibbert (jhibbert) @acenet.auburn.edu.
BIONET BULLETIN BOARD
The Bionet system is a new computerized bulletin board that is
used primarily as a source of information on production,
properties, uses and environmental effects of organic materials
(biosolids, composts). To learn more about this service, which is
currently free, contact Jon Bagby at the University of
Washington, 206-685-7270.
CONGRESS APPROVES FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE AG AND RELATED PROGRAMS
According to the October issue of "Alternative Agriculture News,"
the final appropriation figures for key sustainable agricultural
programs in Fiscal Year 1995, which began October 1, are:
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) ~ $8.1
million
Sustainable Agriculture Technology Development and Transfer
Program (SATDTP) ~ $3.5 million
Wetlands Reserve Program ~ $93.2 million
Water Quality Incentive Program ~ $15 million
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Nominations are sought for a Presidential awards program
recognizing significant contributions to sustainable development.
Awards will spotlight the successful integration of economic
development, environmental protection and social equity. To apply
or to nominate others, contact the office of White & White,
phone: 410-225-3212, ext. 222; fax: 410-225-3424; or send email
to Internet address: bw001@epfl2lepflbalto.org (refer to box 222
in your message). Applications must be post marked no later than
December 15, 1994.
DID YOU KNOW...
The number of U.S. farms dropped 1% last year, leaving 2.04
million in operation. Farms that sold more than $100,000 worth
of ag products rose from 339,500 to 342,700, while those with
sales between $1,000 and $9,999 dropped from 992,600 to 976,810.
During 1987-1992 Nebraska lost 7,579 farms (12.5% decline), while
the size of the average farm grew by 90 acres (12%).
At least 35% of Nebraska's corn acreage is rotated to soybeans,
reducing the need for insecticides to control corn rootworms.
Use of crop rotation has resulted in a reduction of over one
million lbs. of active ingredient per year, and an annual savings
in production costs of at least $10 million.
The major surface water contaminants, in order of their impact,
are sediments, nutrients, toxic chemicals, and pesticides.
One acre of cropland dumps 400 lbs. sediment/yr. into Chesapeake
Bay; an acre of forest contributes only 18 lbs.
A WALL STREET JOURNAL article notes that one in three shoppers
now seeks chemical-free fruit and vegetables.
According to an article in the October FARM JOURNAL, sustainable
agriculture is one of the top careers in agriculture today.
A child born in the U.S. has a "consumption impact" on the
environment 30 times greater than a child born in India.
Paul Ehrlich of Stanford U. and Gretchen Daily of the U. of
California-Berkeley have concluded that the Earth's maximum
"carrying capacity" is about 1.5 to 2 billion people. Current
world population is 5.5 billion, and growing at a rate of 94
million people every year.
A recent survey revealed about 74% of acreage in Illinois showed
acceptable soil loss (loss does not exceed natural
replenishment), compared to 57% in 1982.
RESOURCES
"Understanding Pesticides and Water Quality in Nebraska," by S.D.
Comfort et. al., available for $1 at local Nebraska extension
offices, or send $1.55 to 105 ACB, University of Nebraska,
Lincoln, NE 68583-0918.
FARMS (Farm and Research Center Matching System), computer
program that given correct input data, will match any semi-arid
farm or ranch with the most similar research center in North
America. Developed with SARE funding, the software accelerates
sustainable agriculture technology transfers over the Great
Plains through a linkage of site-specific information and
research centers. $30 from Jeff Jacobsen, Dept. of Plant and Soil
Science, Montana State U., Bozeman, MT 59717, 406-994-5684.
"Integrated Pest Management: The Path of a Paradigm" by James
Cate and Maureen Hinkle, $5, National Audubon Society, 666
Pennsylvania Ave., SE, #200, Washington, DC 20003, 202-547-9009.
Proceedings of the Science and Sustainability Conference held in
Bellevue, WA Oct. 1993. Selected papers in Vol. 9 of AMERICAN
JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE. Topics include issues
relating to land-grant institutions and a series of case studies
of various approaches to whole-systems research and education.
Call 301-441-8777.
"What Americans Think About Agrichemicals" by Patricia McGrath
Morris, et. al., $15 + $2 s&h, Public Voice for Food and Health
Policy, 1101 14th St. NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20005, 202-
371-1840.
Proceedings of the Environmentally Sound Agriculture Conference
held in Orlando, FL April 1994, $42, Amer. Society of Ag.
Engineers, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, 616-429-
0300.
"Organic Farming Research Foundation's 1993 Annual Report," "1994
Goals and Objectives," and "Guidelines and Deadlines for Grant
Applications," send self-addressed stamped envelope to: OFRF, PO
Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061. (Note: OFRF expects to increase
the number of grants awarded to on-farm research and education
projects, and establish a set of policy objectives designed to
increase academic and government support for on-farm, organic
research.)
Proceedings of the National Integrated Pest Management Forum held
in June 1992, $10, American Farmland Trust, Center for Ag. in the
Environment, PO Box 987, DeKalf, IL 60115, 815-753-9347.
Proceedings of Symposium on the Sustainability of Range Livestock
Production Systems in the West held in Billings, MT Sept. 1994.
Call Genice Garner at Montana State U. 406-994-3511.
Proceedings of 1994 Leopold Center conference, "Sustainable
Agriculture: People, Products, and Profits," held in Aug., $5;
quarterly newsletter is available free, Fall 1994 has articles on
a sustainable model for swine production, the pesticide industry
and sustainable agriculture, and research on biological control
of crop pests. Leopold Center, 126 Soil Tilth Bldg., Iowa State
U., Ames, IA 50011-3120, 515-294-3711.
Conservation Tillage Series on Video. Five VHS videos, taped from
a series of live satellite broadcasts from Jan. 10 through Feb.
7, 1994, offer a comprehensive overview of conservation tillage.
Videos cost $30.00 for one, or $130.00 for the set. Contact:
Conservation Technology Information Center, (317) 494-9555.
COMING EVENTS
Contact the CSAS office for more information:
Nov. 1-3 - North Central Biological Control of Insects
Conference, Lincoln, NE.
Nov. 2 -- Annual meeting of Holistic Resource Management Nebraska
Branch, North Platte, NE.
Nov. 13-18 -- American Society of Agronomy (incl. several
sessions related to sustainable ag. and memorial symposium
dedicated to Dr. James Bushnell), Seattle, WA.
Nov. 18 -- Ag at the Crossroads annual conference, Lincoln, NE.
Nov. 28 -- Joel Salatin seminar, Lincoln, NE.
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 -- Nebraska Nonpoint Source Pollution Management
Workshop, Kearney, NE.
Dec. 1 -- Assessing Rangeland Health: Science and Policy,
Washington, DC.
Dec. 6-7 -- Soil Health: The Basis of Current and Future
Production, Decatur, IL.
May 8-10 - Planning for a Sustainable Future: The Case of the
North American Great Plains, Lincoln, NE.
Pam Murray, Coordinator
Center for Sustainable Agricultural Systems
and Center for Grassland Studies
U. of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68583-0949
v: 402-472-2056 f: -7904