ATTRA - Voices from the Field

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Felicia Bell is joined by Alsie Parks, C0-Executive Director of SAAFON and Lindsey Richards, Texas Gulf Coast Outreach and Education Specialist with American Farmland Trust. Alsie and Lindsey share their different yet complimentary perspectives of the importance of planning for farmland succession through estate planning or land trusts, tips for starting hard conversations, and stories of successful farmland hand-offs to the next generation of farmers.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.References:American Farmland TrustSAAFON

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Felicia Bell continues her series on successful women in Agriculture. Felicia talks with Gwen Cannon of Cannon Family Farm, located just outside of Brandon, Mississippi. Gwen shares about what led her to living a life of farming with her spouse, and how the lessons she has learned along the way have helped her serve her community. Cannon Farm provides hands-on education through agritourism in addition to growing food for their region.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.References:The Cannon Farm

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Felicia Bell begins a new series highlighting successful women in agriculture. Felicia kicks of the series by interviewing Marguerite Green, Statewide Director of the Louisiana Food Policy Council. Marguerite shares what inspired her to begin farming and what led her to a career in agriculture advocacy and education.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.References:Louisiana Food Policy Council

In this episode of ATTRA's Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Audrey Kolde hosts Garver Akers of Green Akers Consulting. Garver shares the soil health improvements he has seen from using vermicompost tea in medium- to large-scale agriculture production. Drawing from his experience as regenerative farmer, ecological horticulturist, and organic farm and garden consultant, Garver provides an in-depth exploration of the benefits of using vermicompost soil amendments.NCAT ResourcesHow to Reduce Synthetic Fertilizer Use ToolkitVermicomposting: The BasicsVermicomposting 101 Webinar

In this episode of ATTRA’s Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Audrey Kolde continues her investigation into sustainable and organic farming practices by learning more about the Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) project. Audrey speaks with STAR project director, Jake Deutmeyer, to learn how this national, non-profit organization established and expanded the STAR framework for conservation practice, evaluation, implementation, and valuation. Designed and led by producers, the STAR tool utilizes science and experience to target local solutions for local natural resource concerns, and to support farmers and ranchers on their conservation journey – wherever they are. NCAT Resources:Soil Health Indicators and Tests – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureEpisode 382: Organic Certification: One Step at a Time – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureAsk an Ag Expert Connect – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureFind Organic Resource Organic Farming – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureOther Resources:Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture ResourcesThis work is supported by NCAT’s Preparing a Resilient Future: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Training for Organic Field Crop and Livestock Producers in the Northern Great Plains.’ Project, award no. 2021-70033-35698. from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.

In this episode of ATTRA’s Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Tammy Howard speaks with participants from her USDA‑funded project, Bringing the Farm to School. The project is designed to help agricultural producers build the skills and capacity needed to sell their products directly to schools. Alongside this training, NCAT and the National Farm to School Network have also hosted facilitated networking events to connect producers with school food buyers.Tammy talks with her NCAT colleague and Growtopia Farms owner Cody Brown, as well as Matt Hanson from the Central Texas Food Hub, a social enterprise of the Central Texas Food Bank. Both Matt and Cody attended one of these networking events in Central Texas. Their conversation highlights their personal experiences and offers practical advice for developing strong producer-buyer relationships that support successful school food sales.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.NCAT Resources Bringing the Farm to School Through New Connections BlogScaling up for Regional Markets TutorialScaling up your Vegetable Farm for Regional MarketsFarm to School Sales: Profiles of Ranches Making It WorkFood Hubs: A Producer GuideEpisode 358. Abundant Montana “Meet Up” Meets with SuccessOther ResourcesBringing the Farm to School ProjectNational Farm to School NetworkCentral Texas Food BankGrowtopia Farms 

