Tag Archive for: Sustainable Agriculture

The National Center for Appropriate Technology or NCAT has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. NCAT is a national, private non-profit organization providing trusted, individualized technical assistance, hands-on training opportunities, practical educational resources, and peer-to-peer learning networks on nationally acclaimed projects in food, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has offices in 13 states. NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in its work and organization.

NCAT is seeking a Full-time or Part-time certified Energy Auditor. The Energy Auditor will work on NCAT’s energy conservation and AgriSolar projects. NCAT’s Energy Services works with commercial buildings and agricultural energy systems to develop energy conservation, solar, and Agrisolar projects for their farms, buildings, and communities. Building energy audits include certified energy audits of HVAC, building envelope, motors, pumps, blowers, and lighting.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff to develop agrivoltaic and energy conservation projects. The Energy Auditor will work with clients and staff throughout the country, with a focus on energy auditing in Montana. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel throughout Montana for energy audits, events, workshops, and training as needed. There will be some travel outside of Montana on an occasional basis. Candidates located near NCAT’s Headquarters in Butte Montana have the option of an office located in the NCAT HQ Campus. Candidates not located near Butte will be required to set up and work from a remote office in Montana.

QUALIFICATIONS:
This position requires a combination of education and/or experience in energy systems. The position requires a certification in commercial building energy auditing, such as the American Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) Program or the ASHRAE Building Energy Auditor Program (BEAP). Experience with energy audits, and field energy assessments, including work with electrical systems, motors, pumps, and blowers is required. Experience with sustainable energy systems, solar development, agrisolar, and agrivoltaics, is preferred.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
  • Knowledge and ability to perform in-depth energy audits.
  • Strong interest and knowledge in building technologies, energy conservation, residential, agrivoltaics, and solar energy.
  • Ability to understand and develop solar and agrivoltaic projects.
  • Knowledge of HVAC, building envelope, control systems, electrical systems, lighting, motors, pumps, and blowers.
  • Strong organization, time management, and planning skills.
  • The ability to calculate data to inform organizational operations.
  • Excellent communication skills, with experience in public speaking, and presentations.
  • The ability to be flexible and adapt to changing environments and projects.
  • Skills in research, technical writing, and editing.
  • Demonstrated interest and knowledge in promoting energy efficiency.
  • Experience in energy use and conservation modeling.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail.
  • Self-motivated, with an ability to work independently, as well as with teams.
  • High level of emotional intelligence and diplomatic skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across NCAT’s multiple geographies and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to prioritize work assignments and complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • The ability to build relationships and collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners.
  • The ability to travel (estimated travel 10-15% of the time).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and support NCAT’s mission.
  • Conduct certified commercial energy audits.
  • Provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, land managers, and the public on agrisolar and agrivoltaic development.
  • Facilitate incentives and rebates from utilities.
  • Perform energy analysis with energy performance software.
  • Research technical information on energy efficiency and agrivoltaics.
  • Evaluate the condition of properties.
  • Assess the cost-effectiveness of products, services, and projects.
  • Provide technical assistance to building owners, engineers, architects, contractors, and property management officials on energy-efficient building practices.
  • Prepare and edit written descriptions, topical summaries, bibliographies, and other information materials suitable for giving presentations and posting to websites while targeting a variety of audiences of varying degrees of technical knowledge.
  • Communicate via email, telephone, and in person to gather and disseminate information.
  • Recommends engineering modifications to increase energy performance.
  • Provide high-level work and adapt to changing project workload.
  • Attend workshops, seminars, and related events in support of project duties.
  • Build and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
$55,000 – $62,000 Full-time annual salary depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be prorated for Part-time status. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401(k) plan, and a pleasant, professional environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. NCAT employees interested in the position should email Human Resources a letter of interest as soon as possible. All persons interested in being considered for the position should upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR. Please submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications. Resume and cover letters can be uploaded at https://ncat.bamboohr.com/careers. Simply choose the position you are applying for and then click “apply for this job” to upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a contractor to organize and lead a pilot peer-to-peer learning program for Colorado farmers and ranchers.

