Regenerative Agriculture

Cultivating a Sustainable Future
Regenerative agriculture goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and improving the natural resources that farming relies on, creating a more resilient and productive agricultural system. Roots in the ground, all year around.
The objective? Restore and enhance ecosystem health, build topsoil, and improve natural resources, ultimately creating a more resilient and productive agricultural system that benefits both the environment and the economy.
Regenerative Agiculture Practices
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Minimize Soil Disturbances
No-till preserves the nutrients and root systems in the soil while reducing soil erosion.
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Cover Crops
Improves soil health, helps with erosion control, enhances water management, and suppresses weeds.
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Crop Rotation & Interseeding
Enhances soil health, while promoting biodiversity, and builds farm resilience through diverse, self-sustaining systems.
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Nutrient Management
Boosts soil health and plant growth while protecting the environment by balancing nutrients (synthetic, organic, and biological) and preventing waterway pollution.
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Rotational Grazing
Promotes healthy pastures, builds soil health, improves plant productivity, and supports biodiversity through managed grazing and rest periods.
Goals of Regenerative Agriculture
Keeping roots in the ground, all year round
Creating organic matter through soil health
Increasing the biodiversity of microbes and pollinators
Sharing your benefits with the community

Interconnected Benefits
Human Health: Reduces exposure to chemical additives.
Economy: Promotes growth, employment, and food security.
Environment: Improves habitats, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.
Government: Shapes policy decisions, trade, and infrastructure.
Social: Builds relationships between producers and consumers.
Cultural: Preserves tradition through arts, rituals, and aesthetics.
Steps to Assistance
Planning
1
Call your local NRCS field office to schedule a visit to discuss your goals and work with staff on a conservation plan.
Application
2
With the help of NRCS, complete an application for financial assistance programs.
Eligibility
3
Find out if you're eligible for NRCS' variety of financial assistance programs.
Ranking
4
NRCS ranks applications according to local resource concerns. Your rank helps determine need.
Implementation
5
Put conservation to work by signing a contract and implementing conservation practices.
Ready to make the transition to
Regenerative Agriculture?
The Berrien and Cass County Conservation Districts offer expert guidance from our regenerative agriculture technician for transitioning and general conservation questions.
Take the next step and receive personalized technical assistance.
This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from funding partners U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and General Mills
All Berrien County Conservation District Programs and Services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis. We partner with the NRCS USDA. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer & lender.