Ag solutions company sparks biomass innovation and remarkable success
The fertile farm country of eastern Washington’s Palouse prairie region hosts millions of acres of grains, fruits, vegetables, forage, and forests that support its economy. And one Cheney-based company is increasing the economic value of these…
Arkansas carbon venture turns sustainable forestry management residuals into market-ready product
John Reese brings the boundless energy of a born salesman and a passion for every project he does. As general manager of EnviraPAC Monticello, his focus is on a business venture that superheats sustainable forestry management residuals to create…
How Human and Ecosystem Health Intertwine
By NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater
Sometimes cause and effect are easy to understand. Habitat destruction, for example, obviously leads to a decline for those creatures that depend on that habitat. Less milkweed means fewer…
Farmer Guide to Fertilizing with Urine Available Online
The Rich Earth Institute has a new publication available free, online, Farmer Guide to Fertilizing with Urine. The Rich Earth Institute reports that interest in urine nutrient reclamation has been surging, driven by spiking synthetic fertilizer…
Small, Black-owned Farms Practicing Climate Farming
As part of National Public Radio’s week dedicated to coverage of food and climate, a story highlighted small, Black-owned farms in the Gulf South that are choosing crops and farming practices with the climate in mind. For example, Louisiana…
Minnesota Seeking New Members for Emerging Farmers’ Working Group
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Emerging Farmers’ Working Group has openings for nine volunteer members for two-year terms. Minnesotans interested in making it easier for new and emerging farmers to create or sustain an…
California Explores Agave as Heat- and Drought-Tolerant Alternative Crop
As part of its week-long focus on food and climate change, National Public Radio reported on California agriculture’s interest in agave as an alternative crop. Unlike many other crops, agave can grow with just three inches of water each…
New Tool Identifies Optimal Photovoltaic Materials for Agrisolar Performance
Scientists from Swansea University in the United Kingdom have developed a new tool to help identify optimal photovoltaic (PV) materials capable of maximizing crop growth while generating solar power in agrivoltaic installations. The team has…
Seeding Root Crops
By Audrey Kolde, NCAT Agriculture Specialist
As a nongenerational farmer, most of my agricultural experiences before entering the field of farming and food systems had huge impacts on my decision to farm, from childhood memories of wild blackberries…