Entries by Cathy Svejkovsky

Got Calcium?

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By Nina Prater, NCAT Southeast and Appalachia Regional Coordinator Calcium might not have as good a publicist as the Big Three soil nutrients—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—but even though we don’t hear about it as much, it still is a critical plant nutrient that is essential for soil health. Early soil health pioneer […]

New Publications Showcase Success Stories of Regenerative Grazing in the South

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Regenerative grazing that builds soil health and improves water infiltration and storage holds great promise for livestock producers coping with unpredictable climatic conditions, but it has been slow to catch on in the southern United States. In four states, though, this practice is gaining traction. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) recently concluded a […]

Power, Profit, and Diversified Farming

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By Lee Rinehart, NCAT Agriculture Specialist I dreamed last night that it rained. It was summer, and the cosmos in the pollinator garden bowed to the morning under the weight of their growth and the air smelled moist, like Alaskan tundra in spring. I see red cherry tomatoes deep within the feral foliage in the […]

Bringing the Farm to School Through New Connections

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By Tammy Howard, NCAT Senior Manager With October being National Farm to School month, I was reminded of what the National Farm to School Network refers to as triple bottom line — kids win, farmers win, and communities win with Farm to School. Despite the relatively high demand of local products on school menus, there […]

Microgreens: Tiny Crops, Big Profits – A Nutritional Powerhouse for Farmers and Winter Menus

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By Gabriella Soto-Velez, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Tiny but mighty, microgreens are sprouting up on plates everywhere, adding a burst of flavor, vibrant color, and a hefty dose of nutrition to every dish. These miniature greens aren’t just a pretty garnish—they’re nutrient-packed powerhouses that can turn your meals and your income around. Whether you’re a foodie […]

Seeding Root Crops

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By Audrey Kolde, NCAT Agriculture Specialist As a nongenerational farmer, most of my agricultural experiences before entering the field of farming and food systems had huge impacts on my decision to farm, from childhood memories of wild blackberries to college-age harvesting of carrots. I love direct seeding crops; it feels like an act of faith […]

Wasabi—A Unique Plant in a Unique Place

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By Danielle Crocker, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Early in my farming journey, I started to look at every unique spot on my property as an opportunity to grow something site-specific. Fortunately, I had a small creek on the “back forty.” This creek boasted a perennial seep that poured consistently into the creek. A seep is a […]