Garland's Letter from Atlanta

Ever wonder what farmers do when they aren’t planting, tending or harvesting their crops? D2D wanted to find out, so we attended a winter conference to learn a few new things. And pick up a side of gratitude just in time for the holidays, too.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

The Ins & Outs of Climate-Conscious Eating

Think you know what climate-conscious eating looks like? Think again. Its complexities extend far and wide, from effects on soil, water use, and farming practices, to just name a few...

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Fertilizer Restrictions' Unintended Consequences

Want to cut greenhouse gases? Mandate less fertilizer use...right? Farmers and others ask if we know what that really means for our food security. Beware the perils of unintended consequences.

Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

We're only as healthy as our soil

A new study concludes that soil quality via regenerative agriculture is the key to nutritious food.

Soil and Crop Management

Flying the friendly skies on green fuel

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel? Where is it going to come from? And what does it mean for our food and agriculture system? We look at this complex issue fueling the aviation industry and what it means for you.

Soil and Crop Management

Can genetically engineered salmon save the world?

AquaBounty is known for its development of the first genetically engineered salmon. Now that the AquAdvantage Salmon has finally hit the market, we want to see where they are now.

Food Production, Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Jupiter Ridge: Regenerative Stewards of the Land

Will Lorentzen and Adrian White of Jupiter Ridge Farm detail their experience with regeneratively-grown farming practices in Iowa. Their long-term objectives can shape our understanding of what regenerative ag really looks like.

Soil and Crop Management

Trading Carbon and Talking Plants

Carbon trading can enable farmers to sequester carbon, sell a ton of carbon credit on the market for consumers, and enable companies to purchase as credits. But how does this happen?

Soil and Crop Management

We've got questions for you, 2022...

Governments and companies are changing the way we address food security, the environment, and consumer health. At D2D, we have covered some of these subjects previously but are now looking harder at how the future will be shaped by those who grow, trade, process, and consume food.

Food Production, Food Technology, Food Trade, Health, Soil and Crop Management

FFA's Nicholas Mello: The Importance of Seed Science

In partnership with the Future Farmers of America, we will be highlighting a series of finalists from 2020 and 2021 to share their stories and passions. Today, read about Nicholas Mello of California and his hybrid corn seed experimentation.

Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management

How Is Ag Helping Battle Climate Change?

Despite ag's substantial carbon footprint, cropland can offset greenhouse gases and regenerate healthy soil. Few if any other sectors have the opportunity to help battle climate change while reducing costs, improving yields, and boosting farm profits.

Conservation, Soil and Crop Management

The Gabels: From Wall Street to little Grassy Creek

Farming can be far more than a profession or a bottom line. Meet two very special people who have traded the traditional model of career success for something they find even more rewarding. Welcome to little Grassy Creek Farm.

Animal Welfare and Health, Soil and Crop Management

Serving Up Sustainability at Fast Food Restaurants

Fast-food chains have started to go public with their sustainability initiatives, but how are these efforts regulated? And are we willing to pay more for “greener” fast food? Experts in the space help us take a bite out of this topic.

Animal Welfare and Health, Soil and Crop Management

7 Things to Know about Indoor Farming

There have been some big headlines lately regarding vertical farming. What is vertical farming, and what do we need to know about it?

Soil and Crop Management

Food Site Epicurious Cuts Beef Recipes: A Short-Sighted Decision

Epicurious.com cut its beef recipes because of its effect on global warming. They claim to be "pro-planet” with this move, but aren’t we all? Especially the ranchers and farmers proactively finding ways to further reduce methane output?

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Saving Our Soil...One Billion Microbes at a Time

Despite their meager size, soil microbes have a significant impact on the health of plants, animals, and our planet. Innovative microbial technologies have been found to increase soil fertility and plant health, as well as understanding our own needs and those of the Earth's.

Food Production, Food Security, Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Climate-Smart Farming Paves the Way Toward Carbon Negative

AgMission, a partnership among two farm-related organizations, has the goal to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and even make farming carbon-negative. And, in the process, they might also help us find products promoting sustainability.

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Regenerative Ag in Your Own Backyard

To an expanding array of people from the inner city to suburbia and beyond, the ideas behind the regenerative ag movement are changing our thinking about the role we play in sustaining our food system...and the health of our environment.

Soil and Crop Management

Lucy Stitzer x Farm Journal: Soil, Plant & Human Health

D2D's founder talks with Trust in Food's Nate Birt about Regenerative Ag's rapid evolution and its power to restore health.

Soil and Crop Management

Building a Sustainable U.S. Beef System

Sasha Gennet of The Nature Conservancy shares her experience implementing livestock grazing practices with farmers to benefit the local ecosystem's soil, water, and biodiversity, leading to healthier cattle and a healthier environment.

Conservation, Soil and Crop Management

Q&A with FFA’s Tyler Gardner

Future Farmers of America member, Tyler Gardner, is one hard-working college student. His work at his family’s cranberry marsh has evolved his mission to produce healthy and sustainable food for generations to come.

Soil and Crop Management

Regenerative Ag: The New ‘Sustainable’

Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming practices that promises to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. Each farming operation differs not only in the application of these practices but in their measurement process.

Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Behind the Scenes with a Local Beef Farmer

Dave and Holly Albert, owners of Misty Mountain Farms, raise cattle for their local Pennsylvanian market. Their operation runs on a strong value system, adherence to conservation, continued profitability, and consumer relationships.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Farmer & Rancher Election Survey Results

D2D set out with a goal to better understand the issues affecting American farmers - their concerns, hopes, and thoughts about the next four years. Here are our results...

