In the heart of Arkansas and Mississippi, a transformative collaboration between Holistic Management International (HMI) and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has given rise to the Regenerative Agriculture Mentoring Program (RAMP) program funded by Southern SARE. This initiative has proven to be a beacon of sustainable farming practices, bringing together participants to delve into holistic goals, grazing principles, and many other essential components that shape regenerative agriculture during their training in 2023. HMI Certified Educator Linda Pechin-Long facilitated this program throughout 2023 to 16 participants who manage 1,750 acres, but influence over 30 million acres.
At the core of the RAMP experience is the creation of holistic goals. Participants are guided through the process of envisioning a comprehensive and sustainable future for their farms. This step sets the tone for a journey beyond traditional agricultural approaches, emphasizing a holistic and balanced perspective.
RAMP participants are then immersed in the fundamentals of regenerative agriculture, with a particular focus on grazing principles. Understanding the intricacies of grazing enhances regenerative land management and promotes healthier ecosystems. Safe-to-fail (S2F) trials further empower participants to experiment with innovative approaches, fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience in the face of uncertainties.
This program introduces participants to crucial monitoring techniques, including STAC forage assessment and biological monitoring. These tools empower farmers to observe and understand the impact of their practices on the land and ecosystems. The integration of gross profit analysis adds a financial dimension, emphasizing the economic sustainability of regenerative practices.
RAMP goes beyond the classroom, offering participants the invaluable experience of farm visits. This hands-on approach allows farmers to witness successful regenerative practices in action. Farm visits serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, inspiring participants to implement learned principles on their own farms.
One of the hallmarks of RAMP is the adaptability of its participants. All attendees report making significant changes to their management practices based on the insights gained from the program. This adaptability is a testament to the effectiveness of RAMP's holistic and practical approach.
Networking and peer discussions form a vital component of the RAMP experience. Participants find immense value in sharing knowledge and key information with one another, creating a supportive community. This collaborative environment enhances individual learning and strengthens the fabric of the regenerative agriculture community.
A standout achievement of the program is instilling confidence in participants to test decisions against their values. This skill empowers farmers to make choices that align with their principles, contributing to the overall sustainability of their operations.
The lessons learned extend far beyond the fields as the Arkansas RAMP group cultivates regenerative farming practices. From holistic goal-setting to community-building, the program has left an indelible mark on the participants, emphasizing the importance of regenerative agriculture in the broader context of quality of life and community resilience.
Evaluations from the Arkansas RAMP program showed that as a result of the training
85.7 % of participants found the program excellent.
100% of the participants would recommend the program to others.
100% of the participants use decision testing regularly
100% of the participants have adapted their management.
Evaluations from the Mississippi RAMP program showed that as a result of the training
100% of the participants found the program excellent.
100% of the participants would recommend the program to others.
100% of the participants use decision testing regularly
100% of the participants have adapted their management.