Attra - Sustainable Agriculture

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Darron Gaus joins Peggy Sechrist, a pioneer in the organic beef industry in Texas and a long-time Holistic Management International educator.  Darron, who is based in Victoria, Texas, co-leads a working group with Peggy in Texas as part of NCAT’s Soil for Water Southern SARE project. That project includes some great conversations with members of the working group – a four-state team of producers, scientists, and universities trying to key in on some of the barriers keeping more operations from adopting regenerative grazing methods.    Today’s conversation is between Peggy and Jenny Pluhar, Executive Director of the Texas Grazing Land Coalition, and ranch manager for Taylor Ranches in the panhandle of Texas. She is also the co-author of the book Texas Range Plants. Jenny details her work with the Texas Grazing Land Coalition and the new project the coalition is working on, called “Principles Before Practices.”    Related ATTRA Re

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez talks with author and farmer Dani Baker. Since her retirement from another career and subsequent inspiration from an Extension class on permaculture, Dani has become well known for her takes on creating “resilient edible landscapes.” She and Gabriella discuss the benefits that come from realizing that nature knows what it is doing.Related ATTRA Resources:·        Permaculture·        Climate Change and Perennial Fruit and Nut Production: Investing in Resilience in Uncertain Times·        Weekly Wednesday Workshop: Permaculture 101 Other Resources:·        Home-Scale Forest Garden with Dani Baker preview·        The Home-Scale Forest Garden: How to Plan, Plant, and Tend a Resilient Edible Landscape·        Cross Island FarmsContact Gabriella Soto-Velez at gabriellas@ncat.org.          Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.  You can get in touch with NCAT

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Northeast Coordinator and Agriculture Specialist Chris Lent talks to Matt Steiman, the Farm Energy and Livestock Manager at Dickinson College Organic Farm in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about the farm’s new biodigester. A farm-based biodigester can turn cow manure and food waste into natural gas to produce electricity for the farm to use and to sell to the utility grid.  Matt and Chris discuss Matt’s research over the past 14 years on turning waste streams into biofuels and how that research led to the new biodigester’s design and its installation at the farm.   The discussion covers the unusual scale of the project, which was designed to manage the manure from 150 dairy cows and up to three tons of food waste daily. The project is meant to demonstrate to mid-sized farms across Pennsylvania and elsewhere that it is possible to manage waste streams in an environmentally sound way bytransforming them into a source of carbon-neutral energy.    Related ATTRA Resources: ·

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez talks with Nate Olive, the owner of Ridge to Reef Farm on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Nate talks about the innovative market- diversification strategies that have contributed to his farming success and the challenges and opportunities of the St. Croix market. Related ATTRA Resources: ·        ATTRA Internship Hub ·        Subtropical Soil Health Initiative ·        Cover Crops for Hot and Humid Areas Other Resources: ·        Ridge to Reef Farm Contact Gabriella Soto-Velez at gabriellas@ncat.org.  Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.  You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted,practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and otherresources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.  

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Kandi Williams of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Small Farms Program talks with Arkansas farmer Michael Henegan about his farming heritage and some of his methods to reach markets that others don't by wildcrafting local herbs and plants, including mullein and poke salad.  Kandi also works with the Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corporation, which partnered in producing this podcast. This podcast was also produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technologythrough the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperativeagreement with USDA Rural Development. This podcast was also made possible inpart by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDANational Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas. Related ATTRA Resources: ·        Business and Marketing ·        Risk Management Other Resources: ·        Milliesbarn Veggie Farm Contact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org. Please complete a br

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Audrey Kolde, an NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, talks with Iriel Edwards, the farmer and owner of The Dancing Radicle Farm in Alexandria, Louisiana. Iriel is also a Certifier and Regional Organizer with the Real Organic Project. Prior to starting her own farm, Iriel managed Jubilee Justice's 5-acre organic farm in Alexandria and worked with Black farming communities in the Southeast. Iriel and Audrey discuss the challenges and potential of farming small-scale grains, particularly Louisiana rice. They delve into the necessary components for small-scale success, including community involvement and cooperative models, inspiring us to embrace innovation and collaboration toward a brighter future. Related ATTRA Resources:·         Disease and Insect Management in Organic Small Grains·         Nutrient Management in Organic Small Grains·         Weed Management in Organic Small Grains·         The Real Story Behind the Real Organic MovementOther Resources:· 

