This article delivers a clear promise: a list of on-farm case studies that show what shifts look like on the ground and how outcomes change for soil, water, biodiversity, and resilience.
The focus is practical. You will read about who is using specific practices, where they work, and the results farmers measure. Expect U.S. farm stories—Arizona timing for water-smart barley, a veteran-led demo in Upstate New York, Midwest cover crops, and reduced tillage trials.
We also flag the metrics to watch: organic matter, infiltration, runoff, yield stability, and input reductions. That measurement mindset helps you evaluate claims and adapt ideas to local soils and climate.
Note the nuance: this is a systems approach, not a single recipe. Outcomes depend on soil type, crops, management, and regional climate. The piece also draws lessons from an international design (Le Bec-Hellouin) and an independent economic review (INRA 2011–2015) to show diversity-based systems at work.
Key Takeaways
- Real U.S. case studies and Regenerative Agriculture Examples show what changes on the ground and how to measure results.
- Coverage includes water-smart timing, cover crops, and reduced tillage across regions.
- Watch indicators like organic matter, infiltration, runoff, and yield stability.
- Success depends on local soil, crop mix, and management choices.
- International and economic studies offer supporting evidence for diversity-based systems.
Why regenerative agriculture matters now for U.S. farms, food systems, and climate
U.S. farms face fast-moving risks that make soil and water stewardship vital today. The global food system drives large shares of emissions and freshwater use, and land conversion pressures remain strong. Those trends hit local farms through degraded soils, tighter water supplies, and shrinking on-farm biodiversity.
The problem: soil erosion, water stress, and biodiversity loss
Soil erosion reduces long-term productivity and forces higher input costs. When soils lose organic matter they hold less water and require more fertilizer.
Water stress changes planting windows and raises irrigation costs. Loss of biodiversity weakens natural pest control and resilience in farm systems.
How this links to climate and carbon storage | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Soils store more carbon than vegetation and the atmosphere combined. Building soil carbon through cover crops and reduced disturbance improves structure and boosts water-holding capacity.
“Healthy soil can be a working tool for climate resilience and more stable yields.”
- Farm economics: degraded soil often increases fertilizer use and runoff, raising costs and harming downstream waterways.
- Food system impacts: production methods affect emissions, freshwater demand, and land conversion.
- Co-benefits and tradeoffs: some practices reduce runoff and improve drought performance, but no single fix works everywhere.
What “regenerative agriculture” means in practice
On working farms, the goal is to improve soil and water while keeping production viable. Regenerative agriculture here is an outcomes-driven approach. Farmers choose farming practices that rebuild ecosystem function while maintaining yields.
Beyond sustainability: restoring ecosystems while producing food
This approach goes a step beyond simply reducing harm. It focuses on improving soil structure, nutrient cycling, water infiltration, and habitat over time. No single practice achieves all gains; methods must stack and support one another.
Core outcomes to look for: soil health, water quality, and resilience
Watch for measurable soil health gains such as rising organic matter and better aggregation. Look for improved water quality through reduced nutrient loss. Expect greater resilience to drought and heavy rain as soils and plants rebuild biological function.
| Outcome | Indicators | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Soil health | Organic matter, aggregation, infiltration | 2–5 seasons |
| Water quality | Lower nutrient runoff, clearer runoff | 1–4 seasons |
| Resilience | Yield stability, drought recovery | 2–6 seasons |
- How practices work together: living roots, minimal disturbance, crop diversity, and perennials reinforce each other.
- Fit-for-place planning matters; soil type and climate shape which practices perform best.
- Upcoming sections will show cover crops, reduced/no-till, agroforestry design, and shellfish methods used on real farms.
Regenerative Agriculture Examples from real farms and field-based projects
These field-based stories show how crop choice, timing, and design cut pressure on water and build healthier soil. Each case links a clear on-farm change to measurable outcomes farmers can track.
Water-smart crop switching in Arizona | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
In the Verde River region, switching from corn to barley shifts planting into a wetter month. That timing reduces river withdrawals and lowers stress on local water supplies. Measure stream flow, irrigation hours, and yield per acre to track benefits.
Veteran-led training in Upstate New York | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
White Lion Farms Foundation runs a 98-acre demonstration site that blends tree crops, water management, and restoration with veteran training and therapy. Community benefits and soil function are central metrics—employment pathways and on-site soil tests matter as much as yields.
