Attra - Sustainable Agriculture

In 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 Armed to Farm websiteNCAT Armed to Farm FacebookVeteran ResourcesEquipment ResourcesFinancing Your Farm: Guidance for Beginning FarmersFederal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and RanchingVeterans Discuss USDA ProgramsFrom the Air Force to AlpacasHigh Tunnels and the NRCSMeet NCAT: Veteran Farmer Mike Lewis Brings Diverse Experience to Our TeamOther Resources:AgrAbilityFarm and Ranch Stress Assistance NetworkFarmers Resource Net

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Katherine Favor sits down with silvopasture specialist Delie Wilkens to talk about the basics of silvopasture, an agroforestry practice integrating trees, forage, and the grazing of livestock.Delie currently serves as the program analyst for the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, a nonprofit organization that works to advance the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. She has been working in forestry, agroforestry, and sustainable agriculture for many years, and has researched silvopasture adoption and best practices in the Southeast.Less than one percent of farms in the U.S. use silvopasture, Delie says, although she sees it gaining popularity in the future.Katherine and Delie discuss the benefits, applications, and social considerations surrounding silvopasture adoption in the U.S. Delie also shares advice for designing, implementing, and managing silvopasture systems as w

Twenty-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 OutreachSoil Health Policy: Developing Community-Driven State Soil Health Policy and ProgramsContact Mike Morris and Linda Poole via email at mikem@ncat.org and lindap@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.Please call ATTRA with any and all of your sustainable agriculture questions at 800-346-9140 or e-mail us at askanag@ncat.org. Our two do

Jose Robles es un ex agricultor de almendras que comparte su experiencia aplicando prácticas de conservación a su huerta. Explica porque empezó a aplicar compost y sembrar cultivos de cobertura cuando sus vecinos no lo hacían. También habla sobre su nueva transición en su nuevo rancho con ideas de producir ganado y también aplicar prácticas de conservación.Para obtener más información sobre este tema, puede contactar a Martin Guerena directamente: marting@ncat.org.Llame a la línea de “ATTRA en Español” con cualquier pregunta sobre agricultura sostenible al 800 411-3222 o por correo electrónico a marting@ncat.org o omarr@ncat.org. Nuestros especialistas pueden ayudarle con una amplia gama de temas, inclusivamente: planificación de fincas, manejo de plagas, producción hortícola, ganadería, suelos, acuicultura, y mucho más.Recursos de ATTRA:Recursos en EspañolLa Conferencia del Agricultor Latino FacebookContact Katherine Favor via email at katherinef@ncat.orgPlease complete a brief survey to let us know your tho

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Katherine Favor heads to Terranova Ranch in the central San Joaquin Valley of California to talk about conservation hedgerows with Don Cameron, the ranch’s general manager and vice president.Terranova Ranch is dedicated to producing over 25 premium-quality crops as effectively, productively, and sustainably as possible. They have implemented a wide variety of conservation and regenerative agriculture practices, including sustainable irrigation practices and conservation hedgerows.Learn about the benefits and challenges of hedgerows, along with do’s and don'ts for hedgerow design and installation.Since planting these hedgerows just two years ago, Don has seen a wide variety of positive changes at the ranch, including increased biodiversity, more beneficial insects and pollinators, reduced erosion, and a more aesthetically pleasing farmscape.Related ATTRA Resources:A Pictorial Guide to Hedgerow Plants for Beneficial InsectsFa

Damian Valdez and Jamie Williamson run Lighthouse Herb’n Farm, an organic herb, tea, medicinal plant, and dye-plant operation in eastern San Diego. The farm is located on what is considered Luiseño Payómkawichum native land.In this episode of Voices from the Field, Jamie and Damian talk with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Katherine Favor about their ethic of "leave no trace" -- how they farm organically in San Diego's harsh desert climate in a way that honors this sacred native land, and ensures that it is kept intact for generations to come.For Jamie and Damian, "leave no trace" farming means farming in a way that honors the past while preserving the future.It involves knowing your landscape and its limitations; tailoring every farming practice to the specifics of your growing context; choosing crops that are appropriate to your growing context; keeping your soil covered and disturbing it as little as possible; creating self-regulating systems rather than relying on inputs;

The 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 Energy Programs Director Stacie Peterson, Phd., about how the AgriSolar Clearinghouse aims to make solar more accessible to land managers looking to make the most out of their land, diversify their revenue, and produce renewable energy. Visit the new resource at AGRISOLARCLEARINGHOUSE.ORGRelated ATTRA Resources:AgriSolar ClearinghouseSheep and the Sun:

En este episodio de Voces del Campo, Martin Guerena, especialista en agricultura sostenible de NCAT, es entrevistado por Pepe Reyes de Radio El Gallito de Bakersfield, California, sobre cómo encontrar tierras agrícolas y cómo asegurarla para alquiler, arrendamiento o compra. Martin trabaja en la Oficina Regional Occidental de NCAT en Davis, California.Para obtener más información sobre este tema, puede ponerse en contacto con Martin Guerena directamente en marting@ncat.orgLlame a la línea de "ATTRA en Español" con cualquier pregunta sobre agricultura sostenible al 800 411-3222 o por correo electrónico a marting@ncat.org o omarr@ncat.org. Nuestros especialistas pueden ayudarle con una amplia gama de temas, inclusivamente: planificación de fincas, manejo de plagas, producción hortícola, ganadería, suelos, acuicultura, y mucho más.Recursos de ATTRARecursos en EspañolLa Conferencia del Agricultor Latino FacebookPlease complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast

