Shows
ATTRA - Voices from the FieldNCAT/SARE: Chestnuts in Southeastern Ohio. A Cooperative Small Farm EffortThis episode of Voices from the Field was produced in partnership with ATTRA and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. To learn more about SARE’s library of practical information and available grants to fund projects that advance sustainable agriculture, visit sare.org. In this episode, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tyler Jenkins dives into the world of chestnuts with Michelle Ajamian, who works with Rural Action as a network developer for Appalachian Staple Foods Collaborative. Michelle shares her experiences and insights from her work in southeastern Ohio as a project developer and advocate for s...
2024-03-1325 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Tammy Barnes Shares Her JourneyIn this episode of Voices from the Field,NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tyler Jenkins introduces us to new NCAT staff member Tammy Barnes. Tammy, who is also a sustainable agriculture specialist, will be focusing on carbon planning from Kentucky. Tammy shares her wealth of experience and the insights garnered from an extensive career dedicated to sustainable agriculture, from equestrian and other livestockmanagement, to cropping systems and holistic farm management. She also sharesthe story of her sustainable agriculture career and long history of farmer support and advocacy. She details the path that led her t...
2024-03-0627 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Danielle Duni, Carbon Farm Planner for Woolgrowers in WyomingThis episode of Voices from the Field introduces one of NCAT’s newest staff members. Danielle Duni recently joined NCAT as a Carbon Farm Planner who will aid Wyoming shepherds as they build profitable businesses and healthy landscapes. Danielle shares her winding career path working with livestock across the western U.S. and her vision for ranchers “finding that interface where we can all work together to build resilient communities.” Also, Danielle and NCAT Grazing Specialist Linda Poole sketch the shape of the Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership, a five-year program to provide technical assistance and cost...
2023-11-2943 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Carbon Farm Planner Allison Cooley-Agee of MontanaIn this episode of Voices from the Field, we meet one of NCAT’s impressive new staff members, Allison Cooley-Agee. Allison talks with NCAT Livestock Specialist Linda Coffey about her background and the interesting and varied experience she brings to her new position as a Carbon Farm Planner. Training cutting horses, milking goats on an organic dairy, raw milk, 4-H, and Nicole Masters all make their way into the conversation. Allison also discusses the Climate Beneficial Fiber Project, which will be the main focus of her work for the next few years and will benefit sheep producers in...
2023-11-1533 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Tyler Jenkins on Carbon Farm PlanningIn this episode of Voices from the Field, we get to know one of our newest NCAT employees, Tyler Jenkins. Tyler is joining the NCAT team as a Carbon Farm Planner and will be working on our “Building Soil, Building Equity” project, as well as contributing to the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater talks with Tyler about his work before coming to NCAT, what he will be focused on as part of the NCAT team, and to how to make the perfect tomato sandwich.Related ATTRA Resources: · NCATReceives $30 Million to...
2023-09-1341 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT’s New Executive Director, Fred BahnsonIn this episode of Voices from the Field, we meet Fred Bahnson, NCAT’s new Executive Director. Fred tells us the story of the journey that led him to NCAT and talks with Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mike Lewis about the strength of NCAT’s resources — and staff — and some of its many programs.Related Resources:· National Center for Appropriate Technology· ATTRA· Armed to Farm· Soil for Water· AgriSolar ClearinghouseContact Fred Bahnson and Mike Lewis at fredb@ncat.org and mikel@ncat.orgPlease complete a brief...
2023-08-0239 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldBiochar and NCAT’s SIFT FarmIn this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialists Andrew Coggins and John Wallace talk about biochar and NCAT’s use of biochar in its Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training (SIFT) program. John runs NCAT’s SIFT farm at the nonprofit’s headquarters in Butte, Montana.SIFT does sustainable agriculture trials at the farm, including some that have focusedon biochar. John and Andrew talk about renewed interest in biochar as a meansof sequestering carbon and as a soil amendment and even a possible soil enhancement. Related ATTRA Resource...
2023-07-2628 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Cody Brown on Carbon Planning in TexasIn this episode of Voices from the Field, we meet NCAT’s new carbon farm planner in Texas, Cody Brown. Cody’s friend — and now colleague — NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Darron Gaus talks with him about his background, the carbon planning work he is doing now, how producers can get involved in that work, and his hopes for the future. Related ATTRA Resources:· Climate Solutions· Episode 284. Carbon Farm Planning· Episode 297. Digging into Texas’ First Carbon Farm Plan· Carbon Farm Planning Related NCAT Resources:· Car...
2023-07-1923 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldNew NCAT Irrigation Publications Demystify Water and Energy SavingsIn this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Katherine Favor talks to NCAT Southwest Regional Director Mike Morris about a new series of irrigation guidebooks available from NCAT’s ATTRA program. Mike and Katherine discuss some common myths and misunderstandings about irrigation, the under-appreciated importance of soil health to irrigators, and some easy and inexpensive things every irrigator can do to save water, energy, and money. Related ATTRA Resources:· The Irrigator’s Pocket Guide· The California Microirrigation Pocket Guide· The Colorado Irrigator’s Pocket Guide· The New Me...
2023-07-1249 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldHighlights from the Field, 2022This special edition of Voices from the Field takes a look back at some highlights from the podcast during 2022. It was a great year for Voices from the Field, with 50 interesting conversations and loads of practical information running the gamut of sustainable-agriculture topics. We’re honored that Voices from the Field has become a trusted source of information about sustainable agriculture and renewable energy since it began more than five years ago, with thousands of subscribers adding it to their weekly downloads. Featured Podcasts: · Episode 258. Everything Old is New Again, Exploring Indigenous...
2023-02-0851 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT. Molly Kirkham Talks Local Food and Farm to Cafeteria In this episode of Voices from the Field, we get to know a new member of NCAT’s staff, Local Food Specialist Molly Kirkham. Molly tells her NCAT colleague, Community Foods System Specialist Maura Henn, about the chance encounter with a community garden that began her interest in local foods. She talks about her time with AmeriCorps at a food bank in Montana, her time farming, and how she came to work at NCAT. Among other responsibilities at NCAT, Molly spearheads the Harvest of the Month program, and she emphasizes the importance of exposing young children to heal...
2022-08-0322 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT. Elise Haschke Talks Food, Farming, Climate, and ‘Moving at the Speed of Trust’In this episode of Voices from the Field, we meet new NCAT employee Elise Haschke, who is leading the development of a new program, “Climate Smart Agriculture.” Elise explains the “transformative moments” in her life that led her from a love of science and nature to studying nutrition and food systems, improving nutrition in school lunch programs, running farmers markets, and helping the City of Austin, Texas, reduce its food-related greenhouse gas emissions. ATTRA Resources: Agriculture, Climate Disruption, and Carbon Sequestration Climate Change and Perennial Fruit and Nut Production: Investing in Resilience in Uncertain Times Farmer...