Midwest cover crops and living roots | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Planting cover crops between cash seasons keeps living roots in the ground. That practice holds moisture, supports nutrient cycling, and cuts erosion risk. Farmers should monitor organic matter, infiltration, and input needs over several seasons.
Reduced tillage and no-till systems | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Minimizing soil disturbance preserves aggregation and reduces carbon release. Over a few years, reduced tillage can improve moisture retention and lessen reliance on external inputs when combined with good rotations.
Agroforestry lessons from Bec-Hellouin | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
The 1.8-hectare mini-forest garden mixes canopy, shrubs, and ground plants to mimic a forest. That layered design boosts biodiversity, reduces the need to till, and supports diversified production across years.
Economic signals: INRA (2011–2015) | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
An independent INRA review found that intensive diversity systems can match or outperform classic farm returns. Results were not immediate, so farmers and advisors should plan multi-year monitoring for income and input changes.
| Case | Main change | Key measures |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona — Verde River | Crop switch: corn → barley | Stream flow, irrigation hours, yield |
| White Lion Farms (NY) | Demo site + veteran programs | Soil tests, social outcomes, restoration area |
| Midwest fields | Cover crops between seasons | Soil organic matter, infiltration, erosion |
| No-till / reduced till | Less soil disturbance | Aggregation, moisture retention, input use |
| Bec-Hellouin (FR) | Layered food-forest | Biodiversity, tillage needs, multi-year yields |
What to measure: match indicators to the goal—water outcomes in Arizona, soil and community benefits in New York, and soil health plus inputs in Midwest trials.
Practice-based examples that show measurable change on the ground
Field-tested practices demonstrate how specific choices change nutrient flows, water use, and habitat. Below are three practice areas with clear metrics to track progress on farms and coastal sites.
Cover crops for nutrients, weed pressure, and water retention
Cover crops keep living roots between cash seasons to boost nutrient cycling and lower weed pressure.
Species matter: buckwheat speeds biomass growth, barley adds deep roots for water retention, and vetch fixes nitrogen. Monitor soil nitrogen, weed counts, and infiltration rates to see changes.
“Living roots are the quick win for nutrient capture and erosion control on many U.S. fields.”
Agroforestry and trees on farms for habitat, diversified income, and erosion control
Trees on farms reduce runoff and stabilize slopes while creating new income streams from fruit, nuts, or timber.
Habitat gains show up as more pollinators and beneficial insects at field edges. Measure erosion loss, species counts, and additional income from tree products to evaluate outcomes.
Shellfish farming as regenerative food production in coastal systems
Shellfish farming can filter water, remove excess nitrogen, and build reef habitat when sited correctly. Oysters and mussels improve water clarity and support wild fish.
Carbon capture via reef-building and shell growth is a co-benefit, but results depend on location and management—right practices, right places.
- What to track: soil or water nitrogen, infiltration, erosion rates, biodiversity counts, and incremental income from diversified production.
- Nuance: outcomes vary by site, so monitor indicators over multiple seasons.
What results to track when evaluating regenerative farming practices
Trackable farm results start with simple, repeatable measurements that link practices to outcomes. Choose a short list of soil and water indicators and collect baseline data for multiple seasons.
Soil health indicators to monitor | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Follow soil organic matter trends, aggregate stability, and infiltration rates. These show whether biology and structure are improving.
Check signs of nutrient cycling: fewer spot fertilizer applications, steady green-up, and reduced synthetic input use over time.
Water outcomes: field and watershed scale | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Measure reduced runoff after storms, cleaner waterways via nutrient tests, and better drought performance from higher water-holding capacity.
Practical signs matter: faster water soak-in, fewer rills or gullies, more ground cover, and less standing water after heavy rain.
Resilience, production, and revenue | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Define resilience with yield stability across variable seasons and lower input purchases (fertilizer, irrigation, herbicides where relevant).
Track production shifts such as multi-crop rotations or added seasonal crops that diversify revenue and spread risk.
Tip: Compare multi-year baselines, not single-season snapshots. Results depend on soil type, weather, and management choices.
Trade-offs, challenges, and “it depends” factors in regenerative agriculture
Farmers face clear trade-offs when shifting practices; results often hinge on place and patience.
Local conditions and realistic timelines | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Local conditions — soils, weather, water, and crop choice — shape what is possible. Results usually take multiple years to show in soil structure and biology.
Operational hurdles and equipment needs | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Adoption can require new equipment and altered timing. That raises short-term costs and increases management complexity.
