Montana Food Corps Brings Local Food to State Students

Grilling local meat for student meals at University of Montana–Western in Dillon. Photo: UM-Western Food Service

Americorps volunteers with NCAT's Grow Montana Food Corps are working to bring fresh, locally produced food to students in Montana schools from elementary to college levels. By the end of the 2008 school year, the volunteers will have helped return over $1 million to Montana’s farmers and ranchers through farm-to-cafeteria projects. Read more ››

NCAT Announces New Staff Members

NCAT is pleased to have had four new professionals join its staff team in April. Energy Analyst Hal Hubber, Controller Kimberley Darrah, Senior Accountant John Heintz and Staff Accountant Pam Turk-Bell are the latest additions to NCAT's staff based in Butte, Montana. Read more ››

NCAT Receives Climate Change Grant from the Turner Foundation

NCAT recently received a grant from the Turner Foundation to fund components of the Montana Climate Action Project, an effort to provide Montana citizens with the information and tools they need to understand climate change and make personal changes that will have a positive effect on the climate change crisis. Read more ››

'Energy on the Farm' Workshop Scheduled

The Lands at Hillside Farms

NCAT is joining with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Piedmont Biofuels, and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association to present a full-day workshop on farm energy audits and biodiesel production and use. "Energy on the Farm: A Toolkit for Taking Control of Energy Bills," will provide information on alternative options to improve farm energy efficiency. The workshop will take place May 29, 2008, at the Lands at Hillside Farms, in Shavertown, Pennsylvania. Read more ››

NCAT Launches Climate Change Website

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awarenes about climate issues, NCAT has launched a new website called "The Montana Climate Action Project". The website currently features a prominent link to the Montana Climate Change Action Plan; an initiative calling for Montana to reduce its emissions of global warming pollution to 1990 levels by 2020. This is an important first step in achieving the necessary reductions in greenhouse gases by mid-century.

Questions? – Contact Holly Hill at 406-494-4572 or at hollyh@ncat.org.

NCAT Helps University Put New Spin on Urban Farming

Wilkes University in Pennsylvania is embarking on a demonstration of urban vegetable production based on the SPIN (Small Plot INtensive) system. NCAT will advise the project. To help launch the effort, NCAT and Wilkes University will co-sponsor a two-day public workshop on SPIN farming May 19-20 in Wilkes-Barre. Read more ››

NCAT Guide to Efficient Irrigation Available

The NCAT Guide to Efficient Irrigation is a take-to-the-field reference designed to help irrigators save energy, water and money by providing information on efficient equipment and water management practices. The 158-page pocket reference includes irrigation guidelines for more than 30 common crops, 14 pages of conversions and formulas, and 44 diagrams and tables. Books are $6 apiece from NCAT by calling 800-275-6228. Minimum order is 20 books, and volume discounts are available.
Download a printable flier with ordering information [PDF/500KB]