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

person operating tractor with bright sunlit backgroundUSDA

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…
Stephanie Kasper's rainwater harvesting system

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…
Crops being watered by irrigationCanva Pro

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

Stowers Ranch

Stowers Ranch: A family in it for the long haul

The Stowers Ranch was established in 1904 by prominent Texas merchant and rancher George Arthur Stowers. The 11,800 acre operation is located at the headwaters of the North Fork of the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas. It is enhanced by over…
Roam Ranch Bison

Roam Ranch: From product to production

Katie Forrest and Taylor Collins' journey to becoming ranchers began in an unusual way. They first developed the nationally marketed EPIC Bar, a jerky based protein bar; then sold their company and followed an inspiration to begin livestock…
Pure Pastures at the Farmers Market

Pure Pastures: Collaborative regeneration

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, in Comal County, Pure Pastures is a 2,000-acre multi-species operation that practices 100% regenerative management. Pure Pastures is a collaboration between the Moorman family, the ranch owners…
Montesino Ranch Wedding Venue

Montesino Ranch: A modern multi-use operation

The Montesino Ranch not only borders the Blanco River, it also sits just outside of Wimberley, Texas, a popular destination for tourists. Montesino is a small 225 acre ranch that thrives via a multi-enterprise management approach. Income enterprises include weddings, B&B studio rentals, a small organic vegetable farm, and a herd of miniature Hereford Cattle.
Fielding Ranch

Fielding Ranch: A new paradigm in management

The Fielding Ranch lies along the banks of the Pedernales River near Johnson City, Texas. Pam Fielding participated in Holistic Management International (HMI) educational events for several years growing an interest in a new paradigm for ranch…
Emery Birdwell Deborah Clark Birdwell Clark Ranch Soil Inspection USDA NRCS TexasUSDA NRCS

Birdwell & Clark: A couple on a mission to regenerate

Birdwell and Clark Ranch, a stocker operation, is a 11,700-acre ranch of tall grass prairie, river bottoms and brushy draws located in north central Texas in Clay County. Emry Birdwell studied under Allan Savory in the 1980s learning the benefits…