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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.

Cleveland high tunnelNCAT

NCAT Programs Help Service Members Succeed in Agriculture

Do you know what 11% of U.S. producers have in common? It’s not that they grow tomatoes or sell at farmers markets—it’s that they have served or are serving in the military. And do you know who offers training and networking opportunities specifically for military veterans interested in sustainable farming operations? NCAT does!
By Margo Hale, Southeast Regional Director and Livestock Specialist
nitrogen fixing nodules in the roots of legumes

3 Reasons Your Legume Cover Crop Nodulation May Have Failed

Legumes make for great cover crops thanks to an important partnership between the plant roots and bacteria. When this biological partnership is thriving, nitrogen is being pumped back into the soil for future crops to benefit from. It can sometimes appear like your cover crop is thriving above ground, but if bright pink nodules on the roots below ground aren't visible around 30 days after germinating, there might be a problem.
By Emilie Ritter Saunders, Communications Director
cattle in pasture

Demystifying Regenerative Grazing at BDA Farm

Visiting other farms is always a joy and an education for me. I recently had the pleasure of visiting BDA Farm in Uniontown, Alabama, for a day-long workshop where we toured the farm and learned about its regenerative practices that build soil health and increase productivity and profitability of the farm.
By Linda Coffey, Livestock Specialist
ATF website screenshot

New Digital Home for NCAT’s Armed to Farm

The National Center for Appropriate Technology has launched a new website for its farmer veteran training program, Armed to Farm. The site, ARMEDTOFARM.ORG, features program news, promotes upcoming training opportunities, and connects alumni with sustainable agriculture resources and other farmer veterans. 
By Robyn Metzger, Armed to Farm Coordinator

Vineyard Agroforestry: Growing Grapes in the Era of Climate Change

I had the privilege of undergoing my graduate school research in one of the best places on earth: Mendoza, Argentina. Mendoza, like many parts of California, is an arid region with very little rainfall, similar soils, and similar weather patterns. And, like California, it grows great wine. Unlike California, though, Mendoza still has many vineyards that are intercropped with trees in vineyard agroforestry systems. That's why, when I decided to study arid vineyard agroforestry systems for my master’s research, Mendoza is where I journeyed to. 
by Katherine Favor, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
A combcutting implement removing broadleaf plants from a grass crop.

Combcutting: An Innovative Approach for Reducing Broadleaf Weeds in Small Grains

When a small grain crop like wheat, oat, barley, or rye is in the vegetative growth stage and prior to stem development, the crop’s leaves are very flexible. Broadleaf weeds like Canada Thistle growing within the vegetative cash crop generally have a stem, which continues to get thicker and stiffer as the weed matures. Combcutting technology uses a series of stationary knives that are set at a specific angle and distance from each other.
By Justin Morris, Regenerative Livestock Specialist

Novel Nutrient Management Method: Applying Poultry Litter in Subsurface Bands

Getting nutrients right in farming is a balancing act. When planning to apply fertilizers and soil amendments, farmers must consider their soil type, climate, the time of year, the crops they are raising, water availability, soil health, water quality concerns, and the nuances of the many different macro- and micronutrients that plants require. The way nutrients are applied is also an important consideration.
By Nina Prater, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Courtesy

Biochar Policy Project Aims to Scale Up Rural Climate Solution

By Steve Thompson, NCAT Executive Director Dave Atkins, a…

For a Safe Lambing Season, Make a ‘Lambulance’

During lambing, sometimes even healthy and productive ewes can create a challenge for shepherds determined to get everyone to safety. That’s why National Center for Appropriate Technology Regenerative Grazing Specialist Linda Poole recommends making your own lamb ambulance or ‘lambulance’ before lambing.
By Emilie Saunders, NCAT Communications Director
sheep grazing

Top 5 Lambing Hacks for a Panic-Free Season 

By Linda Poole, Regenerative Grazing Specialist Like many…