Multi-species cover crops, integrated pest management strategies, and biomimicry are just a few of the topics that will be taught at Regenerative Farming and Ranching, a three-day course taught by the Soil Health Academy.

This course is designed to equip farmers with ways to withstand the challenges of soil ecosystems.

Instructor Ray Archuleta explains the term regenerative, “Regenerative agriculture is about improving, making it better than what it is. Right now the land is so degraded. Why would I want to sustain something like that to sustain something that’s degenerated, that’s not functioning that’s not working? Regenerative ag is this movement where we’re building and then we’re cutting chemical inputs. Now we’re not only regenerating the land, we’re regenerating the families, bringing rural America back because the money’s not going into chemical inputs, and the equipment, and the tillage equipment, and the tractors and all that, but it’s going back to the farmer and rancher where it should belong.”

The Soil Health Academy course takes place February 20-22 at Steve Berger Farms in Wellman. The Washington Soil & Water Conservation District, Brenneman Pork, and Iowa Corn Growers are offering 18 $500 scholarships to students. To apply for a scholarship call 319-653-6654 ext. 3. To register for the course call 417-933-2249.