August 21, 2024
This tour was an educational event for agriculture professionals and producer/farmer/rancher leaders. Hosted by the Western Lake Erie Basin Advisory Group, this tour offered agriculture professionals and farmer leaders an opportunity to see effective farming techniques in action that enhance soil health, protect water quality, and produce high-quality, nutrient-dense food. This immersive field tour in the Upper Maumee watershed allowed participants to explore firsthand the impact of sustainable farming practices on vegetable, grain, and livestock production. Participants learned from farmers who are successfully implementing these practices and from renowned soil health expert Ray Archuleta. Participants engage with innovative farmers, conservation organizations, and state agencies who are revolutionizing agriculture in the Western Lake Erie Basin watershed.
Farms Toured:
- Stoney Ridge Farms
Waldron, MI - Person Farms
Montpelier, OH - Les Seiler’s Farm
Fayette, OH - Rebel Farm
Osseo, MI - The Laughing Flock
Pittsford, MI - Rainfall Simulator Demonstration by Ray Archuleta
Presenters:
Allison Grimm, Tim Hine, Suzie Leitz, Denny Person, Ron Rusk, Les Seiler, and Jay Williams
Learn more about regenerative agriculture here:
- Agenda and Map (PDF)
- Education Package (PDF)
Tour Philosophy
This tour was designed to showcase farms that demonstrate regenerative agriculture principles including maintaining soil cover and living root systems through cover crops and pastures, integrating animals, diversifying rotations, and minimizing soil disturbance through no-till and pastures. Farms on tour stops demonstrated how farmers can reduce external fertilizer inputs through increasing crop rotation diversity, adding cover crops, and integrating livestock into their operations. Ultimately, these practices improve water quality by tightening natural nutrient cycling and reducing losses. Food from farms showcased during the tour was served at lunch to demonstrate what a local, regeneratively grown meal looks like in Michigan.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
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