Regenerative Farming Tips: Restore Your Soil and Boost Yield

The Field That Changed Everything

In 2018, I inherited my grandfather’s 40-acre farm in Iowa. The soil was tired—really tired. After decades of conventional corn and soybean rotation with heavy tillage and synthetic inputs, the topsoil was thin, compacted, and lifeless. I could barely find an earthworm if I dug for an hour.

My first year farming, I followed the same approach my grandfather had used. I tilled in spring, planted corn, applied the recommended fertilizers and pesticides, and waited. The yields were disappointing—about 20% below the county average. More frustrating, I was spending a fortune on inputs and watching my soil blow away in the wind.

That winter, I attended a workshop on regenerative agriculture. The speaker, a farmer from Kansas, showed before-and-after photos of his soil. In five years, he had transformed gray, lifeless dirt into rich, dark soil teeming with life. His yields had increased by 30%, and his input costs had dropped by 40%.

I was skeptical. It sounded too good to be true. But I was also desperate. So I decided to convert 10 acres as an experiment while farming the rest conventionally.

That decision changed my life and my farm.

Five years later, those original 10 acres now produce 35% higher yields than my conventional fields with half the fertilizer input. The soil is dark, crumbly, and full of earthworms. It holds water like a sponge during dry periods and drains beautifully during heavy rains. My input costs have dropped by 50% on those acres.

And here’s the best part: every year, the soil gets better. The yields keep climbing. The resilience keeps improving.

Now my entire farm is transitioning to regenerative practices. It hasn’t been easy, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. But I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the transition without risking your entire operation.

Let me share what I’ve learned.

What is Regenerative Farming?

Regenerative farming is an approach to agriculture that focuses on rebuilding soil health, enhancing biodiversity, improving water cycles, and increasing the farm’s resilience, all while maintaining or improving productivity and profitability.

Unlike conventional agriculture, which often depletes natural resources over time, regenerative farming aims to leave the land in better condition than you found it. It’s not just sustainable (maintaining the status quo), it’s regenerative (actively healing and improving the ecosystem).

The core principle is simple: work with nature, not against it. Healthy soil is the foundation of everything. When you rebuild soil biology and structure, all the other benefits follow naturally.

Regenerative farming is not a single practice but a system of practices that work together:

Building soil organic matter – Increasing the carbon content and biological activity in your soil Minimizing soil disturbance – Reducing or eliminating tillage to protect soil structure Keeping living roots in the ground – Extending the growing season and using cover crops Maintaining soil cover – Protecting the soil surface from erosion and temperature extremes Integrating livestock – Using grazing animals to cycle nutrients and stimulate plant growth Increasing crop diversity – Growing multiple species to improve soil health and break pest cycles

The beauty of regenerative farming is that it’s adaptable. You don’t have to do everything at once. You can start with one or two practices and gradually build from there. The practices reinforce each other, so each step makes the next one easier.

History and Cultural Significance

Regenerative agriculture isn’t new, it’s actually ancient wisdom rediscovered through modern science.

For thousands of years, indigenous peoples around the world practiced agriculture that maintained or improved soil fertility. They rotated crops, integrated animals, used polycultures, and understood that healthy soil was the foundation of food security.

Then came the Green Revolution of the 1950s-1970s. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, hybrid seeds, and mechanized tillage dramatically increased yields and helped feed a growing global population. But these gains came at a cost: soil degradation, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and increasing dependence on external inputs.

By the 1980s and 1990s, some farmers began questioning this approach. They noticed their soils were deteriorating despite higher fertilizer applications. Pioneers like the Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania began researching organic and regenerative methods. Farmers like Gabe Brown in North Dakota experimented with no-till, cover crops, and diverse rotations.

The term “regenerative agriculture” gained traction in the 2010s as research demonstrated that these practices could actually reverse soil degradation, sequester carbon from the atmosphere, and improve farm profitability.

Today, regenerative agriculture is experiencing rapid growth. Major food companies are investing in regenerative supply chains. Research institutions are documenting the benefits. And most importantly, thousands of farmers are proving that you can heal the land while feeding people and making a living.

I first learned about regenerative farming from that workshop in 2018. The speaker, Tom, had been farming regeneratively for 15 years. What struck me wasn’t just his success—it was his enthusiasm. He genuinely loved farming again after years of dreading each season’s input bills and unpredictable yields.

That passion was contagious. It reminded me why I wanted to farm in the first place: to work with the land, not just extract from it.

What Makes Regenerative Farming Special

After five years practicing regenerative agriculture, here’s what I’ve come to understand makes it truly special:

Soil That Keeps Improving

This is the fundamental difference. In conventional systems, you’re constantly fighting soil degradation. You add more fertilizer each year just to maintain yields. With regenerative practices, the soil actually gets better over time.

My regenerative fields now have 4.5% soil organic matter, up from 2.1% five years ago. Each percentage point represents thousands of pounds of carbon stored per acre, millions of beneficial microorganisms, and dramatically improved soil function.

The soil doesn’t just test better—it feels different. It’s alive. You can smell the earthy richness when you dig into it.

Drought and Flood Resilience

During the 2021 drought, my conventional fields suffered badly. Corn plants were stressed, leaves were curling, and yields dropped 40%. My regenerative fields, just 200 yards away, looked completely different. The plants stayed green longer, stress symptoms appeared much later, and yields only dropped 15%.