BACKGROUND:
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has been funded by the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Program for a project called Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West. The overall goal of USDA’s program is to encourage farming and ranching practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, ultimately building markets for “climate-smart” agricultural products. CDA is expanding its existing STAR and STAR Plus programs and providing cash incentives to farms and ranches that adopt climate-smart practices. The STAR rating system assigns a score of 1 to 5 to farm operations based on their use of practices known to improve soil health, water quality, and water availability.

As part of its USDA-funded project, CDA has asked NCAT to create peer-to-peer learning opportunities at several locations around Colorado, aimed especially at supporting STAR Plus participants. A “peer-to-peer” group is one where members learn primarily from each other instead of from outside experts.

NCAT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a long track record of commitment to peer-to-peer learning. We offer programs in sustainable agriculture and sustainable energy from our headquarters in Butte, Montana and field offices in 14 states.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
The main objectives of this pilot program are to (1) encourage adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Colorado, (2) expand the CDA STAR and STAR Plus Programs, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of peer-to-peer learning as a strategy for achieving the first two objectives.

The Peer Learning Facilitator will help identify, train, and support four local Coordinators. Each Coordinator will organize and lead one or two peer learning groups in coordination with conservation districts or other groups eligible to administer the STAR and STAR Plus programs. We expect to see about eight peer-to-peer learning groups with around 20 members apiece. A team from the Colorado State University Department of Sociology will study these groups to evaluate their success and learn ways to encourage and support peer-to-peer learning.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The Peer Learning Facilitator will:

  • Help identify 4 local Coordinators who will each work in a distinct geographic area.
  • Train, support, and oversee the work of the Coordinators, including organizing and leading at least three trainings per year for the Coordinators.
  • Help each Coordinator plan 2-5 peer-to-peer learning events per year.
  • Help the Coordinators create mentoring relationships between STAR Plus participants.
  • Attend at least 4 field days per year hosted by conservation districts (12 field days total).
  • Attend meetings of each peer-to-peer learning group at least once.
  • Cooperate with Colorado State University Department of Sociology on surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other project evaluations.
  • Coordinate closely with the Colorado Department of Agriculture in support of the broader goals of their project and USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program.
  • Research and prepare a short white paper on peer learning approaches used by NCAT and other groups working with U.S. producers. Identify potential areas for partnership among groups supporting producers through peer learning.
  • Submit quarterly reports to NCAT.

CONTRACT TERMS AND BUDGET:
The work will take place from April 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026 and is expected to average about 10 hours per week. Most or all work will take place in Colorado. Labor will be compensated at a rate of $60 per hour, and the Facilitator will also have a travel budget of $5,000 per year ($15,000 total). Travel reimbursement will follow federal travel guidelines. Total compensation for labor, travel, and materials over the entire period of the contract must not exceed $100,000.

The Facilitator’s relationship to NCAT will be that of an independent contractor rendering specifically delegated professional services. The Facilitator will sign a contract agreeing to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances of the Federal, State, and local government with respect to conduct of business as an independent contractor. This includes duties under the Federal Social Security, income tax laws, duties arising under state laws, and regulations related to worker’s compensation insurance coverage. The Facilitator will be required to acquire and maintain business insurance and adequate auto insurance coverage meeting at least the minimum requirements mandated by the Colorado Department of Moter Vehicles throughout the entirety of the contract.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required qualifications:

  • Located in Colorado.
  • Familiar with Colorado agriculture and conservation practices.
  • Experience in group facilitation.
  • Keen listening and observation skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Has access to a dependable vehicle and is able and willing to travel around the state as needed to complete job duties.
  • Reliable Internet with speed high enough for e-mail, Zoom meetings, and sharing large files.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience or familiarity with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and CDA’s Soil Health, STAR, and STAR Plus programs.
  • Experience or familiarity with “climate-smart” farming and ranching practices.
  • Experience working with Colorado conservation districts.
  • Training, experience, or professional certifications in social work, social sciences, conflict resolution, or related fields.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply for this position, please email a letter of interest to Mike Morris at NCAT, mikem@ncat.org describing your qualifications and relevant experience. The letter itself should be no more than two pages long, but
attachments (such as a resume or samples of your work) are allowed.

