Regenerative agriculture is sometimes described through individual practices. Wisconsin Public Radio’s conversation with farmers Kirsten Jurcek and Rachel Bouressa instead presents it as a cycle: healthy soil grows feed, livestock convert that feed, manure returns nutrients and careful management keeps soil covered and biologically active.
Integration changes the role of livestock
In a well-managed grazing system, animals harvest forage and distribute nutrients across the paddock. Frequent moves and adequate recovery prevent repeated grazing of the same plants and give roots time to rebuild. The result can be more persistent pasture, better ground cover and less need to mechanically harvest and transport feed.
Livestock integration is not automatically regenerative. Stocking density, timing, water access, wet-soil damage and winter management determine whether grazing improves or degrades a field. The farmer’s observation and adjustment are the control system.
Waste becomes a design problem
A mixed system can reduce waste when crop residues, manure and forage are treated as linked resources rather than separate disposal problems. Diverse rotations and perennial pasture also spread production risk and keep roots active for more of the year.
The approach must still be financially and logistically workable. Fences, water infrastructure, labour and markets can limit adoption, while benefits such as improved infiltration and soil organic matter may take several seasons to become clear. The farmers’ experience is a useful account of feasibility, not a universal recipe.
Listen to the full discussion
Crop cycles: Regenerative agriculture feeds the soil and livestock while producing less waste and pollution aired on Wisconsin Public Radio’s The Morning Show. Credit: host Kate Archer Kent, producer Steven Potter and guests Kirsten Jurcek and Rachel Bouressa.