2022-06-0844 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT. Luz Ballesteros Gonzalez Connects Food, Agriculture, Community, and HealthIn this episode of Voices from the Field, we meet up with one of NCAT’s newest sustainable agriculture specialists, Luz Ballesteros Gonzalez. In her conversation with colleague Robert Maggiani in the NCAT Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, Luz explains how she decided on a career in sustainable agriculture. After initially setting out to study medicine, her interests in chemistry and environmental sciences led her to see the connections between health and food, agriculture, and community. Environmental scientists, Luz says, are the “doctors of the Earth.” ATTRA Resources: Luz Ballesteros Gonzalez...
2022-05-1818 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldHow to Conserve Water at an Urban, Mountain Desert FarmNCAT’s headquarters in Butte, Montana, has a complicated growing climate to say the least. That makes John Wallace’s job as farm manager of NCAT’s Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training program – or SIFT – challenging as well. In this episode of Voices from the Field, John talks with NCAT Energy Analyst Victorian Smart about the SIFT farm’s strategies for conserving water. Since the farm is located in what is essentially a high mountain desert and relies on city water, those strategies are essential, as is increasing organic matter in its decomposed-granite soil. ATTRA Resources...
2022-05-1316 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT. Darron Gaus Has a Passion for Teaching Sustainable AgDarron Gaus grew up in Yoakum, Texas, a small agricultural town. After some other career moves, he made his way back to agriculture, including a stint as the farm manager at the San Antonio Food Bank. In this episode of Voices from the Field, Darron – NCAT’s newest Sustainable Agriculture Specialist -- tells fellow NCAT staffer Justin Duncan about his journey and the passion he feels for spreading the word about sustainable agriculture. Now that Darron has gone from using NCAT’s ATTRA sustainable-agriculture resources to being a staff member, he describes what he thinks he can contrib...
2022-05-1117 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldPractical Steps for Reducing Synthetic Fertilizer UseFor more than 35 years, the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program has been helping farmers and ranchers grow nutritious food and operate successful businesses without synthetic fertilizer. Now, NCAT has released a new toolkit with trusted and practical resources for farmers who want to transition away from the use of synthetic fertilizers. In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Communications Director Emilie Ritter Saunders speaks with Sustainable Agriculture Specialists Nina Prater and Lee Rinehart about the new toolkit, and the easy-to-follow steps for transitioning away from synthetic fertilizer use. A...
2022-04-2729 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT. Dan Birnstihl Aims to Make Resources Easy to UseIn this episode of Voices from the Field, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mike Lewis introduces us to one of NCAT’s newest staff members, Dan Birnstihl.To say Dan has wide-ranging experience is something of an understatement. He worked on fighter jets while in the Marines, studied sustainable agriculture and managed a farm. And he managed to squeeze in studying audio production in Nashville. He says he’s particularly interested in NCAT’s Armed to Farm training for veterans and in finding ways to use his multi-media skills to make NCAT’S ATTRA and other sustainable-agriculture resources even easier t...
2022-04-2022 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldNCAT’s Soil for Water Project to Connect a Community of RegeneratorsThe National Center for Appropriate Technology has officially re-launched its Soil for Water project, opening access to the free, voluntary network to all commercial farmers, ranchers, and land managers across the United States. Soil for Water aims to connect farmers, ranchers, and land managers who are interested in land management practices that improve soil health, catch more water in soil, reduce erosion, sustain diverse plant and animal life, and filter out pollutants all while sustaining a profitable business. In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Communications Director Emilie Ritter Saunders speaks with NCAT Regenerative Grazing...
2022-02-2337 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldPrograms Focus on Farmer Well-BeingIn this episode of Voices from the Field, Margo Hale, NCAT’s Southeast Regional Director and Director of NCAT’s Armed to Farm Program, visits with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist and farmer veteran Mike Lewis. Mike and his family operate a diversified farm in Southeast Kentucky.Mike talks about the farm’s enterprises and how USDA programs have helped him meet his farm goals.Mike also discusses two programs — AgrAbility and the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) — that address the physical and mental needs of many farmers.Related ATTRA Resources:NCAT...
2022-01-2039 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldState Soil Health Programs: From the Ground Up in MontanaTwenty-nine states have, or are now developing, state soil health initiatives or coalitions. How is Montana approaching soil health at the statewide level, and how can Montanans participate?In this episode of Voices from the Field, Mike Morris, NCAT’s Southwest Regional Director, talks with Cole Mannix, who facilitates the developing Montana Soil Outreach effort, and NRCS Montana Soil Health Specialist Marni Thompson along with NCAT Regenerative Grazing Specialist Linda Poole about soil health programs in and beyond Montana.Related ATTRA Resources:Soil for WaterSoils & CompostOther Resources:Montana Soil Ou...
2022-01-0638 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldNCAT’s AgriSolar Clearinghouse Aims to Make Solar More Accessible to Land ManagersThe National Center for Appropriate Technology has launched America’s first AgriSolar Clearinghouse to connect farmers, ranchers, land managers, solar developers, and researchers with trusted, practical information to increase the co-location of solar and agriculture.In less than a decade, solar installations are expected to cover more than 3 million acres of the United States, creating a big opportunity to pair solar with agricultural land to produce food, conserve ecosystems, create renewable energy, increase pollinator habitat, and maximize farm revenue.In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Communications Director Emilie Ritter Saunders speaks with En...
2021-12-0224 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldCloser Look at Hair SheepIn this episode of Voices from the Field, Margo Hale, NCAT'S Southeast Regional Director, and NCAT Agriculture Specialist Tracy Mumma discuss considerations in raising hair sheep. Both have raised hair sheep but in very different climates – Tracy in Montana and Margo in Arkansas.Because hair sheep are less common than wool sheep in many part of the country, Margo and Tracy begin by explaining what hair sheep are and go on to discuss some of the benefits of hair sheep as well as some potential pitfalls to be aware of when deciding whether a hair sheep enterprise is...
2021-11-1135 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT. Chris Lent aims to help farmers be resilientIn this episode of Voices from the Field, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater introduces us to one of NCAT's newest staff members, Chris Lent.Actually, it is more of a reintroduction since Chris worked at NCAT several years ago. He took a break when his son was born, and now he's back as a sustainable agriculture specialist working from northeast Pennsylvania with NCAT's Northeast Regional Office.Chris has wide-ranging experience, from organic agriculture and high tunnel production to solar power and business planning. He and Nina talk about his journey in agriculture and the projects...
2021-11-0430 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldFrom the Air Force to AlpacasIn this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT's Southeast Regional Director and Director of NCAT's Armed to Farm Program Margo Hale, talks with Alvina, an Air Force Reservist who owns River Hill Ranch in Richmond, Kentucky.Alvina Maynard credits a commercial she happened to see on television while staying in in a hotel with inspiring her to raise alpacas.Alvina talks about her military background, her farming enterprises, and how her operation has grown. She also shares her experience accessing various USDA programs, including the Value-Added Producer Grant and EQIP. Alvina discusses the programs...
