Outdoor Dads, Farm Tour, Someday Song
Here's the latest dispatch.
Good afternoon,
For you newbies out there, welcome to Outsider on the Inside. I hope this dispatch from in and around the nation’s capital on underreported topics finds you well.
If you’re just discovering my musings, here’s a backgrounder and make sure we’re connected on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Today marks 12 years since I left California for freer pastures in Virginia. And I don’t regret it. And a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there—especially mine!
Quick Thoughts
Support and follow the work of IWF’s Center for Energy and Conservation today if you haven’t already.
I’m not one for Michelin Star restaurants, but when I visit Lithuania again this summer I’ll go visit at least one before expensive prices hit. Check out Lithuania’s Michelin Guide here.
RIP to Blue Mind theory pioneer and marine biologist, Wallace J. Nichols. He wrote in Outside Magazine in April 2023: “If you’re feeling crummy, get in the water. If you’re feeling creatively blocked, get in the water. If you’re feeling a lack of peace in your mind, get in the water. If you feel like you want to connect more deeply with someone you care about, get in the water together.” Support his memorial fund here.
There’s nothing wrong with Governor Youngkin, POLITICO.
Far left outdoor retailer, Patagonia, was caught supporting terrorists? I’m shocked—SHOCKED!—I tell you.
Equity will be the death knell of net-zero. I love it when radical environmentalists cannibalize each other. LOL.
A young black bear was struck to death on I-395 in Arlington, Virginia yesterday. This comes as more black bear sightings have been reported in the DC Metro Area.
That’s all for this week. Stay tuned for next Friday’s update!
CTIC Farm Tour
Last week, I participated in Conservation Technology Information Center's 17th annual Conservation in Action Tour in northeastern Arkansas and Memphis, TN.
CTIC’s executive director, Ryan Heiniger, invited me to attend on behalf of IWF and to get a bird’s eye view into a different conservation side to agriculture. I’ve seen how cows keep Florida green, now I got a taste of the crop side of things.
The timing of this field trip couldn’t have aligned better with the Senate Farm Bill framework dropping from Senate Ag Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) on Tuesday, so the trip was even more meaningful.
The Conservation in Action Tour was preceded by an informational Farming in the Flyways Workshop at Ducks Unlimited headquarters outside Memphis.
The event gave attendees like me a glimpse into the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and individual farming efforts.
We toured three farms in northeast Arkansas that produce rice, soybeans, and corn. Rice, believe it or not, is king in the Natural State. Arkansas produces nearly half of the U.S.’s rice supply.
Our first stop was at Ellis Bell Farm in Forrest City, AR. Attendees had three stations:
Hearing from Mr. Bell himself about farming and how to make it accessible to future generations;
Learning about Soil Health Institute and Regenerative Cotton Fund’s work in the Natural State (I especially enjoyed this breakout and private efforts to
A talk from a Farm Credit Mid-America representative on how farmers navigate sustainability through NRSC programs or not
We then landed at our second farm, belonging to Scott Matthews, in Weiner, AR. Here, rice was omnipresent.
Mr. Matthews spoke about employing smart irrigation practices for rice systems. We visited two other stations on soil health challenges and successes hosted by a husband-wife duo, Brad and Joyce Doyle, and learned about water management science from some two USDA ARS researchers and from The Nature Conservancy’s Arkansas chapter ag representative.
During lunch, we heard from Arkansas Secretary of State Wes Ward and enjoyed some delicious catfish and chicken tenders.
Our tour concluded at Holthouse Farm Shop in Osceola, AR. There, we heard from neighboring farms run by Travis Senter and Chase Chafin and how conservation programs work for farmers from a farmer named Ryan Sullivan. Drones, like this one pictures, are integral for operating a farm today.
I also got to enjoy the sights and sounds of Memphis again, coupled with some great soul food and music at BB King’s on Beale Street and a lovely view of the Bass Pro Pyramid and Mississippi River from the conference hotel.
Conservation is Conservative
I recently met with and recorded another interview with House Natural Resources Chairman and avid outdoorsman, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR). He spoke about a wide range of topics in our third (but first in-person) interview.
Listen to District of Conservation tomorrow and read an expanded Townhall column from me on Wednesday or Friday.
Someday Song
My friend and frequent collaborator, Madison Hughes, has a new song out called, “Someday Song.” It’s a must-listen for anyone hoping for their special someone one day. Give it a listen!
ICYMI
Articles/commentary/media appearances from the past week.
MEDIA MENTIONS
I spoke to Daily Caller about the dangers of the Biden administration’s full electrification agenda.
And I joined Tony Kinnett again on his 93 WBIC radio program to discuss Governor Ron DeSantis allegedly banning climate change and EV agenda being engulfed by equity.
ARTICLES/BLOGS
District of Conservation
Catch up on District of Conservation episodes below.
And check out a new episode of The Sportswoman Show with Carbon TV CEO Julie McQueen!
Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts and encourage your friends to subscribe to the newsletter too.
—Gabriella