Learning curves and matching methods to place | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Farmers face steep learning curves as they refine species mixes, seeding rates, and nutrient plans. It depends on site specifics; a method that works in a humid Midwest field may not suit an arid ranch.
“No single method delivers all outcomes; measure the right indicators and adapt.”
| Challenge | Trade-off | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Cover crop moisture use | May compete with cash crop | Choose species, adjust timing |
| Equipment change | Upfront cost | Cost-share, custom services |
| Management complexity | More planning time | Peer networks, extension support |
Tip: evaluate change with the metrics in Section 6 and seek local trials and resources before scaling.
How U.S. farmers and communities can support regenerative practices at scale
Farmers need more than good practices; they need markets, programs, and civic backing. Scaling change means lowering transition risk and creating steady demand for diversified crops and soil-positive methods.
Building markets and supply chain support for regenerative production | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Market support looks like buyers who contract for regeneratively produced crops, price premiums for measured outcomes, and storage or processing for new crops.
Supply chain partners and brands can reduce risk by guaranteeing purchase and helping with logistics. That encourages farmers to try new rotations and cover crops.
Policy and programs shaping adoption in the United States | Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Public programs matter. Cost-share, technical assistance, and risk-management tools let farmers test methods without betting the farm.
Communities can help by buying local, asking about practices at markets, and supporting diversified foods to shift demand.
- Food security & livelihoods: healthier soils boost yield stability during climate shocks and protect local food systems and incomes.
- Civic leverage: contact policymakers about Farm Bill priorities that fund soil and water outcomes — not one-size-fits-all rules.
“Right incentives should fund fit-for-place methods and measurement, not a single labeled practice applied everywhere.”
At The End of: Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Concrete choices on farms drive measurable gains. Concrete changes — crop timing in Arizona, the White Lion Farms demo, and wider use of cover crops and reduced till — show how soil and water outcomes improve over time.
Beyond sustainability, these practices restore nature while keeping farms productive and economically viable. Healthier soil holds more carbon, so moves that boost soil health also help climate change resilience and water security year after year.
Results depend on land, soils, crops, and management. Measure outcomes, adapt locally, and avoid one-size-fits-all claims.
Next step: use the results-tracking checklist to vet claims, then support adoption through purchasing choices, community engagement, and policy that rewards verified outcomes.
FAQ
What does regenerative agriculture mean in practice on a U.S. farm?
It means shifting from intensive, single-crop systems toward methods that rebuild soil life, increase organic matter, and support biodiversity while still producing food. Common practices include diverse crop rotations, cover crops, reduced or no-till, integrating trees and livestock, and managing water to reduce erosion and improve infiltration. The goal is healthier soils, cleaner water, and farms better able to withstand extreme weather.
How does this approach help address soil erosion and water stress?
Plant cover between cash crops, living roots year-round, and tree buffers reduce bare ground and slow runoff. That lowers erosion and traps sediment. Improved soil structure from organic matter increases infiltration and water-holding capacity, which eases drought stress and reduces pressure on rivers and aquifers.
Can practices that build soil also store meaningful amounts of carbon?
Yes. Practices that increase soil organic matter — like adding cover crops, reducing tillage, and incorporating perennial plants — can sequester carbon in topsoil. Rates vary by climate, soil type, and management, but multiple field studies show measurable carbon gains over years when practices are maintained.
What are real-world examples of these methods in the U.S.?
Examples include water-smart crop timing in Arizona that eases stress on the Verde River, cover-crop adoption in the Midwest to protect living soil between corn and soybean seasons, reduced-till systems improving moisture retention, and veteran-led training and demonstration farms in New York providing hands-on learning for growers.
Are there coastal examples of nature-based food production?
Yes. Shellfish farming — oysters and mussels — can improve water quality by filtering nutrients and supporting habitat while producing food. When managed with ecological principles, these systems deliver both production and ecosystem benefits.
What indicators should farmers and buyers use to evaluate outcomes?
Track soil organic matter, aggregate stability, infiltration rates, and nutrient cycling for soil health. Monitor runoff and water clarity for watershed outcomes. For farm resilience, measure yield variability, input costs, and diversified revenue streams over multiple seasons.
How long does it take to see benefits after changing practices?
It depends. Some benefits, like reduced runoff or improved ground cover, can appear within a season. Soil organic matter and deep structural changes often take several years. Local climate, prior land condition, and the specific mix of practices determine the timeline.
