What is regenerative agriculture anyway?

To our Chickpea farmer Jeff Bangs, 4th-generation owner of Prairie Sun Farms in Montana, words like “sustainable” and “organic” are only one piece of the puzzle. As he and numerous other farmers face the growing concerns of climate change, they’re looking towards regenerative agriculture to help sustain the future of our food system. But like any buzzword, the definition can get muddled as it evolves, so we’re here to shed light on all the nuances from the get-go. 

Tell us about the evolution of the farm– how have things changed from when your grandparents used to run it versus now?

Your area has been increasingly hit hard with droughts. Can you share a bit more about how climate is impacting your farm and what challenges it presents for the future?

How can regenerative agriculture play a role in mitigating some of these challenges? What role does it play in cultivating soil health?

Regenerative agriculture is on its way to becoming a buzzword– what does the term mean to you and your farm? 

What climate-friendly practices are you currently integrating and looking to integrate in the near future?

How does livestock play a role in regenerative agriculture?

Many of the practices considered regenerative are long-standing farming practices that have been around for generations. How do you think about integrating these practices alongside some of the modern farming techniques and technologies available to us today?

In Part 1, we chatted with Jeff about the nuances of organic agriculture, how farms have changed in his area over the years, and the role that chickpeas play in the soil.