Attra - Sustainable Agriculture

This episode is the second of a two-part discussion with Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Chris Grotegut of Hereford, Texas, which is located in the Texas Panhandle.Chris is a veterinarian, farmer, and stockman, as well as a cutting-edge producer of organic crops and livestock. Hereford has rich agricultural history that is fueled by the waters of Ogallala Aquifer, which has been in perilous decline over the past hundred years as land has been plowed for row cropping and cattle feedlots. This decline is a serious threat to the longevity of many producers in the Texas Panhandle and beyond.In this podcast series, Chris and Kara discuss the success he has had in shifting his management and marketing strategies to protect the playas that recharge the Ogallala Aquifer and the water future of the region for the next generation of agriculture producers.This episode focuses on the obst

This episode is the first of a two-part discussion with Kara Kroeger, a sustainable agriculture specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology's Southwest Regional Office in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Chris Grotegut of Hereford, Texas, which is located in the Texas Panhandle.Chris is a veterinarian, farmer, and stockman, as well as a cutting-edge producer of organic crops and livestock. Hereford has rich agricultural history that is fueled by the waters of Ogallala Aquifer, which has been in perilous decline over the past hundred years as land has been plowed for row cropping and cattle feedlots. This decline is a serious threat to the longevity of many producers in the Texas Panhandle and beyond.In this podcast series, Chris and Kara discuss the success he has had in shifting his management and marketing strategies to protect the playas that recharge the Ogallala Aquifer and the water future of the region for the next generation of agriculture producers.This episode focuses on the histo

Entrevista en Radio Bilingüe del especialista en agricultura sostenible Martin Guerena del Centro Nacional de Tecnología Apropiada sobre algunas prácticas que promueven la salud y fertilidad del suelo.Recursos de ATTRARecursos en EspañolEl Manejo Sostenible del SueloLos Cinco Principios de la Salud del SueloSuelos Salinos y SódicosSolarización y Biosolarización del SueloHojas de Datos: CompostPara obtener más información sobre este tema, puede ponerse en contacto con Martin Guerena directamente en marting@ncat.orgPlease complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.NCAT FacebookGranja SIFT de NCAT SITIO WebsiteOficina del suroeste: Website / FacebookOficina occidental: Website / FacebookOficina de Rocky Mountain West: Website / FacebookOficina de los Estados del Golfo: Website / FacebookOficina sureste: Website / FacebookOficina del noreste: Website / Facebook

This episode of Voices from the Field is a the second part of a discussion between Ben Thomas of California Alliance of Family Farms, Hope Sippola of Fiery Ginger Farm in West Sacramento, California, and Vince Caguin of the Natomas, California, Unified School District.The conversation begins with Vince asking Hope and Vince what inspires them to be involved in farm-to-school markets.In the first part of the discussion, Hope and Vince talk about ways the relationship between Fiery Ginger Farm and the school district has evolved and how the farm set about maintaining school sales through the COVID 19 pandemic.The link to that discussion is in the notes accompanying this podcast.This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm

This episode is a the first part of a discussion between Ben Thomas of California Alliance of Family Farms, Hope Sippola of Fiery Ginger Farm in West Sacramento, California, and Vince Caguin of the Natomas, California, Unified School District. Hope and Vince discuss how the relationship between Fiery Ginger Farm and the school district has evolved and how the farm set about maintaining school sales through the COVID 19 pandemic. Let's listen.This is a panel discussion in the Bringing the Farm to School pilot facilitator workshop. In this panel, Ben Thomas of CA Alliance of Family Farms talks with Hope Sippola of Fiery Ginger Farms and Vince Caguin, of Natomas Unified School District to ask them about how their relationship has evolved and how Fiery Ginger is trying to maintain school sales through the pandemic.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

In this episode, Andrew Coggins, director of NCAT's Rocky Mountain West Regional Office in Butte, Montana, talks with Cora Helm, owner and operator of LC Compost Solutions. The business, located near Helena, Montana, includes what is called "mortality composting," which Cora sees as method for organic waste reduction and a sustainable alternative to land-filling, burial, and cremation for livestock and other deceased animal companions.Related ATTRA ResourcesSoils and CompostOther ResourcesLC Compost SolutionsPlease 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 array of topics, everything from farm planning to pest management, from produce to livestock, and soils to aquaculture.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find our other extensive, and free, sustainable-agr

Multiple income streams can help farmers creatively overcome financial obstacles. In this episode, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Justin Duncan talks with Edward Morgan, Jr., about how he did just that with his beekeeping operation.Related ATTRA ResourcesBeekeeping for BeginnersBeekeeping/ApicultureEntertainment Farming and Agri-TourismBeekeeping: Considerations for the Ecological BeekeeperFor more information on this topic, you can contact Justin Duncan directly via email at justind@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 array of topics, everything from farm planning to pest management, from produce to livestock, and soils to aquaculture.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find our other extensive, and free, sustainable-agriculture publications,

