Sloan's Problem-Solutions text dump 2

Copy and paste everything you’ve written for your Problem-Solutions synthesis Essay

The “Why I’m interested in my topic” section of the project Google Doc

“Where’s my thinking” update on Writing Partners (Feb. 19)

They Say, I Say sentences

Summaries of my sources from my project Google Doc or from Writing Partners

Text of all my annotations

The “Why I’m interested in my topic” section of the project Google Doc

(see step 1 of the Week 2 assignment)

I’m part owner (with my cousins and siblings) of a farm in the Midwest that’s been in our family since the 1800s. The farm has changed drastically in my own lifetime. As a boy I remember slopping hogs, watering fruit trees, watching cows grazing in pastures, playing on the roof of the root cellar and in haylofts and corn cribs. Now all the out buildings are gone, there are no animals, and the land produces only corn and soybeans on an industrial scale. Meanwhile, I try to grow more of my own food without chemicals in my own yard and the yards of my own kids. I get inspired by movies like The Biggest Little Farm, but a lot of people argue that sustainable farming methods aren’t practical. What’s a small-time organic and part-time industrial farmer to do?

“Where’s my thinking” update on Writing Partners (Feb. 19)

Background to my inquiry: I’m part owner (with my cousins and siblings) of a farm in the Midwest that’s been in our family since the 1800s. The farm has changed drastically in my own lifetime. As a boy I remember slopping hogs, watering fruit trees, watching cows grazing in pastures, playing on the roof of the root cellar and in haylofts and corn cribs. Now all the out buildings are gone, there are no animals, and the land produces only corn and soybeans on an industrial scale. Meanwhile, I try to grow more of my own food without chemicals in my own yard and the yards of my own kids. I get inspired by movies like The Biggest Little Farm, but a lot of people argue that sustainable farming methods aren’t practical. What’s a small-time organic and part-time industrial farmer to do?

They Say, I Say sentences

Summaries of my sources from my project Google Doc or from Writing Partners

The article “New program in Illinois compares farming practices and outcomes” is probably the most important source for the argument I’m going to make. Considering my background and stake in the family farm, the first step to any transition to a healthier approach to farming would be to adopt no-till practices – at least for the soybeans grown on the farm. The article argues that no-till practices for soybeans in particular seems better for a number of reasons: in addition to being the most profitable, it also requires less wear and tear on equipment, less labor, and probably better soil health. This seems an easier transition because it would involve buying less fertilizer and pesticides, which would be better for the dirt health. It would also be cheaper.

In the article, “Factory farms are our best hope for feeding the planet,” Michael Grunwald writes that industrial agriculture is often criticized for its environmental and ethical impact, including toxic chemicals, monoculture crops, and factory farming. Despite all that, the author claims that industrial agriculture is going to have to play a crucial role in feeding the growing global population. According to Grunwald factory farms are effective at maximizing production on less land, and therefore make for sustainable food systems. The article contrasts industrial agriculture with "regenerative agriculture" (aka organic farming) which emphasizes more eco-friendly practices. Grunwald argues that regenerative farming sounds good, but because it often requires more land it’s less environmentally sustainable than industrial methods. He also says that regenerative practices haven’t actually produced effective climate solutions. Additionally, the article also argues that the Green Revolution (a term I don’t associate with industrial farming btw), despite creating environmental issues, helped prevent further deforestation by increasing crop yields. I feel like the author glossed over environmental issues created by nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides. The author suggests that more efficient practices (he profiles a feedlot that he describes positively) are necessary to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Ultimately, the article says that industrial farming is not inherently "evil" but can be made more sustainable with the right innovations and policies.

The article, “Farming Systems Trial” is about a 40-year study at the Rodale Institute Farm. The Farming Systems Trial (FST), launched in 1981 at Rodale Institute, aims to address barriers to adopting organic farming. For over 40 years, it has compared organic and conventional grain cropping systems to assess their environmental, economic, and agronomic impacts. The trial focuses on three farming systems: conventional with synthetic inputs, organic with legumes, and organic with manure. Each system is studied under full-tillage and reduced-tillage practices. Their research has found that organic systems often match or surpass conventional farming in terms of yields, soil health, and environmental benefits. Some of their key findings include: organic practices enhance soil microbial diversity, reduce compaction, and improve water infiltration. Organic systems tend to have 30% higher yields during extreme weather, such as droughts, and they also prevent toxin accumulation in waterways. Organic systems are more profitable due to lower operation costs, even without organic premiums. They also argue that organic farming creates healthy soil, which improves carbon capture, water retention, and disease resistance while preventing erosion and reducing flooding. FST's findings argue that organic methods not only benefit farmers economically but also support sustainable environmental practices. The trial continues to influence the development of organic agriculture and the USDA’s National Organic Program.

