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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.

Kara with group

Feeding Communities Impacted by the Pandemic

The most amazing thing I have seen come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is our ability to adapt and mobilize into positive action, regardless of the circumstances.
By Kara Kroeger, NCAT Agriculture Specialist
Asian pear leaves

Pear Trees Exemplify Resilience

Resilience is the latest buzzword in the lexicon of sustainable agriculture... and for good reason. Resilience is the ability to recover or bounce back after a challenge or setback.
By Guy Ames, NCAT Horticulture Specialist

Selling Meat During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While we never have a problem selling what we have available, we also don’t usually have an overwhelming demand. As soon as COVID-19 hit, though, people who have never bought meat from us before began reaching out to see if we had any meat available for sale. They wanted to stock their freezers!
By Margo Hale, NCAT Southeast Regional Director and NCAT Livestock Specialist
avacados

Avocados: Fruit Set Challenges and Propagation

Like all plants, avocados have secrets to share; understanding the plants we grow can unlock their potential and bring a deeper understanding of the ecology in our own back yards. Here are a few considerations for your backyard avocados, as well as a propagation technique that can be used on a number of plants.
By Omar Rodriguez
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
Peach Rot

What the Brown Rot Hath Wrought

I don't grow peaches. That unhappy confession is despite the fact that I grow peach trees. And rot. I grow a lot of brown rot.
By Guy Ames, NCAT Horticulture Specialist
Cali, Alicia, Caraamel, and Rosie Petunia

Dairy Goats for the Farm

This week, I will be sending a young dairy goat named Caramel to a lovely family. The seven-year-old girl who will be in charge of the goat is so excited; she and her parents have planned for shelter, pasture, and feed.
Steve Thompson

NCAT Commits to Racial Justice

Layered upon the pandemic and a national economic freefall, the murder of George Floyd and so many other Black Americans has sparked frustration, anger and sorrow across the country, not least here at NCAT.
intact tree borer

Battling Borers in Organic Apple Production

By Guy Ames, NCAT Horticulturist Organic apple production…
Beyond Fresh co-authors Mike Morris and Sue Beckwith

Beyond Fresh: Exploring Value-Added Food Enterprises

By Mike Morris, Director of NCAT's Southwest Regional Office A…
roots

Root Propagation

I developed a love of plants as a young boy, helping my father in his yard-of-the-month winning front yard. I hated pruning roses, but everything else was so amazing to me. I think the thing that really hooked me was propagation, although I didn’t know the word for it back then. When I realized I could make a whole new plant from just a piece of another, it did something permanent to my little mind that is still with me today.
By Justin Duncan, NCAT Agriculture Specialist