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Jenileigh Harris, a National Farm to School Network program associate, talks with Alma Maquitico from Anthony Youth Farm in southern New Mexico.Anthony Youth Farm is a small organic farm that provides farming and training opportunities for rural and low-income youth and sells its products to schools through a purchasing cooperative program facilitated by the New Mexico Public Education Department.Jenileigh and Alma talk about Alma's experience working with organizations and entities across the state to collaboratively develop state-run programs that reduce school market access barriers for small producers of color.This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm to School, a tr

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Lacy Stephens of the National Farm to School Network talks with Alicia Ellingsworth of the Kansas City Food Hub and KC Farm School.  Alicia shares the benefits, opportunities, and strategies for successful school sales from the perspective of a food hub operator and also shares insight on the benefits of selling through a food hub from the perspective of the producer. She also talks about the unique relationship between KC Food Hub and KC Farm School that opens up the world of food and farming to children and the community.This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm to School, a training program developed as a cooperative agreement between NCAT, the National Farm to School Netw

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Lacy Stephens of the National Farm to School Network talks with Joseph Martinez of Arizona Microgreens, based in Phoenix, Arizona.Arizona Microgreens produce organically-grown microgreens – like micro salad mixes, micro kale, and pea shoots – for restaurants, farmers markets, schools, and hospitals throughout Arizona.Joseph discusses the opportunities, challenges, and benefits of selling his produce to local schools for use in the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm to School, a training program developed as a cooperative agreement between NCAT, the National Farm to School Network and the USDA Food and Nutrition Services Rel

In this episode, Nina Prater, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's southeast office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, continues a discussion about electric fencing with her husband, Jeremy Prater. Jeremy is the owner and operator of Cedar Creek Farm, a sustainable diversified livestock operation in the Ozarks of Arkansas. Jeremy has used electric fencing to manage cattle, goats, hogs, and poultry.They go into detail about the equipment itself and how to use it effectively.In the previous episode, Nina and Jeremy discussed why electric fencing is such a useful tool in management-intensive grazing; the NRCS's cost-share program for electric fence; how to adapt existing fence; and other ways electric fencing can be used to contain and manage livestock.The link to that podcast is in the notes below.For more information on this topic, you can contact Nina Prater directly via email at ninap@ncat.org.Related ATTRA ResourcesElectric Fencing 101. Part 1.Managed Grazing tutorialFencing and Water SystemsG

In this episode, Nina Prater, a sustainable agriculture specialist with NCAT's southeast office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, talks about electric fencing with her husband, Jeremy Prater. Jerry is the owner and operator of Cedar Creek Farm, a sustainable diversified livestock operation in the Ozarks of Arkansas. Jeremy has used electric fencing to manage cattle, goats, hogs, and poultry.In this episode, Nina and Jeremy talk about why electric fencing is such a useful tool in management-intensive grazing; the NRCS's cost-share program for electric fence; how to adapt existing fence; and other ways electric fencing can be used to contain and manage livestock.In Part 2 of Electric Fencing 101, they will go into greater detail about the equipment itself and how it works.Related ATTRA ResourcesManaged Grazing tutorialFencing and Water SystemsGetting Started in Livestock. Part 2: Species ConsiderationsIntegrating Livestock with Crops Project: Electric Fences. Sheep in and Predators OutOther Resources:Electri

This episode is the second in a two-part series featuring NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Kara Kroeger talking with family members Glenn, Melanie, and Linnaea Elzinga from Alderspring Ranch in Idaho. Glenn and his family raise wild, organic grass-fed beef on their remote family ranch and deliver their products to customers across the nation. In this episode, they discuss the family's innovative marketing strategies and tools.In the first part of the series, they discuss the family dynamics they have cultivated, how each family member determines his or her role, and the effects of COVID-19, among other topics. The link to that podcast is in the notes below.For more information on this topic, you can contact Kara Kroeger directly via email at karak@ncat.org.Related ATTRA ResourcesAlderspring Ranch, Part 1Livestock and PastureOther Resources:Alderspring RanchMeathackerPlease complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.Please call ATTRA with any and all of y

This episode is the first in a two-part series featuring NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Kara Kroeger talking with ifamily members Glenn, Malanie, and Linnea Elzinga from Alderspring Ranch in Idaho. Glenn and his family raise wild, organic grass-fed beef on their remote family ranch and deliver their products to customers across the nation. In this episode, they discuss the family dynamics they have cultivate, how each family member determines his or her role and the effects of COVID-19, among other topics.In the upcoming second part of the conversation, they talk about Alderspring's innovative marketing tools.For more information on this topic, you can contact Kara Kroeger directly via email at karak@ncat.org.Related ResourcesLivestock and PastureOther Resources:Alderspring RanchPlease 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.

