A Maryland farmer reflects on how sheep manage motherhood — and how that connects to her own life and daughter.

Mother Shepherd

In The Mighty Red, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louise Erdrich turns her attention to sugar beet production in North Dakota. It’s a farming novel for our times. 

Farming Through Louise Erdrich’s Eyes

Known for his polarizing views and massive contributions to regenerative agriculture, Joel Salatin has been called “the most famous farmer in America.” What are his thoughts about the next four years?

“If I Had 30 Minutes With Trump”

California just released a statewide draft definition for regenerative ag. Stakeholder reactions are mixed on whether this is the best way forward.

Everyone Loves Regenerative Agriculture — But No One Agrees on What It Is

It’s time to liberate the conversation about genetic engineering from stagnant ideology.

Beyond the Shadow of Roundup Ready

The daughter of a Montana rancher isn’t happy with the hit cowboy soap opera. And she’s not alone.

Why “Yellowstone” Became a Dirty Word to so Many Montanans

Davin Faris

A Maryland farmer reflects on the tough balance of working the land while raising kids.

Channeling Demeter

A roundup of last year’s best and brightest from Ambrook Research.

Your Favorite Stories from 2024, and Ours

A special loophole has allowed employers to pay subminimum wage for decades. Legislators are finally pushing back.

Paying Pennies to Disabled Farmworkers May Be on Its Way Out

A grudgingly Democratic cattle rancher doesn’t believe beef causes climate change — but proudly adds his voice to the growing chorus of “true” environmental advocates in red Montana.

Montana Rancher, Divided Country

Meat industry groups are railing against “radical vegan activists.” What are they really upset about?

What’s the Beef?

As a range of legislation attempts to ban factory farming on a local level, it may not be so easy to define what we’re talking about.

What, Exactly, Counts as a Factory Farm?

Male chickens are prohibited in most urban and suburban municipalities. What happens when you accidentally adopt one?

“No Person Shall Keep Roosters”

Gardening was supposed to be a source of solace and connection with the earth. It brought out my worst territorial instincts.

My Groundhog, Myself

“Care farming” could help farms diversify and foster a deeper connection between nourishing the body and feeding the soul.

Cultivating More Than Crops

They have proven benefits in slowing erosion and improving soil health, making them central to the regenerative ag movement. But a new report questions their efficacy in mitigating climate change.

Are Cover Crops Overhyped?

As tensions have risen between owners of working cats and conservationists concerned with their environmental impacts, a beloved pastoral mainstay may be slipping away.

The Slow Death of the American Barn Cat

With a combination of mental health and financial services, a notoriously challenging process could be made much easier for farmers.

Succession Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

A D.C. insider argues BIPOC farmers may never see benefits from the Justice40 Initiative, a sweeping historical program for disadvantaged communities.

USDA Misses Another Chance to Help Farmers of Color

Fresh produce was a crucial lifeline during my postpartum recovery. The connection between farmers, birth workers, and families can have lasting impact in addressing Black maternal health disparities.

Abundantly Nourished

Why this sustainable, nutritious ancient grain deserves your respect.

Making the Case for Sorghum 

Gay farmers have existed since the beginning of time, but the community is still under-resourced and lacking in representation.

Farming While Queer

Consumers might think green tea is an imported modern trend, but the beverage carries a long, all-American legacy in Midwestern farm country.

Drinking Green Tea With the Farmhands

Siri Kaur

A prodigal daughter moves from NYC back to Montana to help her family’s cattle give birth. 

The Night Calver

In American agriculture, a few companies call the shots. Austin Frerick’s first book shows that we may know even less about them than we realize. 

Taking Power From the People: A Big Ag Playbook

Sukey and John Jamison never intended to farm — never mind sell 5,000 lambs per year to some of New York’s finest restaurants.

The Accidental Shepherds

A distrust of urban living and government control, combined with the advent of remote work, has led to a different kind of “back to the land” movement in the U.S.

The Online Right Touches Grass

How long can the agriculturally vital San Luis Valley hang on to its biggest asset — amid waves of existential threats?

Colorado’s Water Wars

Dan Egan’s latest book investigates how phosphorus fertilizer enables the world’s food system — exacting a great price from from all of us.

Of Hubris and Feces: The Human Story of Phosphorus

When Beth Hoffman and her husband moved from the Bay Area to farm sustainably in rural Iowa, they tried some things their neighbors had never seen. Did it ruffle any feathers?

What the Neighbors Think

Our small but mighty team weighs in with their favorite Ambrook Research stories of the year.

Our Favorite Stories of 2023

On the strange work of a “climate advice columnist,” and the fallacy of consumer responsibility.

The Delusion of Eating for the Planet

Pollinator advocates are vocal about the urgent need to restore our native bee populations — just don’t make them honeybees. 

The Right Bees

Many consumers, particularly in the organic market, still hold negative feelings on genetically modified foods. Should these feelings dictate public policy?

Will the USDA Ever Allow GMOs on Organic Farms?

After years of written correspondence with the iconic rural writer, a “sixth-generation farm kid” reflects on getting to meet his hero.

Have You Heard of Wendell Berry?

An Ambrook tech worker leaves Brooklyn for hands-on training in hog slaughter and butchery — as it was practiced in the 16th century. 

Requiem for a Pig

The only child of an 82-year-old Wisconsin farmer considers what’ll happen when she inherits the family farm.

Perspective