The hiring schedule is:

  • March 10, 2024: Deadline to receive letters of interest.
  • March 11-15: Interviews with finalists (if necessary).
  • April 1: Start date.

The deadline to submit letters of interest is March 10, 2024.

Any additional questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our homepage at www.ncat.org.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology or NCAT has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. NCAT is a national, private non-profit organization providing trusted, individualized technical assistance, hands-on training opportunities, practical educational resources, and peer-to-peer learning networks on nationally acclaimed projects in food, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has offices in 13 states. NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in its work and
organization.

NCAT is seeking a Full-time or Part-time Energy Engineer. The Engineer must be a certified Energy Auditor. The Energy Engineer will work on NCAT’s energy conservation and AgriSolar projects. NCAT’s Energy Services works with commercial buildings and agricultural energy systems to develop energy conservation, solar, and AgriSolar projects for their farms, buildings, and communities. Building energy audits include certified energy audits of HVAC, building envelope, motors, pumps, blowers, and lighting.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff to develop agrivoltaic and energy conservation projects. The Energy Engineer will work with clients and staff throughout the country, with a focus on energy auditing in Montana. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel throughout Montana for energy audits, events, workshops, and training as needed. There will be some travel outside Montana on an occasional basis. Candidates located near NCAT’s Headquarters in Butte Montana have the option of an office located in the NCAT HQ Campus. Candidates not located near Butte will be required to set up and work from a remote office in Montana.

QUALIFICATIONS:
This position requires a combination of education and/or experience in energy systems. The position requires a degree in engineering and a certification in commercial building energy auditing, such as the American Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) Program or the ASHRAE Building Energy Auditor Program (BEAP). Professional Engineering License, and experience with energy audits, field energy assessments, including work with electrical systems, motors, pumps and blowers is required. Experience with sustainable energy systems, solar development, agrisolar, agrivoltaics, is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
  • Knowledge and ability to perform in-depth energy audits;
  • Strong interest and knowledge in building technologies, energy conservation, residential, agrivoltaics, and solar energy;
  • Ability to understand and develop solar and agrivoltaic projects;
  • Knowledge of HVAC, building envelope, control systems, electrical systems, lighting, motors, pumps, and blowers;
  • Strong organization, time management, and planning skills;
  • Excellent communication skills, with experience in public speaking, and presentations;
  • The ability to be flexible, and adapt to changing environments and projects;
  • Skills in research, technical writing, and editing;
  • Demonstrated interest and knowledge in promoting energy efficiency;
  • Experience in energy use and conservation modeling;
  • Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail;
  • Self-motivated, with an ability to work independently, as well as with teams;
  • High level of emotional intelligence and diplomatic skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across NCAT’s multiple geographies and cultural backgrounds;
  • Ability to prioritize work assignments and to complete tasks in a timely manner;
  • The ability to build relationships and collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners;
  • Ability to travel (estimated 25% of your time).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
  • Conduct certified commercial energy audits;
  • Provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, land managers, and the public on agrisolar and agrivoltaic development;
  • Facilitate incentives and rebates from utilities;
  • Perform energy analysis with energy performance software;
  • Research technical information on energy efficiency and agrivoltaics;
  • Provide technical assistance to building owners, engineers, architects, contractors, and property management officials on energy efficient building practices;
  • Prepare and edit written descriptions, topical summaries, bibliographies, and other information materials suitable for giving presentations and posting to websites while targeting a variety of audiences of varying degrees of technical knowledge;
  • Communicate via email, telephone, and in person to gather and disseminate information;
  • Recommends engineering modifications to increase energy performance;
  • Provide high level work, and adapt to changing project work load:
  • Attend workshops, seminars, and related events in support of project duties;
  • Build and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
$75,000 – $82,000 Full-time annual salary depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be prorated for Part-time status. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401(k) plan and a pleasant, professional environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. NCAT employees interested in the position should email Human Resources a letter of interest as soon as possible. All persons interested in being considered for the position should upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR. Please submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications. Resume and cover letters can be uploaded at https://ncat.bamboohr.com/careers. Simply choose the position you are applying for and then click “apply for this job” to upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has launched its Regenerator’s Atlas of America, an interactive storytelling map connecting farmers, ranchers, and land managers who are taking steps to catch and hold more water in the soil. The Regenerator’s Atlas of America is part of NCAT’s Soil for Water project.

