Editor's note:
Last month, I had the pleasure of interviewing our 2023 Seventh Generation Award winners, Larry Harris and Denise O’Brien.
I visited them on their farm north of Atlantic, Iowa, where we talked for two hours at their kitchen table, surrounded by memories. After hearing their story, I told them I was in awe with all that they’ve done.
Denise mused, “How did we do it all?” Then, she said it really came down to their teamwork—her taking the role as activist and Larry taking care of the farm and the kids—as well as their rural community, neighbors, and family.
One example was that she said before leaving on those long trips, she would make a casserole and put it in the freezer. But, when she got home, the casserole wouldn’t be eaten because neighbors had brought over enough food for the kids to eat.
What a good example for why we live in rural communities and why we work toward thriving small towns.
With all the information I collected in those two hours, I could only publish a portion of the story here in our newsletter. Be sure to check out this post with even more on our awardees.
-Rhea Landholm
In this issue:
A lifetime of acts of resistance: Denise O’Brien and Larry Harris create a future for generations – For almost 50 years, Denise O’Brien and Larry Harris have worked together to do what’s right. They preserve and improve the soil health on their farm and fight for thriving rural life for future generations.
Changes to crop insurance regulations demonstrate support for conservation – While essential for many farmers, the rules regulating crop insurance have often been at odds with conservation practices.
Empowering communities: steps to enhance access to local foods – Anyone can make a difference. Explore these initial steps to start the process of engaging with your local food system.
Business growth enables family-owned auto repair shop to give back to its community – Cody Cahill has been working on cars his whole life, and now he gets paid to do what he loves.
Using solar to fuel pollinator conservation – As solar development continues to gain popularity for producing clean energy and reducing utility costs, staff members at organizations like The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund are hoping to further maximize those benefits through innovative use of land both under and around solar panels.
Rural Farmers Market Handbook available in English and Spanish – For those looking to start a market or considering vending, a new resource is available: the Nebraska Rural Farmers Market Handbook in both English and Spanish.
From the desk of the executive director: Who should own our farmland? – The question of who should own farmland has re-emerged in Nebraska, sparking discussions both in the media and in the legislature.
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