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At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak; 10 shot outside Florida bar; AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments; Maine prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism; Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after a pandemic.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

New Iowa Landowners Want to Make Change

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Monday, October 11, 2010   

DES MOINES, Iowa - As more and more people inherit Iowa farmland, more and more of these new absentee landowners are uncomfortable with the way it is currently being farmed with conventional row crops. Practical Farmers of Iowa is hearing from some absentee owners who want to make a transition in order to be more diversified.

Harn Soper and his family own 1,000 acres of farmland near Emmetsburg and have decided to do just that. Last year, the change began with 400 acres converted to organic row crops, and now the plan is to expand.

"We all decided unanimously to take another 260 acres that we have and really dig into organic farming, producing livestock, chickens, and vegetables that we can actually eat out of the pasture."

He says that while the expense of making the switch can be daunting the prospect of high prices for organic products seems endless.

"Right now and for the foreseeable future the amount of farm ground that is producing organic products is one-fourth the demand. Demand is way outstripping supply, and so I think you can look forward to really good prices in this area for some time to come."

Soper says his five-year plan is to build a grass-fed cow/calf operation that will harvest 160 organic cattle and 9,000 organic pastured chickens per year. Their plans also include adding 80 acres of organic vegetable production to their operation.

Soper Family Farms is hosting a pasture walk from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Monday, November 1. More information is available from Practical Farmers of Iowa at www.practicalfarmers.org.




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