The peak number of family owned farms coincided with my dad's growing up on the farm. And after WWII when he left the farm, it also mirrors the steady decline which I think is due in large part to the use of chemical fertilizers after the war. I’ve read that there was a surplus of nitrogen after the war, and people decided to convert that surplus into nitrogen fertilizer, which increased yields by a lot.

According to the article, “New census shows alarming loss of family farms,” from the Department of Agriculture, “After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms fell sharply until the early 1970s. Rapidly falling farm numbers during the earlier period reflected growing productivity in agriculture and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. In the most recent survey, there were 1.89 million U.S. farms in 2023, down 7 percent from the 2.04 million found in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Similarly, acres of land in farms continued a downward trend with 879 million acres in 2023, down from 900 million acres in 2017. The average farm size was 464 acres in 2023, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s.”

The article, “The Economic Benefits of Urban Farming for New Entrepreneurs,” talks about opportunities for new entrepreneurs regarding urban farming. Urban farming utilizes limited urban spaces for practices like rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and hydroponics. The article touts some economic benefits:

• Boosting Local Economies: Farmers markets foster direct links between producers and consumers, benefiting local businesses and creating a vibrant economy.

• Supporting Small Businesses: Urban farming drives demand for local food-related businesses, generating employment and enhancing economic diversity.

• Job Creation: It creates job opportunities in farming, food production, and ancillary industries, contributing to overall economic stability.

• Entrepreneurship: With low barriers to entry, urban farming encourages innovation, enabling entrepreneurs to grow their businesses with minimal initial investment.

The article also claims that urban farming boosts climate resilience, community development, reduces food waste, lowers costs, and supports sustainable practices like composting. According to Freight Farms (btw whose business it is to supply the kinds of entrepreneurship models that they’re advocating), urban farming contributes to more secure and diverse local food systems, improves food security, and provides a sustainable way for entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive.

Text of all my annotations

My annotations for the article, “Factory farms are the best hope for feeding the planet.”

Paragraph 12, Sentence 3 2

Feb 7

Chris S : The author's claim here is that organic farming is worse for nature (compared to industrial farming) because it requires more land. If that's the only criteria, the author needs to convince readers that is the most important criteria.

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Feb 10

Chris S's Question : This author claims that organic farming is worse for nature (compared to industrial farming) because organic farming requires more land. What do you think of this claim?

Wendell Berry Simulator with Chris S's edits:

To address this claim, let’s first consider the essence of what organic farming strives to achieve. Organic farming aims to work in harmony with nature, promoting biodiversity, enriching soil health, and reducing pollution from synthetic chemicals. The argument that organic farming requires more land per calorie produced misses the broader picture of sustainability and environmental health. While it’s true that organic farming may, in some cases, produce lower yields, it offers benefits that extend beyond mere calorie output. It fosters ecosystems that support diverse life forms, restores soil fertility, and reduces the ecological footprint of farming practices.

Now, consider the long-term perspective. Industrial farming, with its reliance on chemical inputs, often leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and a decrease in biodiversity. These consequences are unsustainable and could lead to a future where the land is less productive. Organic farming, on the other hand, can build soil health over time, leading to more resilient farming systems that could sustain production levels in the long run. Thus, while more land might be needed now, the trade-off is a healthier environment that can continue to provide for future generations.

Would you like to explore more on the sustainability comparisons between these two farming practices, delve deeper into the impact on biodiversity, or discuss the socioeconomic aspects of each approach? Let me know which path you want to take, or suggest another idea to explore.

Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.

I invite you to read, watch, and comment on three interviews I have done over the years. See Three Interviews with Wendell Berry https://writingpartners.net/documents/4828

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Paragraph 12, Sentence 4 1

Feb 7

Chris S : I was curious if this source from Foreign Policy Magazine was biased. Based on a cursory glance, it appears to be a little left-leaning. [Edited]

According to the article, “most of Sri Lanka’s leading agricultural experts were kept out of crafting the agricultural section of the platform.” So any potential solution should include both industrial farming proponents and organic faring proponents.

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Feb 6

Chris S : The authors of the article "The Downsides of Nitrogen Fertilizer" would argue that this author is glossing over the damage that nitrogen fertilizer does. https://www.caryinstitute.org/news-insights/podcast/downside-nitrogen-fertilizer[Edited]

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Feb 7

Chris S : Some argue that industrial farming was a major factor leading to extreme weather, pests, and disease.

