About this episode

This episode explores the historical and ecological significance of prairies in Iowa and discusses the advocacy for their restoration.

We wanted to send a quick note of appreciation for all of our listeners! Thank you so much for your support. Please be sure to write a review of this podcast (especially if you listen outside of Substack). And sign up for the Iowa Food System Coalition’s Local Food Challenge taking place this summer. Have you ever wondered why U.S. tax payers often pay farmers NOT to farm? In this episode, we frame that question a little differently: have you ever wondered why U.S. tax payers don’t pay more farmers to provide ecosystem services for the health of our landscapes? 150 years ago, prairie got in the way of Iowa’s European settlers. In order to farm, they had to till it up. Now, many Iowans are advocating for us to restore as much of it as we can. In this episode, Beth dives into the “why” of prairies with one of Iowa’s “Prairie Farmers,” Nicholas Lirio of Hocksey Native Seed. Voices Nicolas Lirio— Hocksey Native Seed and the Prairie Farm Podcast Resources History of the Conservation Reserve Program House Farm Bill Falls Short Environmental Working Group— Conservation Database Music Geoff Harvey Monume Stay in the Loop Stay connected to the latest in Iowa’s food system news. Subscribe…

People in this episode

Host: Beth

Guest: Nicholas Lirio

Topics covered

• prairie restoration
• ecosystem services
• Iowa agriculture
• local food systems
• environmental advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hocksey Native Seed, Iowa Food System Coalition, Environmental Working Group

Books & works: House Farm Bill

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