In this episode of ATTRA’s Voices from the field, NCAT Agriculture Specialists Danielle Duni and Darron Gaus speak with Jeremiah Eubank, a rancher in Canyon Lake, Texas. Jeremiah and his wife Maggie operate Pure Pastures, a family-owned multi-species grazing operation. The Eubanks have been ranching since 2015, using trial and error to perfect their rotational grazing practices. They strive to provide the most flavorful and nutrient dense meat to their community, while rebuilding topsoil and the native prairie landscape that once dominated the Hill Country.This conversation covers some of the practical ways listeners can “tune their eye” and make better decisions while monitoring rangeland, resulting in better, more usable data. Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.ATTRA Resources:Monitoring ChecklistRangeland App: Modern Tool for Graziers – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureTest Driving the New LandPKS Land Monitoring App – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureSoil Moisture Monitoring: Low-Cost Tools and Methods – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureAssessing Soil Health on Grazing Lands Using a Shovel and a Knife – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureSafe to Fail Trials with Graeme Hand – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureResources – Soil for WaterAdditional Resources:Pure PasturesGrassland Production Forecast (Grass-Cast) | Drought.govCoCoRaHS – Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow NetworkGrazing Monitoring StickHow to Use a Grazing Monitoring StickTags: Grazing, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialists Nina Prater, Darron Gaus, and Lee Rinehart continue their exploration of plant nutrients. In previous episodes, they covered nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, and in this episode they dive into the pungent world of sulfur. They discuss the history of sulfur, how sulfur is related to air quality, how sulfur works in the soil, why it is so important in plants, and how to manage sulfur in sustainable and organic ways.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.ATTRA Resources: Nitrogen: https://attra.ncat.org/episode-260-rising-fertilizer-costs-look-to-history-for-answers/Phosphorus: https://attra.ncat.org/episode-304-phosphorus-and-the-beauty-of-biology/Potassium: https://attra.ncat.org/episode-323-potassium-from-past-to-present/Calcium: https://attra.ncat.org/episode-365-calcium-the-premier-soil-nutrient/Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures: https://attra.ncat.org/publication/overview-of-cover-crops-and-green-manures-2/Managing Soils for Water: How Five Principles of Soil Health Support Water Infiltration and Storage: https://attra.ncat.org/publication/manage-soil-for-water/References:Britannica Science: https://www.britannica.com/science/sulfurDecades After Clean Air Act, Most Smokestacks Still Lack Scrubbers: https://publicintegrity.org/environment/decades-after-clear-air-act-most-smokestacks-still-lack-scrubbers/Air Pollution Legislation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leblanc_processHell on Earth: The Sulfur Mines of Sicily: https://www.lagazzettaitaliana.com/history-culture/10307-hell-on-earth-the-sulfur-mines-of-sicilyRevisiting the role of sulfur in crop production: A narrative review:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154324000504Sulfur Deficiency: https://www.sulphurinstitute.org/sulphur-in-agriculture/sulphur-deficiency-sources-and-symptoms/

