FARMS: Farmers for Advancing Regenerative Management Systems

 Soil health is rarely achieved through isolated methods, but rather through a producer’s integration and
adaptation of a suite of practices to his/her local context. It is this systems-based and context-dependent approach to soil health, in concert with social support, that can transcend the limitations of isolated conservation practices and decision making. To increase the adoption of soil health management systems in the High Plains, we will demonstrate that producers can implement these systems profitably. An emphasis on applying principle-based systems rather than specific practices will permit us to work with a diverse cohort of 6 long-term practitioners of soil health and 18 transitioning producers representing both dryland and irrigated operations. Producers will receive financial support to create Comprehensive Soil Health Management Plans and implement a suite of practices well-suited for their operation. FARMS: Farmers for Advancing Regenerative Management Systems will provide qualified technical assistance, facilitate peer working groups, and leverage the expertise of long-term practitioners to mentor transitioning producers. This innovative combination of technical and social support will equip participants to sustain these soil health systems and regenerate their land for future generations.