Interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture? Here are some resources

Kansas and Missouri are part of a growing movement for regenerative agriculture, which involves practices that improve soil health.

Better soil means better food for consumers. Regeneratively grown produce has more nutrients and in many cases, requires less pesticides.

Regenerative practices, like rotating grazing areas for livestock and planting cover crops, can have a positive environmental impact by reducing the amount of fertilizers and pesticides farmers need to apply and can even help mitigate climate change as healthier soil sequesters more carbon.

The 20 million acres of cover crops in the U.S. eliminates the equivalent of carbon dioxide emitted by 12.8 million vehicles, initial research has shown, said Rob Myers, faculty director of the University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture.

Experts also say regenerative farming may help revitalize rural communities and provide a more stable food system as weather patterns become increasingly erratic.

Local community members and consumers who want to learn more can check out these resources for more information.

• KC Farm School at Gibbs Road runs a farmer’s market with regeneratively grown produce from May to November. The Kansas City, Kansas-based organization also offers a range of hands-on educational programming for children and adults to learn about urban farming. Food and programming are based on a “pay what you’re able” scale. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
• Last year, Jess Gnad founded Great Plains Regeneration. The Kansas nonprofit unites stakeholders interested in soil health and helps turn ideas into action and projects, Gnad said. The organization hosts training and fundraisers to create civic engagement. Its Facebook page is regularly updated with information about regenerative products, initiatives and the latest research.
• The Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club has worked on issues related to regenerative agriculture. It has five groups across the state. More information can be found at kansas.sierraclub.org.
• The documentary “Kiss the Ground” was released last year and features actor Woody Harrelson. Musician Jason Mraz and model Gisele Bündchen were also involved in the film’s production. The documentary shows the promise of many regenerative practices in fighting climate change. It can be streamed on Netflix, rented on Vimeo or viewed at special screenings.

• Understanding Ag is a consortium of experts from across the U.S. While the group primarily helps farmers and ranchers convert to regenerative practices, their website includes links to fact sheets, podcasts and recommended reading.

This story was originally published December 1, 2021 at 5:00 AM.

Katie Moore

The Kansas City Star

816-234-4312

Katie Moore was an enterprise and accountability reporter for The Star. She covered justice issues, including policing, prison conditions and the death penalty. She is a University of Kansas graduate and began her career as a reporter in 2015 in her hometown of Topeka, Kansas.