Regenerative farming 101: What to know if you’re making the switch

Crop farmers already know that soil health is the foundation of long-term success. But regenerative agriculture offers an avenue to help improve soil health and productivity for generations to come.

What is regenerative agriculture?

Regenerative agriculture is about improving the health of your soil while making your farm environmentally sustainable and economically viable. Conventional crop production often includes the application of chemical fertilizer and pesticides. But regenerative farming focuses on building soil organic matter without those inputs. It includes practices like:

• Improved biodiversity
• Minimal tillage or no-till
• Optimal water cycles and use
• Crop rotations including cover crops and polycropping

“Regenerative agriculture is about a lot more than just farming practices,” said Nationwide Commercial Complex Loss Consultant Keith King. “It’s about creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits both farmers and their natural environments.”

Why transition to a regenerative farming system

Many regenerative farming practices are not new. But advancements in ag technology are helping refine them to target carbon sequestration. Measuring the intensity of carbon sequestration can help create a new potential revenue stream for farmers integrating regenerative practices in their fields.

Other benefits include:

• Improved soil health. Healthier soil has better water retention, structure and fertility. This reduces the need for costly inputs.
• Higher crop yields over time. Regenerative systems create conditions that support sustainable crop growth. This leads to stable, long-term yields.
• Reduced costs. By using fewer synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, you can reduce overhead while improving your bottom line.
• Ecosystem benefits. Practices like planting cover crops and maintaining perennial vegetation reduce erosion, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity.
• Adaptability to climate change. Healthy soil acts as a carbon sink. This helps mitigate the effects of climate change. It also can boost a farm’s resilience to extreme weather and creating new revenue potential.

Regenerative farming challenges

Transitioning to regenerative farming isn’t without its challenges. Many farmers work with monoculture cropping systems that require pesticide applications. So switching to a polyculture system in which multiple crops are grown at once can be a cultural and operational challenge. And adopting regenerative practices may require upfront investment. Here are some other common challenges farmers face during this transition:

• Learning curve. Understanding new techniques and how to implement them effectively can take time. This requires education and planning.
• Initial crop yield declines. Farms transitioning from heavy input-dependent systems may experience short-term yield reductions before the benefits of soil regeneration take effect.
• Access to equipment. Transitioning to practices like reduced tillage or cover cropping may require specialized equipment.
• Risk management. Shifting to a regenerative model may expose your farm to new risks like changes in pest or disease dynamics. Having comprehensive crop insurance coverage and a proactive risk management plan are critical during this period of change.

Tips to get started with regenerative farming

Switching from conventional crop farming to regenerative production isn’t always easy. It requires pairing the right practices to your specific acreage. Reduced tillage, for example, may not be a viable option with your soil types, moisture and other conditions. Pest and weed pressures may be too great to manage without chemical herbicides and pesticides.

“Not all regenerative farming practices will work on every farm. Work with your trusted agronomic advisors to identify what will accomplish the environmental benefits you want. Be patient with yourself and take your time. It can take up to five years to reach 100% efficiency in regenerative practices,” King added. “Regenerative practices have to be practical, effective and above all, economically viable.”

Talk to your Nationwide Farm Certified agent today to see if you’re ready to make the switch and explore what it means to your farm’s risk management strategy.