Web Sites

Web links posted by Dan Anderson

Community Swap Website — by Dan Anderson — last modified August 11, 2005 09:27 AM

Community Swap is organized by University of Illinois Extension Educators and Unit Leaders, to help community members address topics such as downtown revitalization, community development, leadership and volunteer development, tourism development, small business management, and economic development.

The New Ag Network — by Dan Anderson — last modified August 11, 2005 04:33 PM

The New Agriculture Network's on-line newsletter with seasonal advice for field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic agriculture.

Drought Implications for Corn, Soybean, and Forages in Northern Illinois — by Dan Anderson — last modified September 08, 2005 11:26 AM

Illinois crop and livestock producers worried about the implications of the drought for corn, soybeans, and forages can go to a new University of Illinois Extension website for information. Topics covered include: Impact on Corn and Soybean Yield and Seed Quality; Impact on 2006 Corn Rootworm Population; Grain Storage Considerations; What's the Potential for Herbicide Carryover in 2006?; Using Drought-Stressed Corn in Dairy and Beef Rations; Aflatoxin in Corn; and Forage Seeding Options.

Market-Led Growth vs. Government-Facilitated Growth — by Dan Anderson — last modified August 17, 2005 11:59 AM

Many EU countries have "green payments" available for transitioning and continuing organic farmers. The U.S. Government, in contrast, has largely taken a free-market approach to the organic sector. This report compares EU and U.S. organic agriculture policy and examines the organic sectors of both. This is Outlook Report No. (WRS0505) 26 pp, August 2005. The author of the report is Lydia Oberholtzer, Organic Research Coordinator, USDA-Economic Research Service, 1800 M Street, NW Rm. S4050, Washington, DC 20036. Telephone: 202-694-5486; Fax: 202-694-5775. Email: loberholtzer@ers.usda.gov

Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense — by Dan Anderson — last modified September 21, 2005 02:24 PM

This is the Kumarian Press website for the latest John Ikard book. Both a penetrating critique of capitalism and an exploration of its vast and untapped potential for maximizing human welfare, Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense is written for a wide audience, including students and professors whose fields and interests embrace development, economics, ecology, sociology, and cultural anthropology. Those concerned with the future of our planet and the continued viability of global capitalism will regard this book as a vital addition to their libraries.

Windsor Organic Research Team — by Dan Anderson — last modified April 17, 2006 10:38 AM

WORT is an interdisciplinary/interinstitutional team of researchers from the Illinois Natural History Survey and the UI College of ACES, researching organic production issues for Illinois farmers. The team works closely with a farmer advisory committee who guide research objectives and provide feedback on research results for the team. Research is conducted on the Cruse tract of the UI South Farms in Champaign Illinois.

2005 New Agriculture Network — by Dan Anderson — last modified October 20, 2005 11:51 AM

This is the final issue of the New Agriculture Network for 2005. In this issue: Feed the soil, Progress report on Illinois' agricultural research site in transition to organic production, Reports from organic growers (don't miss these extensive reports in this issue). The Network is a joint venture between the University of Illinois, Purdue University, Michigan State University, Iowa State University and organic growers. Look for the next issue in Spring 2006!

SearchCattle.com — by Dan Anderson — last modified October 10, 2005 11:07 AM

SearchCattle.com is a searchable index of websites devoted to cattle management, production and marketing.

Illinois EnviroBlog — by Dan Anderson — last modified March 02, 2006 02:45 PM

The source for news and discussion about environmental policies and legislation in Illinois. Hosted by the Illinois Environmental Council, with contributions from environmental leaders throughout Illinois.

Organic.org — by Dan Anderson — last modified November 21, 2005 10:37 AM

News, articles, recipes, product reviews, resources and a special section for kids, Organic.org is formerally The Organic Alliance. This is a very nice site for anyone interested in organic food and non-food products.

Save Our Seed — by Dan Anderson — last modified March 09, 2006 04:27 PM

While working with organic growers, We have found their largest stress to be the lack of a centralized knowledgebase about what seeds are and are not available organically. As well, I have talked to a number of farms that have chosen not to become certified for the same reason. I even spoke to one organic grower who told me that her certifier required her to send her a list of all of the seeds that she could not find organically so he could do a search, which he did not do in a timely way. By working with the project, we have become closely acquainted with many organic seed dealers. We have started a database of all of the organic seeds available in the country. We will now use this information to offer growers an Organic Seed Sourcing Service. We will accept lists from organic growers of the seeds they wish to plant and reply to them with a list of dealers that sell them. Conversely, if no organic seeds are available, we will then be able to provide documentation of this that would be suitable to all certification agents. We will send you our fully documented reply via first class mail within 4 business days of receipt of your request. As many organic certification agents look positively on growers that experiment with organic varieties when they purchase conventional seed, we would like at some point to add the service of suggesting experimental varieties in these cases.

