{"id":724,"date":"2025-07-08T17:46:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/?page_id=724"},"modified":"2026-01-08T21:43:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T21:43:24","slug":"sociology-of-agriculture-and-food","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/sociology-of-agriculture-and-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Sociology of Agriculture and Food (SAFRIG)"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-724\" data-postid=\"724\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-724 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_tlyn991 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_eair992 first\">\n                    <!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_d985344 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h1 class=\"fancy-heading\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    Sociology of Agriculture and Food (SAFRIG) Research and Interest Group            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                    Exploring the social dimensions of food systems and agricultural change            <\/span>\n    <\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- Breadcrumbs module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-breadcrumbs tb_h92w407 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<nav role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"tbp_breadcrumb_trail\"><ul class=\"tbp_trail_items\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/BreadcrumbList\"><meta name=\"numberOfItems\" content=\"1\" \/><meta name=\"itemListOrder\" content=\"Ascending\" \/><li itemprop=\"itemListElement\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ListItem\" class=\"tbp_trail_item tbp_trail_end\"><a itemprop=\"item\" href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/\" rel=\"home\"><span itemprop=\"name\">Home<\/span><\/a><meta itemprop=\"position\" content=\"1\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><!-- \/Breadcrumbs module -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ezkq378 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_6fqi378 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_i0gr447   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">What We\u2019re About<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"1009\">The Sociology of Agriculture and Food Research Interest Group (SAFRIG) brings together scholars whose work examines the social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental aspects of food and agriculture. We are committed to understanding the structural forces and human actions that shape food systems\u2014from production and distribution to consumption and policy\u2014both domestically and globally.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1011\" data-end=\"1432\">SAFRIG members study a wide range of topics including food justice, farm labor, land use, agrarian change, rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, food insecurity, and the role of power and inequality in shaping agricultural and food systems. The RIG welcomes diverse theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, emphasizing both critical inquiry and applied scholarship that informs practice and policy.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_ohta833\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_ifut833 tb_gs590685 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vns1833   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">Apply for a RIG Award<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_3 tb_yxq5833\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-1 tb_vftr833 first\">\n                    <!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_qbnh833 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026-SAFRIG-Student-Paper-Award-Shared.pdf\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                                SAFRIG Student Paper Award                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-1 tb_ma10833\">\n                    <!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_t5ht833 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2026-SAFRIG-Diversity-Travel-Award-for-HBCU-and-Global-South-Scholars.pdf\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                                SAFRIG Diversity Travel Award                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-1 tb_yeo0833 last\">\n                    <!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_yqfc833 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/contact-leadership-team\/?rig=11\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                                Questions? Contact RIG Leadership                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_jmlk529 tb_gs591685 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_8y0r70   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Annual Dues:<\/h3>\n<h4>Regular Members &#8211; $15<br>Student Members &#8211; $5<\/h4>\n<h4>Get Involved:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Attend our sessions and networking events at the RSS Annual Meeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Participate in planning discussions or propose new activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Contact our leadership team to get connected<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_bwuw860 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"\/membership\/account\/profile?registration=%2Fmembership-purchase%2F\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-hands-helping\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-hands-helping\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Join our RIG                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_iuhv963 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_30ky963 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_qgxj935   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>What We Do and How to Get Involved<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1629\">SAFRIG provides a collaborative space for researchers, educators, practitioners, and students interested in the sociology of food and agriculture. We:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"2129\">\n<li data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1757\">\n<p data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1757\">Organize paper sessions, panels, and roundtables at the RSS Annual Meeting on a wide array of food and agriculture topics.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1861\">\n<p data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1861\">Foster networking and mentorship opportunities among scholars across career stages and disciplines.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1862\" data-end=\"2006\">\n<p data-start=\"1864\" data-end=\"2006\">Support community-engaged research, international collaboration, and cross-sector dialogue related to food systems and rural transformation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2129\">\n<p data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2129\">Encourage critical reflection on the relationships between agriculture, sustainability, equity, and rural development.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2490\">To get involved, select SAFRIG when renewing or initiating your RSS membership. Attend our annual sessions and business meeting, propose presentations or collaborative initiatives, and connect with others working at the intersections of food, farming, and rural society. Everyone with an interest in sociological approaches to food and agriculture is welcome.