2021-10-1435 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldDo Cover Crops Steal Water? Part 1In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell sits down with Dr. Alexis Racelis of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to discuss the use of cover crops in semi-arid subtropical environments.In particular, the conversation centers on the Subtropical Soil Health Initiative, a research partnership between NCAT and UTRGV to address soil health challenges in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.While cover crops are heralded as a regenerative agriculture tool to improve soil health, in drier climates integrating cover crops into farming systems can be challenging. Colin...
2021-09-3034 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Katherine Favor says agroforestry can plant the seeds of sustainabilityIn this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Omar Rodriguez introduces Katherine Favor, NCAT's newest specialist at its Western Regional Office in Davis, California.Katherine is a self-identified agroforestry nerd, perennial plant enthusiast, wine farmer, and yerba maté lover. She has worked on, designed, consulted for, and managed regenerative agriculture systems for more than 10 years. Her love of viticulture and agroforestry took her from Southern California to Montana, Paraguay, and Argentina before she finally ended up in Northern California at NCAT.She is passionate about the intersection of natural resources conservation, f...
2021-09-2345 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldGrazing Management Strategies for DroughtIn this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tracy Mumma and Regenerative Livestock Specialist Justin Morris discuss how important it is to adapt livestock grazing strategies to drought conditions. They talk about the need to develop a drought plan, re-evaluate stocking rates, and invest in the future of your forage through careful management when emerging from a drought.Related ATTRA Resources:Regenerative GrazingManaged Grazing tutorialNCAT Soil for Water ProjectNCAT is scaling up its Soil for Water project to include livestock producers and farmers across eight states.
2021-09-1728 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSoil Health: the Land Core Approach to Climate MitigationIn this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist Jeff Schahczenski talks with Aria McLauchlan and Harley Cross about how to measure the impact that soil health practices can have in migrating the impacts of weather and climate disruption.Aria and Harley are co-founders of Land Core, a non-profit organization advancing soil health policies and programs that create value for farmers, businesses, and communities. Land Core guided the successful passage of language supporting soil health at the USDA in both the House and Senate in 2019 and built a broad coalition that helped...
2021-09-1035 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldFlexibility in an Unexpected Growing SeasonIn this episode of Voices from the Field, two agriculture specialists who work out of NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana, talk about responding to the unexpectedly dry and hot conditions of this year's growing season.NCAT's Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training program (SIFT) operates a high-altitude urban demonstration farm in Butte. Farm manager John Wallace and NCAT Rocky Mountain West Regional Director Andrew Coggins give an update on the changes in crops, pest management, and growing strategies the season brought, and their efforts to work with, not against, the changes.Related ATTRA Resources:SIFT...
2021-08-2625 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldUsing Drones in AgricultureIn this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell talks with Matt Kutugata about using drones in agriculture. Before Matt started pursuing his Ph.D. in Agronomy from Texas A&M, he worked with Colin and the rest of NCAT's Southwest Regional office team on the Subtropical Soil Health Initiative as a graduate researcher at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley.Much of Matt's research has been driven by data gathered by drones. He and Colin discuss ways drones increasingly are being used in agriculture, including scouting agricultural operations and...
2021-07-2943 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldNative Plants Offer More Than Beauty to the FarmscapeNative plants bring both beauty and resilience to the farmscape. In this episode of Voices from the Field, Eric Fuselier, an environmental project manager at the Arkansas and Oklahoma civil engineering firm Crafton Tull, tells the story of native plants and the benefits they offer in a conversation with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater.Native plants bring both beauty and resilience to the farmscape. In this episode of Voices from the Field, Eric Fuselier, an environmental project manager at the Arkansas and Oklahoma civil engineering firm Crafton Tull, tells the story of native plants and the...
2021-07-161h 02ATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Linda Poole Explains There's No Cookbook for Regenerative Grazing but Networks are a Key IngredientIn this episode, you can make the acquaintance of NCAT's new Regenerative Grazing Specialist, Linda Poole. Linda's love of working wildlands began with riding horseback at her family's Eastern Washington ranch and led to a Master of Science degree in wildlife ecology from Oregon State University. She managed The Nature Conservancy's 60,000-acre Matador Grassbank in Montana and raises sheep her own homestead in Malta, Montana. Linda has developed a wealth of experience that will be a great contribution to NCAT's sustainable-agriculture resources. Linda's NCAT colleague, the other Linda - Linda Coffey of NCAT's Arkansas office – welcomes her new co-worker. Th...
2021-07-0132 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Justin Morris' Experience Deepens our Regenerative Agriculture ResourcesRegenerative Livestock Specialist Justin Morris may be new to the National Center for Appropriate Technology, but he's no stranger to using grazing as a tool to improve pasture quality and soil health. In this interview with NCAT Program Specialist Tracy Mumma, Justin explains how he first became interested in managing grazing to improve the land resource and discusses how livestock producers can start using grazing as a tool. He goes on to describe what regenerative agriculture means to him and the positive effect that it can have on soil health, environmental health, and producer well-being.Related ATTRA...
2021-06-2325 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMeet NCAT: Veteran Farmer Mike Lewis Brings Diverse Expertise to Our TeamIn this episode of Voices from the Field, National Center for Appropriate Technology Southeast Regional Director Margo Hale talks with Mike Lewis, a new NCAT sustainable agriculture specialist. From his Kentucky farm, Mike explains that farming is part of his DNA. Mike is a military veteran who founded Growing Warriors, a veteran-oriented food security project. In addition, Mike became the first federally permitted hemp farmer in the U.S. since Prohibition. Listen to his conversation with Margo Hale to learn more about his background, what brought him to NCAT, and the expertise he'll bring to the sustainable farmers and...
2021-06-1023 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldInoculating Legume Cover CropsIn this episode, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell who works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, sits down with Stephanie Kasper, a biology research associate at University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, to discuss ways to ensure successful nodulation of legume cover crops. In a crop rotation, legume cover crops have the potential to add bioavailable nitrogen to the soil for the next crop and to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.Colin and Stephanie discuss how to inoculate cover crops, legume cover crop planting tips, and troubleshooting potential causes of nodulation...
2021-06-0231 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldAn Interview with Senator BoozmanIn this episode, Margo Hale, NCAT's Southeast Regional Director, visits with U.S. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas. Margo has known the senator since she was a child and has worked with Sen. Boozman's office on agriculture issues since he entered Congress.With Senator Boozman's new role as Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Margo welcomed an opportunity to visit with the senator about issues affecting small farmers. In their conversation, Senator Boozman shares his connection to agriculture, and they talk about the diversity of Arkansas agriculture.They also discuss the impact COVID-19 has...
2021-01-1329 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldGetting Started in Livestock: Part 1In this episode, Margo Hale and Linda Coffey, lifelong livestock producers and long-time NCAT livestock specialists, talk about getting started in livestock. What is the appeal, and what are the important considerations?Margo is director of NCAT's Southeast Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she and Linda both work.In their conversation, Margo and Linda emphasize the importance of keeping farm goals and resources in mind and stress the need to start small but plan for expansion. They mention essential infrastructure to have in place before bringing livestock home and offer many tips that will...
