Overgrazing – A Chronic Soil Disturbance on Grazing Lands: Part I

Chronic human diseases are everywhere these days it seems. Interestingly, there are some similarities between how our bodies respond to acute and chronic disturbances and how grazing lands respond to acute and chronic disturbances that come in the form of grazing, drought, fire, hail and even insect pest invasion.
By Justin Morris, Regenerative Grazing Specialist
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

Episode 228. A Closer Look at Hair Sheep

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Margo Hale, NCAT’S…
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
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
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

Episode 220. Grazing Management Strategies for Drought

Wrapping up our month-long focus on water and drought, this insightful…

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