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_m4vx385 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/annual-meeting\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-double-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-double-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Join us at our Annual Meeting                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/volunteer-to-help\/?rig=11\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-hand\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-hand\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Volunteer to Help Organize                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/contact-leadership-team\/?rig=11\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-envelope-circle-check\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-envelope-circle-check\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Contact the Leadership Team                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_5vvp977 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_o6ph978 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vwg4390   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Leadership:<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-css_id=\"ddl1742\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth_row_container tb_ddl1742 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top gutter-narrow tb_col_count_3 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_mbd4742 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_9f6r556 image-center circle  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/McKayla-R-Robinette-Headshot-125x125.jpg\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-3399\" title=\"McKayla-R-Robinette-Headshot\" alt=\"McKayla-R-Robinette-Headshot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/McKayla-R-Robinette-Headshot-125x125.jpg 125w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/McKayla-R-Robinette-Headshot-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_w54l146 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-w54l146-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-w54l146-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-up\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-up\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">McKayla Robinette, Co-Chair<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-w54l146-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-w54l146-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_inqj146\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_l9n2146 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_yxu3146   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW111435250 BCX0\">North Carolina <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW111435250 BCX0\">Agromedicine<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW111435250 BCX0\"> Institute<br><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW12971400 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW12971400 BCX0\">robinettem23@ecu.edu<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW12971400 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bio:\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW109415743 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109415743 BCX0\">McKayla Robinette grew up on a century farm in eastern North Carolina, where she raises grass-fed beef with her family. As Coordinator for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network of North Carolina at the NC <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW109415743 BCX0\">Agromedicine<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109415743 BCX0\"> Institute, McKayla <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109415743 BCX0\">leverages<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109415743 BCX0\"> her background in production agriculture to help farming families navigate challenges and find success.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW109415743 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_m4pn742\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_vrb5742 image-center circle  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1627496120066-002-300x300-1-125x125.jpg\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-1078\" title=\"1627496120066-002-300x300\" alt=\"1627496120066-002-300x300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1627496120066-002-300x300-1-125x125.jpg 125w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1627496120066-002-300x300-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1627496120066-002-300x300-1.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_iucm742 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-iucm742-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-iucm742-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-up\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-up\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">Hazel Velasco Palacios, Co-Chair<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-iucm742-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-iucm742-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_19us742\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_garc742 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_jdti742   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW82211783 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW82211783 BCX0\">The Pennsylvania State University<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW82211783 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<br><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW58416156 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW58416156 BCX0\">hgv5008@psu.edu<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bio:\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW172050500 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW172050500 BCX0\">Hazel <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW172050500 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW172050500 BCX0\">Velasco is a rural sociologist and feminist researcher whose work examines migration, reproductive justice, and labor precarity. Combining ethnographic methods and community-based research, she investigates struct<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW172050500 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW172050500 BCX0\">ural and symbolic violence in farmworker lives to inform policy, advocacy, and collective care strategies.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW172050500 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_ugaa946 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_qvpb946 image-center circle  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/etrouba-125x125.png\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-3501\" title=\"etrouba\" alt=\"etrouba\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/etrouba-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/etrouba-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_06vy946 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-06vy946-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-06vy946-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-up\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-up\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">Erin Trouba, Co-Chair Elect<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-06vy946-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-06vy946-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_l8x7946\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_z1a7946 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_d5wr946   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW82211783 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW82211783 BCX0\">The Pennsylvania State University<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW82211783 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<br><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW101773819 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW101773819 BCX0\">ect5075@psu.edu<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bio: <\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\">Erin Trouba is an Extension Educator with Penn State&#8217;s Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT)<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\">.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\">She has her masters in rural sociology and a background in environmental science and policy<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\">.