The difference? Soil structure and organic matter. My regenerative soil holds significantly more water, about 20,000 additional gallons per acre for each 1% increase in organic matter. During drought, that’s the difference between crop failure and decent yields.

The same soil structure that holds water during drought also drains better during heavy rains, preventing waterlogging and erosion.

Reduced Input Costs

In my fifth year of regenerative farming on those 10 acres, my fertilizer costs dropped by 50%, herbicide costs by 70%, and I eliminated insecticides entirely. Yet yields increased.

How? Healthy soil biology provides nutrients more efficiently. Diverse crop rotations and cover crops suppress weeds naturally. Beneficial insects control pests when you stop killing them with broad-spectrum insecticides.

My savings: approximately $85 per acre in direct input costs, with yields up 35%. The economics are compelling.

Labor That Feels Different

I won’t pretend regenerative farming is easier in terms of management, it requires more thinking, planning, and observation. But the physical labor is often less intense.

I eliminated most tillage, which saves fuel, equipment wear, and hours on the tractor. I spend more time observing the farm, planning rotations, and managing cover crops. The work feels more thoughtful and less mechanical.

Many regenerative farmers report rediscovering their love for farming. You’re working with natural systems rather than constantly battling them.

Wildlife Returns

Within two years of starting regenerative practices, I noticed more birds on my farm. Within three years, I was seeing species I hadn’t seen since childhood: meadowlarks, bobolinks, and monarch butterflies.

The return of wildlife isn’t just nice to see, it’s a sign that the ecosystem is healing. More beneficial insects means better pest control. More pollinators means better crop performance.

Carbon Sequestration

This wasn’t my primary motivation, but it’s a real benefit. My regenerative practices are pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil as stable organic matter.

Current estimates suggest regenerative agriculture can sequester 0.5 to 2 tons of carbon per acre per year. Over time, this not only helps with climate change but also builds the soil capital that drives all the other benefits.

Community and Knowledge Sharing

The regenerative farming community is remarkably open and collaborative. Farmers share successes and failures freely. There’s a spirit of experimentation and learning that’s refreshing after decades of “just follow the recommendations” conventional agriculture.

I’ve learned more from other regenerative farmers in five years than I learned in 15 years of conventional agriculture.

Types and Varieties of Regenerative Farming

Regenerative agriculture isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different farms need different approaches based on climate, soil type, crops, and resources.

No-Till Crop Farming

This approach focuses on eliminating tillage while maintaining row crop production (corn, soybeans, wheat, etc.).

Key practices: Direct seeding into residue, cover crops, diverse rotations, targeted herbicide use for weed management

Best for: Row crop farmers ready to give up the plow but not ready to radically change their crop mix

Challenges: Weed management without tillage, specialized equipment needed, learning curve for planting into residue

This is the path I took initially. It’s the most accessible entry point for conventional row crop farmers.

Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems

This approach combines crop production with livestock grazing, allowing animals to cycle nutrients and stimulate soil biology.

Key practices: Cover crop grazing, mob grazing, crop residue grazing, multi-species rotations

Best for: Farmers with access to livestock or willing to partner with neighboring livestock producers

Challenges: Fencing, water systems, managing the crop-livestock interface, learning animal management

I started integrating sheep grazing on my cover crops in year three. The results have been remarkable—the sheep convert cover crops into valuable protein while fertilizing the soil naturally.

Market Garden Regenerative Farming

Small-scale intensive vegetable production using regenerative principles.

Key practices: Permanent raised beds (no-till), heavy mulching, high diversity, compost application, season extension

Best for: Small-scale vegetable growers, CSA operations, farmers market vendors

Challenges: High labor intensity, requires good markets, initial setup costs for infrastructure

Regenerative Orchard and Vineyard

Applying regenerative principles to perennial crops like fruit trees, nut trees, and grapes.

Key practices: Cover crop alleys, mulching, minimal spray programs, integration of chickens or sheep, fungal-dominated compost

Best for: Fruit and nut producers, vineyard managers

Challenges: Long time horizon for seeing results, adapting practices to perennial crops, weed management without tillage

Holistic Planned Grazing

Intensive rotational grazing focused on building soil health through strategic animal impact.

Key practices: High density short duration grazing, long recovery periods, adaptive management, multi-species grazing

Best for: Livestock producers, ranchers, anyone with permanent pasture

Challenges: Fencing and water infrastructure, daily management, learning to read pasture conditions

Regenerative Polyculture

Growing multiple crops together in the same space, mimicking natural ecosystems.

Key practices: Intercropping, agroforestry, alley cropping, perennial-annual integration

Best for: Diversified farms, permaculture-oriented operations, farmers willing to experiment

Challenges: Complex management, specialized equipment may not work, limited established markets

My farm currently uses a combination of no-till crop farming with integrated livestock (sheep on cover crops). I’m experimenting with alley cropping hazelnuts into some of my field edges.

The key is starting with practices that fit your current operation and gradually expanding as you gain experience and see results.

How to Transition to Regenerative Farming

Let me walk you through the practical steps, based on what actually worked for me and what I’ve learned from other farmers.

Start Small and Learn

The biggest mistake I see: Farmers trying to convert their entire operation at once and getting overwhelmed.

What works: Start with 5-20% of your acreage. Treat it as a learning laboratory. Make mistakes on a small scale while maintaining income from the rest of your farm.

