Beat Note

The beat I have chosen to follow is agriculture, which will include the local food and organic food movement that is currently sweeping the nation.  In the news there has been more and more coverage of going green, and one of the main parts of this movement is buying more local and organic food.  In fact, organic food stickers can be found almost anywhere, which could not be said just a few years ago.  More people are giving more thought to the agriculture programs of their home areas than ever before.  This topic is especially relevant in Pullman, and the rest of the Palouse, which is agriculturally based.  So, although there are many things happening on a national scale that affects this ever changing field, there are also many things that are happening in the town of Pullman and surrounding areas. Organic food growth is one of the biggest issues in agriculture today.  Organic food has been around for a long time but it was not until the 90s that it began to become popular in the mainstream.  

However I will describe the agricultural beat to consider all stories on farming and agriculture in general, organic growers, regulations on crops and livestock and weather challenges that are facing local farmers.  Also what could be included in this beat, which is happening in Pullman is the rise of things like food co-ops where normal people are put into contact with local farmers and are able to get fresh, local food directly to their kitchens.  Another interesting things to include in this beat would be the purchase of fresh produce by grocery stores and how this has changed with a rising demand for organic and local food.

Like many things in this country, it will be interesting to see what changes come to the agricultural beat with a new administration.  A new Secretary of Agriculture was recently elected, and with a new person brings change, no matter what else is true.  Right now may seem like a slow season for agriculture, because the snow on the ground means that no farming can be achieved, but now is the time to focus on policy making and regulations, which is what this class is all about.

Story ideas:

1) Proposed cow gas tax by environmentalists. Real or fake?

2) Till-only farming.  It is on the rise is this area: what is it and what does it mean?

3) The food co-op in Moscow recently wrote a 'strategic plan' which outlines some of their goals and rewrites how the co-op works and will function in the future.  What changes are coming, and what does that mean to the area?

4) Community gardens: what do they mean to the communities in which they are functioning? Are more people using them, with the recession?

Recent Stories:

1) Biofuels: "Idaho Oilseed Conference Addresses Global to Local Issues" - Ag Weekly (Idaho)

2) 31% budget cuts for the Idaho department of agriculture: "Attrition, federal grants make up ISDA budget cut" - Capital Press: The West's Ag Website

3) Salmonella peanut butter scare: "Peanut Butter Probe Focuses on Georgia Plant" - Wall Street Journal

Possible Sources:

General Information about Pullman: City Supervisor John Sherman (509) 338-3212 

Moscow co-op general manager: Kenna Eaton (208) 882-8537

Koppel Farms (community garden): koppelfarm@pullman.com