Entries by Rich Myers

Tine Weeders – Efficient Hand-Scale Weeding

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Tine weeders can be an effective cultivation tool, especially for those looking for increased on-farm efficiency. This tool is intended for use on very small weeds; the smaller they are, the easier they will be to uproot. Cultivation over an existing crop is possible as long as the crop is established enough to withstand the […]

Episode 334. Teaming Up with Oxen

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In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tracy Mumma talks with Jim Gronau, who uses oxen as draft animals on his farm in Ontario, Canada. Jim describes some of the environmental, economic, and marketing benefits of using oxen, and he provides pointers for getting started as a teamster and for […]

Harvesting Salad Greens – Mechanized Harvest for Small Farms

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Harvesting salad greens can be a slow and labor-intensive process. With recent innovations that include the Quick-Cut Greens Harvester and the Baby Greens Harvester (a scaled up option not shown in this video) by Terrateck, small farms can greatly increase the speed and efficiency of their harvest.   This material is based upon work that […]

Flame Weeding on Small Farms

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Flame weeding can be a powerful tool for organic weed management. This video provides a general introduction and tips for flame weeding on small-scale farms. The two hooded options shown in the video are the Neversink Inferno Flame Weeder and the Flame Werks 30-Inch Flame Cart.   This material is based upon work that is […]

Vacuum Seeder: At-Home Build

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Increase the efficiency and reduce labor costs of seeding transplant trays in your greenhouse with this self-built vacuum seeder. This how-to video explains the process of building your own vacuum seeder from start to finish at a fraction of the cost of commercial models. Included are a materials and tools list, easy step-by-step guided assembly […]

Episode 333. Draft Animals 101

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For centuries, draft animals were the premier power source for agriculture.  Although tractors eventually usurped draft animals on most farms, ranches, and forests, some teamsters have kept the traditions alive. With the upswing of modern homesteading and people striving for ecologically beneficial agricultural practices, it looks like draft power is making a comeback.  In this […]

Episode 332. ATTRA and SARE: Breeding Squash for Disease Resistance and ‘Eating Quality’

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This episode of Voices from the Field was produced in partnership with ATTRA and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. To learn more about SARE’s library of practical information and available grants to fund projects that advance sustainable agriculture, visit sare.org. In this episode, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Justin Duncan talks with Edmund Frost […]

Episode 330. Meet NCAT: Carbon Farm Planner Allison Cooley-Agee of Montana

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In this episode of Voices from the Field, we meet one of NCAT’s impressive new staff members, Allison Cooley-Agee. Allison talks with NCAT Livestock Specialist Linda Coffey about her background and the interesting and varied experience she brings to her new position as a Carbon Farm Planner. Training cutting horses, milking goats on an organic dairy, […]

Episode 329. Farmer Veteran Reaches Thousands Through Beekeeping 

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In this episode of Voices from the Field, Margo Hale, Director of NCAT’s ATTRA and Armed to Farm programs, visits with Dr. Adam Ingrao, a beekeeper and educator in Michigan. Adam, a military veteran, talks about his farming operation and the programs that have been beneficial to it.    He shares how his military service […]