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

  • plant in soil

    Minimize Soil Disturbances

    No-till preserves the nutrients and root systems in the soil while reducing soil erosion.

  • Field of crops

    Cover Crops

    Improves soil health, helps with erosion control, enhances water management, and suppresses weeds.

  • Field with two kinds of crops

    Crop Rotation & Interseeding

    Enhances soil health, while promoting biodiversity, and builds farm resilience through diverse, self-sustaining systems.

  • Fertilizer truck

    Nutrient Management

    Boosts soil health and plant growth while protecting the environment by balancing nutrients (synthetic, organic, and biological) and preventing waterway pollution.

  • Rotational Grazing

    Promotes healthy pastures, builds soil health, improves plant productivity, and supports biodiversity through managed grazing and rest periods.

soil in the shape of a heart in hands

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

tree seedling in hands

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.