I started with 10 acres out of 40. This gave me room to experiment without risking my livelihood. By year three, I was confident enough to expand regenerative practices to additional acres.

Practical steps:

• Choose a field that’s close to your home for easy observation
• Pick a field that’s not your best or worst (average field shows results clearly)
• Commit to at least 3-5 years on this trial area to see real results
• Document everything: photos, yields, costs, observations

Reduce or Eliminate Tillage

This was my first major change, and it’s often the most impactful.

Why it matters: Tillage destroys soil structure, kills beneficial fungi, exposes organic matter to oxidation, and disrupts the soil food web. Stopping tillage allows soil biology to rebuild.

How I transitioned:

• Year 1: Reduced tillage from full cultivation to strip-till only in the planting zone
• Year 2: Eliminated tillage entirely, using a no-till drill for planting
• Years 3-5: Refined no-till practices, learning to manage residue and plant into cover crops

Equipment options:

• No-till drill or planter: Essential for direct seeding (I bought a used no-till drill for $12,000)
• Roller-crimper: For terminating cover crops mechanically (I built one for $800)
• Vertical tillage tool: For managing heavy residue without inverting soil (optional)

Challenges I faced:

• Compaction in the first 2 years (solved by growing deep-rooted cover crops)
• Weed pressure initially increased (solved by better cover crop management and spot spraying)
• Learning to plant into residue without clogging equipment (took practice and equipment adjustments)

Critical tip: Don’t expect perfection in year one. No-till farming has a learning curve. Your first year may see slightly reduced yields as the system adjusts. By year three, yields typically exceed conventional systems.

Introduce Cover Crops

Cover crops are the workhorse of regenerative agriculture. They build soil, suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and feed soil biology.

What I grow:

• After corn: Winter rye, hairy vetch, and radish mix (planted in fall, grows through winter, terminated in spring)
• After soybeans: Cereal rye and crimson clover (planted in fall)
• Summer cover crops: Buckwheat, cowpeas, and sorghum-sudangrass in fields taking a break from cash crops

My cover crop strategy:

• Always keep something growing: The soil should never be bare
• Use mixes of 3-5 species for diversity (grasses + legumes + broadleaves)
• Plant as early as possible after harvest to maximize growth
• Aim for 60+ days of growth before winter or termination

Seeding methods:

• Broadcasting before harvest (for small seeds like clover)
• No-till drilling after harvest (most reliable method)
• Aerial seeding (works in some situations, less reliable)

Termination methods:

• Roller-crimper: Mechanical termination that creates a mulch layer (my preferred method)
• Herbicide: Using minimal rates just before planting cash crop
• Winter-kill: Choosing species that die naturally in winter

Cost and return:

• Seed cost: $35-50 per acre depending on mix
• Establishment cost: $15-25 per acre (fuel, labor)
• Total cost: $50-75 per acre
• Value returned: Estimated $75-150 per acre in nitrogen fixation, weed suppression, and soil improvement

Cover crops pay for themselves within 2-3 years through reduced fertilizer needs and improved yields.

Diversify Your Rotation

Monoculture or simple 2-crop rotations deplete soil and encourage pest and disease problems. Diversity is key to regeneration.

My conventional rotation (before): Corn → Soybeans → Corn → Soybeans (2-year rotation)

My regenerative rotation (now): Corn → Soybeans → Small grain (wheat or oats) + cover crop → Cover crop + grazing → Corn (4-5 year rotation)

Benefits I’ve seen:

• Pest and disease pressure reduced dramatically (no more corn rootworm issues)
• Soil biology more diverse and robust
• Weed populations declined (different crops suppress different weeds)
• Profitability improved through additional crop options

Rotation principles:

• Include at least 3-4 different crop families
• Vary root structures (tap roots, fibrous roots, deep roots, shallow roots)
• Include legumes for nitrogen fixation
• Consider adding a small grain to extend the season and enable double-cropping
• Include periods of cover crops without cash crop harvest

Challenges:

• Marketing new crops (I had to find a buyer for wheat)
• Learning new crop management (wheat was new to me)
• Equipment needs (I rent a combine for wheat rather than buying)

The key: start by adding just one new crop to your rotation, master it, then add another.

Build Soil Biology

Healthy soil is alive with billions of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and other organisms. These organisms drive nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and soil structure.

How I feed soil biology:

• Keep living roots in soil year-round (cover crops)
• Add organic matter (cover crop residue, compost if available)
• Minimize disturbance (no-till)
• Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that harm beneficial organisms
• Use diverse crop rotations

Signs of improving soil biology:

• Earthworms: I now count 10-15 earthworms per shovelful (started with 0-1)
• Soil structure: Aggregates form naturally, soil is crumbly and friable
• Residue breakdown: Corn stalks decompose much faster now
• Water infiltration: Water soaks in immediately instead of puddling

Things that harm soil biology:

• Tillage (destroys fungal networks)
• Bare soil (no food source for organisms)
• Synthetic fertilizers in excess (can harm microbes)
• Broad-spectrum fungicides and insecticides
• Compaction (reduces air spaces organisms need)

Practical tip: Take a soil health test every 2-3 years. Tests like the Haney Soil Health Test measure biological activity, not just NPK. This helps you track progress.

Integrate Livestock (If Possible)

This was a game-changer for my farm, though it took me three years to implement.

What I do: I partner with a neighbor who runs sheep. His sheep graze my cover crops in late fall and early spring. I provide free feed; he provides free fertilization and soil stimulation.

