World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008 - (Page 2)

Complete the puzzle. Complete Yourself. Letters Readers Respond Ending Hunger, Saving the Earth M A R C H /A P R IL 2008 Technologies for the Poor 12-Step The World’s DRINKING PROBLEM AS POVERT Y SOLUTIONS Silkworms Problem Solving The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will DOUBLE YOUR DONATION! Heifer receives grant to help 1 million people in East Africa. Learn more on page 26 & ﬁnd out how you can help. Volunteer. B e a part of a global movement empowering millions! Volunteer at one of Heifer International’s Learning Centers. Explore the issues of world hunger and poverty, while challenging visitors to examine their own habits and beliefs on the path to becoming more responsible global citizens. I just wanted to tell you how terrific your latest edition of World Ark is—it makes me feel good to read through the magazine and know that I am a tiny part of the whole—isn’t that what it’s all about? I will be sending a donation for the matching grant challenge. Please keep up the good work, it’s the only way I see our future happening. Joan Vibert Ottawa, Kan. In the March/April 2008 issue, Rudy Boschwitz’s letter to World Ark favors the “Green Revolution.” His letter is a fine invitation to explore the Green Revolution and compare it with Heifer’s approach. Would you consider inviting an author to respond, perhaps an author from a nation that has struggled with what the Green Revolution has wrought? Vandana Shiva, for instance, brings the perspective of an Indian woman passionate about agriculture, health and development issues. Mark Greiner Takoma Park, Md. The portion of the letter from ex-senator Rudy Boschwitz in the March/April issue of World Ark magazine concerning organic agriculture indicates a view out of touch with organic production results published over the past 20 years. Universities have finally begun to pay attention to, and confirm, what organic farmers have long known—the art and science of organic ag is as productive as “chemical ag,” and gets comparatively MORE productive and financially attractive during drought periods and with every single increase in the price of a barrel of oil. We know this for a fact. My wife and I made a living as organic farmers on a small farm in Washington state for 14 years until retirement in 2001. Small-scale organic ag is the very best choice for the world’s many million rural families living on small plots of land. We owned larger acreage but actually made our living on about 2 acres (detailed in our 1996 book, Rebirth of the Small Family Farm, now published by ACRES USA) because that was the size the two of us could handle by ourselves with small-scale and generally low-tech equipment and with minimal investment. One key was the integration of livestock with crop production. And we used less than 50 gallons of gasoline/diesel per year. Some special interests have tried very hard to perpetuate a myth that intensive chemical usage and large-scale farming is essential to feed the world. ‘Tain’t so. And there are many of us all around the world who have proven that to our own and researchers’ satisfaction. Bob and Bonnie Gregson Spokane, Wash. [The Mixed Media section] of the January/ February issue of World Ark caused me to pause and reflect. To refer to the book on giving by Bill Clinton as a guide leaves a little to be desired. I would suggest that you review his tax returns as governor and president to see if in fact he practiced what he now preaches. To promote “An Inconvenient Truth” as “now available on home video” makes me wonder: What is the point? Much of the so-called science has been debunked. And as for the Nobel Peace Prize, it reeks of politics. Our Church of the Brethren has used Father’s Day for many years to collect funds for Heifer Project. For as many years as I can remember, I have contributed $500 to honor the fathers of my grandchildren. Unfortunately, that is about to come to an end. I can’t decide if you are a socialist with an agenda, or just an uninformed journalist on the economics of life. John C. Graybeal Hanover, Penn. Learning Center volunteers: Lead Educational Programming Care for Livestock Tend the Gardens Provide Operations Support Whether you’re 18 or 80, you can become a member of Heifer’s volunteer community. Apply on-line at www.heifer.org/learningcenters or contact the Volunteer Of ce at lcvol@heifer.org or (501) 889-5124. www.heifer.org Editor’s response: World Ark aims to open a dialogue about hunger, poverty and sustainability issues. We do not intentionally push any political agenda. Our mission is to inspire readers to take action to end hunger and poverty. 2 May/June2008 | WOrlD Ark www.heifer.org http://www.heifer.org/learningcenters http://www.heifer.org http://www.heifer.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008

World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008 Contents Letters For the Record The Good Life Asked & Answered Why Water Matters The Carbon Hoofprint From Farm to Table Healing History Mixed Media Heifer Spirit Heifer Bulletin World Ark Market Calendar First Person

World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008

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