2020-12-0251 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldWorking-Lands Conservation ProgramsIn this episode, Jeff Schahczenski, an agricultural and natural resource economist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, discusses working-lands conservation solutions with NCAT outreach specialist Rich Myers. Both work out of NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana.In the 2018 Farm Bill, significant changes were made in the two most important federal working-lands conservation programs: USDA NRCS's Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Jeff and Rich discuss the importance of these programs to farmers and ranchers in supporting a more sustainable agriculture, as well as the recently adopted NRCS Conservation Assessment and Ranking Tool...
2020-11-1143 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSIFT Farm's Unusual Year. Part 2.SIFT — or Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training program — aims to help communities increase their food security by producing their own healthy food. SIFT, with NCAT, has a working, sustainably managed, demonstration farm on five acres at our Butte office.This farm is the center of a program that teaches farmers and future farmers, urban food producers, community leaders, and citizens how to produce high-value, nutrient-rich food on small parcels of land. And in Butte's case, in a challenging climate.John and Andrew talk about the farm's educational capacity and what its research has shown concerning maximizing grow...
2020-10-1424 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldWater Quality TradingIn this episode, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell is joined by Brian Brandt, the Agriculture Conservation Innovations Director at the American Farmland Trust. Colin and Brian discuss ecosystem service markets with a focus on water quality trading, a type of ecosystem service market that pays farmers for the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices that improve water quality through the reduction of runoff from manure, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, and sedimentation from soil erosion. Brian goes into extensive detail discussing a multistate water quality trading pilot project focused on the Ohio River Basin watershed and a new pilot on...
2020-09-1052 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldVeterans Discuss USDA ProgramsIn this episode, Margo Hale, NCAT's Southeast Regional Director and Director of NCAT's Armed to Farm Program, talks with Eric Grandon and Sara Creech. Eric is an Army veteran and owner of Sugar Bottom Farm in Ovapa, West Virginia. Sara is an Air Force veteran and owner of Blue Yonder Organic Farm in North Salem, Indiana. Both are alumni of NCAT's Armed to Farm program, a week-long, sustainable agriculture training for military veterans.Eric and Sara share their experiences in accessing various USDA programs. They talk about the programs and services they have utilized, how those programs...
2020-09-031h 01ATTRA - Voices from the FieldAgriculture in TurkeyIn today's episode, Justin Duncan, sustainable agriculture specialist at NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, interviews Helen Smiley, a sustainable agriculture consultant located in Turkey. Helen is formerly of Texas and was invited to Turkey to educate refugees in organic farming. She shares some of the differences in agriculture in Turkey versus Texas — from giant-sized cabbage to purple carrots.For more information on this topic, you can contact Justin Duncan directly at justind@ncat.org.Related ATTRA Resources:Organic Specialty Crop Production in Texas: A Grower's HandbookPlease complete a...
2020-08-2729 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSIFT Farm's Unusual YearIn this episode, Andrew Coggins, director of the National Center for Appropriate Technology's Rocky Mountain West office, has a conversation with farm manager John Wallace about the unusual growing season so far at NCAT's SIFT Farm.Both Andrew and John work out of Butte, Montana.SIFT -- or Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training program -- aims to help communities increase their food security by producing their own healthy food. SIFT, with NCAT, has a working, sustainably managed, demonstration farm on five acres at our Butte office.This farm is the center of a program...
2020-08-2017 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSoil Sessions: Understanding Soil pHIn this episode, Nina Prater, a soil specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, and NCAT's Southeast Regional Director Margo Hale discuss soil pH. They cover the basics – why it's important, how to measure pH, and how to best remedy soil acidity, which is a common concern in Arkansas where they live. They don't discuss alkaline soils in as much depth because it is not Nina's area of expertise. But as she points out, NCAT's ATTRA program does have other specialists who can address that soil issue with farmers.Margo is a livestock specialist, and she earned degrees in...
2020-08-1333 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldFarming Medicinal PlantsIn this episode, Devona Bell, NCAT's Director of Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Communities, has a conversation with Maya and Ed Skopal.Maya and Ed own I-TAL ACRES, a medicinal plant farm and apothecary in Floyd County, Virginia. The Skopals discuss their philosophy of medicinal plants, some of the plants they grow and the methods they use to grow them, how the medicinal plants are processed into products, and I-TAL ACRES' business philosophy.For more information on this topic, you can contact Devona Bell directly via email at devonab@ncat.org.Please complete a...
2020-08-061h 06ATTRA - Voices from the FieldStarting a Farm: Soil ConsiderationsIToday's podcast is part of the occasional series entitled "Starting a Farm" from Rockiell Woods, Director of NCAT's Gulf States Regional Office in Jackson, Mississippi, and Bill Evans, Director of Horticulture at Up in Farms Food Hub in Jackson. This episode is about soil considerations on a new farm. They talk about factors that affect soil, how to have yours tested, and the various ways you can improve your soil.For more information on this topic, you can contact Rockiell Woods directly at rockw@ncat.org.Related ATTRA Resources:ATTRA Soil Resources
2020-07-3019 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldIntegrated Pest Management in Idaho FlocksIn this episode, NCAT Livestock Specialist Dave Scott has a conversation with Caleb Pirc of Good Shepherd Farm in Meridian, Idaho, about integrated pest-management strategies for their sheep operations. Dave, who, among other duties, works with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program out of NCAT headquarters in Butte, Montana, is the co-owner of Montana Highland Lamb near Whitehall, Montana.Caleb, who also is the director of governmental affairs for the Idaho Wool Growers Association, raises registered Katahdin. He and Dave talk about reducing parasites in their flocks through grazing strategies, selective deworming, and selecting for genetic resistance in their...
2020-07-2358 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldHydroponic Trials at NCAT's SIFT FarmToday's episode is about hydroponic systems NCAT has used at its Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training Program (SIFT) demonstration farm. Lilianna Bento, Energy Corps Intern at NCAT, interviews Andrew Coggins, Director of NCAT's Rocky Mountain West regional office in Butte, Montana, about innovations and simplifications made to their hydroponic system since 2016.For more information on this topic, you can contact Andrew Coggins directly at andrewc@ncat.org.ATTRA Resources:SIFT 2018: Lessons from a Small-Scale Urban Intensive FarmSIFT 2019: Continuing Lessons from a Small-Scale Urban Intensive FarmSIFT Blogs:
2020-07-1610 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSmall Ruminants: All About HealthIn this episode, Margo Hale, Director of NCAT's Southeast Regional in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Linda Coffey, Livestock Specialist with NCAT also located in Fayetteville, discuss ruminant health: how to encourage health, prevent illness, work with a veterinarian, and manage so that your flock or herd is mostly trouble-free.They discuss tools and supplies they like to have on hand. They also share the contents of the first-aid kit of Dave and Jenny Scott, owners of Montana Highland Lamb. Dave is a Livestock Specialist in NCAT's Rocky Mountain West Regional office in Butte, Montana.For more...