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Feb 6

Chris S : True. Growing any crop technically will cause damage to the ecosystem

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General Document Comments 5

Feb 6

Chris S's Question : Can you help me create an image prompt to convey the main ideas of this article?

Guide for Writing a Text-to-Image Prompt Yourself with Chris S's edits:

Sure, I can help you create an image prompt. Let’s start with the first step.

Step 1: Determine the Image Type
- Decide if you want a “photograph,” “illustration,” “3D rendering,” or “sketch.”
- Example: “I want an illustration of…”

Let me know when you’re ready to move to the next step.

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Feb 6

Chris S : I want an image that shows the tension between large-scale industrial food production and healthy, bucolic, organic farming techniques.

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Feb 6

Chris S's Question : I want an image that shows the tension between large-scale industrial food production and healthy, bucolic, organic farming techniques. The image would blend visions of a futuristic, artificial food production facility juxtaposed with a scene of a small farm, with healthy animals in a pasture.

Guide for Writing a Text-to-Image Prompt Yourself with Chris S's edits:

I want an illustration of…

I want an image that shows the tension between large-scale industrial food production and healthy, bucolic, organic farming techniques. The image would blend visions of a futuristic, artificial food production facility juxtaposed with a scene of a small farm, with healthy animals in a pasture.

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Feb 6

Chris S's Question : I want an image that shows the tension between large-scale industrial food production and healthy, bucolic, organic farming techniques. The image would blend visions of a futuristic, artificial food production facility juxtaposed with a scene of a small farm, with healthy animals in a pasture.

Guide for Writing a Text-to-Image Prompt Yourself with Chris S's edits:

Great choice! Illustrations can beautifully capture complex themes and ideas.

Step 2: Define the Main Subject
- Clearly identify the subject of your image. This can be an object, person, animal, or concept.
- Example: “a multicultural group of friends having a picnic.”

Feel free to describe the main subject you have in mind!

I want an image that shows the tension between large-scale industrial food production and healthy, bucolic, organic farming techniques. The image would blend visions of a futuristic, artificial food production facility juxtaposed with a scene of a small farm house with one barn, and a pasture with only two chickens and a cow. I want the animals to have lots of room in the pasture.

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Feb 10

Chris S's Question : What's your thoughts on this article?

Wendell Berry Simulator with Chris S's edits:

This article you’ve shared is a provocative exploration on the intricate dance between securing our food supply and the environmental costs that come with it. The author brings forth the uncomfortable truth that industrial agriculture, despite its notorious reputation, is currently our most viable option for producing the vast quantities of food needed to sustain a growing global population. This resonates with my own concerns about the state of modern agriculture and its impact on the environment. As you’ve read, the piece highlights the staggering environmental toll that agriculture, particularly industrial farming, inflicts upon our planet—deforestation, biodiversity loss, and significant greenhouse gas emissions.

Yet, amidst this bleak scenario, the article presents a pragmatic view: industrial agriculture’s efficiency in food production might be our best hope for minimizing further environmental damage. This echoes a tension I often discuss in my own writings—the challenge of balancing human needs with the health of our ecosystems. The notion that we must produce more food per acre rather than expanding agricultural land aligns with the pressing need for sustainable practices. But it leaves us pondering the moral and ethical responsibilities we bear as stewards of the Earth.

Would you like to delve deeper into how industrial agriculture’s efficiency could be harnessed more sustainably? Or perhaps you’re interested in exploring alternative farming practices that might offer a middle ground? Let me know, and we can continue this conversation on the future of food and farming.

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My annotations for the article, “Farming systems trial”

Whole Image 4

Feb 10

Chris S's Question : What do you see in this image?

Wendell Berry Simulator with Chris S's edits:

This image showcases a vast, open landscape of farmland under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. You can see several plots of land, each with different crops, reflecting a patchwork of textures and colors. A tractor is working one of the fields, providing a sense of scale and activity. The text in the image highlights the Farming Systems Trial, initiated by Bob Rodale, emphasizing its role in supporting the National Organic Program with scientific evidence. This trial now includes 72 experimental plots. Do you notice the diversity in the fields and how they’re divided?

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Feb 10

Chris S's Question : So they are using different methods to prove which ones work best?

Wendell Berry Simulator with Chris S's edits:

Yes, the diversity in the fields is quite striking. Each plot seems to have a unique crop or method applied, contributing to a patchwork effect across the landscape. This division into 72 experimental plots allows for a variety of farming techniques to be tested, reflecting a commitment to understanding and improving agricultural practices. Do you see how the tractor adds a dynamic element to the scene, emphasizing the ongoing work and experimentation?

