Tracking down where your food comes from, or understanding your food shed, was the topic of a contribution to The Herald-Mail from UMD Extension educator, Jeff Semler. Although embracing AFT’s “No Farms No Food” message, he offers additional suggestions to consumers to be more effective with their purchasing power. Conservation efforts by farmers in the Upper Mississippi River basin are making progress, found a recently released USDA report.  Sediment loss and pesticide runoff are both down as farmers in the region embrace effective conservation practices.  However, the study concluded that more work needs to be done, particularly in addressing runoff of nitrogen fertilizer. A story from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch highlighted the growing field of agroforestry.  This integrated farming approach encourages a more multifunctional use of land and can be both environmentally conscious and financially lucrative. One Champaign, Ill. goat farmer is fighting to protect local farmland from a damaging road project. Read more about her struggle to preserve urban-fringe farming in this feature from The Chicago Tribune. The National Milk Producers Federation has outlined its recommendations for changes in federal dairy policy in its “Foundation for the Future” approach. The plan includes safeguards against financial pressures, programs to address changes in milk production and demand, and reforms to the Federal Milk Marketing Order program, among other recommendations. Farm Aid has released a report that recognizes the impact of families in growing and strengthening farms and food systems.  This analysis of the American economy gives a unique look at the central role farms and farmers have had and will continue to play in national economic development. Urban farming for profit was the subject of a story from last week’s Seattle Times. According to the article, the production of food in cities is expanding the definition of “local” while at the same time bringing the food closer to home. To close out this week’s update there is good news in the area of farmland preservation.  Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection received 36 applications looking to protect 9,400 acres of farmland in its first call for Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement funding. In Pennsylvania, the state’s long-standing protection program celebrates its 15,000^th acre of preserved farmland. What a great milestone for farmers and agricultural supporters in the Keystone State! And of course, the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets™ Contest is underway- don’t forget to share some love for your market by casting your vote today!