“From Maine to Minnesota, Texas to Idaho, the Regenerator’s Atlas of America is sharing the stories of farmers and ranchers who are finding ways to catch and hold more water in the soils, making their businesses more resilient to drought, erosion, and extreme weather,” NCAT Executive Director Steve Thompson said. “The Regenerator’s Atlas of America is creating a virtual gathering place and information-sharing platform for the growing number of agricultural producers who know that soil health is key to a strong business.”

NCAT’s Soil for Water project is about connecting producers with each other to share land management practices that improve soil health, catch more water in soil, reduce erosion, sustain diverse plant and animal life, and filter out pollutants, all while improving the profitability of their businesses.

Doug Garrison, owner of DS Family Farm near Lincoln, Nebraska is among the nearly 200 farmers who have joined the free and voluntary Soil for Water network, and he’s also added his place to the Regenerator’s Atlas of America. For 25 years, Garrison has been practicing regenerative grazing and wants to connect with other ranchers who are trying similar methods.

“My main interest in Soil for Water is to learn from others who are practicing regenerative ag in their specific context. We like to see what others are doing, think about what they are doing and see what their results are,” Garrison said. “Then, we may take some of their ideas or techniques and adapt it to our farm context and try it.  We look for both similar and opposite techniques from what we are doing. You never know where you might find the next breakthrough idea for your operation.”

Unhealthy soil doesn’t absorb much water. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, capable of holding hundreds of thousands of gallons of water in an acre. Climate trends across much of the U.S. indicate longer, hotter drought periods punctuated by storms that often are more severe, according to a 2021 USDA report. Regenerative farming practices enable the soil to capture rainfall that otherwise might disappear as runoff. Economically, these practices can increase crop and forage production, drought resilience, access to lucrative new markets, and therefore profitability. Environmentally, they can improve soil health and biodiversity.

The Regenerator’s Atlas of America joins the Soil for Water Forum as another way farmers and ranchers can connect and learn from one another.

To learn more about the newly expanded Soil for Water project, add your pin to the Regenerator’s Atlas or chat at the Forum visit SOILFORWATER.ORG.

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THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has field offices in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Learn more and become a friend of NCAT at NCAT.ORG.

For more than 35 years, the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program has been helping farmers and ranchers grow nutritious food and operate successful businesses without synthetic fertilizer. Now, NCAT has released a new toolkit with trusted and practical resources for farmers who want to transition away from the use of synthetic fertilizers.

“As the cost of synthetic fertilizers and global food prices continue to climb, NCAT is releasing a roadmap for farmers who are looking for a more self-reliant and resilient method of farming,” said NCAT Southeast Regional Director and Arkansas farmer Margo Hale. “A growing number of farmers are opting out of the high-input model of conventional agriculture, which we see now is so vulnerable to global events like war and supply chain disruption.”

As the world’s farmers watch the cost of synthetic fertilizer continue to increase, and global food prices shatter records kept by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the global food system is being stressed like never before. There is a more stable, resilient model being used in every corner of the United States. These farmers rely on biological sources of nitrogen, breaking free of an often-volatile global marketplace.

