Entries by Rich Myers

How to Assess Soil Health on Grazing Lands Using a Shovel and a Knife

/in ,

In this video, NCAT Regenerative Grazing Specialist Justin Morris demonstrates how to do a soil health assessment on a pasture without having to send in soil samples to a laboratory. Using sight, smell, and touch — and a shovel and a knife — this assessment can determine the health of the soil in your pasture […]

Soil Health 101: Principles for Livestock Production

/in ,

In this webinar, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater talks about the five principles of soil health, with a particular focus on livestock production. She gives real-world examples of how to put the soil health principles into practice. This workshop is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, […]

Soil Health 101: Cover Crops and Water Infiltration

/in ,

In this video, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Felicia Bell discusses the role of cover crops in building soil health. She introduces managed grazing and varying cover crop options, and she discusses how they relate to water infiltration into the soil. This workshop is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable […]

Soil Health 101: Grazing and Soil Health with Jody Reyer

/in ,

In this video, Jody Reyer, owner and operator of Reyer Farms in Lena, Mississippi, shares how he manages his Pineywoods Cattle in order to build soil health. He discusses how he carefully uses hay along with managed grazing to maintain and improve the health of his soil. This workshop is produced by the National Center […]

Alcorn University Farm Manager on Risk Management. Part 2

/in ,

Felicia Bell, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at the Gulf States Regional Office in Jackson, Mississippi, has been hosting an online series — “Weekly Wednesday Workshops.” This workshop series, part of NCAT’s ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, is designed to help farmers strengthen the resilience of their operations through marketing, the diversification of enterprises, and sustainable production practices. […]

Alcorn University Farm Manager on Risk Management. Part 1.

/in ,

Felicia Bell, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at the Gulf States Regional Office in Jackson, Mississippi, has been hosting an online series — “Weekly Wednesday Workshops.” This workshop series, part of NCAT’s ATTRA sustainable-agriculture program, is designed to help farmers strengthen the resilience of their operations through marketing, the diversification of enterprises, and sustainable production practices. […]

Risk Management on a Diversified Specialty Crop and Livestock Operation

/in ,

This virtual workshop includes a video tour or Appel Farms, owned by Travis and Ashley Appel. They share their risk management strategies for their operation, which produces primarily strawberries, pumpkins, a variety of vegetables, and pork. Also, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Jeff Schahczenski presents on crop insurance options and Whole Farm Revenue Protection, focusing on products […]

Virtual Farm Tour: Risk Management at Appel Farms

/in ,

In this video, farmers Travis and Mandy Appel detail their specialty crop and livestock operation, Appel Farms, in Springdale, Arkansas. They raise a variety of produce, primarily you-pick strawberries and pumpkins, as well as other vegetables and hogs. This video is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, […]

Integrating Livestock with Crops Project: Food-Safety Considerations

/in ,

A three-year research project at Montana State University,”Impacts of Integrating Livestock into Cropping Systems on Soil Health and Crop Production,” has uncovered some interesting findings. Funded by Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) and led by Research Associate Devon Ragen and her master’s student, Trestin Benson, this research explored the benefits and challenges of […]

Lambing, Kidding, and Calving on Pasture

/in ,

In this video, Margo Hale, Tracy Mumma, Linda Poole, and Linda Coffey — all long-time producers of sheep, goats, or cattle, and all NCAT Livestock and Grazing Specialists — talk about how they handle lambing, kidding, and calving, and what they believe are the five keys to a successful season. They each share their philosophy […]