Final article in series on Barriers to Entry for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
At the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), we know there is no single path to success in agriculture. Some of our members grow row crops, others raise livestock, and still others are pioneering hydroponics or aquaponics. But one approach rising across all systems is regenerative agriculture – a set of practices focused not just on sustaining production, but on restoring the health of the land itself.
As we look ahead to our upcoming FVC Stakeholders Conference, focused on “Emerging Trends in Food, Agriculture, and Health”, this newsletter will discuss why regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum, the challenges it seeks to address, and the role veterans play in advancing these solutions. Together, through food, farming, and service, we are working on the national focus to “ Make America Healthy Again.”
Agriculture’s Crossroads in 2025
Farmers today face mounting pressures:
- Extreme weather brings longer droughts, heavier storms, and unpredictable growing seasons.
- Soil degradation – erosion, compaction, and nutrient loss – threatens long-term productivity.
- Water scarcity is straining farms in drought-prone regions across the West and beyond.
- Rising costs for fertilizer, seed, and equipment erode margins.
For decades, the dominant focus in agriculture was yield. Today, farmers must balance productivity with resilience and environmental stewardship. Regenerative agriculture offers a framework for doing both.
What Makes Agriculture “Regenerative”
Regenerative agriculture seeks to improve the health of ecosystems over time. Its central idea is that farming can be restorative – rebuilding soils, storing carbon, cleaning water, and supporting biodiversity while still producing food.
The core principles include:
- Soil Health: Cover crops, reduced tillage, compost, and managed grazing restore organic matter. Soils with more organic matter act like sponges; they retain water, resist erosion, and store nutrients naturally.
- Biodiversity: Crop rotations, agroforestry, and livestock integration create diverse, balanced ecosystems that support pollinators, beneficial insects, and natural pest control.
- Water Stewardship: Techniques such as contour farming, riparian buffers, and holistic grazing reduce runoff and increase water infiltration, protecting rivers and aquifers.
- Reduced Inputs: Healthy soils and balanced ecosystems require fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides, cutting costs and reducing pollution.
Together, these practices can help farmers produce more with less, weather extreme conditions, and ensure land remains productive for generations to come.
Why Soil Health Matters Most
The health of America’s soils is the foundation of its food supply. Yet the USDA estimates that the United States loses nearly five tons of soil per acre each year to erosion. Compaction from heavy machinery reduces fertility, and over-reliance on inputs can affect natural nutrient cycles.
Regenerative farming attempts to turn soil into a more active living system. Roots from cover crops feed soil microbes. Organic matter increases water-holding capacity, giving farmers a buffer against drought. Over time, healthier soils reduce the need for expensive inputs and build resilience against weather extremes. For veterans used to working in difficult conditions, this approach resonates; it is about strengthening the foundation so the mission can succeed.
Benefits Beyond the Farm
The promise of regenerative agriculture extends beyond individual farms. By drawing carbon into soils, regenerative practices have potential to address climate concerns. By reducing runoff, they protect drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. By restoring biodiversity, they support pollinators essential to food production.
For some consumers, regenerative farming means nutrient-dense food grown in ways aligned with their values. For rural communities, it means reduced costs and more stable local economies. And for the nation, it means a food system more capable of withstanding shocks – economic, environmental, or political.
Barriers to Adoption
Despite its benefits, regenerative agriculture is not easy to adopt. Farmers face:
- Transition costs: Cover crops, fencing for grazing, or new equipment require upfront investment.
- Yield uncertainty: During early years of transition, production may dip before soils rebound.
- Knowledge gaps: Successful implementation often depends on localized practices tailored to specific soils and climates.
- Market access: Unlike organic, regenerative agriculture lacks a universal certification, making it harder for consumers to identify and reward regenerative products.
For veterans entering agriculture – many of whom are beginning farmers – these challenges can be daunting. That is why FVC emphasizes training (HIVE Program), peer-to-peer mentoring, and access to small grants to support experimentation and innovation.
FVC’s Role in the Regenerative Movement
FVC was founded by Michael O’Gorman, a trailblazer in large-scale organic production. His vision was not only to help veterans find meaningful careers in farming, but also to connect them to practices that could restore land and communities.
Today, many FVC members are at the forefront of regenerative agriculture – raising grass-fed livestock, rotating diverse crops, planting cover crops, and managing soil health with precision. At the same time, we recognize that veterans farm in many different ways – conventional, hydroponic, organic, aquaponic – and all are vital to America’s food security. There are many tables and many plates to fill.
Our role is to ensure that veterans pursuing regenerative systems – and those exploring other models – have the resources, training, and networks they need to succeed.
Farming has always symbolized American values of self-reliance, resilience, and stewardship of the land. Today, it is also central to one of our nation’s greatest challenges: health.
Like all production models, regenerative agriculture also contributes to this mission. By producing nutrient-rich foods, cleaning water, and restoring ecosystems, it can assist in building a healthier America. Conventional farming provides the scale needed to keep shelves stocked, while hydroponics and aquaponics bring fresh produce into cities and food deserts. Together, these approaches support the current administration’s vision to “Make America Healthy Again” – through food, agriculture, and the service of veterans.
Looking Ahead: The FVC Stakeholders Conference
Regardless of production method, together as an industry we will create richer soils, cleaner water, stronger communities, and a more resilient food supply.
These themes are at the heart of the upcoming Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholders Conference on “Emerging Trends in Food, Agriculture, and Health”. The event will bring together veterans, farmers, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to share insights on all things agriculture. It is both a celebration of progress and a call to action.
Registration opened on August 15th, and we hope to see you there. Together, we will witness how the commitment of America’s veterans can help build a stronger, healthier nation. I look forward to seeing you there.
Best Regards,
Jeanette