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Kandi Williams of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Small Farms Program talks with Hope, Arkansas, farmer Ernestine Maxfield about ways for limited-resource producers to manage risk in the Ark-La-Tex region. The Ark-La-Tex region is a socio-economic, tri-state region where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas meet.Kandi also works with the Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corporation, which partnered in producing this podcast.This podcast was also produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas.Related ATTRA Resources:·        Risk Management·        Business and Marketing·        Farmer Start-UpOther Resources:·        Silas H. Hunt Community Development

This 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 small-scale farming. She discusses her efforts to establish a thriving market for chestnut growers in the region.  Chestnuts are a sustainable and nutritious crop with deep roots in American agriculture. Michelle explores the success stories of cultivating chestnuts – from fostering community partnerships to promoting environmentally friendly practices. Resources:·        Demonstratin

In 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 to NCAT – as well as her goals now that she is on the team.  ATTRA Resources: ·        Livestock ·        Crops ·        Soil for Water ·        Farmer Equity Project  Other Resources: ·        Accelerating Appalachia  Contact Tyler Jenkins and Tammy Barnes at tylerj@ncat.org and tammyb@ncat.org.  Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content ofthis podcast.  You

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Milton and Diann Woods of Milliesbarn Veggie Farm in Eagle Lake, Texas, talk with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Justin Duncan about how they overcame various risks on their farm by choosing the right crops – both for their environment and in accordance with the needs of their clientele.  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. This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas.  Related ATTRA Resources:·        Crop Resilience Through Diversification and Schedule Modification in Northeast Texas. Part 1 ·        Business and Marketing·        Risk ManagementOther Resources:·        Milliesbarn Veggie Farm Contact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Grace Brown, the founder of Uncle Paul’s Agritourism & Educational Farm in Tyler, Texas, talks with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Justin Duncan about how she overcame various risks on the farm by choosing the right crops – both for the local environment and in accordance with the needs of their clientele. 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. This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the University of Arkansas.  Related ATTRA Resources:·        Business and Marketing·        Risk ManagementContact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to

This week’s episode of Voices from the Field is a conversation about Texas A&M University’s Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management, hosted by NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Darron Gaus. The Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management is a coordinated, system-wide effort at Texas A&M aimed at safeguarding the ecologic and economic resiliency of grazing-land resources and ranching operations.The episode features a conversation between the center’s director, Jeff Goodwin, and Peggy Sechrist, a longtime educator for Holistic Management International, about the work being done at Texas A&M and how it will help graziers make profitable decisions. Peggy is an organic beef pioneer in Texas. She and Darron are co-leaders of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education’s Soil for Water Texas Working Group. Related ATTRA Resources:·        Livestock·        Pasture, Rangeland and Adaptive Management·        Rangeland App: Modern Tool for Graziers·        Keep Soil Covered·     

This 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 Horticulture Specialist Guy Ames talks with Matthew Lebon, owner of Custom Foodscaping in St. Louis, Missouri.  Guy and Matthew talk about “edible landscaping” – which includes plants that produce food in residential, business, and community landscapes. They also discuss the value of “uncommon” crops such as gooseberries, currants, and paw-paws that grow well in the region.Related ATTRA Resources:·        Local Food Systems·        How to Start Community Agroforesty Projects: Advice from 11 Forest GardensOther Resources:·        Developing a Market for Locally Adapted Organic Fruiting Plants in St. Louis·        Custom Foodscaping Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the c

This episode of Voices from the Field is an inspiring conversation with a trailblazer in ecological agriculture. In it, Gabriella Soto-Velez, an NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist  in the Gulf States Region, sits down with Christopher Sacco, who needs no introduction for those familiar with sustainable agriculture practices. In 2009, Christopher laid the foundation for Groundswell International, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to empowering small-scale farmers and championing sustainable agriculture methods worldwide.Fast forward to 2024, and Christopher has stepped away from the helm of Groundswell, but his support and passion for the organization’s mission remains steadfast. Christopher’s journey post-Groundswell led him to establish Aegis Conservation Ecology and Regenerative Development, a consulting firm at the forefront of promoting ecological agriculture and regenerative development.Christopher and Gabriella delve deep into the heart of ecological agriculture, exploring its transformative

