THE BACK FORTY
Stories of stewardship, coexistence, and resilience by Courtney
"The only progress that counts is on the actual landscape of the back forty." -Aldo Leopold
Walking the Talk
"Talk of ecosystem services is all the rage today among academics, activists, agencies, and policy-makers. But for ranchers Tom and Mimi Sidwell, who produce grassfed beef in the high, dry plains of eastern New Mexico , this talk is old news. That's because they have been delivering ecosystem services for decades – they just didn't know it had an official name until recently."
Originally published in Acres (cover story), vol. 41, December 2011
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No Ordinary Burger
"Can a hamburger save the family ranch in the 21st century? If you’re Diablo Burger, a bite-sized eatery located in the busy old-town heart of Flagstaff, Arizona, serving up natural, fresh, trendy, and tasty hamburgers supplied by two local ranches, the answer is: possibly. Hopefully."
Originally published in Acres magazine, vol. 41, January 2011
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Redefining Local
Originally published in Farming Magazine, Spring 2010
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"Stomp" Restoration
Originally published in Farming Magazine, Fall 2008
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Big Things on a Little Place Redux
Originally published in Farming Magazine Spring 2008
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A Corner Turned: The Chico Basin Ranch
Originally published in The Quivira Coalition's Journal no. 29, October 2006
A Corner Turned: The Chico Basin Ranch
Hope on the Range
Originally published by the Rodale Institute, December 2004