What operational challenges should farmers expect when adopting these methods?
Expect a learning curve, possible investments in new equipment, and changes to management timing. Managing cover crops, integrating livestock, or planting trees requires planning and sometimes new market or contract arrangements. Technical assistance and demonstration sites can shorten the transition.
Do these methods always increase profits for farmers?
Not automatically. Some farms see reduced input costs and greater yield stability that improve margins, while others face short-term costs during transition. Economic outcomes vary by crop, region, and market access. Studies, including multi-year field trials in Europe and U.S. assessments, show mixed but promising results when diversity and ecosystem services are valued.
How can buyers and supply chains support wider adoption?
Creating reliable premiums, long-term contracts, and procurement standards that reward soil and water outcomes helps farmers invest in change. Technical assistance, measurement tools, and transparent verification also build trust across supply chains.
What role do policy and programs play in scaling these practices in the United States?
Federal and state programs can lower financial barriers through cost-share, incentives, and conservation payments. Policy that funds research, extension services, and market development makes adoption easier. Well-designed programs align payments with measurable environmental outcomes.
Are there risks of one-size-fits-all recommendations?
Yes. Soil types, climate, crops, and farm goals differ widely. A practice that works well on a Midwestern grain farm may not suit an arid Southwest operation. Successful adoption requires site-specific planning and adaptive management.
How can farmers measure progress without complex tools?
Simple, repeatable measures help: visual soil assessments, basic infiltration tests, cover-crop biomass checks, and tracking input use and yields. Local extension services and nonprofit programs often provide low-cost monitoring templates and training.
Conclusion of: Regenerative Agriculture Examples
Farmers searching for proof—not theory—usually want Regenerative Agriculture Examples that show what changed on real acres, what it cost, what improved, and what stayed stubborn. This article focuses on U.S. case studies and multi-farm project results, using plain-language “what happened” summaries you can compare to your own fields, weather, and management capacity.
To keep these Regenerative Agriculture Examples useful (and not a disguised “how-to”), each story below highlights the farm context, the core changes, and the outcomes the farmer or project reported, while leaving detailed step-by-step implementation for your Practices article. The goal here is to show what regenerative looks like in the real world and what kinds of results are plausible when management is solid.
How to read these examples like a producer (not like a brochure)
The best way to use Regenerative Agriculture Examples is to match them to your situation: row crops vs. livestock, flat floodplain vs. rolling ground, irrigated vs. rainfed, and the timing windows you actually have. When an example sounds “too good,” look for the operational detail behind it—termination timing, planting setup, residue handling, grazing control, or nutrient timing—because results usually come from those specifics.
Also remember that Regenerative Agriculture Examples often improve “risk outcomes” before they transform averages, meaning you may notice fewer problem spots, better trafficability, and less ponding before you see dramatic lab numbers. In many case studies, the early wins are about stability: fewer surprises after heavy rain, fewer erosion repairs, and more consistent stands in tough weather.
Case Study 1: 1,300-acre corn–soy farm adds rye covers to long-term no-till
One of the clearest Regenerative Agriculture Examples comes from an NRCS case study of a 1,300-acre Midwest-style corn–soy operation that had already practiced long-term no-till and terraces, then expanded into winter cover crops to reduce erosion and improve soil health. Before adding covers, the farmer still experienced about 5 tons/acre of annual erosion on the farm despite those conservation steps.
In this Regenerative Agriculture Examples story, the farmer refined establishment by using an air seeder when planting early (before October 1) and switching to a no-till drill later to improve germination and stand consistency. After testing options over time, the farmer reported cereal rye at 30 lb/acre as the most reliable, cost-effective choice for meeting stand and coverage goals on their acres.
The outcomes in this Regenerative Agriculture Examples profile were notably practical: the farmer reported excellent waterhemp control in soybeans where covers were planted, reduced herbicide use by 25%, and experienced a soybean yield increase of 10%. Just as important for day-to-day operations, the farmer also saved about five days of spring field work by no longer needing to fix erosion collection points and ephemeral gullies.
Case Study 2: Oklahoma row-crop system stacks no-till/strip-till, rye covers, and nutrient changes
Another data-rich Regenerative Agriculture Examples case comes from a soil health case study in Nowata County, Oklahoma, where a producer shifted toward no-till soybeans, strip-till corn, cover crops (primarily cereal rye), and nutrient management changes after major flood and yield setbacks. The study’s economic analysis focused on a 350-acre area within a larger 2,000-acre farm to estimate the marginal costs and benefits of the combined system.