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Felicia Bell talks with beginning farmer Violet Keys about the journey that took her from a career in the military to beginning Synergy in the Garden, a 6-acre urban agriculture operation in Jackson, Mississippi. Violet discusses overcoming her nervousness as she begins her farm – where she plans to grow medicinal herbs, cut flowers, and other crops. She and Felicia also talk about creating a business plan and utilizing USDA financial and planning assistance. Violet shares her dream of creating a “healing space” for veterans that is also an asset to her community. Related ATTRA Resources:·        Financing Your Farm: Guidance for Beginning Farmers·        Selling to Local and Regional Markets: Barriers and Opportunities for Beginning Farmers·        Veteran Resources·        Farm Start-Up·        Farmer Well-BeingContact Felicia Bell at feliciab@ncat.org.  Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the con

This 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, Maura Henn, an NCAT Local Food Systems Specialist, talks with Michal DeChellis of the Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) in Montana. Michal is AERO’s Program Manager for the Montana Food Economy Initiative (MFEI), a project that has been funded through a Western SARE Grant.Maura and Michal talk about the process of conducting Community Food Assessments around Montana and the importance of bringing together multiple stakeholders from different parts of community food systems when building a coalition for food systems work. Maura and Michal also talk about some of the first projects, which were launched in 2020, and adaptations and improvements made to the 2023-2024 round of community assessme

In this episode of Voices from the Field, urban farmer Pasha Angelle of Healing Den Farms in Houston, Texas, discusses how farming realities led her to shift gears and produce microgreens literally in-house rather than crops out in the field in the brutal Texas climate. This risk-management decision has expanded her experience and led her to a new customer base.  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.This podcast was also made possible in part by funding from the Southern RiskManagement Education Center, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture,through the University of Arkansas.  Related ATTRA Resources: ·        Urban Agriculture ·        Local Food Systems Other Resources: ·        Healing Den Contact Justin Duncan at justind@ncat.org.  Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content ofthis podcast.  You can get in touch with

Sheri Langford is a straight-talking Texas shepherd, dog trainer, and retired crime- scene investigator.   In this episode of Voices from the Field, Sheri talks with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Linda Poole about raising Navajo-Churro sheep – which she calls “the mustangs of the sheep world”– with the help of her border collie, Anatolian, and Great Pyrenees guardian dogs. On her Red Feather Ranch, Sheri says, predators are like pilots: there are old predators, and there are bold predators, but, thanks to her dogs, there are no old, bold predators.   Sheri also talks about her journey from crime scene investigator to shepherd, how to prepare a flock for wildfire, training sheep to avoid “rope and hoist” milking, and other tales of life with small ruminants.  This Voices from the Field episode is part of NCAT’s “She’s Raising Sheep” podcast series.  Related ATTRA Resources:  ·        She’s Raising Sheep Series  ·        Tips for Marketing Sheep and Goat Products: Dairy  ·        Tips for Marketing Sh

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tracy Mumma talks with Jim Gronau, who uses oxen as draft animals on his farm in Ontario, Canada. Jim describes some of the environmental, economic, and marketing benefits of using oxen, and he provides pointers for getting started as a teamster and for starting a young team of oxen. Jim also explains what an ox is and talks about how versatile oxen can be on a farm. Finally, Jim reflects on the magic moment when everything comes together and the animals and driver become a team.Related ATTRA Resources:·        Episode 333. Draft Animals 101·        Draft Animal Power for FarmingOther Resources:·        Draft Animal Power Network·        Oxen: A Teamster’s Guide to Raising, Training, Driving & Showing·        Oxen: Their Care, Training, and Use ·        Live Power in Agriculture: Working Equines and Bovines Class·        Midwest Ox Drovers Association·        All Things Oxen·        Oxen in Canada·        Small Farmer’s Jour

For centuries, draft animals were the premier power source for agriculture.  Although tractors eventually usurped draft animals on most farms, ranches, and forests, some teamsters have kept the traditions alive. With the upswing of modern homesteading and people striving for ecologically beneficial agricultural practices, it looks like draft power is making a comeback.  In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist andwanna-be teamster Linda Poole quizzes seasoned experts Tracy Mumma (also an NCAT staff member), Tracy’s husband David Sturman, and Jim Gronau – an oxen teamster from Canada –on the what, why, and how of getting started with draft animals.  If you want to learn more, be sure to come back for the next episode– an in-depth conversation between Tracy and Jim about using draft animals in farming. Related ATTRA Resources: ·        Draft Animal Power for Farming: Other Related Resources: ·        Oxen: A Teamster’s Guide to Raising, Training, Driving & Showing ·