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Audrey Kolde sits down with colleagues Ann Baier and Andrew Coggins to discuss the initial steps in obtaining organic certification in farming. Before coming to NCAT, Audrey worked as a manager of vegetable production on a certified organic farm, and she brings that experience to this conversation.In addition to her role as an NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Ann is also certified organic inspector. Ann has inspected numerous organic farms, livestock operations, and handling (processing) facilities to ensure compliance with USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) and international organic standards.NCAT Agriculture Specialist Andrew Coggins facilitated ten Organic Academy Roadshow workshops in five states between 2022 and 2024, providing training to farmers and ranchers on organic production practices for both crops and livestock.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.NCAT ResourcesAsk an Ag Expert Connect – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureFind Organic Resource Organic Farming – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureOther ResourcesOrganic Regulations | Agricultural Marketing ServiceOrganic Integrity Database https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/farms-operationsIf you are a producer who wants to get certified by a USDA-accredited certification agency, find the current list of those: https://www.ams.usda.gov/resources/organic-certifying-agentsOrganic Trade Association’s study finds that the USDA Organic label is among the most trusted by consumers. https://www.farmprogress.com/organic/organic-stands-out-in-a-growing-sea-of-labelsutm_rid=CPG02000008489713&utm_campaign=97156&utm_medium=email&elq2=9b2f8ae1c10944179ff6cf3d4e18209c&sp_eh=54253693183eb833a6e39ca4dab2768d807401229a0c2ea146804e542447f37cThis work is supported by NCAT’s Preparing a Resilient Future: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Training for Organic Field Crop and Livestock Producers in the Northern Great Plains.' Project, award no. 2021-70033-35698. from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Lee Rinehart is joined by Mike Miezianka, co-founder of Toasted Oysters, a 3 1/2-acre aquaculture farm on Great South Bay off of Long Island. Mike and his business partner Ray Smith cultivate authentic Blue Point Oysters which they sell to distributors and restaurants on Long Island and beyond.In this conversation, Lee and Mike discuss the promising future of aquaculture, including regulations on food safety and environmental stewardship which is paving the way for more farms to be established in waters around highly populated areas. There is a steady demand for these products, perhaps due in part to an increasing awareness of the ecological benefits of oysters, such as their ability to filter water an enhance marine habitats. Mike also shares advice for beginning farmers interested in getting started in aquaculture as well as some of the tools he and Mike have utilized to increase efficiency and reduce labor on their farm.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.NCAT ResourcesAquaculture – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureSmall Steps, Big Vision: Oyster Farming on Long Island’s Great South Bay – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureCase Study: Solar Oysters LLC – AgriSolar ClearinghouseArmed to Farm – Sustainable Agriculture Training For Military VeteransOther ResourcesToasted Oysters - Authentic Blue Point OystersOcean Farming: a Conversation with Bren SmithYou can get in touch with NCAT specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Eric Fuchs-Stengel sits with Jack Kittredge and Julie Rawson, the couple behind Many Hands Organic Farm and co-authors of the book Many Hands Make A Farm. The farm has been selling to the public since 1985, and specializes in certified organic produce, meat and eggs in Barre, Massachusetts.In this conversation, Jack and Julie share how they started their farm by cultivating a community of volunteers, many of whom have become shareholders and paid staff over the years. They also offer tips on how best to communicate with volunteer workers and discuss the importance of celebrating milestones and sharing meals as way to foster cooperation and productivity on the farm. Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.  NCAT ResourcesOrganic Farming – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureOrganic Certification – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureOther ResourcesMany Hands Organic Farm Many Hands Make a Farm BookYou can get in touch with NCAT specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Audrey Kolde dives into irrigation with Dr. Stacia Congers, an associate professor and statewide irrigation specialist and engineer at the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center.  Audrey and Dr. Congers talk about all things water: floods, droughts, as well as interesting research projects that may yield promising advancements in agriculture irrigation. Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.NCAT ResourcesThe Texas Irrigator’s Pocket Guide – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureTutorial: Sustainable Irrigation, a Beginner’s Guide – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureMeasuring and Conserving Irrigation Water – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureSoil Moisture Monitoring: Low-Cost Tools and Methods – ATTRA – Sustainable AgricultureOther ResourcesStacia CongerDrought Irrigation Response Tool (DIRT): A ManualYou can get in touch with NCAT specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialists Lee Rhinehart and Eric Fuchs-Stengel have a lively discussion on the topic of beekeeping. Lee and Eric talk about the best and worst conditions for keeping bees, common mistakes for beginners, bee anatomy, and honey production. Eric also shares his own experiences in raising bees and provides many practical suggestions who to seek guidance from when first starting out and for cultivating healthy hives.  ATTRA Resources:Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees Free Bees, Part One: Finding Them Free Bees, Part Two: Keeping Them Beekeeping Basics: Making SplitsBeekeeping: Overwintering Bees in Warm PlacesEpisode 214. Attracting and Protecting PollinatorsAdditional Resources:Heroes to Hives Hives for HeroesXerces SocietyMaster Beekeeping Program at Cornell UniversityNatural Beekeeping - Ross ConradRaising Resilient Bees: Heritage Techniques to Mitigate Mites, etc. - Eric McEwenDadant Beekeeping SuppliesScientificbeekeeping.comPlease 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field NCAT agriculture specialists and colleagues, Maura Henn and Tammy Howard, reflect on their journey helping Montana farmers markets build capacity and sustain success. Maura and Tammy also talk about new resources they have developed including Harvest of the Month at Farmers Market toolkit and a suite of Farmers Market Vendor Success videos. ATTRA Resources:Farmers MarketsFarmers Market Pricing Strategies for VendorsEpisode 377: Developing Farmers Market Cooperatives with Blake LineweaverAdditional Resources:Getting Started at Farmers Market ToolkitMontana Farmers Market NetworkNational Farm to School NetworkFarmers Market CoalitionPlease 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez sits down with Asha Walker, founder and powerhouse behind Health in the Hood, a Miami-based nonprofit tackling food insecurity and health disparities by transforming vacant lots into thriving community gardens.  Gabriella and Asha dive into the origin story of Health in the Hood, unpack how today’s food landscape is fueling chronic disease in low-income neighborhoods, and explore Asha’s new wellness app, Cured, which helps people take control of their health journey. Asha also shares ways you can get involved—whether it’s volunteering in the garden, supporting the mission, or just spreading the word. ATTRA Resources:Community GardeningUrban Gardening Tips with Echo Global FarmsEpisode 311: More Than Food Grows at Community Gardens and Urban FarmsAdditional Resources:Health in the Hood WebsiteContact Gabriella Soto-Velez [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Nina Prater is joined by Tim Hammer, co-owner of Homegrown Native Foods, LLC. Tim is an educator who teaches people about responsible and safe foraging of wild plants and mushrooms in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas. In this conversation, they discuss the many qualities of native plants that make them desirable in the farmscape, the commercial potential of different native plants, how to forage in the wild responsibly, and more.ATTRA Resources: Native Plants Offer More Than Beauty to the FarmscapeSwitchgrass as a Bioenergy CropAlternative Pollinators: Native BeesCompanion Planting & Botanical Pesticides: Concepts & ResourcesOther Resources: Homegrown Native Foods, LLCTim Hammer Contact InfoBringing Nature Home, by Doug TallamyFall Glade Onion informationArkansas Food Innovation CenterThe Beaver InstituteBo Brown, Foraging Author and Nature EducatorPrairie Moon Nursery