Farming without synthetic fertilizers is within reach for large-scale food producers, and it’s a requirement for certified organic farmers. Montana grain-grower Bob Quinn transitioned his family’s conventional farm to an organic one back in 1989. Quinn brought Khorasan wheat to the mainstream marketplace with his brand KAMUT. In Maryland, Ron Holter manages his 150-cow seasonal dairy on grass alone, with no supplementary grain. Holter’s dairy has been free of synthetic fertilizer since 1995. Dave Brandt began cover cropping his Ohio corn and soybeans in 1978. Cover crops have maintained his cash-crop yields while reducing nitrogen fertilizer use by nearly 90 percent. Brandt credits cover crops with increasing soil microbial activity naturally, which provides nutrients to the food he grows and increases the soil’s water-holding capacity.

Data show consumer demand for certified organic and other regeneratively produced foods continues to increase. The sale of organic products in the U.S. has grown more than 30 percent since 2016, and the number of organic producers is up almost 40 percent. Farmers who use regenerative methods, but might not be certified organic, are no doubt on the rise, too.

Shifting to a production method that is not reliant on synthetic fertilizers can be accomplished strategically over a three- to five-year transitional period. NCAT’s new toolkit guides farmers as they learn to use cover crops, managed grazing, and alternative soil amendments to naturally boost renewable nitrogen levels needed to maintain long-term productivity. These are accessible tools that can result in reduced input costs, increased self-reliance, and more nutritious food grown at small and large scales.

Access the free toolkit and decades of trusted, practical resources here: https://attra.ncat.org/how-to-reduce-synthetic-fertilizer-use/ .

EXPERT VOICES

NINA PRATER
Expertise Areas: Livestock, Soil Health, Organic Crops

Nina Prater has been with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) since 2016 as a Soil Specialist and Outreach Coordinator in the Southeast Regional Office. She strives to help farmers understand soils as a living entity so that they are able to farm profitably and build healthy soils for long-term success. Nina also works closely with the Gulf States Regional Office staff to coordinate outreach efforts in that region. Nina served as an Energy Corps member in 2013 and worked for her local conservation district for 2.5 years before joining NCAT. Nina and her husband Jeremy own and operate a small sustainable livestock operation in the Ozarks hills of Arkansas, where they raise meat goats, cattle, hogs, and poultry. They utilize adaptive grazing methods to build soil health in their pastures.

LEE RINEHART
Expertise Areas: Livestock, Organic Livestock, Soil Health, Grazing, Pasture Ecology

Lee Rinehart is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he studied animal science and agricultural education. He currently works as an agriculture specialist in the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s Northeast Regional Office, where he focuses on pasture and rangeland ecology and grazing systems. He has served as county Extension agent in Texas and Montana, organic farm educator in Pennsylvania, and cattle ranch manager in central Texas. His specialty is developing grazing plans and assisting producers in using animals to renovate pastureland. Lee is a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Reserve and spends his free time biking, sailing, and renovating his 1925 Cape Cod house in Northeast Pennsylvania.

 

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is bringing its free Armed to Farm training back to the Hill Country, after hosting a 2015 training in Castroville, Texas. Armed to Farm will take place May 16-20, 2022, in Fredericksburg. Farmer-veterans will attend classroom sessions and travel to local farms for hands-on learning experiences. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 8.

Armed to Farm trainings include an engaging blend of farm tours, hands-on activities, and interactive classroom instruction. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture specialists will teach the sessions. Staff from USDA agencies and experienced crop and livestock producers will provide additional instruction.

“We’re eager to bring Armed to Farm back to the Lone Star State,” said Armed to Farm Program Director Margo Hale. “Armed to Farm has served more than 800 veterans in all corners of the country as they start or grow their own sustainable farm business.”  