Benefits:

• Cover crops are converted to animal products (meat, wool)
• Sheep trample residue and incorporate manure into soil surface
• Grazing stimulates plant root growth and carbon cycling
• No cash cost for cover crop termination
• Additional income stream potential

Options without owning livestock:

• Partner with a neighbor (what I do)
• Rent grazing rights to someone with animals
• Contract graze with a professional grazer
• Start small with chickens or a few sheep

Challenges:

• Fencing (I used temporary electric fence, cost about $1,200 for 10 acres)
• Water systems (I use portable water tanks)
• Timing (coordinating grazing with your planting schedule)
• Learning animal basics (safe handling, health issues)

Even without livestock, you can practice regenerative agriculture. But adding animals accelerates soil improvement dramatically.

Manage Fertility Regeneratively

In regenerative systems, fertility management shifts from adding synthetic inputs to supporting natural nutrient cycles.

My approach:

• Nitrogen: 60% from nitrogen-fixing cover crops (vetch, clover), 40% from reduced synthetic applications
• Phosphorus: Minimal applications based on soil testing, rely on improved soil biology to make existing P available
• Potassium: Annual soil testing, targeted applications only where needed
• Micronutrients: Diverse crop rotations and cover crops maintain balance

Year-by-year fertilizer reduction:

• Year 1: Reduced nitrogen by 20% on regenerative acres (yields unchanged)
• Year 2: Reduced nitrogen by 40% (yields increased 10%)
• Year 3: Reduced nitrogen by 50% (yields increased 25%)
• Year 4-5: Maintaining 50% reduction with continued yield increases

Key principle: Feed the soil, not the plant. Build soil biology that makes nutrients available to plants naturally.

What I monitor:

• Tissue testing during growing season (shows if plants are getting adequate nutrients)
• Soil testing every 2-3 years (tracks soil nutrient levels and organic matter)
• Visual observation (plant color, growth patterns, pest/disease pressure)

Results: My fertilizer costs dropped from $160 per acre to $75 per acre over five years, while yields increased 35%.

Create a Water-Smart System

Regenerative practices dramatically improve water management.

Water holding capacity: My regenerative soil now holds approximately 80,000 gallons more water per 10 acres compared to my conventional fields. This is from increased organic matter and improved soil structure.

How I improved water management:

• Cover crops: Roots create channels for water infiltration
• No-till: Maintains soil structure and prevents surface sealing
• Organic matter: Each 1% increase holds about 20,000 gallons per acre
• Terracing and contour farming: In my sloped fields to slow water runoff

Observable results:

• Runoff reduced by approximately 80% on regenerative acres
• Standing water after heavy rains disappears within hours instead of days
• During 2021 drought, regenerative fields stayed productive while conventional fields struggled

Practical tip: Perform infiltration tests to track progress. Use a metal ring pushed into soil, add water, and time how long it takes to infiltrate. I went from 0.5 inches per hour (very poor) to 6+ inches per hour (excellent) over four years.

Benefits of Regenerative Farming

After five years, here are the real, measurable benefits I’ve experienced:

Increased Profitability

This is what most farmers care about most, and rightfully so.

My numbers (comparing regenerative 10 acres to conventional 30 acres):

• Input costs down 50% ($160/acre to $75/acre)
• Yields up 35% (from 165 bu/acre corn to 223 bu/acre)
• Net profit increased from $180/acre to $420/acre

The profitability increase comes from two sources: lower costs and higher yields. Even if yields just stayed the same, the cost savings alone would improve profitability.

Climate Resilience

My regenerative fields handle weather extremes much better than conventional fields.

2021 drought: Conventional fields lost 40% of normal yield; regenerative fields lost only 15%

2022 flooding: Conventional fields had standing water for days and showed severe stress; regenerative fields drained quickly with minimal crop damage

This resilience is becoming more valuable as weather becomes more unpredictable. It’s like insurance built into your soil.

Improved Soil Health Metrics

Numbers from my 5-year soil tests:

Organic matter: 2.1% → 4.5% (over 100% increase)

Aggregate stability: 32% → 78% (soil holds together better, resists erosion)

Water infiltration: 0.5 in/hr → 6+ in/hr

Earthworm count: 0-1 per shovelful → 10-15 per shovelful

Soil respiration: (measure of biological activity) increased 240%

These aren’t just interesting numbers—each one represents tangible improvements in how the soil functions and supports crops.

Reduced Environmental Impact

This wasn’t my main goal, but it’s a benefit I’m proud of:

• Fertilizer runoff reduced by approximately 70% (less pollution in waterways)
• Herbicide use down 70% (better for wildlife and water quality)
• Insecticide use eliminated completely (beneficial insects returned)
• Soil erosion reduced by 80%+ (keeping topsoil on the farm)
• Carbon sequestered: approximately 1.5 tons per acre per year

My farm is now a net positive for the environment instead of a net negative.

Better Quality of Life

This is harder to quantify but equally important:

• I enjoy farming again (was burning out under conventional system)
• Less time on the tractor (no tillage saves 10+ hours per week in spring)
• Less stress about input costs and prices
• Pride in improving the land for future generations
• Connected to a community of innovative farmers
• Learning constantly instead of just following recommendations

Farming stopped feeling like a grind and started feeling like a calling again.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

The return of wildlife has been one of the most visible changes:

• Bird species increased from 8 to 23 observed species
• Pollinator populations exploded (especially in cover crop flowering periods)
• Beneficial insects controlling pests naturally
• Soil organisms too numerous to count

A healthy farm ecosystem is also a resilient farm ecosystem.