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Maura Henn is joined by Blake Lineweaver, Co-op Development Program Manager at Mission West Community Development Partners. Maura and Blake talk about how farmers markets in Montana are using the cooperative business model to build resilience in their local food systems, as well as the steps to forming a cooperative farmers market, as well as the principles that guide all cooperatives. ATTRA Resources:Farmers MarketsAdditional Resources:Everything Co-op PodcastCooperatives at Work BookCooperationWorks! Co-op Development Center Map"We're Team Farm" Co-op Farmers Market MW Case StudyMission West Community Development PartnersContact Maura Henn at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez explores the principles and power of Syntropic Agriculture with Roger Gietzen and Mauro Rosito-Weber—two educators and practitioners deeply immersed in this regenerative agroforestry method. Together they discuss how syntropic agriculture differs from traditional agroforestry systems, long term benefits of this model, common challenges, and practical steps and resources for getting started. Related ATTRA Resources:How Syntropic Agriculture Restores Soil and FarmsAgroforestryAdditional Resources:Global Freedom ProjectECHO Global FarmsContact Gabriella Soto-Velez [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable agriculture specialist Nina Prater is joined by Dr. Faye Smith, a soil scientist with a focus on sustainable soil and landscape management. They talk about the importance of soil health, science-backed approaches to soil health, important benchmarks for measuring soil health, and more.ATTRA Resources:Soil Aggregate AssessmentManaging Soil for Water PublicationAdditional Resources:Dr. Faye Smith's WebsiteOlogies, Indigenous Pedology EpisodeThe Art of Soil paintsContact Nina Prater at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of ATTRA’s Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist, Eddy Labus, is joined by Joe Boccardy, better known as Joe Ginseng. Joe has a small farm nestled in the mountains of Northwest North Carolina where he cares for a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle, pigs, and chickens. Joe farms the forests on his farm, raising several different types of threatened or endangered species like Ginseng and Golden Seal. In this episode, Eddy and Joe talk about growing plants in Appalachian forests, preservation methods, and value-added marketing ideas. Related ATTRA Resources:Quick Tips for AgroforestryOther Resources:Appalachia’s ginseng goldmine may not last much longerAppalachian Harvest Herb Hub™United Plant SaversForest Farming: An Agroforestry PracticeCultivating Native Woodland BotanicalsAppalachian Forest Farmer CoalitionPlease 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez goes in-depth into the world of mushroom production and market diversification in a conversation with Russell Hollander from Care2Grow, a vertical mushroom farm located in Naples, Florida.They talk about how to start producing mushrooms on any scale, the uses of spent mushroom blocks, the health benefits of edible and medicinal mushrooms, and Russell's marketing journey. Related ATTRA Resources:Container Production of Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms with Care2Grow FarmEstablishing a Wine Cap Mushroom BedOther Resources:Care2GrowContact Gabriella Soto-Velez [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In today's episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT agriculture specialist Audrey Kolde interviews Cynthia Flores the founder of Labor-Movement, an organization that believes when you move well, you work well. Audrey and Cynthia discuss the inspiration for creating Labor Movement and the importance of proper movement for those whose livelihoods depend on their bodies, especially farmers, fishers, foresters, and industrial athletes.ATTRA RESOURCES: Equipment – ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture Farm Stress and Emotional Well-Being, Part I – ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture  OTHER RESOURCES:Labor-Movement WebsiteFarmer Well-Being – ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture Contact Audrey Kolde at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Gulf States Regional Coordinator Felicia Bell sits down with “The Principal Farmer,” Patrick Muhammad, of Atlanta, Georgia. Patrick is the principal of the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, where students from kindergarten through eighth grade learn about the world through the lens of agriculture, nature, and the arts. He also has a farm and enjoys helping adults learn to love the land and return to their farming roots.Related ATTRA Resources: Farmland Access Beginning Farmer Tutorials https://attra.ncat.org/publication/farmland-access/  https://attra.ncat.org/tutorial-beginning-farmer-training/   Other Related Resources: Chattahoochee Hills Charter School The Principal Farmer 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. 