In this episode, the second of a two-part series, NCAT Southwest Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell continues his conversation with guest Rowan Reid from Australia on agroforestry -— farming with trees. Rowan was a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne for 20 years, is the managing director at the Australian Agroforestry Foundation, and has written or co-authored eight books, including his most recent release: Heartwood: The Art and Science of Growing Trees for Conservation and Profit. In part two, Colin and Rowan talk about tools farmers need for producing high- value timber on their farm, fire management, farmer- to- farmer learning networks, and climate adaptation.The link to the first half of the conversation is in the list of resources below. In that conversation, Colin and Rowan talk about the balancing of conservation and production, defining agroforestry, Rowan's path to becoming a "forester among farmers," and how agroforestry can help improve the environment.Fo

In this episode, the first of two, NCAT Southwest Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell speaks with guest Rowan Reid from Australia to discuss agroforestry — farming with trees. Rowan was a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne for 20 years and is managing director of the Australian Agroforestry Foundation. He has written or co-authored eight books, including his most recent release: Heartwood: The Art and Science of Growing Trees for Conservation and Profit.Colin and Rowan talk about balancing conservation and production, defining agroforestry, Rowan's path to become a "forester among farmers"; and how agroforestry can help improve the environment.Watch for the second part of their conversation in a separate podcast, in which Colin and Rowan talk about tools farmers need for producing high-value timber on their farm, fire management, farmer-to-farmer learning networks, and climate adaptation.For more information on this topic, you can contact Colin Mitchell directly via em

In this episode, Mike Morris, NCAT's Southwest Regional Director, talks with Dr. Barbara Bellows about her new ATTRA publication, Microbial Inoculants. Also known as biofertilizers or biostimulants, microbial inoculants contain beneficial microorganisms and are intended to stimulate plant growth, reduce pest and disease problems, and protect plants from various stress conditions.Dr. Bellows is a soil scientist with the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research at Tarleton State University. She has been researching production methods for microbial inoculants and the various factors that can make them effective or ineffective. In this podcast, she explains how microbial inoculants work, offers practical advice for getting the most out of these products, and discusses which ones — if any — to use.Related ResourcesMicrobial InoculantsSoil Health Indicators and TestsAlternative Soil AmendmentsNotes on Compost TeasOther Resources:Texas Institute for Applied Environmental ResearchFor more information

In 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 had on the food supply and farmers, opportunities for small farmers in local food systems, the economic situation for farms, and looking ahead to the next Farm Bill.Senator Boozman has been a long-time supporter of NCAT's ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Program and Armed to Farm.Senator Boozman has been a long-time supporter of NCAT's ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Program and Armed to

In this episode, Mike Morris, NCAT's Southwest Regional Director, talks with Dr. Barbara Bellows about her new ATTRA publication Soil Health Indicators and Tests.Recent years have seen an explosion of new soil health tests, measuring a wide variety of indicators that depend on the activity of soil microorganisms.Dr. Bellows is a soil scientist with the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research at Tarleton State University. In this podcast, she explains how more than a dozen soil health test procedures actually work and offers practical advice on choosing a test that will meet your needs.Related ResourcesSoil Health Indicators and Tests Microbial Inoculants Managing Soils for Water: How Five Principles of Soil Health Support Water Infiltration and Storage Soil Health and Livestock: ATTRA Resources Building Healthy Pasture SoilsLivestock As a Tool: Improving Soil Health, Boosting Crops The Haney Soil Test The PLFA Soil TestOther Resources:Texas Institute for Applied Environmental ResearchPlease ca

In this episode, NCAT Southeast Regional Office Director Margo continues her conversation with Linda Coffey, an NCAT livestock specialist, regarding tips for those considering raising livestock.Margo also is a livestock specialist and lifelong livestock producer, and she and Linda both raise livestock near Fayetteville, Arkansas, where the NCAT Southeast Regional Office is located.In Part 1 (Episode 179), they covered some of the main points to consider before beginning a livestock enterprise.This episode addresses more of the strengths, challenges, and primary needs of various animals. Many resources are mentioned and linked below to help you learn more and be well prepared to include animals on your farm. The Small-Scale Livestock Production, publication, Managed Grazing tutorial, and many ATTRA blog posts are especially recommended to learn vital information.For more information on this topic or to suggest a subject for a future podcast about livestock, you can contact Margo Hale and Linda Coffey directly