2020-07-0958 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldConservation EasementsIn this episode, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell interviews Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agriculture Land Trust (TALT) and a board member of the Ecosystem Service Marketplace Consortium (ESMC).Colin works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, and among other projects works with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program.Colin and Chad discuss the role of TALT in the creation and monitoring of conservation easements for working farms and ranches. Chad also explains conservation and mitigation banking and how TALT helps facilitate those opportunities.Chad and Colin then...
2020-07-0248 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldPandemic AdaptationIn this episode, Martin Guerena, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's Western Regional office in Davis, California, speaks with Hope Sippola and Shane Zurilgen of Fiery Ginger Farm in West Sacramento. Among other duties, Martin works with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program.Their conversation includes a description of the operation, as well as some of the challenges they've faced and the opportunities they've found due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide ideas to help producers adapt to the changes in their markets.For more information on this topic, contact Martin Guerena directly via email at marting...
2020-06-2537 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldMississippi Minority Farmers AllianceIn this episode, NCAT agriculture specialist Felicia Bell talks with Carolyn Jones of the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance. Felicia works in the NCAT Gulf States Office in Jackson, Mississippi, including work with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program.Felicia and Carolyn talk about engaging young people in agriculture and the importance of involving the entire community in the effort to secure the future of minority farmers and land owners.For more information on this topic, contact Felicia Bell directly via email at feliciab@ncat.org.ATTRA Resources:Economic Development - MS Food...
2020-06-181h 00ATTRA - Voices from the FieldUsing Cover Crops in an Organic Walnut OrchardIn today's episode NCAT staffer Rex Dufour interviews organic walnut farmer and processor, Russ Lester, at Dixon Ridge Farms in Winters, California. Russ shares some very practical thoughts about why he uses cover crops and explains how multi-functional cover crops are to his orchards.Rex Dufour has been a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT/ATTRA since 1994, and opened NCAT's Western Regional Office in California in 2001.For more information on this topic, you can contact Rex Dufour directly at rexd@ncat.org.ATTRA Resources:Managing Soils for Water: How Five Principles of...
2020-06-0416 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldCOVID-19 Impacts on Local Livestock ProducersIn this episode, NCAT Southeast Regional Director and ATTRA Livestock Specialist, Margo Hale, talks with Rebecca Thistlethwaite. Rebecca is the director of the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) and works with livestock producers, processors, and marketers all across the country. Their discussion covers some of the opportunities and challenges livestock producers are seeing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss ideas and resources to help producers adapt to the changes in their markets.For more information on this topic, contact Margo Hale directly via email at margoh@ncat.org.ATTRA Resources:ATTRA...
2020-05-2842 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldStarting a FarmToday's episode is the first in an occasional series from Rockiell Woods, Director of NCAT's Gulf States Regional Office in Jackson, Mississippi, and Bill Evans, Director of Horticulture at Up in Farms Food Hub in Jackson. This series is all about starting a farm.Today's conversation is focused on how many acres are needed and what crops to choose.For more information on this topic, you can contact Rockiell Woods directly at rockw@ncat.org.ATTRA Resources:Evaluating a Farm EnterpriseFinancing Your Farm: Guidance for Beginning Farmers
2020-05-2120 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldErosion Control and MitigationIn today's episode, we hear from Kara Kroeger, Sustainable Agriculture specialist at NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas. She interviews Mollie Walton, Land and Water Program Director for the Quivira Coalition in New Mexico. The Quivira Coalition works on biodiversity, building soil and resilience on western working landscapes. Mollie has a Texas ranching background and holds a PhD in biology from the University of Dayton in Ohio. She has been working in northern New Mexico since 2006.Kara and Mollie discuss methods of slowing and sinking water on hillsides, slowing erosion, building soil, mitigating floods, enhancing...
2020-05-141h 00ATTRA - Voices from the FieldUsing Cover Crops to Sequester CarbonIn today's episode, we will learn about Carbon Sponge, an interdisciplinary collaboration in New York City that explores the potential for urban soils to sequester carbon as a means to reduce greenhouse gases and build healthy soil. Justin Duncan, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at NCAT's Southwestern Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, interviews Katharhy G., a plant and soil science researcher with Carbon Sponge. Katharhy talks about how they are engineering their own soil and researching the use of cover crops in urban areas for carbon sequestration. Originally from South America, Katharhy's background is in agroecosystem health, ethnobiology, regenerative food...
2020-04-3015 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSmall (Ruminant) Talk. SpringtimeIn this episode NCAT Southeast Regional Director Margo Hale talks with Linda Coffey, an NCAT livestock specialist, about springtime on their farms. Both Margo and Linda are specialists with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, among other duties, out of NCAT's office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and they both farm in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.Their discussion includes grazing, kidding, watching for parasites, dairy goats, and Linda's new livestock guardian dog puppy. Margo also points listeners to ATTRA resources, including the page dedicated to COVID-19 resources on NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture website.For more information on this topic, you can co...
2020-04-2329 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldFarmers Battling Lyme Disease. Part 2In this episode, Devona Bell, NCAT director of sustainable agriculture and NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with Dr. Sunjya Schweig about the treatment of Lyme disease.Dr. Schweig works with the California Center for Functional Medicine.This episode is the second of a two-part series on the effect of Lyme Disease on farmers and ranchers.In the first part of the series, Devona, who has contracted Lyme Disease twice, spoke with farmers from New Hampshire and Minnesota about how Lyme Disease has affected their families and their farming operations.Be...
2020-04-0957 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldFarmers Battling Lyme DiseaseIn this episode, Devona Bell, NCAT director of sustainable agriculture and NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with two farmers about the impact of Lyme Disease on agriculture.Christine Pressman and her husband, Andy Pressman, own and operate Foggy Hill Farm, a sustainable produce operation near Jaffrey, New Hampshire.Dayna Burtness and her husband, Nick Nguyen, own and operate Nettle Valley Farm, a 70-acre farmstead near Spring Grove, Minnesota. Her main focus is finishing heritage breed hogs on pasture.Christine, Dayna, and Devona all have contracted Lyme Disease, and they talk about the...
2020-04-021h 19ATTRA - Voices from the FieldA Flower Farm BlossomsIn this episode, Tammy Howard, an agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with Heather Folls of the Folls Flower Farm, which is based in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.Tammy also has a flower operation, which is located in Belgrade, Montana. She works out of NCAT's national headquarters in Butte, Montana.Heather and her mother, Thea, have been operating Folls Flower Farm for nearly two decades. Tammy and Heather talk about the evolution of the farm over the years. Heather also has some tips for flower farmers just getting started.
2020-03-2548 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldConnecting Refugees to Sustainable AgricultureIn today's episode, we learn about a program in Texas that connects refugees with sustainable agriculture. Colin Mitchell, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at NCAT's Southwestern Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, visits with New Leaf Agriculture's Director, Matt Simon, and a New Leaf Agriculture farm apprentice Doli Wikongo. New Leaf Agriculture is a social enterprise of the Multicultural Refugee Coalition based in Elgin, Texas, near Austin. It connects refugees to sustainable farming opportunities by operating community gardens and a commercial farm. Matt discusses New Leaf's mission, farm practices, and community partners. Doli, a refugee, describes her experiences from her home...