Armed to Farm is a sustainable agriculture training program for military veterans. NCAT, a national nonprofit organization based in Butte, Montana, developed Armed to Farm in 2013 through a cooperative agreement with USDA-Rural Development. Farmer veterans learn how to make a business plan and market their products, how to access USDA programs, set business goals, and develop mentorships with seasoned farmers.

“The education that I received has been invaluable for the launching and development of our family farm, Mind Your Garden Urban Farm,” said Armed to Farm alumnus Steven Nuñez, who farms with his family in Fort Worth. “The NCAT staff were truly knowledgeable and always willing to help and answer questions. The three most helpful takeaways for me were learning of the many resources available for veterans interested in a career in agriculture, the importance of diversifying income streams for the farm operation, and most importantly, understanding how crucial it is to cultivate a new generation of farmers to carry on the service to our country that our aging farmers have provided for decades.”

This training is for military veterans in Southwest. The number of participants will be limited. Spouses or farm partners are welcome to attend with a veteran but must submit a separate application.

Click HERE to apply by April 8. NCAT will notify selected participants by April 15.

Armed to Farm Texas is supported by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. Successful applicants may also receive a travel stipend thanks to our partnership with California-based Ranchin’ Vets.

Learn more about NCAT’s Armed to Farm and additional training series at ARMEDTOFARM.ORG.

In less than a decade, solar installations are expected to cover more than 3 million acres of the United States, creating a big opportunity to pair solar with agricultural land to produce food, conserve ecosystems, create renewable energy, increase pollinator habitat, and maximize farm revenue.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology, a nonprofit focused on sustainable energy and agriculture solutions, has launched the nation’s first AgriSolar Clearinghouse to connect farmers, ranchers, land managers, solar developers, and researchers with trusted, practical information to increase the co-location of solar and agriculture.

“There are tremendous benefits of pairing solar and agriculture,” NCAT Energy Programs Director Stacie Peterson, PhD said. “As America’s appetite for sustainably grown products and renewable energy continues to increase, agrisolar has the potential to provide both resources. AgriSolar is a win-win.”  

NCAT’s AgriSolar Clearinghouse features a library of peer-reviewed information, a media hub featuring videos, podcasts, and relevant news, and a user forum to connect people interested in agrisolar development in real-time.

“The AgriSolar Clearinghouse will present a platform open to all Americans for sharing the nationwide efforts in agricultural integration at solar facilities,” said American Solar Grazing Association Executive Director Lexie Hain. “The exciting thing for us at ASGA is that the AgriSolar Clearinghouse will amplify a thoughtful and trusted approach to expanding America’s efforts in solar and agricultural land use.”

The project’s diverse group of more than 30 partners and stakeholders representing private business, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, national energy laboratories, the Smithsonian, and leading universities will be a key ingredient in supporting the expansion of agrisolar developments across the country.

NCAT’s AgriSolar Clearinghouse is funded by a three-year, $2.03 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Solar Energy Technologies Office supports early-stage research and development to improve the affordability, reliability, and domestic benefit of solar technologies on the grid.

“NCAT and our partners are well positioned to help solar developers and farmers connect to make the most out of co-locating solar arrays and agricultural land,” NCAT Executive Director Steve Thompson said. “For 45 years, NCAT has been a trusted broker of practical information to advance locally-grown and sustainable agriculture and energy solutions.”

To learn more about the AgriSolar Clearinghouse visit AGRISOLARCLEARINGHOUSE.ORG.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Ranchin’ Vets have teamed up to offer a new level of support for military veterans interested in sustainable agriculture training opportunities. Ranchin’ Vets will fund a one-time transportation stipend directly to veterans selected to participate in NCAT’s Armed to Farm training program.

Armed to Farm is a sustainable agriculture training program for military veterans. NCAT manages the program with support from a variety of funding sources, including a cooperative agreement with USDA-Rural Development. Since launching in 2013, Armed to Farm has supported more than 800 farmer veterans from 45 states with hands-on and classroom learning opportunities. Farmer veterans learn how to make a business plan and market their products, how to access USDA programs, set business goals, and develop mentorships with seasoned farmers.

