This afternoon Brent and I had the pleasure of seeing Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson speak at the Paramount Theater in downtown Austin. Wendell Berry is a poet, prolific writer, and farmer who has explored the concepts behind sustainable agriculture for decades. Wes Jackson has a background in science (specifically botany and genetics) and founded the Land Institute in Salinas, Kansas, with the goal of breeding perennial grain crops.

I had the great fortune of visiting the Land Institute in 2005 for a short course with my friend Claire Handy. I remember being struck by the beauty of the prairie – the calm of the wind blowing through the grass, the open freedom. Wes Jackson spoke at the course, and he was the first person that made me realize how ecologically diverse a prairie and how important it is to model our agriculture systems after natural systems. They are, after all, the most successful.

To hear Wendell and Wes speak was a real pleasure. Their friendship was shown in their banter towards each other, and their mutual respect was also apparent. They frequently quoted one another, from print or from personal conversations. Both men are very articulate, funny, passionate, and knowledgeable. The topic of conversation was generally focused on sustainable agriculture, but both men spoke with reverence about farming, plants, ecosystems, and connection with the land. One of my favorite quotes was from Wes, mentioning that natural ecosystems have a greater yield than man-made agriculture. It highlights how much we can learn from nature’s handiwork.

(Note: The above picture comes from Conservation Magazine, courtesy of the Land Institute, and shows traditional wheat on the left and a perennial wheatgrass on the right. Notice the difference in root structure, which affects access to underground nutrients.)

This talk was reinvigorating; I really feel like Brent and I are on the right path. We’ve found our spot of land to love, but kept our day jobs. Both Wes and Wendell were adamant about that. Wendell said that he discourages young people from farming, but that he might as well be discouraging people from falling in love – they are just going to do it anyway. He’s an understand, self-depriciating man. I think he loves the growing movement of young farmers.

Wendell said that great change comes from individuals doing what needs to be done, not exceptionally powerful, wealthy people. We are learning from the land, and I have faith that this knowledge will contribute, somehow, to the greater good. Someday. For now, we’re just going to enjoy the sound of rain on the roof, and keep learning from the experts.