NEW EPISODE: VOICES FROM THE FIELD |
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Episode 236. Programs Focus on Farmer Well-Being
In this episode, Margo Hale visits with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist and farmer veteran Mike Lewis. Mike and his family operate a diversified farm in Southeast Kentucky. Mike talks about the farm’s enterprises and how USDA programs have helped him meet his farm goals. Mike also discusses two programs — AgrAbility and the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) — that address the physical and mental needs of many farmers. |
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Building a Strong Foundation for Working with Livestock
When NCAT’s Livestock and Grazing Team gathered to teach a three-part workshop series for beginning livestock producers, they began with soil health. Learn why, and find out how to access all three recorded webinars, in this blog from workshop organizer Linda Coffey. |
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NCAT Launches Nationwide ‘Soil for Water’ Regenerative Agriculture Project
Farmers, ranchers, and land managers across the United States who are taking steps to catch and hold more water in the soil are invited to join the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s Soil for Water project. Building on an expanding peer-to-peer network of ranchers in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Montana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Texas, and Virginia, NCAT has opened the program to crop farmers, ranchers, and land managers in all 50 states who are learning together how to catch and hold more water in the soil. The expanded Soil for Water project encourages the adoption of regenerative land management practices through an interactive website, peer-to-peer forum, in-person and online networking opportunities, and the ability to connect with experts and land managers who are finding success with varied practices. To learn more about the newly expanded Soil for Water project, and to join the free network, visit SOILFORWATER.ORG.
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Join Us for the ‘Soil for Water’ Film Premiere
Join NCAT on February 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. MST/1 p.m. EST for the world premiere of its film Soil for Water. A panel discussion will follow with the nationwide team working to support a growing network of farmers, ranchers, and land managers taking steps to catch and hold more water in the soil and with two Texas ranchers who are already seeing success. Click here to register for this free, informative film screening and panel discussion.
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Don't Miss These Other ATTRA Events - Grazing for Resilience - Bouncing Forward from Catastrophic Events, January 26, 2022 (Justin Morris and Linda Poole are speaking.)
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Cover Crops and Water Infiltration: Virtual Workshop, February 1, 2022
- Why Soil Health Matters: Virtual Workshop with Jody Reyer of Reyer Farms, February 8, 2022
- Latino Farmer Conference, February 9, 2022
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Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association Annual Conference, February 12 and 17, 2022 (Jeff Schahczenski and Justin Duncan are speaking.)
- Soil Health Innovations Conference: Soil for Water, March 15-16, 2022
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Risk Management Education Partnership Program
USDA is investing up to $2 million in risk management education and training programs that support historically underserved producers, small-scale farmers, and conservation practices. Eligible activities include training on Federal crop insurance options, recordkeeping, financial management, non-insurance-based risk management tools, and natural disaster preparedness. Partners can also train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems.
Applications are due by March 11, 2022.
- North Central SARE Conference Support Funding
The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) program has limited funds available to support conferences and educational events relevant to sustainable agriculture. Events should occur within six months of the application deadline and specifically serve the 12-state North Central Region or be national events offered within the region. Applications received by January 31, 2022, will be informed by February 7, 2022.
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Organic Pulses Production, Economics, and Marketing
This new publication by Andrew Coggins, NCAT Rocky Mountain West Regional Director, and Jeff Schahczenski, NCAT Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist, covers organic pulse production, economics, and marketing. Organic pulse production differs from non-organic production in important ways, and organic pulses in general are of higher value. Limited available evidence suggests that producing organic pulses appears to be significantly profitable. The authors further explored the nuances of the organic pulse market with a blog, The Timeless Pulse: A Personal Story, and a podcast, Organic Pulse Production is Timeless in Montana, that looked at the more-than-30-year history of the development of the organic pulse and legume industry in Montana and beyond.
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California Small Farm Conference
February 27 - March 3, 2022 Online and across California At the 2022 conference, dig into more than 50 different online workshops, forums, and videos designed for farmers, ranchers, and the local food system advocates who support them. -
Agriculture & Food Conference of Southeastern Massachusetts
February 27, 2022 Online SEMAP's 15th Annual Agriculture & Food Conference offers 12 engaging workshops and panels with more than 20 speakers, including keynote Ray Archuleta.
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Small Grains Conference
March 1, 2022 Lincoln, Nebraska This regional conference presented by Practical Farmers of Iowa brings together farmers, supply chain buyers, and researchers to share their expertise on successful farming with small grains in extended rotations.
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NCAT Accepting Applications for Armed to Farm Training in California
NCAT will offer its week-long Armed to Farm sustainable agriculture training program for military veterans in San Diego from April 18-22, 2022. Armed to Farm gives veterans and their spouses the opportunity to experience sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and explore career opportunities in agriculture. Participants will attend classroom sessions and travel to local farms for hands-on learning experiences. The event is free for those chosen to attend. Applications are due by March 4, 2022.
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Upper Midwest Farmers and Gardeners Invited to Join Plant Breeding Network
Seed to Kitchen Collaborative is inviting farmers and gardeners in the Upper Midwest to participate in 2022 seed trials for development of organic varieties of tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and other crops. Participants do not have to be certified organic. Trial results will be compiled using SeedLinked and can be input on a computer or smart phone.
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Food Finance Institute Fellows Program Accepting Applications for Value-Added Agriculture Cohort
The Food Finance Institute Fellows Program creates investible business models and sound financial plans for food-focused businesses to grow and scale. Fellows are paired with a coach to work through sales, operations, accounting, finance, food safety, marketing, and branding. The Value-Added Agriculture (agritourism farm or a farm creating a value-added product) and Processing/Supporting Technology cohorts are accepting applications for this free national program until January 30, 2022.
Black-Eyed Pea Strains Tested for Nitrogen-Fixing Ability
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, tested 20 types of black-eyed peas for their ability to entice and protect nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Black-eyed peas, a popular food crop, could play an important role in crop rotations for their nitrogen benefits and drought tolerance. This study found that improved black-eyed peas still have strong relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria; in some cases, better than wild plant relatives.
Ground-Level Air Pollution Reduces Pollination Success
A study in the United Kingdom found that there were up to 70% fewer pollinators, up to 90% fewer flower visits, and an overall pollination reduction of up to 31% in test plants when common ground-level air pollutants, including diesel exhaust pollutants and ozone, were present. The study used pollution concentrations just 40 to 50% of the limits currently defined by U.S. law as safe for the environment.
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THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has offices and staff in 10 states.
NCAT.ORG | ATTRA.NCAT.ORG |
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