Armed to Farm has always been free for veterans and their spouses or farm partners to attend. NCAT covers the cost of lodging, most meals, and local transportation during the training. However, attendees have always been responsible for getting themselves to the training site, which could require long drives across several states or even airfare.

“We want everyone who is accepted into the Armed to Farm program to be able to participate, so we are excited to partner with Ranchin’ Vets to open this opportunity to even more farmer veterans,” said Margo Hale, Armed to Farm Program Director. “Although the training itself is free, the cost of traveling to the training can be substantial and has been a barrier to veterans attending Armed to Farm in the past. We’re very thankful for this opportunity to offer another level of support to the farmer veterans who attend Armed to Farm.”

Ranchin’ Vets, a California based 501 c (3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014, serves veterans on a national level, with a mission to assist in the reintegration of veterans from military to civilian life through a variety of programs offered within the ranching and agricultural industry.

The Ranchin’ Vets Operation Hire A Vet Program connects veterans with opportunities within the agricultural industry. Veterans in the program who need additional support receive a temporary stipend towards transportation, housing and clothing as they pursue agricultural opportunities.

“Through our Operation Hire A Vet Program, we recognized the need for a training program that will equip veterans with the tools they need to be successful in their agricultural endeavors. This partnership with Armed to Farm is an incredible opportunity to work together to assure that all veterans who are interested in pursuing this path will have access to resources that will help them thrive,” said Corey Downs, Ranchin’ Vets Program Director. “Our programs go hand-in-hand, providing veterans with fully funded access to professional agricultural training, as well as assistance in seeking and obtaining agricultural employment. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with Armed to Farm.”  

The travel stipends will be available starting with the next Armed to Farm training, scheduled for Dec. 1-3, 2021, in Athens, Georgia. For Armed to Farm participants to receive a transportation stipend, they must successfully register with Ranchin’ Vets.

For more information about Ranchin’ Vets, visit ranchinvets.org. See ARMEDTOFARM.ORG for more about NCAT’s Armed to Farm program.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology will lead a regional partnership to help more than 300 beginning farmers and ranchers across the Northern Great Plains explore the value, viability, and resilience of raising organic field crops.

NCAT will lead this $600,000 three-year Preparing a Resilient Future project alongside the Montana Organic Association, Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society, Center for Rural Affairs, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, International Organic Inspectors Association, North Dakota State, and University of Wyoming

“The Preparing a Resilient Future project is unique in that it will help beginning farmers and ranchers fully explore the economic and productive viability of organic systems in the Northern Great Plains,” said NCAT Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist and Project Director Jeff Schahczenski. “NCAT has long-recognized that farmers and ranchers learn best from other farmers and ranchers.”

Unlike most programs focused on beginning farmers and ranchers, the new project targets medium to large-scale field crop and livestock operations. This project was selected in a national competition under the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program funded through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Researchers often assume that beginning organic farmers are smaller-scale operations because of the challenge of finding and acquiring affordable land and high cost of larger-scale machinery. Programs that help beginning farmers tend to focus on organic specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and flowers. Research has shown that only about 25 percent of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development programs train and educate beginning farmers to focus on commodity field crops such as, wheat, barley, lentils, chickpeas, dry peas and beans and oilseeds as well as beef livestock production.

Why Field Crops?

Interest in growing organic field crops is on the rise in the Northern Great Plains, and there appears to be good reason to think there would be markets for them.

Research shows that organic vegetable and specialty crop growers are meeting the national demand in the U.S. because there’s a net export of their products. At the same time, organically grown field crops are being imported into the U.S. at stable and sometimes increasing rates.

“Organic farming is not prescriptive,” said Jamie Ryan Lockman, Executive Director of the Montana Organic Association and Co-Project Director. “It is a system that requires diverse crops and diverse approaches subject to constant change. Montana is the number one organic wheat- and pulse-producing state in the country; it is uniquely positioned to provide education as well as opportunities to meet, learn, collaborate, mentor, do business, and more.”