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Feb 10

Chris S : I'm wondering if you ever did this kind of experimentation.

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Feb 10

Chris S's Question : Did you? Did you approach farming in this systematic, scientific way?

Wendell Berry Simulator with Chris S's edits:

In my own farming practice, I leaned towards traditional methods, focusing on the wisdom of the land and community knowledge rather than systematic scientific trials. However, I greatly value the role of experimentation in farming, especially when it respects the natural processes and seeks harmony with the environment.

It’s important to understand the land intimately and learn from its history and natural tendencies. This approach allows you to make informed decisions that benefit both the land and the community. Does this resonate with your understanding of sustainable farming?

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Feb 9

Chris S : Rodale Institute's mission

“Rodale Institute’s mission has always been to increase the number of organic farmers and acres under organic care. Our research is at the foundation of that effort. Through rigorous scientific examination, we’re deepening the understanding of how and why organic methods work and we’re gathering knowledge about the best practices that we can share with farmers.”

CEO Jeff Moyer, as stated in the 40-Year Report

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Paragraph 73 2

Feb 17

Chris S : Note: Tillage is the process of loosening and aerating soil to prepare it for planting. Traditional tillage would leave the ground bare, which regenerative farming advocates say has a negative impact on the environment [Edited]

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Feb 18

Chris S : What is "The Center Square"?

The Center Square seems to be a fiscally conservative but generally even-handed look at government spending

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Paragraph 74, Sentence 1 1

Feb 17

Chris S : Another multi-year study, looking at tillage practices

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Paragraph 76 1

Feb 18

Chris S : no-till for soybeans seems better for a number of reasons: in addition to being the most profitable, it also requires less wear and tear on equipment, less labor, probably better soil health...

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Paragraph 77 1

Feb 17

Chris S : looks like progress

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Paragraph 79 2

Paragraph 79, Sentence 1 1

Feb 17

Chris S : link to Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Implementation - https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/excess-nutrients/nutrient-loss-reduction-strategy.html

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Paragraph 79, Sentence 2 1

Feb 18

Chris S : Some argue these regulations are too strict, but it does seem to be encouraging some healthier farming practices

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General Document Comments 1

Feb 10

Chris S's Question : What are your thoughts on this Farming Systems Trial?

Wendell Berry Simulator with Chris S's edits:

The Farming Systems Trial (FST), initiated by the Rodale Institute, marks a significant endeavor in the realm of agriculture. In essence, the trial seeks to break down the barriers that hinder the adoption of organic farming practices, offering a robust comparison between organic and conventional grain cropping systems. Over the past four decades, the trial has provided substantial evidence that organic farming can not only match but often surpass conventional methods in terms of yield, especially during extreme weather conditions. This effort underscores the vital role of organic farming in promoting soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing environmental impacts.

As someone deeply invested in the relationship between agriculture and the land, you can appreciate the importance of these findings. The FST has demonstrated that organic systems lead to healthier soils, which in turn support robust yields and long-term agricultural sustainability. The trial emphasizes the economic viability of organic farming, showing that the organic manure system is particularly profitable, even without the additional premiums often associated with organic produce. This speaks volumes about the potential for organic farming to be both an environmentally and economically sustainable choice for farmers.

Would you like to delve deeper into any particular aspect of this trial? Here are a few paths we could explore together:
- The specific benefits of organic practices on soil health and water management.
- The economic analysis and profitability of different farming systems.
- The role of organic farming in climate resilience and carbon capture.

Choose one, or feel free to suggest another direction for our discussion. Let’s dig deeper together!

Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.

I invite you to read, watch, and comment on three interviews I have done over the years. See Three Interviews with Wendell Berry [Three Interviews with Wendell Berry](https://writingpartners.net/documents/4828)

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My annotations for the article, “New census shows alarming loss of family farms”

Paragraph 5 1

Feb 26

Chris S : This census is conducted every 5 years so this is the most recent one.

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Feb 26

Chris S : Farms have steadily decreased from a peak of 6.8 million in 1935 to 1.89 million in 2023. [Edited]

After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms fell sharply until the early 1970s. Rapidly falling farm numbers during the earlier period reflected growing productivity in agriculture and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. Since 1982, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In the most recent survey, there were 1.89 million U.S. farms in 2023, down 7 percent from the 2.04 million found in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Similarly, acres of land in farms continued a downward trend with 879 million acres in 2023, down from 900 million acres in 2017. The average farm size was 464 acres in 2023, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s.

