MSU Ext: 2026 Regenerative Ag Winter Webinar Series

The '2026 Regenerative Agriculture Winter Webinar' is a comprehensive event series organized by Michigan State University Extension, designed to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with practical knowledge on regenerative practices. Scheduled for February 12 and beyond as part of a multi-session program, it addresses key topics including grazing in cropping systems, cover crops in perennials, growing native plant seeds, lake associations and farmer partnerships, and strategic tillage. These sessions emphasize soil health improvement, enhanced water quality, and building farm resilience against environmental stresses. Grazing in cropping systems integrates livestock into crop rotations, leveraging animal impact to stimulate soil biology, incorporate organic matter, and control weeds naturally. Cover crops in perennials protect soil during off-seasons, adding biomass that feeds microbes and prevents erosion. Native plant seed production supports biodiversity restoration, creating habitats for pollinators and beneficial insects while diversifying income streams. Partnerships between lake associations and farmers focus on watershed protection, reducing nutrient runoff through buffered zones and precision management. Strategic tillage offers a balanced approach, minimizing disturbance while addressing compaction issues. The webinar series provides evidence-based insights from MSU research, field trials, and farmer testimonials, demonstrating yield improvements of up to 15-20% and significant cuts in fertilizer use. Participants gain tools for implementation, such as soil testing protocols, cost-benefit analyses, and grant opportunities for transitions. Soil health metrics like organic matter content, aggregate stability, and microbial diversity are central, with strategies to measure progress. Water quality benefits include lower phosphorus and nitrogen leaching, vital for Great Lakes protection. Farm resilience is enhanced through diversified systems that buffer against price volatility and weather extremes. The free virtual format ensures accessibility, with recordings available for on-demand learning. Speakers include extension specialists, soil scientists, and pioneering farmers sharing real-world successes and pitfalls. Registration details and agendas are provided, encouraging broad participation from row crop growers to livestock operations. This initiative aligns with Michigan's agricultural goals for sustainability, positioning regenerative methods as economically viable and environmentally imperative. By fostering knowledge exchange, the series aims to scale adoption across the Midwest, contributing to regional carbon sequestration targets and biodiversity recovery. Attendees leave with actionable plans tailored to their operations, supported by ongoing MSU resources like newsletters and field days.