Soil Testing and Monitoring

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Here’s how I track progress:

Baseline Testing (Before You Start)

Tests to get:

• Complete soil fertility test (NPK, pH, micronutrients)
• Soil organic matter test
• Soil health test (Haney test or similar)
• Physical tests: bulk density, infiltration rate, aggregate stability

Cost: $50-150 depending on tests selected

Why baseline matters: You need to know where you’re starting so you can measure improvement. I wish I had done more baseline testing before I started.

Annual Monitoring

Every year:

• Basic fertility test (one or two fields)
• Infiltration test (simple, you can do yourself)
• Earthworm count (dig 1 cubic foot, count worms)
• Visual observation (photos, notes on soil condition)

Cost: $30-50 per year

Every 2-3 Years

Comprehensive testing:

• Soil health test
• Organic matter test
• Physical structure tests

Cost: $100-200

What I track in a notebook:

• Yield data (by field)
• Input costs (by field)
• Cover crop establishment success
• Pest and disease observations
• Weather conditions
• Photos of fields throughout season

This documentation helps me see trends, make decisions, and share results with other farmers.

Key Indicators of Success

Year 1-2: Improved water infiltration, initial increase in earthworms, better soil structure

Year 3-4: Noticeable organic matter increase, significant earthworm population, reduced input needs, yields matching or exceeding conventional

Year 5+: Continued improvement in all metrics, yields consistently exceeding conventional, dramatically reduced input costs, resilience to weather extremes

Progress is gradual but cumulative. Each year builds on the last.

Seasonal Management Guide

Regenerative farming requires different management through the year. Here’s what I do:

Spring (March-May)

This is planning and planting season.

Tasks:

• Terminate winter cover crops (I use roller-crimper in late April)
• Plant cash crops directly into cover crop residue
• Scout for pest pressure (usually minimal early season)
• Apply minimal fertilizer based on tissue tests from previous year
• Plant warm-season cover crops in fields taking a year off

What to expect:

• Fields look messier than conventional (residue everywhere – that’s good!)
• Planting may be slower initially as you learn to manage residue
• Soil temperature may be slightly cooler under residue (plan accordingly)

Challenges:

• Weather timing for cover crop termination and planting
• Managing equipment in heavy residue
• Weed pressure can be higher initially

Summer (June-August)

Crop growing season and planning ahead.

Tasks:

• Scout crops regularly for pests and diseases (less intervention needed than conventional)
• Plan fall cover crop strategy
• Prepare cover crop seed orders
• Side-dress nitrogen if needed (I rarely need to with good cover crops)
• Plant summer cover crops after small grain harvest

What to expect:

• Crops in regenerative fields often stay green longer in drought
• Pest populations generally lower than conventional fields
• Soil stays cooler and moister under residue

Observation tips:

• Compare regenerative fields to conventional fields regularly
• Take photos to document differences
• Note water stress appearance timing

Fall (September-November)

Harvest and cover crop establishment season.

Tasks:

• Harvest cash crops
• Plant cover crops immediately after harvest (within days if possible)
• Get sheep on cover crops for grazing (I typically start in October)
• Apply any needed lime or amendments
• Plan next year’s rotation

What to expect:

• Cover crops establish quickly if planted early
• Soil retains moisture better, making cover crop establishment more reliable
• Fewer erosion concerns during heavy fall rains

Critical timing:

• Plant cover crops before soil temperature drops below 50°F
• Aim for 60+ days of growth before hard freeze
• Earlier planting = more biomass = more benefit

Winter (December-February)

Planning season and field observation.

Tasks:

• Review previous season (yields, costs, successes, failures)
• Plan next year’s crop rotation in detail
• Order cover crop and cash crop seed
• Maintain equipment
• Attend farmer workshops and conferences
• Continue sheep grazing on winter-hardy cover crops

What to expect:

• Cover crops providing soil protection and erosion prevention
• Soil biology is dormant but alive
• Planning is critical for successful next season

Education time:

• Read books on regenerative agriculture
• Connect with other regenerative farmers
• Attend workshops and webinars
• Visit other regenerative farms

Winter planning sets up summer success.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are the challenges I faced and how I solved them:

Weed Pressure Increases

Problem: In years 1-2 of no-till transition, weed pressure increased compared to conventional tillage.

Why it happens: Tillage physically removes weeds. Without tillage, you need other strategies.

Solutions that worked:

• Dense cover crops that outcompete weeds for light and resources
• Strategic timing of cover crop termination to prevent weed seed germination
• Spot spraying problem areas instead of broadcast herbicide application
• Longer crop rotations that prevent weed specialization
• Patience – by year 3, weed pressure was actually lower than conventional

What didn’t work: Trying to maintain perfect weed-free fields. I had to accept a low level of weeds that don’t significantly impact yield.

Compaction Concerns

Problem: Without tillage, I worried about soil compaction, especially in wheel tracks.

Why it happens: Equipment weight compresses soil. Tillage traditionally broke up compaction mechanically.