In 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 right for your farm.Related ATTRA Resources:Sheep and GoatsDirect Marketing Meat with Dave and Jenny Scott. Part 1Direct Marketing Mead with Dave and Jenny Scott. Part 2: ProcessingDirect Marketing Mead with Dave and Jenny Scott. Part 3: RelationshipsManaging Internal Parasites in Sheep and GoatsSheep and Goats: Frequently Asked QuestionsSheep: Sustainable and Organic ProductionTips for: Preventing Internal ParasitesTips for Marketing Sheep and

In 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 he'll be taking on with NCAT.Related ATTRA Resources:Chris Lent profileScaling Up for Regional MarketsArmed to FarmSolar Powered Livestock Watering SystemsHigh Tunnels in Urban AgricultureOther ResourcesSquare Foot GardeningPASA Sustainable AgricultureRodale BooksInternational Organic Inspectors AssociationPennsylvania Certified OrganicGreenhouse Manual: An Introductory Guide for EducatorsContact N

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist Jeff Schahczenski talks about the more than 30 year history of the development of the organic pulse and legume industry in Montana and beyond.His conversation is with David Oien, founding farmer and CEO of Timeless Foods based in Ulm, Montana. David was on the forefront of the sustainable agriculture movement, and his story, along with the other founders of what will become Timeless Foods, is the subject of the popular book Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in America.Timeless Foods now represents dozens of organic farmers growing gourmet legumes and heirloom grains using biologically diverse organic farm systems. Under the brand Timeless Natural Food, this "lentil underground" has grown into a million-dollar enterprise that sells to hundreds of independent natural foods stores and a host of renowned restaurants worldwide.Related ATTRA Resources:Guide for Organic Crop ProducersIs Orga

Jane Harrod and her family operate a multi-generational farm in Clays Ferry, Kentucky. In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT specialist Mike Lewis sits down with Jane to talk about the history of her family land and how a highway divided the land and changed the farm's economic outlook.A well-known Kentucky native-species specialist, Jane talks about her family's vision for the future of their farm using an ecologically driven decision-making process. An early adopter of hemp production in Kentucky, Jane also discusses some of the challenges and successes she has had producing this crop.Related ATTRA Resources:Agroforestry: An OverviewOrganic FarmingOther ResourcesEarly Bird CDBContact Mike Lewis via email at mikel@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.Please call ATTRA with any and all of your sustainable agriculture questions at 800-346-9140 or e-mail us at askanag@ncat.org. Our two dozen specialists can help you with a vast

In 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 and services she has utilized, how those programs have helped her reach her farm goals, and tips for veterans and other farmers as they navigate USDA programs.Related ATTRA Resources:NCAT Armed to FarmWebsiteNCAT Armed to FarmFacebookVeteran ResourcesFinancing Your Farm: Guidance for Beginning FarmersFederal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and RanchingVeterans Discuss USDA ProgramsHigh Tunne

This episode of Voices from the Field, continues the discussion between NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell and Dr. Alexis Racelis of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley about the use of cover crops in semi-arid subtropical environments.While cover crops are heralded as a regenerative agriculture tool to improve soil health, integrating cover crops into farming systems can be challenging in drier climates. Colin and Dr. Racelis discuss whether cover crops even can be detrimental in some scenarios and steal water from cash crops.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 and Dr. Racelis discuss whether cover crops even can be detrimental in some scenarios and st

In 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 and Dr. Racelis discuss whether cover crops even can be detrimental in some scenarios and steal water from cash crops.Dr. Racelis is an associate professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Biology and the School for Earth, Environmental, and Marine Science at UTRGV. He leads the Agroecology and Resilient Food Systems program, which focuses on participatory research and education in resto

In 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, food security, and community well-being, and she has specialized experience in agroforestry and regenerative viticulture. When she's not digging her hands in the dirt, you can find her hiking, floating in the ocean, painting, or fermenting something.Related ATTRA Resources:AgroforestryVineyard Agroforestry: Growing Grapes in the Era of Cl

In 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.Soil for Water supports a network of farmers and ranchers who are taking steps to catch and hold more water in the soil through land management practices that improve soil health, reduce erosion, sustain diverse plant and animal life, and filter out pollutants.The project grew out of persistent droughts, which are straining agricultural producers across the country. It combines the use of appropriate techn

In 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 secure more than $50 million in federal investment for soil health in the 2018 Farm Bill.Aria is Land Core's executive director, and she previously spent a decade working in communications, business development, and marketing. Harley is a serial entrepreneur with a background in food manufacturing, supply chains, and brand management. They live in Grass Valley in northern California.NCAT Soil for

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mike Lewis sits down with Wayne Riley, executive director of the Laurel County African American Heritage Center in London, Kentucky, to discuss his work in the community, including the challenges and benefits that have arisen during the Covid-19 pandemic.The Laurel County African American Heritage Center is a non-profit founded in 2004 to preserve African American history in Laurel County, Kentucky, and devoted to helping those in the area increase their self-reliance and take greater control of the social and financial aspects of their lives. The heritage center has grown in mission and operations since that time. Today, it operates the center, a working and educational farm, a commercial kitchen, and a farmers market.Related ATTRA Resources:Food Hubs: A Producer GuideGuide for Organic Crop ProducersHow to Accept SNAP Cards at Your Farmers MarketOther ResourcesLaurel County African American Heritage CenterGrow AppalachiaCommun

In 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. Small Scale Intensive Farm TrainingSIFT 2018: Lessons from a Small-Scale Urban Intensive FarmSIFT 2019: Continuing Lessons from a Small-Scale Urban Intensive FarmSIFT 2020: A Small-Scale Urban Intensive Farm and a Year of Local FoodSIFT Farm's Unusual YearHydroponics at NCAT's SIFT FarmContact Andrew Coggins and John Wallace via email at andrewc@ncat.org and johnw@ncat.orgPlease comp