Episode 367: The Farming Systems of Puerto Rico This episode of Voices from the Field explores the ancient Taino Conuco farming systems of Puerto Rico in a conversation between NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez and researcher Joseph Navarro. They discuss how these sustainable practices supported self-sufficiency during pre-colonial times, their evolution through colonial and industrial transitions, and their potential to transform Puerto Rico’s future and address modern challenges like soil erosion, food insecurity, and climate resilience. Related Resources: Can Indigenous Agricultural Methods of Puerto Rico Mitigate Climate Change and Feed the Island?  Jungle: How Tropical Forests Shaped World History – and Us  Precision Ecology Contact Gabriella Soto-Velez a at [email protected] and [email protected]. 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. 

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Ag Specialists Nina Prater and Lee Rinehart are joined by recently retired Ag Specialist Guy Ames to celebrate his life and work. Guy is deeply knowledgeable about his area of expertise, fruit trees, and is also a font of wisdom about how to live the good life. This conversation includes how Guy found his way to farming in the Ozarks, the many failures that guided him toward success, and like most conversations with Guy, contains many wonderful, circuitous meanderings. He also shares about what it was like in the early days of ATTRA in the distant pre-internet past. We will all miss Guy here at NCAT and are so grateful he joined us in this episode to keep the "cultural cycle," as Wendell Berry puts it, turning. ATTRA Resources:Soils and Sites for Organic Orchards and VineyardsTree Fruits: Organic Production OverviewBattling Borers in Organic Apple ProductionBlueberries: Organic ProductionFruit Trees, Bushes, and Vines for Natural Growing in the OzarksHeirloom ApplesOther Resources:It All Turns on AffectionThe Good LifeDivine Right's TripAmes Orchard and NurseryThe WheelBraiding SweetgrassContact Nina Prater and Lee Rinehart at [email protected] and [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialists Nina Prater, Darron Gaus, and Lee Rinehart explore calcium – an essential plant nutrient and basic soil cation that has a big impact on soil pH. Whether your soil is naturally high or naturally low in calcium, this episode will guide you in managing this nutrient. Related ATTRA Resources: Episode 164. Soil Sessions. Understanding Soil pH Episode 304. Phosphorus and the Beauty of Biology Episode 260. Rising Fertilizer Costs. Look to History for Answers Episode 323. Potassium from Past to Present Other Resources: Soil Fertility and Animal Health The Marl Pits Around the Upton Area Soil Cation Balancing Using Lime in Organic Systems Soil Acidity and Adjusting Soil pH  Contact Nina Prater, Darron Gaus, and Lee Rinehart at [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. 