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\">She loves hiking, foraging for mushrooms, and making Ethiopian food for friends<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48147870 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-css_id=\"g55g409\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth_row_container tb_g55g409 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_3 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_603c409 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_kte8409 image-center circle  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/whitney-shervey-792x793-1-125x125.jpg\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-3481\" title=\"whitney-shervey-792x793\" alt=\"whitney-shervey-792x793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/whitney-shervey-792x793-1-125x125.jpg 125w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/whitney-shervey-792x793-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/whitney-shervey-792x793-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/whitney-shervey-792x793-1-768x769.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/whitney-shervey-792x793-1.jpg 792w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_1i5t409 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-1i5t409-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-1i5t409-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-up\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-up\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">Whitney Shervey, Co-Chair Elect<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-1i5t409-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-1i5t409-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_hrot409\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_ubje409 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_x5ge409   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW111435250 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW42812864 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW42812864 BCX0\">Washington State University<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW111435250 BCX0\"><span class=\"EOP SCXW42812864 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> <span class=\"TextRun SCXW79242692 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW79242692 BCX0\">whitney.shervey@wsu.edu<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW79242692 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bio: <\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW81863577 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW81863577 BCX0\">Whitney Shervey is a Sociology PhD student at Washington State University where they study rural service work and gender. Spanning across the food system, their scholastic and vocational interests are grounded in social justice and focused on food workers, farmers\u2019 markets, culinary arts, and the emergency food system. In their free time, Whitney enjoys spending time with their dog, birding, and traveling.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_cesi664\">\n                            <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_srva226 last\">\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_n046589 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_laaw589 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_9boc589   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">\ud83d\udcf0 News and Announcements<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- advanced-posts module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-advanced-posts tb_uun6589   themify_builder_content-uun6589\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div  class=\"builder-posts-wrap loops-wrapper news list-post classic tf_clear tf_clearfix\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-4785\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-4785 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-applied-and-extension-news news_announcements-community-health-and-family news_announcements-international-development-studies news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-population news_announcements-rural-race-and-ethnicity news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ftlv589 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_ckwc589 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_3mv1589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/past-president-john-green-wins\/\">\n\t\tRSS Past-President John Green Wins Rural Renewal Research Prize\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_nhe3589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-11-12T17:32:59+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-11-12T17:32:59+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">November<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">12<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-11-12T17:43:40+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_0yxm589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tThe Rural Renewal Research Prize is an award given to a global leader in rural renewal research, education, and engagement by the Oklahoma State University Rural Renewal Initiative. The prize honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the renewal of rural communities and is awarded at the annual Rural Renewal Symposium, which was held [&hellip;]    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-4727\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-4727 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-gender-and-sexualities news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-rural-law-and-justice news_announcements-rural-policy news_announcements-rural-race-and-ethnicity news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ftlv589 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_ckwc589 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_3mv1589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/women-and-smallholder-farming\/\">\n\t\tFormer RSS President Carolyn Sachs Co-edits Volume on Women and Smallholder Farming\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_nhe3589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-10-29T15:51:31+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-10-29T15:51:31+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">October<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">29<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-11-19T16:45:08+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_0yxm589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tA new book which provides a comprehensive overview of the main obstacles and challenges women smallholders face has just been published. \ud83d\udd17 Read More    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-4655\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-4655 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-applied-and-extension-news news_announcements-community-health-and-family news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-natural-resources news_announcements-population news_announcements-rural-policy news_announcements-rural-poverty news_announcements-rural-race-and-ethnicity news_announcements-rural-studies news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig news_announcements-the-elders news_announcements-youth-education-and-rural-vitality has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ftlv589 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_ckwc589 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_3mv1589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/the-case-for-rural-america-a-new-book-in-the-rural-studies-series\/\">\n\t\tMueller publishes The Case for Rural America in Rural Studies Series\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_nhe3589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-10-13T16:45:22+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-10-13T16:45:22+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">October<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">13<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-11-21T18:10:12+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_0yxm589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tJ. Tom Mueller argues that policymakers, politicians, and academics rarely make a clear case for why rural America matters and is worth saving in the first place. In this provocative book, Mueller meets these issues head-on by presenting a critique of conventional economic development efforts while also articulating why rural America is worthy of preservation. [&hellip;]    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-4284\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-4284 