Nebraska is known for corn, the Cornhuskers and of course, farming. With the decline of family farms and rural communities and the rise of corporate farming and the resulting environmental degradation, American agriculture is in crisis. But this crisis offers the opportunity to rethink agriculture in sustainable terms. John E. Ikerd’s Crisis and Opportunity describes what sustainable agriculture is, why it began and how it can succeed. He talks about the consequences of agriculture industrialization and offers methods that can restore social responsibility to our agriculture system.

Ikerd will be at the Annual North American Aronia Berry Festival in Missouri Valley, IA where all things are aronia, like herbals, food, craft beer and recipes. For those of you that don’t know (because I sure didn’t) aronia berries are packed with antioxidants and are extremely good for you! So besides featuring a superb berry, they have vendors from the Omaha Farmers Market, children’s activities, wine tasting, farming demonstrations and a series of speakers discussing sustainable agriculture and food systems.  The festival takes place Sept. 18-19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm. He will be speaking on Sept. 18 and signing books. Click here for a complete description, schedule and directions.