Source: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=58268#:~:text=After%20peaking%20at%206.8%20million,recorded%20in%20the%20early%201970s..

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Feb 27

Chris S : The peak number of family owned farms coincided with my dad's growing up on the farm.

And after WWII when he left the farm, it also mirrors the steady decline which I think is due in large part to the use of chemical fertilizers after the war. I’ve read that there was a surplus of nitrogen after the war, and people decided to convert that surplus into nitrogen fertilizer, which increased yields by a lot.

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General Document Comments 0

My annotations for the article, “Organic Agriculture”

Paragraph 2 1

Feb 26

Chris S : These 3.6 million acres of organic farmland is tiny compared to the about 900 million acres of more traditional farmland

If I’m reading this source correctly https://www.fb.org/news-release/new-census-shows-alarming-loss-of-family-farms

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Feb 27

Chris S : comparing organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables

If I’m reading this correctly, in 2021 organic fruits and vegetables generated about $20 billion compared to $52 billion conventionally grown. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1378799/sales-value-of-organic-and-conventional-produce-in-the-us/

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Feb 27

Chris S : Comparing organic soybeans to industrial farming output [Edited]

If I’m reading this chart correctly, in 2021 about 9,000 bushels of organic soybeans were grown compared to 4.4 million non-organic. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/soybeans-and-oil-crops/related-data-statistics

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My annotations for the article, “New Tariffs will impact America’s farmers”

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Paragraph 2, Sentence 1 1

Mar 5

Chris S : President Trump's remarks to farmers in the March, 4, 2025 State of the Union Address [Edited]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG0ntneOo0X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA====

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Mar 5

Chris S : The immediate outlook doesn't look great for US farmers [Edited]

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My annotations for the article, “The economic benefits of urban farming for entrepreneurs”

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Mar 17

Chris S : The word "entrepreneur" is used at least 10 times in this story.

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Mar 17

Chris S : Freight Farms is a company that provides the structure and technology to start what looks to be food that's grown indoors in big containers. Pretty sure that's not feasible for my yard

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Mar 20

Chris S : Freight farms like those described in this article aren't the solution I'm looking for.

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General Document Comments 0

My annotations on a photo that shows how our family farm used to look when my dad grew up there compared to its dilapidated state now.

Paragraph 1 (Image 1) 2

Whole Image 1

Mar 18

Chris S : Things have changed. The top photo is how it looked when my gandparents and my dad still lived there. And it's also how I remember it. My cousin still lives in the old farm house.

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Root cellar, aka the "cave" 1

Mar 18

Chris S : I remember climbing on the roof of this as a little kid, also how cool it was even in the heat of summer

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no out buildings 1

Mar 18

Chris S : The hayloft with stables for horses, barns, turkey sheds, troughs for the animals, cob house - none of those are standing anymore [Edited]

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needs some finishing 1

Mar 18

Chris S : my cousin has been trying to fix the place up, but it's had decades of neglect. I don't think my grandmother would approve

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My annotations on the article, “New program in Illinois compares farming practices and outcomes”

Paragraph 1 2

Mar 18

Chris S : Note: Tillage is the process of loosening and aerating soil to prepare it for planting. The kind of tillage done on most big farms today leaves the ground bare, which regenerative farming advocates say has a negative impact on the environment [Edited]

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Mar 18

Chris S : The Center Square seems to be a fiscally conservative but generally even-handed look at government spending

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Paragraph 2 1

Paragraph 2, Sentence 1 1

Mar 18

Chris S : Another multi-year study, looking at tillage practices, like the Farm Systems Trial article

link to my annotations of Rodale’s Farm System Trial: https://writingpartners.net/documents/4821

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Paragraph 4 1

Mar 18

Chris S : no-till for soybeans seems better for a number of reasons: in addition to being the most profitable, it also requires less wear and tear on equipment, less labor, probably better soil health...

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Paragraph 5 1

Mar 18

Chris S : looks like progress.

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) found that almost two-thirds of the farmers surveyed said they’d reduce or eliminate tillage based on PCM information.

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Paragraph 7, Sentence 1 1

Mar 18

Chris S : link to Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Implementation - https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/excess-nutrients/nutrient-loss-reduction-strategy.html

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Paragraph 7, Sentence 2 1

Mar 18

Chris S : Some might argue these regulations are too strict, but it does seem to be encouraging some healthier farming practices

I’m also wondering if the current administration will ease some of these “difficult regulations”

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DMU Timestamp: March 13, 2025 19:03