In this Regenerative Agriculture Examples report, the partial budget analysis estimated the producer’s net income increased by $4 per acre per year on the study area, totaling about $1,402 per year, for a 7% return on investment. The same case study attributes a meaningful portion of yield improvement to the soil health system, noting average annual soybean yield increased overall by 5 bu/acre and corn yield increased by 40 bu/acre since the transition period began.
What makes these Regenerative Agriculture Examples especially compelling is that the study breaks down where the economics came from: machinery costs decreased by $32/acre per year because fewer passes led to less fuel, fewer mechanical issues, and less maintenance. At the same time, the farmer reported higher herbicide costs after moving to reduced tillage, showing the “tradeoff reality” that many farms experience during transition years.
Beyond farm-gate dollars, these Regenerative Agriculture Examples included modeled environmental outcomes for a representative field using common tools: the combined practices were estimated to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment losses by 73%, 22%, and 86%, respectively. The same case study estimated a 54% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions for the modeled field scenario, translating the change into an easy-to-grasp equivalent (about 3.9 cars off the road).
Case Study 3: Pennsylvania dairy-crop rotation goes all-in on no-till, planting green, and water control
For a mixed crop-livestock perspective, Regenerative Agriculture Examples from Butler County, Pennsylvania describe a dairy farm rotation (corn, oats, soybeans, and multi-year hay) that adopted no-till and cover crops across the farm as a long-term investment in erosion control and resilience. The farm began its cover crop learning with cost-share support, then expanded cover cropping across all acres as management confidence grew.
In this Regenerative Agriculture Examples case, the farm used cereal rye after corn and soybeans and a diverse “mix” after oats (including species like millet, buckwheat, sunflower, rapeseed, and radish) to build biomass and function during available windows. The farmer also noted real challenges—especially in dry springs when cover crops and cash crops can compete for water—highlighting why timing and termination are central to outcomes.
The most vivid result in these Regenerative Agriculture Examples is a water-handling observation that many producers care about more than lab tests: after years of no-till and cover crops, the farmer reported reduced ponding and run-off, and noted that in 2023 a 1.25-inch rain in 45 minutes produced no ponding on their fields. The same case study describes planting green into cover crop mulch as a driver of reduced drought stress in mid-summer, plus observed increases in earthworms and soil organic matter over time.
Case Series 4: Iowa farmer-led cover crop strips show yield is often stable when managed well
Not all Regenerative Agriculture Examples are single-farm stories; some of the most useful evidence comes from multi-year, farmer-led strip trials that capture variability across soils and seasons. A Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) and Iowa Learning Farms project summarized results from replicated cover crop strips in corn–soy rotations and reported that in 63 of 70 site-years, properly managed cover crops had little to no negative effect on corn and soybean yield.
These Regenerative Agriculture Examples also show where yield hits can come from: the same project notes that corn yield reductions, where they occurred, were often tied to management issues such as insufficient cover crop termination or improper planter settings. In other words, the “yield risk” is frequently operational rather than inevitable, which is exactly why the examples matter for decision-making in real production systems.
Importantly, these Regenerative Agriculture Examples include upside cases too: the project reports instances where soybean yield improved with the cover crop, and it describes years where corn yields were statistically improved in specific locations. Even when you don’t chase the upside, the “mostly neutral yield” pattern is valuable because it frames cover crops as a system tool for soil, water, and risk management rather than a guaranteed yield booster every season.
Case Series 5: Grazing cover crops can return cash quickly in integrated systems
For farms that can integrate cattle, Regenerative Agriculture Examples from a PFI report on grazing cover crops (six cooperators in Iowa) show a distinctly different pathway to profitability. The report describes treatments comparing grazed cover crops, cover crops with no grazing, and no cover crops, with the goal of tracking both economics and soil indicators over time.
In these Regenerative Agriculture Examples, the key takeaway is economic speed: the report found each cooperator profited from grazing cover crops within the year of planting, with average profits reported at $76.48 per acre, though results varied based on cover crop and grazing management. The same report also notes that measurable soil health indicator trends were not clearly detectable in the early sampling window, reinforcing that “cash returns can be quick while soil metrics can be slower.”