2020-03-1826 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSoil Considerations for OrchardsToday's episode focuses on soil considerations for fruit and nut trees. Rex Dufour, the director of NCAT's Western Regional Office in Davis, California, talks with Guy Ames, Horticulture Specialist at NCAT's Southeastern Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, about the differences between soils in the western United States versus the soils in the East.For more information on this topic, you can contact Rex Dufour directly at rexd@ncat.org or Guy Ames at guya@ncat.org.ATTRA Resources:Climate Change and Perennial Fruit and Nut ProductionFruit Trees, Bushes, and Vines for Natural...
2020-03-1154 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldThe PLFA Soil TestIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with soil specialist Lance Gunderson about the PLFA soil test.The conversation is the second of two that Kara and Lance have had on ATTRA: Voices from the Field concerning soil tests – last week's podcast featured Lance's take on the Haney test. You can find the link to that podcast in the notes below.This week, they discuss the scientific basis of the PLFA, when it's appropriate, and a number of the ways in which it's scored.Kara wo...
2020-03-0443 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldThe Haney Soil TestIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with soil specialist Lance Gunderson about the Haney soil test.They discuss the history of the Haney test, how it's scored, its effectiveness on both cropland and pasture and range land; the management practices it can suggest, and more.The conversation is the first of two that Kara and Lance will have concerning soil tests – next week's podcast will feature Lance's take on the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) test. Be sure to listen to that discussion, as well.Ka...
2020-02-261h 04ATTRA - Voices from the FieldCommunity Gardens and Sustainable AgricultureToday's episode explores community gardening and its relationship to sustainable agriculture.Daniel Prial, sustainable agriculture specialist from NCAT's Northeast Regional Office in Keene, New Hampshire, has a conversation with folks from Antioch University New England's Community Gardens Connections program.This episode looks at the importance of community gardening as part of the greater food system. Students from Antioch University New England's Environmental Studies Department, who are also coordinators of the Community Gardens Connections program, give advice on how to establish and maintain community gardens. They even touch on the role that farmers can play in...
2020-02-1927 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldOrganic Pioneer: Tom WilleyIn this episode, Martin Guerena, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, has a conversation with Tom Willey, one of the pioneers of organic agriculture in the Central Valley of California.Martin works out of the NCAT Western Regional Office in Davis, California.Tom – "farmer emeritus" at T and D Willey Farms, the operation he co-founded in Madera, California – discusses his entry into agriculture and the organic movement, the importance of finding mentors, what the past can teach us going forward, and some of the challenges he sees in the future of orga...
2020-02-1236 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldDirect Marketing Meat with Dave and Jenny Scott. Part 4: FAQsToday's episode – Part 4 of our "Direct Marketing Meat" series – features a question-and-answer session with Dave and Jenny Scott. Linda Coffey asks questions submitted by listeners, and Dave and Jenny provide great answers. You will hear some innovative marketing ideas, as well as more information about production practices and nutrition.Dave and Linda are livestock specialists with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program. Dave works out of NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana, and Linda is on the staff of NCAT's Southeast Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Dave and Jenny are co-owners of Montana Highland Lamb near Whitehall, Mont...
2020-02-0528 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldDirect Marketing Meat with Dave and Jenny Scott, Part 3: RelationshipsIn this episode – part 3 of our "Direct Marketing Meat" series – Dave Scott and his wife, Jenny, join Linda Coffey to talk about aspects of working with customers, planning pricing, assessing profitability, and deciding on the scale of the enterprise.Dave and Linda are livestock specialists with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program. Dave works out of NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana, and Linda is on the staff of NCAT's Southeast Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Dave and Jenny also are co-owners of Montana Highland Lamb near Whitehall, Montana. During the discussion, Dave and Jenny emphasize the chal...
2020-01-291h 01ATTRA - Voices from the FieldMontana Farm's Profound ChangesIn this episode, we feature a conversation with Kurt Myllymaki, a Montana farmer and rancher who, with his family, raises crops and beef cattle on 10,000 acres of leased and deeded land in north central Montana near the town of Stanford.He talks about the profound changes the operation is making, including diversifying cash crops raised on the farm and adding cover crops to reduce the use of summer fallow.The interview was conducted in collaboration with Western SARE, and Stacie Cleary of Western SARE acted as this week's guest host. Al Kurki, a sustainable agriculture...
2020-01-2216 minATTRA - Voices from the Field'Pocket Prairie' on the Golf CourseIn this episode, Nina Prater, an agriculture specialist in NCAT's Southeast Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, talks with Jay Randolph about prairie restoration. Jay is the Ben Geren Golf Course Superintendent and Sebastian County Park Administrator in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They discuss the prairie restoration work Jay has undertaken at the golf course since 2016. The conversation covers all the improvements Jay has seen at the park since starting this work, and the benefits any landowner can enjoy from re-establishing diverse prairie ecosystems.For more information on this topic, contact Nina Prater via email at ninap@ncat.org
2020-01-1546 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldA Talk with Fred Provenza. Part 2This episode is the second of two featuring a conversation between Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, and Fred Provenza. Fred is a well-known author and expert on animal health, human health, plant health, and how they are related – as well as their role in the care of ecosystems.Kara works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas. The conversation took place at the recent 2019 Regenerate Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted by the Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and the American Grassfed Association. There may be a bit of...
2020-01-0250 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldDirect Marketing Meat with Dave and Jenny Scott. Part Two. Processingoday's episode is the second in an ATTRA: Voices from the Field ongoing series on Direct Marketing Meat. Linda Coffey, a livestock specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, follows up on a listener's question by interviewing fellow NCAT ATTRA livestock specialist Dave Scott and his wife, Jenny, about their direct-marketing meat business, Montana Highland Lamb.Linda works out of NCAT's Southeast Regional office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Dave is on the staff at NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana.In the previous episode, Dave and Jenny shared their farm story, and we focused on the marketing...
2019-12-0441 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldDirect Marketing Meat with Dave and Jenny ScottThis episode is the first of an occasional ATTRA: Voices from the Field series on Direct Marketing Meat. Linda Coffey, a livestock specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, follows up on a listener's question by interviewing fellow NCAT ATTRA livestock specialist Dave Scott and his wife, Jenny, about their direct-marketing meat business, Montana Highland Lamb.Linda works out of NCAT's Southeast Regional office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Dave is on the staff at NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana.Although the listener was asking about lamb, and both Dave and Jenny produce lamb, this series will...
2019-11-2045 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldAllen Williams and Adaptive Stewardship Management GrazingIn this episode, Lee Rinehart, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with world renowned rancher and grazing educator Allen Williams.Lee, who works out of NCAT's Northeast Regional Office in Keene, N.H., and Allen talk about what Allen calls adaptive stewardship management grazing and how it could increase the supply of livestock on the market as it helps solve many issues currently associated with animal agriculture.For more information on this topic, you can contact Lee Rinehart directly at lee@ncat.org.Related ATTRA Resources:Nutrient Cycling...
