Dear Friends,

HERE’S THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM. We focus on the probable repeal of Roe v. Wade by the US Supreme Court and what is likely to happen next. Joining me are Dr. Charles Goldman, attorney Joseph Glazebrook, and professor Carol Spaulding-Kruse. It’s a rock-star line up, and I hope you’ll listen to the program and share your feedback.

“US Supreme Court” by dbking is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

There are so many questions surrounding this sea change in a woman’s right to make her own decision when it comes to abortion. What will individual states do? Will anti-choice activists push for even more draconian erosions of personal liberty? Could the US Congress potentially preempt pro-choice states? Is it possible in today’s hyper-charged partisan environment to find common ground on preventing unintended pregnancies?

My guests and I tackle these questions and more. Again, feedback welcome.

Since I seem to be constitutionally incapable of steering clear of controversial topics, for our Farm and Food segment this week, Kathy and I discuss the benefits of raising rabbits for meat. Here’s an excerpt from an article on the subject in Modern Farmer:

“Compared to beef, pork, lamb, turkey, veal and chicken, rabbit has the highest percentage of protein, the lowest percentage of fat and the fewest calories per pound. Unlike other meats, it contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Kathy holding our New Zealand doe, cleverly named “Doey.”

“The environmental impact from raising rabbits is low. Rabbits produce six pounds of meat on the same feed and water as cattle consume to produce only one pound, resulting in a smaller overall carbon footprint. Also, rabbits don’t require much space, especially compared to livestock, which means using less energy resources. They feed on a grain-free diet of alfalfa, compost scraps and foraged grass, which is cheaper and more naturally available.”

Of all the foods Kathy and I raise at Birds & Bees Urban Farm, the one that most often disappoints people (even more than turnips!) is rabbit. We’re new to this venture, and are glad to partner with our friend and neighbor, Joel Brown. Another friend, Todd Steichen, helped us build our rabbit hutch almost entirely from scrap materials. So far, it’s been one of the most low-cost, low-carbon-footprint farm initiatives imaginable.

I love the daily routine of caring for our two rabbits — a doe and a buck, who will be used to breed the offspring that will become an important part of our food supply. I’m not the least bit excited about butchering rabbits, but I feel strongly that it’s important to embrace every step of what goes into feeding and nurturing oneself and one’s family.

I suspect that, as more people become aware of the importance of food self-reliance, cultural attitudes toward raising rabbits for meat will improve.

Thanks for reading and listening! – Ed

*******

LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S FALLON FORUM

(01:04) How far will the anti-choice movement go?
(54:05) Meet the meat rabbits.

– KHOI 89.1 FM (Ames, Iowa)
– KICI.LP 105.3 FM (Iowa City, Iowa)
– WHIV 102.3 FM (New Orleans, Louisiana)
– KPIP-LP, 94.7 FM (Fayette, Missouri)
– KCEI 90.1 FM (Taos, New Mexico)
– KRFP 90.3 FM (Moscow, Idaho)
– WGRN 94.1 FM (Columbus, Ohio)

Please support the local businesses and non-profits who make this program possible. Click on their logos on the Fallon Forum website and in our weekly email, and visit Dr. Drake Family Psychiatry, Story County Veterinary Clinic, Bold Iowa, and Birds & Bees Urban Farm. Thanks for supporting the civil alternative to the shock jocks!

Ed Fallon