Case Series 6: Regenerative grazing case studies from Virginia highlight water and resilience outcomes
Row-crop acres are not the only place to find Regenerative Agriculture Examples, and ATTRA’s publication on regenerative grazing in Virginia compiles stories of five livestock producer families experimenting with grazing systems designed to rebuild soil function. The publication emphasizes practical barriers—weather uncertainty, market pressures, and adoption challenges—while documenting how peer learning and mentorship can accelerate management change.
What stands out across these Regenerative Agriculture Examples is the repeated emphasis on water: regenerative grazing is framed as a strategy that can improve both water infiltration and storage, which matters in the South where rainfall patterns and drought risk can swing hard. While each farm’s details differ, the shared theme is treating pasture as a managed ecosystem—timing, rest, recovery, and ground cover—rather than a continuously grazed feed source.
What these examples have in common (the “pattern layer”)
If you compare the strongest Regenerative Agriculture Examples side by side, a few patterns show up repeatedly: soil cover is maintained for more months, disturbance is reduced (tillage passes and compaction), living roots are extended, and diversity is increased through mixes or rotations. These patterns matter because they are the “system behaviors” that make the outcomes—less erosion repair, better infiltration, and more consistent stands—more likely over time.
Another shared lesson across Regenerative Agriculture Examples is that operations win before spreadsheets look perfect: fewer gullies to fix, fewer muddy delays, better residue protection, and better trafficability after storms. These are not glamorous metrics, but they’re exactly the outcomes that change a producer’s willingness to expand regenerative acres beyond the first test field.
What results you can reasonably expect (and what to be cautious about)
Many Regenerative Agriculture Examples show positive outcomes, but results are not universal, and it’s smart to stay honest about variability. Broad reporting on cover crops in the Midwest has noted adoption remains limited and that some large-scale analyses have found average yield declines in certain contexts, which reinforces why management fit, termination timing, and realistic expectations matter when interpreting any single example.
The safest way to use Regenerative Agriculture Examples is to treat them as “decision templates,” not guarantees: copy the logic (cover, roots, reduced disturbance, diversity, grazing control), then adapt the details to your rainfall pattern, soil type, and labor windows. When you do that, examples stop being inspirational stories and become practical risk-reduction strategies you can scale responsibly.
Quick “compare-to-your-farm” checklist for choosing the most relevant example
Before you act on any Regenerative Agriculture Examples, compare your planting and termination windows, your equipment capacity, and your weather risk profile to the example’s context, because timing differences can be more important than the practice itself. A system that thrives with a long fall window and moderate springs may need adjustments in short windows, cold soils, or chronic spring wetness.
Finally, Regenerative Agriculture Examples work best when you document your own baseline and changes, so you can tell whether your outcomes are moving in the right direction even if a single season is rough. The producers in these stories often improved by observing, adjusting, and repeating—because regenerative success is usually a management journey, not a one-season flip of a switch.
Use examples to de-risk your next decision
The real value of Regenerative Agriculture Examples is that they turn abstract ideas into concrete outcomes you can weigh against your constraints, whether your goal is fewer erosion repairs, better infiltration, lower machinery costs, more grazing value, or steadier yields under stress. Pick the example that matches your farm type, start small, and let your own records decide what deserves expansion.
Sources & References
- USDA NRCS: Adding Cover Crops to a Corn-Soybean Rotation (Case Study PDF)
- American Farmland Trust: Herriman Farms, OK (Soil Health Case Study PDF)
- American Farmland Trust: Thiele Dairy Farm, PA (Soil Health Case Study PDF)
- SARE/AFT/NRCS: Thiele Dairy Farm Soil Health Case Study (PDF)
- Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) + Iowa Learning Farms: Winter Cereal Rye Cover Crop Effect on Yield
- PFI: Winter Cereal Rye Effect on Yield (PDF report)
- PFI: Economic and Soil Health Impact of Grazing Cover Crops (2018–2019) (PDF)
- PFI: Grazing Covers Yields Green (farm-level results story)
- PFI: Economic Advantage of Grazing Cover Crops (research highlights)
- ATTRA/NCAT: Regenerative Grazing in the South — Case Studies from Virginia (PDF)
- ATTRA/NCAT: Regenerative Grazing in the South — Case Studies from Arkansas (PDF)
- SARE/CTIC/ASTA: National Cover Crop Survey Report (PDF)
- Soil Health Nexus: The Financial Impacts of Cover Crops (report PDF)
- EPA: Nutrient Pollution — Agricultural Sources & Solutions
- USDA NRCS: Soil Health Assessment & Indicators (for interpreting results)
