REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

On any ranch, every acre counts and we are here to help you maximize the elements of ranching when it comes to regenerative agriculture. No matter how large or small your ranch is Wheeler Consulting can deliver top-notch expertise with you in the following areas:

• SOILS/BUILDING FERTILITY: Healthy soils are the key to every other interaction on and off the farm being healthy. This can be in the form of regenerative soil and crop management, such as minimum/no tillage, suitable crop rotations, building fertility through rotations and cover crops, and maintaining living roots that promote carbon sequestration. As the 2020 documentary Kiss the Ground clearly shows, there is a through line that links healthy soil to healthy plants to healthy humans to a healthier planet.
• WATER/WATER SYSTEM DESIGNS: Agriculture accounts for 70% of groundwater withdrawal globally, and is the largest global source of water pollution. Regenerative agriculture practices address aquifers, efficient use of and water conservation, nutrient management and use, soil erosion, and other risks on the farm. Wheeler Consulting can help produce a watering system design for your ranch consistent with regenerative practices.
• LIVESTOCK/LIVESTOCK FENCING DESIGNS: All livestock species in some ways either affect – or are affected by – climate change. Ruminants such as cattle do expel methane, and commercially, monogastrics such as pigs and chickens require energy and protein from an external source. Regenerative agriculture looks at the integration of livestock species on farms, and how the crops are grown for external feed sources. Any livestock farmer, especially in the regenerative agriculture space, should be taking a good look at antibiotic usage and alternatives (due to the rise in human anti-microbial resistance), alongside the use of chemicals used for parasite control, which are known to affect soil micro-organisms and invertebrates. The protection and enhancement of natural habitats, maintaining a balanced ecosystem, and managing grazing effectively with diverse fencing designs, have key roles to play in limiting disease transmission through livestock-wildlife interaction.
  
• ECOLOGY/BIODIVERSITY: These are key for any farm in order to farm with nature. Regenerative agriculture requires knowing what species (plants, invertebrates, birds/mammals) are on the farm; what should be on the farm; if it’s not on the farm, why; and how to encourage it back. Many of these species will also have a hidden important role to play in pollination, pest and disease control.
• CLIMATE/EQUIPMENT USAGE: Most agricultural operations (if not already listed) have an impact on the climate and reaching Net Zero targets. Regenerative agriculture looks at equipment usage on farm: lower-emission vehicles/changing practices (meaning less field work); energy usage on farm, such as solar panels/wind turbines; physical aesthetics of new buildings and infrastructure; input procurement such as feed and fertilizers; and waste management and reduction (from plastic containers, drug bottles/containers, bags to silage wrap).
• FINANCE/ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES: Unless directly supplying products to consumers, farmers are known to accept the “current market price”. This may be set by the buyer, processor or retailer. Regenerative agriculture requires understanding alternative sources of finance available to make or cover the costs of changes in practices, which may be through government grants/subsidies, and carbon or biodiversity credits.
  
• SOCIAL/FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE: Staff and local communities are key to any farming system. Regenerative agriculture addresses living wage, living conditions, working hours and conditions for any person employed on the farm, alongside how the farm business communicates and interacts with local communities.