2019-11-1341 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldQuivira Comes to MontanaIn this episode, Andrew Coggins, NCAT's Rocky Mountain West Regional Director and a specialist based in Butte, Montana, with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with Alexis Bonogofsky, Northern Coordinator of the Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian program.Alexis discusses the New Agrarian program, which supports apprenticeships and mentors in agriculture. The Quivira Coalition recently brought the program to Montana for the first time.For more information on this topic, you can contact Andrew Coggins directly at andrewc@ncat.org.Related ATTRA Resources:List of InternshipsBeginning Farmer Other R...
2019-10-2413 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldTexas-Sized Sustainable Pasture Operations: Greener Pastures ChickenIn this episode, we introduce Texas Sized Sustainable Pasture Operations, a new occasional series on ATTRA: Voices from the Field. Colin Mitchell, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, hosts Cameron Molberg, owner and operator of a larger-scale organic and pastured chicken operation, Greener Pastures Chicken, located in Elgin, Texas. Colin works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas. Cameron and Colin discuss Cameron's experiences and what he's learned that has allowed him to create a sustainable and efficient system that produces healthy chickens and a quality meat...
2019-10-1041 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSmall (Ruminant) Talk. Considerations for FallIn this episode from NCAT's Southeast Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Regional Director Margo Hale and Livestock Specialist Linda Coffey talk about Linda's recent trip to attend an international meeting about internal parasite management, and some of the lessons she learned there.They then discuss what's happening on their farms in the fall: breeding season, and considerations about selecting and caring for the males; assessing male temperament and safety; and assessing the condition of the females. They also briefly discuss fall pasture management and stockpiling for winter.E-mail Margo and Linda with feedback or questions...
2019-09-2529 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldHeirloom ApplesIn this podcast Nina Prater, agriculture specialist at NCAT's Southeast Regional office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, has a conversation with her NCAT colleague Guy Ames, horticulture specialist and owner-operator of Ames Orchard and Nursery in Elkins, Arkansas. Guy has been farming in Arkansas since 1971, but became interested in heirloom apples in 1980.In this episode, discover things you might not have known, such as, what qualifies as an heirloom. What's in a name? How do you decide what variety to grow? Guy and Nina also talks about the history of heirloom apples, some pros and cons, and the role...
2019-09-1138 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldTools for Farmer Success as seen by long-time Colorado Extension Agent, Adrian CardIn this episode, NCAT's Tammy Howard has a conversation with her colleague, Adrian Card, about his 15-year career as an extension agent in Boulder County, an increasingly urban area of Colorado. Adrian talks about his experiences with developing useful tools and programming for farmers in the front range of Colorado.Tammy Howard is an agriculture specialist at NCAT's Rocky Mountain West office in Butte, Montana. Adrian Card is the founder of the Colorado Building Farmers Program and co-founder of the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.For more information on this topic, you can contact...
2019-09-0437 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldGrowing Organic Grapes in the SoutheastIn this podcast NCAT horticulture specialists Luke Freeman and Guy Ames discuss the joys and trials of growing grapes in the humid Southeast.The conversation touches on organic grape production; diseases and pests; trellising and pruning grapes; organic grape management; and cultivars of table grapes, wine grapes, and muscadines suited for organic production.Luke and Guy both work as horticulture specialists with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program out of NCAT's Southeast Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Luke shares research findings from the University of Arkansas high tunnel grape project, led by Dr. Elena...
2019-08-2850 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldRegenerative Rangeland Management and Contour Subsoil RippingIn this episode, Colin Mitchell, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, discusses regenerative rangeland management with Travis and Mandy Krause of Parker Creek Ranch in D'hanis, Texas.Travis and Mandy are taking part in NCAT's Soil for Water Project. Colin works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas.Travis describes three of the regenerative practices they use on their ranch: holistic multipaddock grazing, pasture cropping, and contour subsoil ripping. He then discusses the changes they've seen from 2010-2019 in the ranch's soil and ecological health while using these...
2019-08-2141 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldFarming the Ocean at GreenWaveIn this episode, Lee Rinehart, an agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with Jill Pegnataro of GreenWave, a nonprofit focused on expanding opportunities for fisherman and farmers to start sustainable shellfish and aquatic plant farming enterprises. Jill works as a farm manager and instructor with GreenWave in New Haven, Connecticut.Lee works out of NCAT's Northeast Regional Office in Keene, New Hampshire. Jill and Lee talk about how Jill got into vertical ocean farming, how vertical ocean farming works, the skills and resources some needs to begin ocean farming, and how to get started.
2019-08-1433 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldCut Flower ProductionIn this episode, Nina Prater, an agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program talks with farmer Janet Bachmann about Janet's production practices at Riverbend Gardens in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Nina works out of NCAT's Southeast Regional office in Fayetteville, where Janet, who also is a former NCAT agriculture specialist, has been farming since 1989. They talk about specialty cut flower production and marketing and how Janet makes it all work as a one-woman operation.For more information on this topic, you can contact Nina Prater directly at ninap@ncat.orgRelated ATTRA Resources:...
2019-07-2434 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldA Conversation with Amigo BobIn this episode, Martin Guerena, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program talks with "Amigo Bob" Cantisano. Bob is a pioneer in California organic agriculture, and he is well known as the founding organizer of the annual Ecological Farming Conference, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2020. It is one of the largest sustainable agriculture gatherings in the western United States. Martin works at NCAT's Western Regional office in Davis, California. Martin and Bob discuss the history of organic agriculture and what Bob sees as its challenges and opportunities going...
2019-07-0332 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldResearching and Using BiostimulantsIn this episode, Omar Rodriguez, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, has a conversation about biostimulants with Meerae Park, a master's degree student in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of California Davis. Omar, who works out of NCAT's Western Regional Office in Davis, California, and Meerae give an overview of biostimulants – which are generally described as substances that aren't fertilizers, pesticides, or growth regulators but can affect plants' yield, quality, and vigor. They discuss categories of biostimulants, how they may affect plants, the sometimes difficult task of defining which substances are biostimulants, how fa...
2019-06-1318 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSmall (Ruminant) Talk – Pastures, Parasites, and PredatorsIn this episode, Margo Hale, director of NCAT Southeast Regional Office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Linda Coffey, a livestock specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, discuss some timely spring topics that are impacting their own farms: pastures, parasites, and predators. Margo and Linda, who whose farms are both in the area talk about: handling excess forage, electronet tips and warnings, weeds and poisonous plants, and grazing recordkeeping. They also touch on pasture management to minimize internal parasite problems and the use of livestock guardian animals to protect stock from predation. They refer to a number of resources and invite...