Bringing in the Community

NCAT and the project collaborators will host intensive training sessions, one-on-one technical assistance, and on-farm workshops and tours. The training will be conducted in two-day “Organic Academy Road Show” sessions. Importantly, experienced organic farmers and ranchers are some of the lead trainers in this project.  

In addition to the farmers and ranchers taking part, the sessions will include other members of their agricultural communities, including civic leaders, county Extension agents and officials from USDA agencies such as the Farm Service Administration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

That outreach is vital as support for the beginning farmers and to introduce organic farming and ranching to the agricultural community in their area.

Opportunities for Diversity

Over the past seven years, NCAT has helped nearly 900 military veteran farmers through its Armed to Farm training projects around the country.

In addition, NCAT and MOA have undertaken many training workshops that have included tribal members, who make up about 2 percent of all new beginning farmers in the Northern Great Plains.

That emphasis on diversity will be reflected in the Preparing a Resilient Future project, which will include at least 50 veteran, limited-resource, tribal, and socially disadvantaged participants.

“NCAT is a longtime, trusted resource for providing accessible training to farmers and ranchers,” said NCAT Executive Director Steve Thompson. “Now we have the opportunity to formally partner with several leading organic and sustainable agriculture organizations and tribal nations to deliver high-quality training to beginning farmers, ranchers, and their community support systems across the Northern Great Plains, creating a recipe for success.”

The Preparing a Resilient Future project will serve farmers and ranchers in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Small-scale farmers, food processors or distributors, or farmers markets financially impacted by Covid-19 can now apply for up to $20,000 to recover costs related to the pandemic. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is helping food producers access these dollars through the USDA’s Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program. Applications are now open until Nov. 22, 2021.

If you operate a small farm producing specialty crops whose annual revenue is less than $1 million, run a farmers market, food hub, community supported agriculture (CSA) farm, a small food processing business or food manufacturing operation, you may be eligible for grant funding.

According to the USDA, the pandemic-related costs that are recoverable through this grant program relate to the following areas, and include estimating staff time to implement:

  • Workplace Safety: Implementing workplace safety measures to protect against COVID-19 such as providing personal protective equipment, thermometers, cleaning supplies, sanitizers, hand washing stations, installation and purchase of air filters or new signage.
  • Market Pivots: Implementing market pivots to protect against COVID–19. Though not exactly well-defined market pivot are related to cost of changing how you had to operate your enterprise to make it more COVID-19 safe including the staff time to implement these changes. For example, a farmers’ market may have had to restructure their layout to ensure one-way traffic and improve social distancing.
  • Retrofitting Facilities: Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID–19 such as installation and purchase of protective barriers, walk up windows, heat lamps/heaters, fans, tents, propane, weights, tables chairs and lighting.
  • Transportation: Providing additional transportation options to maintain social distancing and worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID-19 such as securing additional transportation services for workers or establishing new delivery routed or distribution services. For instance, a food hub might have had to shift to delivering food directly to consumers rather than just having to have common distribution point.
  • Worker Housing: Providing additional worker housing resources or services to maintain social distancing or to allow for quarantining of new or exposed employees.
  • Medical: Providing health services to protect workers against COVID-19 including offering or enabling vaccinations, testing, or healthcare treatment of infected employees, including paid leave.

This is not a competitive grant program; grants will be awarded based on eligibility. Funding is not awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the 45-day application period opened October 6.

Before applying, all applicants must obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. This DUNS number will be required to receive this grant. More information on how to obtain a DUNS number, plus full eligibility criteria can be found at the USDA’s website: https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda.

You can also ask further questions about this program by emailing usda.ams.prs@grantsolutions.gov or call 301-238-5550. NCAT’s ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program will provide additional support related to accessing this new grant program. Check our website at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG or sign up for our weekly e-newsletter for updates.