Entries by Cathy Svejkovsky

Montana’s Winter Farmers Markets Help Provide Local Food Access and Bridge Revenue for Farmers

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When I arrived at Montana State University in the summer of 2021, I discovered the Gallatin Valley Farmers Market. As summer came to a close, I figured farmers markets in Montana would also close. I was surprised to find that there are winter farmers markets here in Montana. Curious, I decided to explore the Missoula Valley Winter Market to learn more about how a winter market can be successful in Montana’s cold Northern climate.

By Melissa Wyatt, Dietetic Intern, Montana State University

Grazing for Resilience: Bouncing Forward from Catastrophic Events

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For many areas of the western United States and Canada, 2021 was one of the hottest and driest years in recorded history. With temperatures exceeding 110 degrees F and precipitation at one-third to one-half of what’s been the norm, these are unparalleled conditions that are catastrophic in their effect on the land, animals, and people. But what is to be done when nature dishes out severe weather events such as flooding, fire, or grasshoppers that eat every green leaf in sight? Is it possible to not just bounce back from such catastrophes but to bounce forward by rising to even greater resilience in the future? The answer is a resounding YES!

By Justin Morris and Linda Poole, Regenerative Grazing Specialists

Bigger Isn’t Always Better: When Small Cows Shine

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Our farm is small, and it doesn’t have a lot of infrastructure or equipment. This makes handling cattle an intimidating proposition for our family. Fortunately, not all cattle are created equal. By selecting Aberdeen Angus, a small breed of cattle about 44 inches at the hip and 1,000 pounds per cow, we were able to work a beef enterprise into our farm operation with minimal difficulty. 

By Tracy Mumma, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Looking for On-farm Diversification? Consider Pastured Pigs

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I once had a platoon sergeant who liked to say, “the best defense is having a diversity of offense.” It wasn’t until recently that I made this connection to my farm and to my work at NCAT. One of the most common topics that I speak with farmers about is how to best diversify their operation to successfully weather the current reality we find ourselves in.

By Mike Lewis, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

For the Love of the Wild: Livestock Pastures as Wildlife Habitat

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Farmers, ranchers, and researchers have come to understand that the functionality of ecosystems on farms is largely dependent on plant and animal biodiversity. Functional ecological processes and services are facilitated by biology, necessitating maintenance of biological integrity and diversity in agroecosystems.

By Lee Rinehart, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Building a Strong Foundation for Working with Livestock

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Years of farming and visiting other farms, combined with recent education in soil health, have convinced me of this: We can best serve people, the land, and the livestock by learning to care for the soil FIRST. That’s why NCAT’s Livestock and Grazing Team began with this foundation when they gathered to teach a three-part series for beginning livestock producers. 

By Linda Coffey, NCAT Livestock Specialist

The Journey to a More Holistic System of Ranching

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After many different and varied careers, Doug Lair settled into ranching 25 years ago, returning to a legacy started by his great-great grandfather, who passed down a team of mules and the family brand to his great grandfather. I recently had a conversation with Doug about his efforts to create a more holistic system of ranching.
By Andrew Coggins, NCAT Rocky Mountain West Regional Director

Conservation Hedgerows for the Southwest

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“Kill two birds with one stone” — isn’t it time this old adage got an update? Instead of killing two birds with one stone, why don’t we save two birds with one hedgerow? And protect soil from erosion while we’re at it? And protect plants from wind damage, too? And do a bunch of other great things that benefit humans, animals, and the environment?
By Katherine Favor, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Safety for Sheep and Shepherd

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When NCAT’s Livestock Team recently held a series of webinars for people considering a new livestock enterprise, many folks indicated they were thinking of getting sheep. Sounds good to me!

By Linda Poole, Regenerative Grazing Specialist