Stories and News
We offer an array of content to explore, including these stories from around the country sharing trusted practices found in indigenous cultures, in modern universities, in long experiences on a particular property, and in innovation by first-generation farmers.
The Latest

Extreme Heat: Don’t Let Summer Be a Bummer
By Luz Ballesteros and Darron Gaus, NCAT Agriculture Specialists
Farmers and ranchers are weather watchers—we begin the day by turning on the local news or checking our apps for the weather highs, humidities, and chances of rain. A lot…

When in Drought, Plan It Out: Rain Harvesting
By Stephanie Kasper, University of Texas Rio GraSoil for Waternde Valley Program Manager
As a south Texas farmer, there’s not much I love more than a refreshing rainy day. However, my rain appreciation grew deeper this year after my partner…

NCAT Releases New Guide to Saving Water, Energy for Irrigators
Responding to water shortages and uncertainties throughout the western United States, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has released a new edition of its popular The Irrigator’s Pocket Guide.
“With growing conflict over…
Regenerative Journeys

Chelenzo Farms: A High Mountain Desert Oasis
By Darron Gaus
Chelenzo Farms began from the unique relocation of a physician and a writer from New York during the height of the pandemic. Health concerns and a need for a cleaner lifestyle motivated Chelsea Hollander and Lorenzo Dominguez…

High Hope Farm: Regenerative Agriculture in Action
Keeping the ground covered year-round also keeps the soil's temperature noticeably cooler during hot Mississippi summers. These are all indications of a healthy soil sponge that captures, holds, and uses water more efficiently.

A Conversation with Guille Yearwood
“When you graze a pasture continuously, you have no idea how much grass you have because its continually disappearing.” After Guille switched to rotational grazing, his paddocks would look like a hayfield four weeks after grazing. This, in his words, “is totally different and totally better.”

Sopping Stories from Waterline Farm
The Bell’s goal with Waterline Farm is to become a homestead demonstration site practicing regenerative agriculture with an emphasis on ecological stewardship. Their operation has seen its fair share of challenges, but the Bell family has turned them into opportunities.

Reflections from a Shortgrass Prairie
Erik Tucker has been ranching in Southeast Colorado since his early 20s, and although he didn’t grow up on a ranch, he has long felt that the old way of ranching just wasn’t working. He likes to observe the sunshine, rain, and natural…

YMCA Roberts Ranch: Providing a sustainable natural Hill Country Area for the education and enjoyment of all
Roberts Ranch was donated to the YMCA by Bob Roberts of Comfort, TX in the 1990's. Since then it has served as a place where families and children can gather to explore the outdoors in a beautiful Hill Country setting. The pristine habitat,…