The Only Thing That Lasts

You probably know about the trolley problem, where someone is forced to make a decision between inaction that kills five people, or making an effort that kills only one. In this episode of The Only Thing That Lasts, host Sarah Mock looks at this quandary from an agricultural lens. As in, when do we let nature simply take its course, or when do we take action to minimize harm — even when there can be other, peripheral harms? It's an episode that explores differing views on conservation, and how we manage agriculture in America.

We tend to think of farmland and nature as distinct and easily distinguished, but in this episode, our host Sarah Mock poses the question: What if these boundaries are far more fuzzy than we imagine? How do the effects of intensive agriculture bleed into the surrounding environments, and how do our natural ecosystems dictate what can and can't be farmed? This may sound like a philosophical exploration, but it's also highly practical. Let Sarah explain why "farmland" — the very subject of this podcast — is an exceedingly complicated descriptor.

Explore the Dust Bowl's history and its role as a man-made disaster during the Great Depression. Discover how unsustainable farming practices and flawed policies contributed to long-lasting agricultural consequences. Dive into the evolution of farming in America, shaped by technology and shifting policies. Uncover the USDA's climate-smart initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental benefits and farmer resilience. Finally, reflect on how farmland's value transformed from a community cornerstone to an economic asset over the decades.

This intriguing discussion dives into the roots of agrarian populism and its evolution in American politics. It highlights the rise of the Populist Party in the late 19th century, as farmers rallied against exploitation and monopolies. The struggles of tenant farmers and the significance of collective action are examined, showcasing a historical legacy that resonates today. The episode also explores modern rural dynamics, focusing on a state representative’s fight against corporate control and the pressing need for unity in addressing economic disparities.

"As through this world I’ve wandered, I’ve seen lots of funny men. Some will rob you with a six gun,And some with a fountain pen."Woody Guthrie's lyrics are a fitting frame for this episode of The Only Thing That Lasts, looking at the government taking land from its rightful owners — and the outlaws who fought back.

The Homestead Act of 1862 changed the path of many thousands of Americans, who were given $1.1 trillion in free land to farm. Their descendents, who make up 25% of the U.S. population today, are still living off the legacy of those valuable gifts.

In the second episode of our 8-episode limited series, agriculture journalist Sarah Mock takes us on a journey to the origins of what we think of as farmland today — and with it, the very definition of private property. Your house, your land, and your concept of owning them, have everything to do with the agricultural origins of the United States.

In the first episode of our 8-episode limited series, agriculture journalist Sarah Mock unpacks the dire warnings advocates are making — namely, that we're losing thousands of acres of U.S. farmland every day. What does this loss actually mean, contrasted with issues like our lack of affordable housing? And, perhaps more importantly, should we be worried about our food supply?

Uncovering the mysteries of American farmland.