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ATTRA Blog

Whether you’re a seasoned or beginning producer, a curious consumer, or simply someone who appreciates the bounty of the earth, you’ll find valuable insights and engaging stories here.

Written by ATTRA specialists on topics they are passionate and knowledgeable about, the ATTRA blog highlights techniques, how-tos, insight, success stories, and much more in support of sustainable agriculture.

sheep grazing

A Tale of Two Pastures: Pasture Response to Catastrophic Events

Did you know that pasture health and flying in an airplane are similar in some ways? If not, don’t worry; you’re not alone. A catastrophic event that happens in flight can resemble how a pasture responds following a catastrophe. Let us explain... 
By Justin Morris and Linda Poole, NCAT Regenerative Grazing Specialists
Biosphere 2

NCAT’s AgriSolar Clearinghouse Launches National ‘Follow the Sun’ Tour

The AgriSolar Clearinghouse, developed by the National Center…
Unsprayed Carman grapes

Grapes in High Tunnels Can Greatly Reduce Pesticide Use and Increase Yields

As a young, would-be organic farmer in the early 1970s, I drooled over the nursery catalog photographs of plump, succulent bunches of grapes as if they were the very essence and promise of good farming and good health. The genus containing grapes is Vitis, a word from the proto-Indo-European root, which means “living or life itself.” Wow. Grapes=life itself!
By Guy K. Ames, NCAT Horticulture Specialist

NCAT’s AgriSolar Clearinghouse Project Brings Together Solar and Agriculture

By Chris Lent, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist When…
Hands holding healthy soilUSDA NRCS

Watch: NCAT Releases Soil Health 101 Series

In a new video series: Soil Health 101: Principles for Livestock…

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

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

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
Armed to Farm training

NCAT’s Free Farmer-Veteran Training is Headed to California

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is bringing…

Bigger Isn’t Always Better: When Small Cows Shine

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

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