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Local Food Systems Specialists Maura Henn and Molly Kirkham talk with Indigenous Food Sovereignty Consultant Cheyenne Robinson about their project, “Understanding Through Listening: Connecting with Native Food Ways in Montana.”The project focused on holding listening sessions in Native American communities in Montana, primarily on Indian reservations, to learn if community members would be interested in developing an Indigenous Harvest of the Month program. Harvest of the Month is a farm-to-school educational framework designed to promote locally grown food in Montana schools and communities.Maura, Molly, and Cheyenne talk about what they learned conducting the sessions, the process of developing the listening-session framework, and what their next steps will be. Related ATTRA Resources:• Farm to SchoolProject Partners:• Grow Montana• Montana Cooperative Development Center Distribution Study – Challenges and Opportunities for Grocers in Rural and Tribal Communities• No Kid Hungry• Montana Partnership to End Childhood HungerOther Resources:• Understanding Through Listening• Harvest of the Month• Montana Harvest of the Month• Menominee Harvest of the Moon• Nebraska Harvest of the Month Indigenous Foods and Training• National Farm to School NetworkContact Maura Henn at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez talks with Bonnetta Adeeb, founder of Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance, a nonprofit collective of BIPOC growers, farmers, and gardeners who cultivate and distribute heirloom seeds and grow culturally meaningful crops.Gabriella and Bonnetta talk about the cultural role of seed saving and heritage crops as well as the importance of agriculture in defining and protecting cultural identity.    Related ATTRA Resources:·        Specialty Melon Production for Small and Direct-Market Growers·        Improving Seed Viability and Germination·        Local Food SystemsOther Resources:·        UJAMAA Cooperative Farming Alliance·        UJAMAA Seeds Contact Gabriella Soto-Velez at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Chris Lent has a conversation with Crystal Hampton-Davis, co-owner of Davis Grown, a Pennsylvania livestock and produce farm. They discuss how Crystal and her husband, Bradley, diversified the farm and made the move toward selling to local schools. Crystal is also passionate about educating children and others in the community about local foods.Related ATTRA Resources:Local Food SystemsBusiness and Marketing Other Resources:Davis GrownPennsylvania PreferredPatrick Leahy Farm to School Grant ProgramCommonwealth of Pennsylvania Farm to School GrantPennsylvania Department of Education Fruit Tree and Vegetable ProgramThe Food Trust Farm Tour: Davis Grown Contact Chris Lent at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez sits down with Dr. Saleh Azizi, Director of the Hawai'i Food Hub Hui and the Islands & Remote Areas Regional Food Business Center. Together, they delve into the historical context of Hawaii's food system, exploring the impacts of colonialism and the resulting health challenges faced by the native population. Saleh explains the critical role of food hubs in supporting local agriculture and food security, and he and Gabriella discuss the unique collaboration between Hawai'i's Regional Food Business Center, the Good Food Alliance Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition. Tune in to learn more about how these partnerships are shaping a more resilient and sustainable food system for island communities. Related ATTRA Resources:·       Food Hubs: A Producer Guide·       Feasibility Study for a Texas Organic Food Hub·       Episode 194. Kansas City Food Hub and KC Farm·       Farm to Food Hub to School  Other Related Resources:·       Hawai’i Food Hub Hui·       Hawai’i Good Food Alliance·       US Virgin Islands Good Food·       Islands & Remote Areas Regional Food Business CenterContact Gabriella Soto-Velez at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tyler Jenkins takes listeners on a journey through the natural-dye supply chain with three industry experts. Max Holden is a grower based in Washington state with a passion for cultivating dye plants. Bradley Todd is a fellow NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist who resides in North Carolina and is a processor skilled in dye extraction. Courtney Lockemer is an organizer and market builder based in North Carolina who is dedicated to advancing natural dyes in modern markets. Together, they discuss a pilot project that explored opportunities for farmers to produce natural dye plants and how these efforts can scale to meet growing market demand.  Related ATTRA Resources: Business and Marketing Fiber Specialty Cut Flower Production and Marketing Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production  Related Resources TS Designs  Contact Tyler Jenkins at [email protected]. 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. 