Solutions that worked:

• Deep-rooted cover crops (radish, rape, chicory) that break up compaction biologically
• Controlled traffic farming (driving in same tracks repeatedly to limit compacted area)
• Improved soil structure from organic matter reduces compaction susceptibility
• Avoid field work when soil is too wet
• Use lower-pressure tires to spread weight

Results: After 3 years, compaction is less of an issue than in my conventionally tilled fields. Soil structure improvement overcame initial concerns.

Cover Crop Establishment Failures

Problem: Some cover crop plantings failed to establish or grew poorly.

Causes I identified:

• Planted too late (after soil temperatures dropped)
• Insufficient moisture at planting
• Poor seed-to-soil contact
• Wrong species for conditions

Solutions:

• Plant as early as possible after cash crop harvest
• Use no-till drill for reliable seed placement
• Choose appropriate species for timing (fast-growing species for late plantings)
• Keep records of what works in your specific conditions

Success rate: Year 1 = 60% good establishment; Year 5 = 95% good establishment through better timing and species selection.

Equipment Challenges

Problem: Conventional equipment wasn’t designed for no-till with heavy residue.

Specific issues:

• Planter clogging with residue
• Inability to manage heavy biomass from cover crops
• Lack of appropriate equipment for cover crop planting

Solutions:

• Invested in used no-till planter with better residue management ($12,000)
• Built roller-crimper for cover crop termination ($800)
• Upgraded to larger closing wheels and stiffer down pressure
• Joined equipment co-op to access specialized tools

Tip: You don’t need to buy everything new. Used equipment, DIY builds, and equipment sharing are all viable options.

Nitrogen Deficiency Concerns

Problem: Worried that reducing synthetic nitrogen would cause deficiency and yield loss.

What happened: Initial slight yield reduction in year 1 (about 5%), then yields increased above conventional in years 2-5.

Why it worked:

• Cover crop legumes fixed 60-100 lbs nitrogen per acre
• Improved soil biology made existing nitrogen more available
• Reduced loss from leaching and volatilization

Strategy:

• Reduce synthetic nitrogen gradually (20% per year)
• Monitor crop color and tissue tests
• Apply supplemental nitrogen if needed (I rarely need to now)
• Trust the biology – it works if you give it time

Cash Flow During Transition

Problem: Transitioning requires some investment (equipment, cover crops) with delayed returns.

How I managed it:

• Started small (10 acres) to limit financial risk
• Used cost-share programs (NRCS provided 50% cover crop cost)
• Bought used equipment
• Maintained income from conventional acres during transition
• Reinvested savings from reduced inputs into expansion

Financial timeline:

• Year 1: Small net cost (about $30/acre for transition)
• Year 2: Break-even
• Year 3+: Significant net profit increase

Tip: Look for NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or other government cost-share programs to offset transition costs.

Market Access for New Crops

Problem: Adding crops to rotation meant finding new buyers.

Challenge: My local elevator buys corn and soybeans, but I added wheat and cover crops to my rotation.

Solutions:

• Connected with organic buyer who contracts wheat
• Partnered with neighbor for sheep grazing (they harvest the cover crops)
• Joined farmer marketing cooperative
• Built relationships before planting

Lesson: Plan your markets before you plant new crops. Don’t assume buyers will magically appear.

Regenerative Farming Quick Reference Guide

Aspect	Guidelines
Soil Health Goal	Increase organic matter 0.5-1% per year. Target 5%+ for most soils.
Tillage	Eliminate or minimize. No-till is ideal. If you must till, limit to strip-till only.
Cover Crops	Plant immediately after harvest. Use 3-5 species mixes. Aim for 60+ days growth.
Crop Rotation	Minimum 3-4 crops in rotation. Include small grains and legumes.
Fertilizer	Start by reducing synthetic N by 20% per year. Let soil biology provide more nutrients naturally.
Livestock Integration	Graze cover crops if possible. Even renting grazing accelerates soil improvement.
Water Management	Build organic matter to increase water holding capacity. Target 6+ inches/hour infiltration.
Pest Management	Rely more on rotation, diversity, and beneficial insects. Reduce insecticide use.
Monitoring	Test soil every 2-3 years. Track organic matter, biology, and structure improvements.
Timeline	Plan for 3-5 years to see major results. Year 1-2 are learning years.
Starting Point	Begin with 5-20% of acres. Master practices before expanding.
Cost Savings	Expect 30-50% input cost reduction by year 3-5 with maintained or increased yields.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Try Regenerative Farming

After five years and conversations with dozens of other regenerative farmers, here’s my honest assessment:

Regenerative Farming is Great For:

Farmers willing to learn and adapt – This is not a recipe to follow blindly. It requires observation, experimentation, and adaptation to your specific conditions.

Those with a 3-5 year perspective – Quick results seekers will be disappointed. This is a long-term strategy.

Farmers concerned about soil health – If declining soil quality worries you, regenerative agriculture directly addresses this.

Operations facing high input costs – If fertilizer and chemical costs are eating your profits, regenerative methods offer a path to reduce costs.

Anyone dealing with drought or flooding issues – Improved soil structure and organic matter provide resilience.

Farmers wanting to reduce environmental impact – Regenerative methods dramatically reduce pollution and erosion.

Operations open to diversification – Adding cover crops, new cash crops, or livestock accelerates benefits.

Those who enjoy problem-solving – This style of farming is intellectually engaging and requires creative thinking.

Regenerative Farming is NOT Great For:

Farmers unwilling to change – If you believe “this is how we’ve always done it,” regenerative farming will frustrate you.