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-gender-and-sexualities news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ftlv589 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_ckwc589 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_3mv1589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/usdas-dei-purge\/\">\n\t\tUSDA\u2019s DEI Purge: How Trump and Rollins are reshaping American agriculture\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_nhe3589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-09-17T18:26:24+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-09-17T18:26:24+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">September<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">17<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-10-07T15:27:33+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_0yxm589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tAs the USDA rolls back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, RSS Members Michaela Hoffelmeyer and Ike Leslie are sounding the alarm on the long-term consequences for agriculture and food security. \ud83d\udd17 Read More    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-3391\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-3391 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-population news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ftlv589 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_ckwc589 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_3mv1589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/celebrating-florence-becot\/\">\n\t\tCelebrating Florence Becot: Advancing Rural Health and Safety\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_nhe3589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-08-20T17:53:09+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-08-20T17:53:09+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">August<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">20<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-09-09T17:23:58+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_0yxm589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tRSS celebrates Florence Becot, honored by the Agricultural Safety and Health Society for research improving rural well-being and agricultural safety. \ud83d\udd17 Read More    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-2918\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-2918 news type-news status-publish hentry news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ftlv589 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_ckwc589 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_3mv1589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/about-queer-farmers\/\">\n\t\tChicago Tribune Speaks to RSS Hoffelmeyer About Queer Farmers\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_nhe3589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-08-09T01:52:23+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-08-09T01:52:23+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">August<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">9<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-09-09T18:10:12+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_0yxm589 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tIn the Chicago Tribune, RSS Member Michaela Hoffelmeyer noted that many early-career queer farmers fear internships could place them in unsafe or hostile environments. \ud83d\udd17 Read More    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .builder-posts-wrap -->\n\n\t\t<div class=\"pagenav tf_clear tf_box tf_textr tf_clearfix \"> <span class=\"number current\">1<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/724\/page\/2\/\" class=\"number\">2<\/a><\/div>\t\n<\/div><!-- \/advanced-posts module -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_hhkw800 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_zl2c800 tb_gs590685 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fqiv138   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">\ud83d\udcda Selected Publications and Resources<\/h3>\n<p>Explore work from our members and resources on rural sociology:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW115466662 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW115466662 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/ruso.12567\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW115466662 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW115466662 BCX0\">Perceptions and Experiences of Gender Transformative Approaches in Rural Honduras<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW115466662 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/1059924X.2025.2517842\">The Landscape of Farmer Mental Health Programs in the US Midwest<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/ps.70126\">An overview of agricultural neonicotinoid regulation in the EU, Canada, and the United States<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com\/media\/1_r2pd951t\">Webinar: Feminist Approaches to Development Interventions in Agriculture (co-organized with International Development RIG)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/ruso.70000\">Farmers&#8217; Social Capital in Agricultural Decision Making<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10460-024-10662-4\">The end of direct farm payments and rural poverty in the American Midwest | Agriculture and Human Values<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_i8sn81 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_ysrx81 first\">\n                            <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_cpy4713\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_7uyy713 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_i6s6999   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4>Interested in joining RSS or exploring other Research Interest Groups?<\/h4>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_8oe1784 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/membership\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-handshake\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-handshake\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Join RSS Today                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-circle-chevron-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-circle-chevron-left\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Back to All RIGs                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sociology of Agriculture and Food (SAFRIG) Research and Interest GroupExploring the social dimensions of food systems and agricultural change What We\u2019re About The Sociology of Agriculture and Food Research Interest Group (SAFRIG) brings together scholars whose work examines the social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental aspects of food and agriculture. We are committed to understanding the structural forces and human actions that shape food systems\u2014from production and distribution to consumption and policy\u2014both domestically and globally. SAFRIG members study a wide range of topics including food justice, farm labor, land use, agrarian change, rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, food insecurity, and the role of power and inequality in shaping agricultural and food systems. The RIG welcomes diverse theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, emphasizing both critical inquiry and applied scholarship that informs practice and policy. Apply for a RIG Award SAFRIG Student Paper Award SAFRIG Diversity Travel Award Questions? Contact RIG Leadership Annual Dues: Regular Members &#8211; $15Student Members &#8211; $5 Get Involved: Attend our sessions and networking events at the RSS Annual Meeting Participate in planning discussions or propose new activities Contact our leadership team to get connected Join our RIG What We Do and How to Get Involved SAFRIG provides a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":54,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-724","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=724"}],"version-history":[{"count":76,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5484,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/724\/revisions\/5484"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/54"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}