In Search of Meadowlarks

Birds, Farms, and Food in Harmony with the Land

By: John M. Marzluff

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

An ornithologist's personal look at farming practices that finds practical solutions for sustainable food production compatible with bird and wildlife conservation

With predictions of a human population of more than nine billion by the middle of this century and 11 billion by 2100, we stand at a crossroads in our agricultural evolution. In this clear and engaging yet scientifically rigorous book, wildlife biologist John M. Marzluff takes a personal approach to sustainable agriculture.

He travels to farms and ranches across North and Central America, including a Nebraska corn and soybean farm, California vineyards, cattle ranches in Montana, and small sustainable farms in Costa Rica, to understand the unique challenges and solutions to sustainable food production.

Agriculture and wildlife can coexist, he argues, if farmers are justly rewarded for conservation; if future technological advancements increase food production and reduce food waste; and if consumers cut back on meat consumption.

Beginning with a look backwards at our evolutionary history and concluding with practical solutions for change that will benefit farmers and ranchers, Marzluff provides an accessible and insightful study for the ecologically minded citizen, farmer, rancher, or conservationist.

©2020 John M. Marzluff (P)2020 Tantor

Holistic farming

A great book for those interested in farming, biodiversity, ornithology, birdwatching and sustainable living.
It gives us hope that some day humanity may coexist with nature to preserve some of the biodiversity we have today for future generations. The author has a deep knowledge of ornithology, ecology and farming. He gives us several alternative examples to large scale monoculture in the temperate region (North America) and in the tropics (Costa Rica). I thoroughly enjoyed it.