Those expecting immediate results – Year 1 may actually see slight yield reductions as the system adjusts.

Operations with severe cash flow constraints – Some upfront investment needed (equipment, cover crops, learning).

Farmers working rented ground with short leases – Building soil health takes years; benefits accrue to whoever farms the land long-term.

Those uncomfortable with uncertainty – Regenerative farming is less prescribed than conventional. You must make decisions based on observation.

Large operations unwilling to start small – Converting 5,000 acres at once is a recipe for disaster. Start small, learn, expand.

Farmers allergic to earthworms – Just kidding, but you will be seeing a lot of them!

The Bottom Line

Regenerative farming is not easy, especially in the first 2-3 years. It requires learning new skills, thinking differently, and accepting some uncertainty as natural systems rebuild.

But here’s what I know after five years:

My soil is healthier than it’s been in 50 years. My yields are higher. My costs are lower. My farm is more resilient to weather extremes. And I actually enjoy farming again.

The economics work. The environmental benefits are real. And the personal satisfaction of healing the land is profound.

You don’t have to transition your entire farm overnight. Start with 10 acres. Learn what works in your conditions. Make mistakes on a small scale. Then expand as you gain confidence.

That struggling 10 acres I started with in 2018 taught me more than a decade of conventional farming. It’s now my most productive ground, and every year it gets better.

Regenerative farming is not about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about leaving the land better than you found it.

Is it the right approach for everyone? No. It requires commitment, patience, and willingness to learn.

But if you’re tired of fighting nature, if your soil is depleted, if input costs are crushing your profitability, or if you simply want to farm in a way that builds rather than depletes—regenerative agriculture offers a proven path forward.

The soil remembers everything. For decades, we’ve been withdrawing from the soil bank. Regenerative farming is about making deposits again.

And the interest compounds beautifully.

Resources and Further Learning

Books:

• “Dirt to Soil” by Gabe Brown (the most practical regenerative farming book available)
• “The Soil Will Save Us” by Kristin Ohlson (great overview of regenerative agriculture science)
• “Growing a Revolution” by David Montgomery (history and science of soil health)
• “The Market Gardener” by Jean-Martin Fortier (regenerative methods for vegetable growers)

Organizations:

• Rodale Institute (rodaleinstitute.org) – Research and resources on organic/regenerative farming
• Soil Health Institute (soilhealthinstitute.org) – Science-based soil health information
• Regenerative Agriculture Foundation – Farmer resources and case studies
• NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) – Cost-share programs and technical assistance

Online Resources:

• Understanding Ag (understandingag.com) – Ray Archuleta’s soil health videos
• No-Till Farmer (no-tillfarmer.com) – News and techniques for no-till farming
• Acres USA (acresusa.com) – Magazine focused on eco-agriculture
• YouTube: Search for “Ray Archuleta soil health” or “Gabe Brown regenerative farming”

Conferences and Events:

• Soil Health Conference (annual, various locations)
• No-Till Conference
• Regional regenerative agriculture field days
• NRCS workshops (check your local NRCS office)

Finding Farmers in Your Area:

• Search “[your state] regenerative agriculture network”
• Contact your local NRCS office for farmer contacts
• Join the “Understanding Ag” or “Regenerative Agriculture” Facebook groups
• Attend local Soil and Water Conservation District events

Financial Assistance:

• NRCS EQIP program (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) – cost-share for cover crops, no-till equipment
• CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) – payments for adopting conservation practices
• State-level programs (many states have cover crop cost-share)
• Carbon credit programs (emerging, check Indigo Ag, Nori, others)

Testing Services:

• Haney Soil Health Test (contact local soil testing labs)
• Ward Laboratories (wardlab.com) – comprehensive soil testing
• Midwest Labs (midwestlabs.com) – biological and chemical testing

Final Thoughts

That 10-acre experiment in 2018 wasn’t just a farming decision—it was a shift in worldview. I stopped seeing the farm as a factory where I forced production through inputs. I started seeing it as an ecosystem where I could partner with natural processes.

The results speak for themselves: healthier soil, higher yields, lower costs, and greater resilience. But the numbers don’t capture everything.

I’ve rediscovered the joy of digging in soil and finding it teeming with life. I’ve felt the satisfaction of watching fields stay green during drought while neighbors’ fields brown. I’ve experienced the pride of reducing my environmental impact while improving profitability.

Regenerative farming has connected me to a community of innovative farmers who share knowledge freely. I’ve learned more in five years from other regenerative farmers than I learned in 15 years of conventional agriculture.

Is every day perfect? No. Did I make mistakes? Plenty. Will you make mistakes too? Absolutely.

But here’s what I’ve learned: soil is remarkably forgiving if you work with it instead of against it. Give it time, feed it cover crops, minimize disturbance, and it will rebuild. The biology wants to thrive, you just have to create the conditions that allow it.

My grandfather farmed this land for 40 years. He did the best he could with the knowledge and methods available to him. I don’t blame him for the depleted soil I inherited.

But I am responsible for what I leave to the next generation.

In five years, I’ve rebuilt what took decades to deplete. And every year, it gets better. That’s the gift of regenerative agriculture: a system that builds instead of depletes.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether regenerative farming could work for your operation, my advice is simple: start small, learn constantly, be patient, and trust the biology.

Your soil wants to heal. Your job is to let it.

That’s the essence of regenerative farming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to see results from regenerative farming?