Food Regulations & Policy, Food Trade, Health, Soil and Crop Management

5G’s Revolution: Will Ag be Ready?

5G - the new frontier in technology. For ag, 5G will result in a smarter, more efficient, and more transparent supply chain. So what are some of the technologies that will benefit? And will the broadband infrastructure in rural farmland areas be ready for the leap?

Agricultural Technology, Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

SOS: Save Our Soil

Today, we are more aware and proactive about soil erosion than ever before. Rumor has it that we only have 60 years of soil left. Is this true? If so, it is the same as losing 30 soccer fields of soil every minute. How is this possible?

Soil and Crop Management

What is Soil?

We live in a world with a growing population where understanding the importance of vital elements has never been more necessary. Understanding all that sustains us, and keeps us healthy, is critical to our survival. At the root of that is soil.

Soil and Crop Management

Combating Desertification & Land Degradation

On June 17th of each year, people concerned about the scourge of desertification, land degradation, and drought work to raise awareness and promote solutions to these important issues. Think this day may not pertain to you? Think again...

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Demanding Equality: Women Farmers in Africa

These women farmers in Africa not only challenge the status quo, but have dramatically improved their local economies...and beyond.

Agricultural Labor, Food Security, Soil and Crop Management

Dirty Tactics from EWG’s Dirty Dozen

EWG recently released its annual “Dirty Dozen” produce list, which stokes fears of eating produce with pesticide residues...as if we don't already have enough to fear with COVID. But is EWG right? Or do the benefits of eating produce to maintain our health far outweigh these concerns?

Food Safety, Health, Soil and Crop Management

Can Technology Save Urban Farming?

With a growing population and demand for sustainability, innovations in ag are more crucial than ever. Let’s see how pioneers in indoor ag are developing technologies that could prove impactful for our growing needs.

Food Production, Food Technology, Future of Food, Soil and Crop Management

D2D's "Nice List" for the Holidays

Here's our "nice list" of helpful posts to keep you healthy, happy and in-the-know through the holidays and into the new year. Everything from delicious, low sugar recipes to global trade and alternative proteins, we've got you covered!

Food Regulations & Policy, Health, Soil and Crop Management

2 Trade Deals and Plant Food in a Pear Tree: Top News in 2019

2019 has been a wild ride! News about our food and how we get it – from dirt to dinner – have had us on the edge of our seats...

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Safety, Food Trade, Soil and Crop Management

Soil Health: A Personal Chronology of a Global Paradigm Shift

Tillage in croplands is one of the primary drivers of land degradation, but it doesn’t need to be. Join The Nature Conservancy's Michael Doane as he experiences zero-tillage cropping systems with farmers in India, and beyond.

Soil and Crop Management

The Dirt to Dinner Team: Giving Thanks

The D2D Team has a lot to feel grateful for this holiday season! Here are a few things that we'll be giving thanks to this year as we celebrate with our family and friends.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Our Agricultural Extension Service: From Gardening to Food Safety

Our agricultural extension services program is designed to teach people not just how to farm productively, but how we all can benefit, from gardening to food safety practices. And just in time for a few tips before Thanksgiving!

Soil and Crop Management

Land Degradation: The History Lesson We Are Still Learning

While the Dust Bowl era is seen as a historical American experience, the reality is different. Agricultural lands around the world continue to degrade. The Nature Conservancy's Michael Doane explores this topic in an ongoing series.

Soil and Crop Management

Are GMOs Bad for the Environment?

On the contrary. In fact, here's a different way to spell the word green: GE – Genetic Engineering. GE technology includes genetically modified organisms, which some critics claim harm the environment. But in reality, GMOs help farmers use pesticides responsibly, conserve water and increase soil health while increasing their crop yield.

Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

What Are Dead Zones…and is Ag to Blame?

Each year, “dead zones” – large bodies of water lacking the oxygen needed to support aquatic life - appear all around the world. This summer’s flooding in the Midwest has made it worse. How does this happen? And what can we do?

Climate Change, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Preparing for Pests: A Gardener's Guide

What is the difference between organic and conventional pesticides? We’ve read about pesticides in our cereal, tea, and food, but what about our natural home garden? Organic pesticides are not always the best option for efficacy and the local ecosystem.

Soil and Crop Management

California Megafires and the Effects on Agriculture

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Hemp, Hemp Hooray!

Soil and Crop Management

Why Should We Care About Bees?

Soil and Crop Management

In the News: Glyphosate (again)

Conservation, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

CO2: The Greatest Fertilizer of All

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Is Glyphosate Safe?

Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

Genetic Engineering: The Future Insecticide?

Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Soil Microbes in the Spotlight

Soil and Crop Management

D2D on the Farm: Support Local Farms

D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

D2D on the Farm: America's Salad Bowl

D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

D2D on the Farm: GMOs

Agricultural Technology, D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: Farmers

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: Governments

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: Corporations

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: NGOs

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Water, Water...Everywhere?

Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Soil: It is much more than Dirt

Soil and Crop Management

Farming from the Thermosphere

Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

What is RoundUp?

Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

Going...Going...Local!

Food Production, Health, Soil and Crop Management

The Regulatory Approval Process for Pesticides

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Conventional...or Organic?

Both conventional and organic farmers are subject to standards that make the U.S. food supply the safest in the world.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management