Introduction

Regenerative agriculture is an ecological approach to farming that prioritizes soil health, ecosystem balance, and sustainable productivity. By focusing on regenerative practices, this course empowers participants to improve soil fertility, sequester carbon, reduce environmental impact, and enhance farm resilience. Through interactive workshops, hands-on field activities, and real-world case studies, participants will gain practical skills and knowledge to implement regenerative practices in their farming operations or consultative roles.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles and philosophy of regenerative agriculture.
2. Gain hands-on experience with practices that improve soil health and ecosystem functions.
3. Learn to incorporate biodiversity, water management, and carbon sequestration strategies.
4. Develop skills to create a regenerative farming plan for long-term sustainability.
5. Explore innovative approaches and technology in regenerative agriculture.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers interested in sustainable and regenerative practices.
• Agronomists, environmental scientists, and soil health specialists.
• Policy advisors, regulators, and extension agents focused on agriculture and land use.
• Researchers, educators, and students in agriculture, ecology, or sustainability fields.
• Anyone looking to implement regenerative practices to improve soil, ecosystem health, and resilience.

Day 1: Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health

Overview:
The first day provides an introduction to the foundational principles of regenerative agriculture and the critical role of soil health. Participants will explore how regenerative practices differ from conventional methods and learn techniques to assess and improve soil health.

• Session 1: Principles and Philosophy of Regenerative Agriculture
• Session 2: Understanding Soil Health: Structure, Organic Matter, and Microbial Life
• Session 3: Assessing Soil Health: Key Indicators and Testing Methods
• Session 4: Workshop: Soil Testing and Analyzing Soil Health Indicators

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding of regenerative agriculture principles and goals.
• Basic knowledge of soil health and the factors that influence it.
• Practical skills in assessing and analyzing soil health.

Day 2: Soil-Building Practices and Organic Matter Management

Overview:
Day two focuses on building soil health through organic matter management, covering composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage practices that support soil fertility and structure.

• Session 1: Building Soil Organic Matter: Composting, Mulching, and Green Manures
• Session 2: Cover Crops: Benefits, Selection, and Management
• Session 3: Reduced Tillage and No-Till Farming: Techniques and Benefits
• Session 4: Workshop: Developing a Soil-Building Plan for Regenerative Agriculture

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for increasing soil organic matter.
• Knowledge of cover crops and reduced tillage practices.
• Skills to create a soil-building plan for regenerative farming.

Day 3: Water Management and Biodiversity in Regenerative Systems

Overview:
The third day covers water management practices and the role of biodiversity in regenerative agriculture. Participants will explore how to create water-resilient systems and support biodiversity for pest control, pollination, and ecosystem stability.

• Session 1: Water Management Techniques: Rainwater Harvesting, Irrigation, and Soil Moisture Retention
• Session 2: Enhancing Biodiversity: Hedgerows, Wildflower Strips, and Agroforestry
• Session 3: The Role of Pollinators and Beneficial Insects in Regenerative Agriculture
• Session 4: Field Activity: Designing a Water Management and Biodiversity Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for effective water management and soil moisture retention.
• Knowledge of biodiversity’s role in regenerative agriculture.
• Practical experience in developing a water and biodiversity management plan.

Day 4: Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resilience

Overview:
This day focuses on carbon sequestration methods and climate resilience strategies within regenerative agriculture. Participants will learn about practices that help sequester carbon in the soil and increase resilience to climate variability.

• Session 1: Carbon Sequestration: Practices and Benefits in Regenerative Agriculture
• Session 2: Agroforestry and Perennial Crops for Carbon Sequestration and Resilience
• Session 3: Climate Resilience Strategies: Adapting to Droughts, Floods, and Extreme Weather
• Session 4: Workshop: Creating a Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resilience Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for increasing soil carbon sequestration.
• Knowledge of agroforestry and climate resilience strategies.
• Skills to develop a plan for carbon sequestration and climate adaptation.

Day 5: Implementing a Regenerative Agriculture Plan and Scaling Practices

Overview:
The final day is dedicated to creating a comprehensive regenerative agriculture plan, exploring innovative tools, and discussing how to scale regenerative practices. Participants will learn about tools, technologies, and financial support options for implementing regenerative practices at scale.

• Session 1: Creating a Regenerative Agriculture Action Plan
• Session 2: Innovations in Regenerative Agriculture: Digital Tools, IoT, and Monitoring
• Session 3: Funding, Incentives, and Market Opportunities for Regenerative Products
• Session 4: Final Workshop: Developing and Presenting a Regenerative Agriculture Plan

Key Takeaways:

• An actionable plan tailored to implementing regenerative practices.
• Knowledge of tools and technologies for monitoring regenerative outcomes.
• Awareness of funding and market opportunities for regenerative products.