Bringing Farmers and Military Veterans Together

The Northern California Food and Farming Veteran Career Fair took place in Santa Rosa on March 5. The event was organized by the Farmer Veteran Coalition, a group that helps returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans find employment, training and places to heal on America's farms.
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NCAT Specialists Attend Harvesting Clean Energy Conference

The Harvesting Clean Energy Conference is one of the Northwest's largest gatherings for agriculture and energy interests working to advance new opportunities for rural economic development through clean energy production. NCAT was a sponsor of this year's conference, and has been an active supporter of the conference for many years. Read more ››

Goat Management Tool Developed By NCAT Specialists

Goat producers now have a new management tool thanks to a team of small ruminant educators, including NCAT specialists Linda Coffey and Margo Hale. The team adapted the Pipestone Sheep Management Wheel to make it useful for goat producers, resulting in the Meat Goat Management Wheel. While the wheel states it is for meat goats, it is also applicable to dairy goats as well. Read more ››

NCAT Helps Plant the Future of Organic Farming in California

Organic farmers and food activists gathered last week for the 30th anniversary Ecological Farming Conference in Pacific Grove, Calif. NCAT agricultural specialists helped organize the conference, which this year focused on the future. Many of the workshops and sessions featured young farmers and marketing trailblazers. Read more ››

NCAT Energy Services Webpage Launched

NCAT's website was recently updated to better support NCAT's expanded energy services activities. NCAT's growth in commercial and industrial energy efficiency services demanded a more detailed and informative web presence. Accordingly, NCAT recently launched a new Energy Services website in an effort to help people locate and become better informed about all the energy services NCAT offers to help people, communities and organizations be more energy efficient.

Sustainable energy is at the forefront of national and international concerns. For more than 32 years, NCAT's energy team has helped implement energy conservation and efficiency improvements that result in cost savings while directly impacting climate change. Our experienced energy specialists have expertise in commercial, residential and farm energy.

The new site will help visitors learn how NCAT can help them be more efficient and improve their bottom line. The site was designed to help NCAT advertise and facilitate participation in the energy efficiency programs that we are promoting under our partnership with NorthWestern Energy in Montana. Sections of the website contains energy information and resources, including details about rebates, tax incentives, grants and financing, reference materials, stimulus funding and webinars.

The site also highlights NCAT's utility services, including the work NCAT conducts with utility companies, their customers and trade allies to provide technical assistance.

For more information, check out the site at www.ncat.org/energy.

Volunteers Roll Up Their Sleeves to Install Solar Lamps in Community Parks and Weatherize Homes

Community volunteers from across Montana gathered to celebrate the recent Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by volunteering for sustainable energy projects. NCAT helped organize a day of service honoring Dr. King and furthering his dream by bringing Montana residents together to address a local need through service. Read more ››

The EQIP Organic Application

The recently announced Organic Initiative within the EQIP offers a significant opportunity for organic and transitioning organic growers to receive financial assistance in implementing conservation practices as part of their Organic Systems Plan or Organic Transitions Plan. The program will be offered each of the next five years. This information should help you in understanding and applying for this initiative in the short term and over the next 6 years.
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NCAT To Co-Sponsor Small Ruminant Parasite Management Workshop

Managing internal parasites is one of the most difficult production challenges for sheep and goat producers. Heavy parasite burdens can cause decreased animal performance and even death. The parasites have become resistant to traditional deworming treatments, so producers must use new approaches to combat this serious issue. Read more ››

NCAT creates Pacific Northwest Irrigator's Pocket Guide

NCAT has created a new version of its popular "take-to-the-field guide," intended to help irrigators in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho save water, energy, and money. Read more ››

NCAT Wins Encore Opportunity Award

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) received one of eight Encore Opportunity Awards, presented by the MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures at a November 17th celebration in the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Read more ››

NCAT program specialist Alice Beetz Attends the Quivira Coalition's 8th Annual Conference

The conference celebrated the 100th anniversary of Aldo Leopold's arrival in New Mexico and was called "Living Leopold: The Land Ethic and a New Agrarianism." Read more ››

NCAT Releases Report on Farm Energy Audits

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has released a new report, "Farm Energy Audits: Availability, Usefulness, and Cost."
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Fresh from the Farm:
NCAT Releases Oilseed and Biodiesel Development Report

NCAT recently released Oilseeds for Fuel, Feed and the Future Report, a new publication that features information from farmers, ranchers and scientist who spent 3½ years participating in a Montana biodiesel production study. Learn more ››