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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.

Agrisolar clearinghouse logo

NCAT Launches Nation’s First AgriSolar Clearinghouse

In less than a decade, solar installations are expected to cover…
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis).

The Impact of Grazing Frequency and Recovery Period on Plant Diversity and Soil Health

During my extensive travels working in pastoral ecosystems for nearly 20 years, ranging from Hawaii to New Hampshire and a lot of places in between, I’ve observed a common phenomenon. Whenever I would see a pasture that was always grazed down very short, I would see maybe two or three species of plants there. At the opposite end of the spectrum, I observed fields where livestock were never permitted to go and again, I would see a few plant species at best. Between these two extremes I found pastures with incredible diversity. So, what was driving plant diversity or the lack of it? 
By Justin Morris, Regenerative Livestock Specialist

Weekly Wednesday Workshop: Permaculture 101

In this video, Felicia Bell, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist…
Bees' disrupted home

Advanced Beekeeping

Sometimes, in the course of events, having knowledge leads folks in odd directions. One of those directions could even be driving down the highway with a chunk of tree full of bees. A fellow needed help with said bees. He’d knocked them and their tree over with his tractor while mowing. He knew the tree to be dead and took the opportunity to start preparing it for burning. It didn’t go so well for him.
By Justin Duncan, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
collecting eggs at Burroughs Family Farms

Many Places for Pastured Poultry on This Integrated Farm

I had been looking forward to a visit to the Burroughs Family Farms with university extension and beginning farmers alike, to learn from this multigenerational farm family about how they integrate raising pastured laying hens with their certified organic farm enterprises. With a decade of experience with poultry, they are refining their practices by moving coops through their pastures and orchards to build soil health and fertility while producing nutrient-dense eggs. Every season brings new learning opportunities.
By Ann Baier, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Green Bexar Farm at the Pearl Farmers Market in San Antonio Texas USDA FlickrCC

Small-Scale Farmers, Farmers Markets, Food Producers Can Now Access $650 Million in Pandemic Relief Aid

Small-scale farmers, food processors or distributors, or farmers markets financially impacted by Covid-19 can now apply for up to $20,000 to recover costs related to the pandemic. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is helping food producers access these dollars through the USDA’s Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program. Applications are now open until Nov. 22, 2021.
closeup of quail

Integrating Pastured Quail into a Whole-Farm System

Diversity is a key insurance strategy on many farms, as multiple revenue streams can help keep a farm more stable in trying times. Most successful farmers I know employ this strategy and they are always on the lookout for new, higher-value enterprises to try out. The same is true on my farm in Kentucky. Last year, a restaurant client asked if we could raise pastured quail for their menu. They currently purchase 600 quail annually but believe that locally sourced quail will double their annual demand. 
By Mike Lewis, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
goat and cattle

The ABC(DE) of Animal Health

I have been raising livestock since I was a young child, and I have learned some things in doing so. Today I want to share an easy way to think through animal observations. These basic indicators of animal health will allow you, the livestock manager, to see early warning signs and take effective action. While my experience is mostly with sheep and goats, these principles apply to other livestock, as well.
By Linda Coffey, Livestock Specialist
healthy soil

Help Shape Montana’s Soil Health Future

There’s nothing like a summer of vicious heat, drought, and grasshoppers to focus minds on the vital importance of healthy soil. Soil scientist Wallace Fuller said in 1975, “A cloak of loose, soft material, held to the Earth’s hard surface by gravity, is all that lies between life and lifelessness.” Across Montana, the summer of 2021 proved again just how crucial — and how vulnerable — that thin cloak of soil can be. Soil health is foundational to the resilience of land, and thus also to food systems, human health, and ecosystem function.
By Linda Poole, Regenerative Grazing Specialist
Becky Weed of Thirteen Mile Farm sells her produce.

Next Gen Regen: Becky Weed on Building Resilient Agroecosystems

Thirty-five years ago, Becky Weed and Dave Tyler left successful careers to start a farm in Montana’s Gallatin Valley. As first-generation farmers, “Dave and I didn’t know our heads from a hole in the ground, but we wanted to merge our interest in conservation and ecological systems with jobs in agriculture,” recalled Becky.
By Linda Poole, Regenerative Grazing Specialist