Friday, March 18, 2011

Chapter 10: Thirteen ways to look at a pasture....

What are the ecologic and economic benefits of rotational grazing? Why wouldn't all farmers pursue this method?

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Omnivore's Dilemma: Ch. 9

Explain the term "industrial organic," and give an overview highlighting the similarities and differences between conventional farming and large scale organic production discussed in chapter 9. Were you surprised at how "industrial" most of the food available at Whole Foods really is?

Omnivore's Dilemma: Chapter 8

Chapter 8:
1. Describe two ways in which the grasses upon which have come to depend coevolved with our distant ancestors to create the relationship that exists today between humans and corn, wheat, and rice (in particular, keeping in mind that there are other important grasses used for food across the world).
2. Give an overview of Joel Palatin's (Polyface farms) notion of "sustainable agriculture."

Saturday, March 5, 2011

The Omnivore's Dilemma Ch. 4/5

Explain the concept of an “industrial eater.”

Think about your own eating habits. Are the food processing companies successful in their tactics for overcoming your ability to eat a fixed maximum of food each year? How?/How not?

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Omnivore's Dilemma: Chapter 3

Explain the differences between corn as food and corn as a commodity. Who had driven this shift to commodity and how? What effects might this commodification of corn have on our health?

Saturday, February 19, 2011

The Omnivore's Dilemma: Ch. 2

Comment on the role of government policies in shaping corn production in the United States today; who are the winners and losers? What could/should be done at a governmental level to improve our food system? What global ramifications might this have?

An Omnivore's Dilemma: Intro and Ch. 1

Please comment on something that you found to be particularly surprising or interesting in the first chapter (and introduction) of The Omnivore's Dilemma.