Episode 231. Leave No Trace Farming

Damian Valdez and Jamie Williamson run Lighthouse Herb’n Farm, an organic herb, tea, medicinal plant, and dye-plant operation in eastern San Diego. The farm is located on what is considered Luiseño Payómkawichum native land. In this episode of Voices from the Field, Jamie and Damian talk with NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Katherine Favor about their ethic of “leave no trace” — how they farm organically in San Diego’s harsh desert climate in a way that honors this sacred native land, and ensures that it is kept intact for generations to come.
NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Katherine Favor and Damian Valdez and Jamie Williamson, Lighthouse Herb’n Farm

The Timeless Pulse: A Personal Story

This coming year, I am reaching the age where the federal government has suggested that it might be best for me to retire. While amazing legumes provide a natural and timeless means to address much of the fertility needs of at least organic agriculture, I am realizing that I am not as timeless as I used to fool myself into believing.
By Jeff Schahczenski, NCAT Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist
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West Coast Hemp Webinar: Regulation, Compliance, and Insurance

This video is the fourth and final webinar in NCAT's four-part…

West Coast Hemp Webinar Series: Lessons from the Hemp Field

This video is the first episode in NCAT's four-part hemp webinar…

West Coast Hemp Webinar: Deep Dive into Hemp Production and Cultivation

This video is the second episode in NCAT's four-part hemp webinar…

Weekly Wednesday Workshop: Winter Cover Crops

In this video, Felicia Bell, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture 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

Episode 221. Meet NCAT: Katherine Favor says agroforestry can plant the seeds of sustainability

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture…

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

Episode 217. Flexibility in an Unexpected Growing Season

In this episode of Voices from the Field, two agriculture specialists…