
Episode 247. She’s Raising Sheep: Montana Shepherd Becky Weed
This episode of Voices from the Field continues ATTRA’s podcast series on women shepherds, “She’s Raising Sheep.” Becky Weed talks with NCAT Regenerative Grazing Specialist Linda Poole about the role of sheep in “farming as if nature matters.” Becky and her husband Dave Tyler run 80 crossbred long-wool ewes in Montana’s Gallatin Valley, at 13 Mile Lamb and Wool Company.
Linda Poole and Becky Weed
Linda Poole and Becky Weed

Episode 246. She’s Raising Sheep: New Zealand Shepherd Bev Trowbridge
This episode of Voices from the Field introduces us to New Zealand shepherd Bev Trowbridge. It’s the latest in ATTRA’s five-part series “She’s Raising Sheep.” Trained as an agroecologist in the United Kingdom, Bev has raised heritage sheep and small-frame cattle on New Zealand’s North Island for two decades. Bev tells NCAT Regenerative Grazing Specialist Linda Poole that “sheep are the best biostimulants you could have” to improve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.
Bev Trowbridg and Linda Poole
Bev Trowbridg and Linda Poole

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
By Justin Morris and Linda Poole, NCAT Regenerative Grazing Specialists

Episode 244. She’s Raising Sheep: Indiana’s Denice Rackley
This episode of Voices from the Field is the first in a five-part series about women raising sheep. The She’s Raising Sheep series features practical tips for starting and growing a profitable sheep business, plus we’ll have some laughs along the way.
Denice Rackley and Linda Poole
Denice Rackley and Linda Poole

Soil Health 101: Cover Crops and Water Infiltration
In this video, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Felicia…

Soil Health 101: Grazing and Soil Health with Jody Reyer
In this video, Jody Reyer, owner and operator of Reyer Farms…

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

Farrowing on Pasture
Join NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mike Lewis for an…

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
Freshly Picked
NCAT Websites
Get Help
Ask an Ag Expert
Call us: 1-800-346-9140
Visit the Forum
Don’t Miss!
National Center for Appropriate Technology
Helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources.