NEW EPISODE: VOICES FROM THE FIELD
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Episode 215. ‘Urban Ag is People Taking Care of People'
In this episode, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Felicia Bell and Otis Wright, an urban farm manager and consultant, discuss urban agriculture. Otis talks about his experience, as well as the ways he has found urban agriculture can benefit communities beyond providing nutritious food.
For a Safe Lambing Season, Make a ‘Lambulance’
National Center for Appropriate Technology Regenerative Grazing Specialist Linda Poole recommends making your own lamb ambulance before lambing, because even healthy and productive ewes can create a challenge for shepherds determined to get everyone to safety.
Texas Legends II Plant ID and Grazing Workshop
Join NCAT on September 11, 2021, for a day-long plant ID and grazing workshop with legendary wildlife biologists, botanists, riparian specialists, and grazing experts at the beautiful Roberts Ranch in Comfort, Texas.
- North Central SARE Research and Education Grant Program
A competitive grant program for researchers and educators involved in projects that explore and promote environmentally sound, profitable, and socially responsible food and/or fiber systems. Preproposals are due October 7, 2021.
- Agriculture Innovation Center Program
A total of $7.4 million in grants to Agriculture Innovation Centers, to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers to help them develop and market value-added agricultural products. Applications are due by September 27, 2021.
- Pennsylvania Specialty Crop Block Grants
Pennsylvania is offering $460,000 in Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grants. These enhance, rather than replace federal block grants, and are available to fund specialty crops designated as high priority crops in the state. Proposals will be accepted until September 17, 2021.
NCAT Launches New Armed to Farm Website
The National Center for Appropriate Technology has launched a new website for its farmer veteran training program, Armed to Farm. The site, ARMEDTOFARM.ORG, features program news, promotes upcoming training opportunities, and connects alumni with sustainable agriculture resources and other farmer veterans. Planning is underway for Armed to Farm training events in California, New Mexico and Texas. Visit ARMEDTOFARM.ORG for more information.
- Crop Insurance Could Be Disincentive for Adapting to Climate Change, Says Study
A study by researchers at North Carolina State University found that crop insurance serves as a disincentive for farmers to adopt climate change mitigation measures. Crop yield variability is more acceptable to farmers who have crop insurance, this study found.
Related ATTRA Publication: Is Organic Farming Risky? Improving Crop Insurance for Organic Farms
- Scientific Societies Release Statement on Resilient Agriculture and Climate Change
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America released a statement on Advancing Resilient Agriculture: Recommendations to Address Climate Change. The statement provides recommendations under seven categories: agricultural practices, data, research, food system resilience, communication and outreach, diversity, and collaboration.
- USDA Report Compares Marketing by Beginning and Experienced Local Food Producers
A new report by USDA Economic Research Service explored how local food farmers (less than 9% of all farms) of varying levels of experience responded to the increasing demand for local food. A survey was used to compare how experience in direct marketing and experience in farming affect producer choices.
- Biocontrol Nematodes Tested on New York Potato Crops
Northern New York Agricultural Development Program reports that a New York potato grower and biocontrol nematode laboratory owner Mary DeBeer will make a trial application of biocontrol nematodes grown to reduce the population of wireworms that damage the roots, sprouts, and tubers of potato crops.
Related ATTRA Publication: Potatoes: Organic Production and Marketing
- Farm Aid Announces 2021 Venue and Lineup
Farm Aid 2021 will be an in-person festival on September 25 in Hartford, Connecticut. Farm Aid's annual festival is a an all-day celebration of music and family farmers featuring a unique lineup of artists and genres, along with family farm-identified, local and organic foods. NCAT will be participating in the Homegrown Village, where festivalgoers explore hands-on activities that engage all of their senses in the Farm Aid mission.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
Established in 1976, NCAT is a national nonprofit whose mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance and protect natural resources. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has six regional offices in Arkansas, California, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Montana, and Texas.
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