Diversity may boost US wheat and corn crop yields by 20%

Diverse landcover can boost yields for major crops in the United States like corn and wheat by as much as 20%, according to a new study.

Carol Clark-Emory • futurity
Aug. 12, 2021 • ~6 min

Farmers markets are growing their role as essential sources of healthy food for rich and poor

Farmers markets aren’t just for yuppies – they are increasingly serving customers at all social and economic levels, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alfonso Morales, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
July 30, 2021 • ~9 min

Family farms are struggling with two hidden challenges: health insurance and child care

Both are essential on a farm, but the costs are making it harder for young farmers to grow their businesses.

Florence Becot, Associate Research Scientist in Rural Sociology, Adjunct Faculty - National Farm Medicine Center, The Ohio State University • conversation
May 11, 2021 • ~8 min

Young farmers struggle with child care and health insurance – and that can threaten the future of family farms

The costs make it harder for farm families to grow their businesses.

Florence Becot, Associate Research Scientist in Rural Sociology, Adjunct Faculty - National Farm Medicine Center, The Ohio State University • conversation
May 11, 2021 • ~8 min

Climate change threatens coffee – but we’ve found a delicious wild species that could help save your morning brew

Stenophylla's black cherries have brightened prospects for a coffee supply that can withstand rising disease, pests and droughts.

Aaron P Davis, Senior Research Leader, Plant Resources, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew • conversation
April 19, 2021 • ~7 min

Brazil’s economic crisis, prolonged by COVID-19, poses an enormous challenge to the Amazon

Because Brazil's economic prosperity in the last two decades is increasingly linked to the Amazon's good health, restoring the country's economy is a critical first step toward ending deforestation.

Peter Richards, Adjunct Professor, George Washington University • conversation
April 19, 2021 • ~8 min

Mario Kart has lessons for fighting inequality

The classic racing game Mario Kart could inspire government programs to benefit poor farmers' bottom lines and the environment, a new paper argues.

Jessica Colarossi-Boston University • futurity
April 6, 2021 • ~8 min

‘Livestock insurance’ could protect predators and farmer profits

Livestock insurance could help farmers in developing countries protect their animals—and the profits they bring—and endangered species that prey on them.

Amy McCaig-Rice University • futurity
March 1, 2021 • ~4 min

Dogs used to guard livestock may have unintended costs to wildlife

Livestock guarding dogs are considered a non-lethal method for farmers to control wild predators.

Katherine Whitehouse-Tedd, Anthrozoologist, external advisor, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Feb. 23, 2021 • ~5 min

Dogs used to guard livestock from predators can take a surprisingly heavy toll on wildlife

Livestock guarding dogs are considered a non-lethal method for farmers to control wild predators.

Katherine Whitehouse-Tedd, Senior Lecturer in Anthrozoology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Feb. 23, 2021 • ~5 min

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