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Audrey Kolde talks with Timothy Gipson, co-owner and co-founder of The Great Mississippi Tea Company in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Their conversation touches on the challenges and successes the company has had growing this popular specialty crop in the Magnolia State. Related ATTRA Resources:·        Agroforestry·        The Unsung Heroes of the Plants We Drink: Tea ·        Farm Branding: Selling Your Products Through StoryOther Resources:·        The Great Mississippi Tea Company  Contact Audrey Kolde at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Local Foods Specialist Molly Kirkham talks with Erin Austin of Abundant Montana. Abundant Montana is a nonprofit that helps create a more resilient and reliable food system by developing educational campaigns about local foods, providing digital marketing and promotion assistance, and fostering business-to-business connections for Montana food and farming businesses. Erin and Molly talk about Abundant Montana’s recent online producer-buyer “meet-up event,” Abundant Connections. Molly and Erin discuss the need Abundant Montana saw that led to creating the event, the event’s format, what went well, who connected at the event, and what the future looks like for Abundant Connections. This podcast is part of the “Farm to School Technical Assistance-Cooperative Agreement, Bringing the Farm to School through New Connections” project. In this project, NCAT is collaborating with producer organizations to expand producer-focused training and technical assistance using NCAT’s widely adaptable Bringing the Farm to School curriculum, which helps local producers engage in the child nutrition programs market.Related ATTRA Resources:Episode 288. Using the Abundant Montana Local Food Directory as a Marketing StrategyBusiness and MarketingLocal Food SystemsOther Resources:Bringing the Farm to SchoolAEROAbundant MontanaContact Molly Kirkham at [email protected]  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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

This episode of Voices from the Field is part of our Soil-to-Skin podcast series, in which NCAT Carbon Farm Planners Allison Agee and Danielle Duni explore the relationships between soil health, fiber production, and market solutions. It is part of NCAT’s Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership with Colorado State University, Carbon Cycle Institute, Fibershed, Seed2Shirt, and New York Textile Lab. The Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership is funded by USDA’s Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities.  Today, Allison and Danielle talk with Laura Sansone from New York Textile Lab about the intersection of fiber growers and designers.Related ATTRA Resources:Episode 356. Soil to Skin: Tameka Peoples of Seed2Shirt Shares Her JourneyEpisode 355. Soil to Skin: Rebecca Burgess of Fibershed on Building CommunityEpisode 330. Meet NCAT: Carbon Farm Planner Allison Cooley-Agee of Montana Episode 331. Meet NCAT: Danielle Duni, Carbon Farm Planner for Woolgrowers in Wyoming Other Resources:Climate Beneficial Fiber PartnershipSeed2ShirtFibershedNew York Textile LabContact Allison Cooley-Agee and Danielle Duni at [email protected] and [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

Episode 356. Soil-to-Skin: Tameka Peoples of Seed2ShirtThis episode of Voices from the Field continues our Soil-to-Skin podcast series, in which NCAT Carbon Farm Planners Allison Cooley-Agee and Danielle Duni explore the relationships between soil health, fiber production, and market solutions. It is part of NCAT’s Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership with Colorado State University, Carbon Cycle Institute, Fibershed, Seed2Shirt, and New York Textile Lab. The Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership is funded by USDA’s Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities.  Today, Allison and Danielle talk with Tameka Peoples of Seed2Shirt as she walks us through her journey to source a T-shirt made by a black company that included cotton sourced from African or African American farmers and how that journey led her to develop a global cotton merchant company.Related ATTRA Resources:Episode 355. Soil to Skin: Rebecca Burgess of Fibershed on Building CommunityEpisode 330. Meet NCAT: Carbon Farm Planner Allison Cooley-Agee of Montana Episode 331. Meet NCAT: Danielle Duni, Carbon Farm Planner for Woolgrowers in Wyoming Other Resources:Climate Beneficial Fiber PartnershipSeed2ShirtFibershedNew York Textile LabContact Allison Cooley-Agee and Danielle Duni at [email protected] and [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