2019-06-0647 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSeed Saving – What Beginners Need to KnowIn this episode, John Wallace, manager of NCAT's SIFT farm, talks with Robin Kelson of the Good Seed Company in Whitefish, Montana. Robin and John discuss questions that beginning seed savers often have as well as resources that are available for those who want to get into the subject in more depth. The SIFT – or Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training – farm is part of NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program and is located NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana.For more information on this topic, you can contact John Wallace directly at johnw@ncat.org.Related ATTRA Resources:Directory of O...
2019-05-2337 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldBlackfeet Agriculture Resource Management Plan Part 2In this second half of a two-part series, Steve Thompson, executive director of NCAT, sits down with Loren Birdrattler, project manager of the Blackfeet Agriculture Resource Management Plan, or ARMP. They take a closer look at a new partnership between NCAT and the Blackfeet Nation to evaluate the feasibility of a multispecies meat-processing plant. This project is a key part of the Tribe's strategy to create local markets for producers, engage youth more directly in agriculture, and provide healthy, culturally appropriate food for tribal members in this remote corner of rural Montana. In this episode, Loren and Steve have...
2019-05-1640 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldBlackfeet Agriculture Resource Management PlanIn this first part of a two-part series, Steve Thompson, executive director of NCAT, sits down with Loren Birdrattler, project manager of the Blackfeet Agriculture Resource Management Plan or ARMP.They talk about a new partnership between NCAT and the Blackfeet Nation to evaluate the feasibility of a multispecies meat processing plant. This project is a key part of the Tribe's strategy to create local markets for producers, engage youth more directly in agriculture, and provide healthy, culturally appropriate food for tribal members in this remote corner of rural Montana. In this episode, Loren and Steve have a conversation...
2019-05-0636 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSoil Sessions -- Soil Health and the Five Soil Health PrinciplesIn this episode, Nina Prater, a soil specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, sits down for a conversation with NCAT Southeast Regional Director Margo Hale to talk about the basics of soil health and to go over the five soil health principles that farmers and ranchers can follow to regenerate soil to a healthy, productive condition. Margo is a livestock specialist, and she earned two degrees in Animal Science without a single soil class. Nina tries to remedy this around the office on a regular basis, so they decided to record one of these conversations. Margo and Nina...
2019-05-0245 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldPoultry Processing StrategiesIn this episode, Ann Baier, a program specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with California pastured poultry producers Caleb Barron of Fogline Farm on the central coast of Santa Cruz and Gary Roberts of Zenter's Fogbound Farm in Petaluma during a break at the recent Small Farm Conference at the University of California Davis.Ann, who works out of NCAT's California office in Davis, talks with Caleb and Gary about the essential role that the availability of processing – and the processing rules that go along with operations of varying sizes – plays in pastured processing.For more...
2019-04-2413 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldCSA Beginner and CSA VeteranIn this episode, Andy Pressman, director of the National Center for Appropriate Technology's Northeast Regional Office in Keene, New Hampshire, and a specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with two farmers with differing experiences in offering Community Support Agriculture – or CSA – subscriptions to their customers.Sam Humphrey, director of the NCAT Demonstration Farm at Piney Woods School near Jackson, Mississippi, joins in the discussion along with Christine Doherty Pressman, of the Foggy Hill Farm near Jaffrey, New Hampshire.Christine, who is married to Andy, has nearly 20 years' worth of experience with CSAs. By cont...
2019-04-091h 14ATTRA - Voices from the FieldTexas Farmer in Underserved CommunityIn this podcast, Robert Maggiani, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with Juan Raygoza about his farm in South Texas.Juan moved to the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas in 2007 with little money. His goal was to farm vegetables for his family. At first he borrowed land to farm, and then was able to purchase seven acres with the help of a USDA loan and is now owner of Terra Preta Farm in Edinburg, Texas. NCAT has worked with him on several projects over the past five years and helped get...
2019-03-1816 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldCrop Planning 101In this episode, we hear a conversation between Rockiell Woods, director of NCAT's Gulf States Regional Office in Jackson, Mississippi, and Sam Humphrey, director of the NCAT Demonstration Farm at Piney Woods School near Jackson. The purpose of the farm is to give hands-on training to farmers and producers in the region, as well as to the students of Piney Woods.This Demonstration Farm is part of Mississippi Food Justice Collaborative, NCAT's multifaceted food-justice project, which is working to improve access to healthy, culturally appropriate food for historically disadvantaged communities throughout Mississippi. It's funded by the W...
2019-03-0829 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldLow-Income Local Food AccessIn this podcast, Tammy Howard, a horticulture specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, talks with Anna Elbon and Kim Gilchrist about their low-income local-food access work with farms and farmers markets in Montana.Kim Gilchrist is a food access program manager at the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition in Missoula, Montana. She helped start the Double SNAP Dollar program which is a SNAP incentive program for farms, farmers markets, and some retail locations throughout Montana.Tammy works at NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana.Resources mentioned in this podcast:Zenger Farm's "The CSA...
2019-03-0632 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldHelping Young FarmersIn this episode, Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with the NCAT ATTRA sustainable agriculture program, talks with Kate Greenberg – who at the time was the acting Western program director of the National Young Farmers Coalition and chair of the board of the Quivira Coalition.Kate has since left those positions to become the Colorado Agriculture Commissioner.Kara works out of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas.Their discussion was recorded during the recent "Regenerate" Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which was sponsored by the Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and th...
2019-02-2847 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldPoultry ProcessingIn this episode, Margo Hale, NCAT's Southeast Regional Director, has a conversation with farmer Terrell "Spence" Spencer about his poultry-processing facility.Margo is a livestock specialist with NCAT's ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program at NCAT's Southeast office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Spence is a pastured-poultry producer in northwest Arkansas, raising nearly 12,000 broilers on pasture each year. He shares the challenges he has faced in regard to finding a reliable processor for his chickens and how that led to him opening a poultry-processing facility.For more information on this topic, you can contact Margo Hale directly at...
2019-02-2234 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldCherries and Honeyberries in a Cold ClimateIn this episode, Andrew Coggins, the Sustainable Agriculture Project Coordinator with NCAT ATTRA's SIFT - Small-Scale Intensive Farm Training program - talks with John Wallace, who manages NCAT's SIFT farm.Andrew and John are both specialists with NCAT's ATTRA - the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service – and work at NCAT's headquarters in Butte, Montana, where the SIFT farm is located.Butte is in a USDA zone 3 area, and its cold climate and short growing season can be...let's just say challenging.Starting in 2017, the SIFT farm began growing fruit bushes to see which wo...
2019-02-1921 minATTRA - Voices from the FieldSoil Sessions - Interpreting a Soil TestIn this episode, Nina Prater, a soil specialist with NCAT's ATTRA - the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - sits down for a conversation with NCAT Southeast Regional Director Margo Hale to talk about Margo's recent soil test results for her 20-acre livestock farm.Margo and Nina both work out of NCAT's regional office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.Margo and her family graze cattle and meat goats, and while they have been happy with forage productivity, they wanted to do soil tests to see if there was any room for improvement. Nina and Margo discuss the...
2019-02-0640 min