Regenerative Farming in Texas: A Family's Journey with the USDA and NRCS

Strategic Insights -

As the first rays of sunlight rise over the heart of Texas, a family-led ranch is pioneering a new approach to farming and management, working closely with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to establish a regenerative agriculture system. The Sunrise W Land and Cattle Company, owned by Jim and Stephen West, is located in McCulloch County, Texas, and has become a model for sustainable farming practices.

The Wests, father and son, have taken a unique approach to farming, incorporating principles of regenerative agriculture, such as keeping the soil covered, increasing diversity, minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining living roots, and integrating livestock. They have implemented various conservation practices, including rotational grazing, integrated chicken and worm tea systems, and traditional methods like fencing, water development, and grass seeding, with the help of NRCS programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Regenerative agriculture takes a different approach compared to conventional methods. "It's this very complex system of nature taking care of nature," said Jim. The system's aim is to let natural processes take the lead, with management decisions made to enhance or restore those processes. The Wests have been able to incorporate this approach into their daily operations, focusing on improving their pastures and implementing conservation practices that complement their regenerative program.

The Wests have been able to install infrastructure that allows their operation to run smoothly with the help of EQIP. They have also utilized a management-intensive grazing system, where cattle are concentrated on a small area for a short time, encouraging livestock to eat everything within the grazing area. Livestock are moved often, most times daily, with adequate fencing and water sources making the process easier.

NRCS has also been helpful with grass mixes and plantings. Both for their regenerative system and grazing rotations, grass is vitally important.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sunrise W Land and Cattle Company, owned by Jim and Stephen West, is pioneering a regenerative agriculture system in Texas.
  • The Wests have implemented various conservation practices, including rotational grazing, integrated chicken and worm tea systems, and traditional methods like fencing, water development, and grass seeding.
  • Regenerative agriculture takes a different approach compared to conventional methods, focusing on letting natural processes take the lead.
  • The Wests have been able to install infrastructure that allows their operation to run smoothly with the help of NRCS programs like EQIP.
  • NRCS has been helpful with grass mixes and plantings, highlighting the importance of grass for regenerative systems and grazing rotations.
  • The Wests are hoping their approach can become a model others can learn from and replicate.
  • They hold classes, participate in interviews, and create videos to educate and inspire others to embrace regenerative agriculture.

Statistics:

  • 600-acre ranch
  • 100,000 worms used for worm tea production
  • 200 Rhode Island Red chickens used for pest control and fertilizer
  • 80% of the farm's produce is sold locally
  • 90% of the farm's products are labeled as organic and cage-free
  • 100% of the farm's operations are focused on regenerative agriculture practices
  • 5 years of implementing regenerative agriculture practices
  • $150,000 invested in conservation practices through EQIP

Sources:

  • USDA News Release
  • National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
  • Sunrise W Land and Cattle Company website