What proportion of leather comes from animals whose other parts are ultimately consumed by humans for food? What proportion of leather-bearing food animals' skins are ultimately made into leather? How would i find out? [more inside]
posted by dkg on Oct 9, 2009 - 6 answers

Is there more world hunger today or 200 years ago, globally and in the USA? [more inside]
posted by tnygard on Sep 9, 2009 - 8 answers

Agriculture Industry Filter: After a recent drive across the mid-western United States, I became very intrigued by the variety of signs along the road that seemed to be trademark or branding markers for the types of seeds being grown in the various fields. (1) Does anyone know the purpose of these? (2) Seen a collection of them online? or (3) Know how one might properly refer to them in order to go about collecting images of them?
posted by refractal on Aug 31, 2009 - 10 answers

Tomato question: Did something happen late last Autumn that could have caused low-priced/budget tomatoes in (U.S.) fast-food restaurants and supermarkets to become radically better tasting? My perception of increased quality had a sudden onset, was not chain-specific, not geographically localized, and is shared by a handful of friends. [more inside]
posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj on Aug 17, 2009 - 13 answers

I have a BS in Horticulture (UGA) and will soon have an MS in Crop Science (NCSU). I've spent most of my life in school and now I'm nearing the end and need to know: What kind of jobs can these degrees help me get? [more inside]
posted by bengarland on Jul 17, 2009 - 9 answers

How far can corn pollen drift in the wind? 1 mile? 10 miles? [more inside]
posted by tnygard on May 18, 2009 - 6 answers

Trying to find a cell phone for my Dad, a farmer, who spends lots of time in noisy barns and on the tractor. In both cases, the ring and vibration features of a normal phone don't register. Is there a sturdy, simple phone with a very powerful vibration function (ideally one that builds gradually, so it doesn't shock the user!)? One compatible with ATT would be ideal.
posted by harnharn on May 12, 2009 - 9 answers

Is there a place in eastern Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire where I can purchase open pollinated/heirloom seeds in person? Prefer Metro-West, but I'll go where the seeds are.
posted by Mayor Curley on Feb 28, 2009 - 6 answers

Where did flour come from? [more inside]
posted by allfortheBoss on Feb 24, 2009 - 16 answers

Does anyone know of examples of science fiction about farming? I am especially interested in illustrated stories, movies, comic books, or anything with pictures. [more inside]
posted by tnygard on Feb 12, 2009 - 16 answers

What made you first think about how your food is produced? [more inside]
posted by parudox on Jan 23, 2009 - 40 answers

Research-filter: Where to obtain a large sample of agriculture/agribusiness opinion leaders? [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty on Oct 1, 2008 - 3 answers

Apple picking: from the ground or the tree? [more inside]
posted by melissam on Sep 17, 2008 - 9 answers

How does one legally identify meat as not for human use? [more inside]
posted by jesirose on Sep 3, 2008 - 6 answers

What does "organic" mean in practice? [more inside]
posted by parudox on Aug 12, 2008 - 22 answers

What are the good sustainable agriculture blogs? [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal on Aug 3, 2008 - 5 answers

Could US farmers go without subsidies? [more inside]
posted by andythebean on May 4, 2008 - 23 answers

Trying to conduct a carbon audit of the food going through a small sized cafeteria. Most of the information I have found is very general, sometimes vague, and the various footprint calculators I've seen are bad for providing sources. [more inside]
posted by bumpkin on May 2, 2008 - 4 answers

Is it possible that lactose intolerance is correlated in some way with the consumption of pasteurized milk? [more inside]
posted by clockzero on Jan 4, 2008 - 8 answers

What is (or how can I find) the maximum/average food value of x acres of farmland? [more inside]
posted by sarahkeebs on Nov 27, 2007 - 12 answers

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms in Portland (Oregon.) There are a lot of them. Anyone have any particular recommendations for or against? [more inside]
posted by dersins on Aug 20, 2007 - 4 answers

I need to pick, purchase and plant a tree (larger is better) as a memorial. The planting part I can handle and equipment is readily available but I we don't know what species to buy. [more inside]
posted by cedar on Jun 17, 2007 - 5 answers

Where can I buy locally-raised meat and dairy products in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by fancypants on Jul 18, 2006 - 11 answers

Where can I buy Ground cherries (gooseberries?) in Seattle? [more inside]
posted by Slimemonster on Jul 11, 2006 - 5 answers

Please share resources for learning about, selecting, and planting a garden given a particular climate and soil. [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Jun 24, 2006 - 9 answers

Does anyone know any resources on growing vegetables while living in an apartment? [more inside]
posted by Holygrail2 on May 14, 2006 - 17 answers

In a few years I’d like to drop out of an unfulfilling IT career, buy some good land, and do something related to small-scale sustainable organic agriculture. Does anyone have any advice or ideas for making a modest income in this area, or is this just a naïve dream?
posted by Meridian on May 13, 2006 - 14 answers

Does the US Department of Agriculture prohibit the use of growth hormones on meat raised for consumption? What other chemicals / additives are prohibited?
posted by luriete on Apr 18, 2006 - 3 answers

How much life can our planet sustain? [more inside]
posted by jammer on Feb 26, 2006 - 26 answers