A: Visible improvements in soil structure and earthworm populations appear within 1-2 years. Measurable organic matter increases typically take 2-3 years. Significant yield improvements and cost reductions usually occur by year 3-5. Full transformation of depleted soil to healthy soil takes 5-10+ years. The key is that progress is continuous—every year is better than the last.

Q: Will my yields drop during the transition?

A: Possibly in year 1, but usually not significantly. I experienced about 5% yield reduction in my first year as the system adjusted. By year 2, yields matched conventional fields. By year 3-5, yields exceeded conventional by 30-35%. The slight initial dip (if it occurs) is more than offset by reduced input costs and long-term yield gains.

Q: How much does it cost to transition to regenerative farming?

A: Starting small, expect $2,000-5,000 for initial investments (cover crop seed, possible used equipment, learning resources). NRCS cost-share programs often cover 50% of cover crop costs. My transition cost about $300 for the first 10 acres (mostly cover crop seed, minus cost-share). Equipment was my largest cost ($12,000 for a used no-till drill), but this can be rented initially or shared with neighbors.

Q: Do I need special equipment for regenerative farming?

A: A no-till drill or planter is the most important investment, but you can start by renting or using custom planting services. A roller-crimper for cover crop termination is helpful but can be built cheaply or cover crops can be terminated with herbicide initially. Many farmers transition successfully with minimal equipment changes by starting small and adding equipment gradually.

Q: Can I practice regenerative farming on rented ground?

A: Yes, but it’s more challenging. The benefits of soil improvement accrue over years, so short-term leases (1-3 years) make it difficult to capture the full value of your investment. If you rent, look for longer leases (5+ years), negotiate lease terms that recognize soil improvement, or focus on practices with quick payback (cover crops that reduce fertilizer needs immediately). Some regenerative farmers successfully rent by demonstrating improved yields to landowners.

Q: Will regenerative farming work in my climate?

A: Regenerative principles work in virtually all climates, but specific practices vary by region. Cold climates: focus on winter-hardy cover crops and early spring planting. Hot/dry climates: emphasize water retention and drought-tolerant species. Humid climates: manage excess moisture and disease pressure. The key is adapting practices to your specific conditions, not copying exactly what works elsewhere.

Q: How do I manage weeds without tillage?

A: Dense cover crops outcompete weeds and suppress germination. Diverse crop rotations prevent weed specialization. Reduced soil disturbance means fewer weed seeds brought to the surface. Strategic timing of planting and termination. Spot spraying problem areas rather than broadcast applications. Some tolerance of low-level weeds that don’t impact yield. Weed pressure is often higher in years 1-2, then decreases below conventional levels by year 3-4.

Q: Do cover crops really pay for themselves?

A: Yes, typically within 2-3 years. A good cover crop provides $75-150 per acre in value through nitrogen fixation (worth $40-80), weed suppression (worth $20-40), improved soil structure, and increased organic matter. Cost is $50-75 per acre for seed and planting. Plus, NRCS cost-share often covers 50% of costs. The payback gets faster as your soil improves and you need less synthetic fertilizer.

Q: What if I can’t graze livestock on my farm?

A: Livestock grazing accelerates soil improvement but is not required. You can practice regenerative agriculture successfully with just crop rotations, cover crops, and no-till. Consider partnering with a neighbor who has animals, or focus on cash crops with diverse rotations. Livestock integration is a bonus, not a requirement.

Q: How do I convince my landlord or lender to support regenerative farming?

A: Show them the economics: lower input costs, higher yields by year 3-5, improved soil value (benefits the landowner), and increased resilience to weather extremes (reduces risk). Share case studies from similar farms. Start with a small pilot to prove results. Offer to conduct side-by-side comparisons. Many landlords are supportive once they understand soil health improves land value.

Q: Will regenerative farming require more labor?

A: Different labor, not necessarily more. You’ll save time on tillage (my biggest time savings—about 10 hours per week in spring). You’ll spend more time on planning, observation, and managing cover crops. The work feels less mechanical and more thoughtful. Overall time can be similar or slightly less, but the nature of work changes from equipment operation to management and observation.

Q: What’s the difference between organic and regenerative farming?

A: Organic focuses on what you don’t use (synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs). Regenerative focuses on what you build (soil health, biodiversity, ecosystem function). You can be regenerative without being organic (I use minimal herbicide for weed management). You can be organic without being regenerative (organic farming with heavy tillage degrades soil). The ideal is both, but regenerative principles are the priority for soil health.

Q: How do I find other regenerative farmers to learn from?

A: Join your state’s regenerative agriculture network (most states have one). Attend soil health conferences and field days. Connect through Facebook groups like “Regenerative Agriculture” or “Understanding Ag.” Contact your local NRCS office—they often know which farmers are practicing regenerative agriculture. Visit farms during open house events. The regenerative farming community is welcoming and knowledge is shared freely.

Q: What should I do first if I want to start tomorrow?

A: Step 1: Choose 5-20% of your acres for a pilot project. Step 2: Stop tilling those acres. Step 3: Plant a cover crop mix (grass + legume + broadleaf) as soon as possible. Step 4: Start observing and learning from what happens. Step 5: Connect with one regenerative farmer in your area or online. Step 6: Commit to 3-5 years on those acres before judging results. That’s it. Simple to start, lifetime to master.

Ready to transform your farm? Start small, learn constantly, and trust the biology. Your soil is ready to heal.

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