The Heifer Ranch Center for Regenerative Agriculture, located in Perryville, Arkansas, stands as a prominent model for how regenerative farming can heal the environment while maintaining large-scale production. This 1,200-acre cattle ranch is based on principles that protect the environment while making it more profitable for farmers to do so. With the help of these innovative, science-based practices, the center has turned itself into a beacon of hope in our fight against climate change.
The USDA engages extensively with Native American cultures to improve water quality and protect endangered animal species. Alongside her conservation partners, they sustain sustainable bison grazing operations to encourage ecological balance. This collaboration is a great example of the power of combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge agricultural practices and technology. Sustainable, climate-smart, regenerative – these buzzwords may be new to some, but they’ve been around a while. These ideas are part of a growing movement in agriculture towards improving land health and reversing some of the adverse impacts of climate change.
The Heifer Ranch Center is accredited as a learning center by the Savory Global Network Hub. It is the flagship school of the Savory Institute, the world’s largest and oldest organization focused on grassland rehabilitation. This accreditation is a recognition of the ranch’s holistic approach to forward-thinking land management practices that promote environmental restoration.
As the home of the Heifer Ranch Hub, Center uses technology to connect and engage a global audience. Its free instructional YouTube videos offer robust glimpses into innovative regenerative farming practices, democratizing knowledge for hundreds of thousands of aspiring farmers across the globe. Additionally, the ranch features electric vehicles (EVs) and offers five charging stations for visitors, reflecting its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Most recently, Audubon’s Ranching Conservation Ranching Program certified the ranch, solidifying its commitment to conservation work. USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) has doled out more than 334 bipartisan grants, worth more than $3 billion since 2021. These grants fund dynamic collaborations focused on getting climate-smart practices on the ground, benefiting farmers and ranchers across the diverse landscape of American agriculture.
Since its creation in 2014, the RCPP has made 812 awards. These grants have involved over 4,000 partner organizations and collectively leveraged more than $4 billion from the Natural Resources Conservation Service with over $4 billion in partner contributions. Such financial backing adds to the momentum, signaling a new acceptance of regenerative agriculture as a real solution to our mounting environmental crises.
A new report from the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC) uncovers great tidings. Over 21,000 farmers and ranchers operations have willingly adopted climate-smart production practices! These important initiatives are made possible thanks to USDA climate-focused programs first funded through the Farm Bill and then strongly reaffirmed by the IRA. As noted recently by experts, regenerative agriculture practices demand a commitment to long-term investments and training and may take several years to produce measurable results.
Throughout the Heifer Ranch Center, science-based regenerative practices have helped restore degraded soils and heal the landscape. They use mulch, compost and biochar, increasing soil carbon while improving moisture and nutrient retention. Suzanne Hunt, one of the ranch’s co-owners, is VP of policy for Generate Upcycle. She focuses on the need to respond to a 21st century reality.
“Every generation has to figure out how to be successful during the historic challenges of their time, and ours is climate change,” – Suzanne Hunt
The ranch is deeply committed to encouraging biodiversity. By improving farmer profitability, it further advances its greater mission of helping farmers realize their quality of life goals. Clarity on capital side As these regenerative practices catch fire, they will leave an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape.
Robert Bonnie, the undersecretary for natural resources and environment at USDA, describes the agency’s contributions to fostering this excitement and supporting these initiatives.
“This is where the USDA steps in to provide support through various resources including funding, research and collaborative public-private partnerships,” – Robert Bonnie
Donna Kilpatrick, an Arkansas farmer and practitioner of regenerative agriculture, implores farmers to reach out and work with one another to build a base of support.
“The hope is that accomplishments survive the pendulum swings of Washington and regenerative agriculture’s approach becomes just the way farmers and ranchers do business in the future,” – Robert Bonnie
Donna Kilpatrick, who is involved in regenerative farming, encourages farmers to connect with their peers for mutual support.
“Find a community of other regenerative farmers to connect with for peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing and support,” – Donna Kilpatrick
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