Topics ranging from soil health to cover crop systems and incentive programs were highlighted during aregenerative agricultureconference hosted byScoularthe first week in August.
Over 40 producers attended the event, called “More than Dirt,” offered in collaboration with theUniversity of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agricultureand theNatural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS).
The conference is part of Scoular’sProducer Strategyeffort,which aims to helpgrowers capitalize on opportunitiesand navigate challenges as the ag industry evolves.
- An NRCS rainfall simulator that showed how water soaks better into no-till soil with cover crops vs tilled soil without cover crops.
- Presentation on cover crops systems, and incentive programs for planting them.
- A panel of producers discussing how they use regenerative ag practices.
“Scoular has long worked to help producers benefit from new opportunities to run their operations most effectively,” said Brian Ellis, a member of Scoular’sProducer Strategy team.“Our conference was another example of ourcompany sharing expertise and knowledge with producersto help them make good decisions and thrive.”
Regenerative agriculture is a system of practices that can increase the carbon sequestered by soil, which results in both healthier soil and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Regenerative practices can include minimizing tillage, planting cover crops, increasing crop diversity, and incorporating livestock.Ellis said that while there are benefits to regenerative agriculture, challenges remain, such as the cost of buying seed for cover crops.
Macauley Kincaid, who farms in Jasper, Missouri, and participated in the conference’s producer panel, began using regenerative ag practices over five years ago. He said his land is 100% cover-cropped and no-till, steps that have reduced rain runoff and erosion. Kincaid said that while there is growing awareness among producers about regenerative ag, more information is needed.
“It has been a farmer-led movement,’” said Kincaid. “And it’s great to have companies like Scoular helping share information and resources with producers.”