Composting for the Homeowner — by Dan Anderson — last modified May 17, 2006 11:10 AM

For the home gardener who wants to know everything about home composting, we have the perfect website -- Composting for the Homeowner. Developed by Martha Smith, Extension Educator, Horticulture and Duane Friend, Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management, this site gives an excellent indepth discussion of the science of composting, why it is important to compost, how to build a compost pile, and materials needed for composting.

Organic Harvest: An Action Plan to Support Local, Organic and Family Farmed Food in Illinois — by Dan Anderson — last modified March 13, 2006 02:05 PM

This report incorporates some of the work of a feasibility study reflecting three years of focus groups, surveys and one-on-one discussions with farmers, food buyers, supermarkets, consumers, distributors, food processors, restaurants and other stakeholders concerned about developing adequate production, distribution, and marketing of local organic food. Using the data gathered, this document describes the needs and opportunities in the regional organic and local food industry. The goal of this report is to educate consumers, policymakers, business leaders, funders and the media about opportunities to use regional organic food production as a tool to promote job creation and economic development in an environmentally sound manner. A PDF version of the report can be viewed or downloaded from the URL below.

Greener Pastures — by Dan Anderson — last modified May 24, 2007 02:54 PM

This report from the Union of Concerned Scientists confirms what many believe about the health and environmental benefits of grass-fed meat and dairy production. The report was released March 2006.

Just.Food@UIUC — by Dan Anderson — last modified November 08, 2007 01:24 PM

Just.Food is a Registered Student Organization at UIUC that works to address the issues of community sustainability. Our focus is getting the community involved in the production and consumption of local, sustainable, and healthy food.

ATTRA Organic Resources — by Dan Anderson — last modified October 26, 2006 02:08 PM

A wonderful collection of free resources on organic production and certification from ATTRA.

Farm Direct — by Dan Anderson — last modified February 19, 2008 09:42 PM

A searchable, on-line directory of Illinois farmers marketing food directly to consumers.

On-Farm Research Guidebook — by Dan Anderson — last modified September 07, 2006 10:20 AM

Written in 1993, this guide is a resource for farmers interested in participatory, on-farm research. Basic research principles are explained and easy-to-use guidelines are provided for conducting simple on-farm experiments. Some example problems, worksheets, and pages for notes are included in the guide. A PDF version of the Guidebook can be downloaded free for easy printing. 22 pages.

Leopold Letter — by Dan Anderson — last modified October 31, 2006 12:15 PM

A newsletter of the Leopold Center.

IPMnet News — by Dan Anderson — last modified June 30, 2006 03:28 PM

Monthly newsletter on international integrated pest management from the Consortium for International Crop Protection (CICP). The IPMnet newsletter includes news, research and technical papers, information on U.S. AID's IPM-Collaborative Research Support Program, information on U.S. Regional Pest Management Centers, and a calendar.

Leopold Center — by Andrea Parri — last modified November 16, 2005 05:45 PM

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture explores and cultivates alternatives that secure healthier people and landscapes in Iowa and the nation.

Organic School Project — by Dan Anderson — last modified November 17, 2006 11:28 AM

The Organic School Project seeks to transform Chicago-area children into healthier, more mindful eaters, one school and one child at a time.

Missouri Alternatives Center — by Andrea Parri — last modified October 31, 2006 12:19 PM

The Missouri Alternatives Center works to improve profitability and , at the same time, maintain the agricultural base needed to sustain rural communities, by providing access to the information needed. The Missouri Alternatives Center serves as a communications center for Missouri farmers, Extension staff, government personal and people who want to begin farming, diversify their current operation, or find ways to profit from small amounts of acreage.

Ag Environment Organic Resources — by Dan Anderson — last modified February 20, 2007 11:28 AM

A collection of internet resources for environmental issues in agriculture and organic agriculture.

2008 Midwest Organic Production and Marketing Conference and Trade Show — by Dan Anderson — last modified August 28, 2008 02:50 PM

Powerpoints and information from the January 17-18, 2008 event.