Report (NCAT) – Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource

This technical note provides methods to determine biological activity of pasture soils and practical tips on improving the usefulness of typical soil and plant samples. The soil biology sampling methods are easy to learn and utilize commonly available tools found around any farm. Once these biological assessments are made, more insight into the many benefits […]

October 14, 2011

Report (NCAT) – Dairy Farm Energy Efficiency

Rising energy costs and environmental concerns are causing dairy farmers to alter their management practices. Dairy farmers are analyzing their energy inputs and investing in cost-effective energy conservation and energy efficiency measures. This publication provides an overview of how dairy farms can implement efficiency improvements and energy-saving technologies that can reduce energy consumption and energy-related […]

Report (NCAT) – Farm Energy Calculators: Tools for saving money on the farm

Agricultural producers depend on energy, an important input to production. Direct costs of energy, such as fuel and electricity, paired with indirect energy costs in the form of fertilizers and chemicals, can significantly affect farm net revenues, especially as the price of energy continues to rise. Minimizing direct and indirect energy consumption on farms in […]

Report (NCAT) – Finding Land to Farm: Six Ways to Secure Farmland

This publication highlights some common ways to lease or own land. It outlines important considerations about each of these leasing options and paths to ownership.

Report (NCAT) – Market Gardening: A Start-up Guide

Market gardening, which entails the intense production of high-value crops, gives farmers the potential to increase their income from a few acres. It is also of interest to people looking at agriculture as an alternative lifestyle. This publication provides an overview of issues you need to be aware of as you consider undertaking market gardening, […]

Report (NCAT) – Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures

Cover crops could be considered the backbone of any annual cropping system that seeks to be sustainable. This publication summarizes the principal uses and benefits of cover crops and green manures. Brief descriptions and examples are provided for: winter cover crops; summer green manures; living mulches; catch crops; and some forage crops. A selection of […]

Report (NCAT) – Scheduling Vegetable Plantings for Continuous Harvest

Market gardeners try to schedule their planting so they can offer customers a continuous supply of fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables throughout the growing season. This publication helps growers plan planting times and succession planting, by providing soil temperature germination ranges and other information of assistance to market gardeners.

Report (NCAT) – Small-Scale Wind Energy on the Farm

Wind-generated electricity is attracting the interest of farmers, ranchers, and other landowners across the country. People find wind energy attractive for a variety of reasons, including its potential economic benefits and its lower impact on the environment when compared to coal and other electric power generation fuels. Wind-generated electricity can help farmers and ranchers reduce […]

Report (NCAT) – Start a Farm in the City

Urban farming is not a new concept, but it is gaining new support among diverse citizen groups all over the country. Schools, colleges, churches, city councils, government agencies, parks departments, anti-hunger groups, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations are coming together to give a fresh new meaning to “greening the city.” This site provides practical information […]

Report (SARE) – What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Check out USDA supported “What is Sustainable Agriculture?”, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education’s (SARE’s) free award-winning, 12-page sampler of best practices in sustainable agriculture, including profiles of the men and women who are implementing them, then consider applying for your own grant.