This episode of Voices from the Field begins our “Soil to Skin” podcast series, in which NCAT Carbon Farm Planners Allison Cooley-Agee and Danielle Duni explore the relationships between soil health, fiber production, and market solutions. The series is part of NCAT’s Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership with Colorado State University, Carbon Cycle Institute, Fibershed, Seed2Shirt, and New York Textile Lab. The Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership is funded by USDA’s Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities.  Allison and Danielle talk about the project with Rebecca Burgess, the Executive Director of Fibershed, about building community around grower-to-grower networks to help producers become “economically, ecologically, and socially successful.”Related ATTRA Resources:·        Fiber·        Tips for Marketing Sheep and Goat Products: Fiber·        Climate Beneficial PracticesAdditional Resources:·        Fibershed·        Carbon Cycle Institute·        Seed2Shirt·        New York Textile Lab·        Colorado State University College of Agricultural SciencesContact Allison Cooley-Agee and Danielle Duni at [email protected] and [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tyler Jenkins talks with Richard Udale and Anne Fanatico in an enlightening conversation about the world of poultry breeding, genetics, and the rich history of the chicken. Richard and Anne, both renowned experts in the field, discuss the evolution of various chicken breeds and their unique traits, along with the intricate science behind selective breeding. Related ATTRA Resources:·        Poultry·        Eggs·        Growing Your Range Poultry Business: An Entrepreneur's Toolbox  Other Resources:·        American Pastured Poultry Association·        American Poultry Association·        Heritage Poultry Breeders Contact Tyler Jenkins at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tracy Mumma talks with her husband, David Sturman, and daughter, Lina Sturman, about using draft horses on the farm. They discuss some of the jobs horses can do, including logging and agritourism, and some of the different hitches that can help make effective use of horsepower. They also cover some important considerations for anyone considering using draft horses on the farm, based on decades of shared experience using draft horses in Montana.Related ATTRA Resources:·        Draft Animal Power for Farming ·        Episode 333. Draft Animals 101 ·        Episode 334. Teaming Up with OxenAdditional Resources:·        Small Farmer’s Journal·        Draft Animal Power NetworkContact Tracy Mumma at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

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 Resources: ·        Livestock ·        Climate Solutions ·        Soil  Related NCAT Resources: ·        Soil for Water   Other Resources: ·        AG Proud ·        Texas Grazing Land Coalition·        Texas Grazing Land Coalition Facebook page·        U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef ·        Texas Range Plants  Contact Darron Gaus at [email protected]. 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, 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 [email protected].          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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.  

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: ·        Biodiesel Use, Handling, and Fuel Quality ·        Micro-Scale Biogas Production: A Beginners Guide ·        Anaerobic Digestion of Animal Waters: Factors to Consider   Other Resources: ·        Biogas – Dickinson College Organic Farm ·        Dickinson College YouTube Channel ·        USDA Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & EnergyEfficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants ·        USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) On-Farm Energy Initiative  Contact Chris Lent at [email protected].          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, 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 [email protected].  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 [email protected]. 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, 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:·         Real Organic Project·         Jubilee Justice·         Iriel Edwards: USDA Discrimination, Land Access, and Collective LiberationContact Iriel Edwards at [email protected] Audrey Kolde at [email protected] 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 other resources 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 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 Corporation·        University of Arkansas Small Farm Program·        Southern Risk Management Education CenterContact Justin Duncan at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

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:·        Demonstrating Higher Yields and Market Opportunities of Mixed Annual and Perennial Intensive Planting in Appalachian Ohio·        Producing Culinary Chestnut Flour with Michelle Ajamian and Amy Miller·        Consider Chestnuts: A Potential Perennial for Market Farms·        Rural Action·        Appalachian Staple Foods CollaborativeContact Tyler Jenkins at [email protected]. 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

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 [email protected] and [email protected].  Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content ofthis podcast.  You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and findaccess to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications,webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG. 

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 [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

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 [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

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·        Minimize Soil Disturbance·        Increase Biodiversity·        Continuous Live Root·        Integrate Livestock Other Resources:·        Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management·        Understanding and Evaluating Carbon Contracts Contact Darron Gaus at [email protected] 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 other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.