Ohio Farmers Explore Regenerative Agriculture with Mixed Outcomes

By Andi Anderson

Regenerative agriculture is gaining popularity in Ohio, promoted through federal climate programs and films like Kiss the Ground. It focuses on improving soil health through practices like cover cropping, minimal tillage, and rotational grazing. But experts warn these practices may not deliver the large-scale climate benefits some expect.

Dr. Rattan Lal of Ohio State University and Jonathan Foley from Project Drawdown emphasize that regenerative farming, especially regenerative grazing, may not permanently store enough carbon to offset emissions from beef production. Studies show most carbon stored in topsoil is quickly released back into the air.

Regenerative grazing also requires more land. A 2020 study revealed it could use up to 2.5 times more land than conventional beef systems. Switching entirely to grass-fed beef in the U.S. would raise cattle populations and increase methane emissions due to lower efficiency compared to factory farming.

Both Lal and Foley agree that changing diets is essential. They suggest reducing meat consumption and returning some farmland to forests, prairies, and wetlands. This “rewilding” approach could help restore nature while reducing agriculture’s environmental impact.

According to a 2018 World Resources Institute report, the U.S. must cut beef consumption by about 40% to meet climate goals. Foley added that reducing food waste and emissions is also vital.

Lal stresses that the solution requires more than new farming techniques—it demands a shift in human behavior. “It is really transformation and regeneration,” he said, “not only of agriculture, but of our own thinking and lifestyle as well.”

In short, regenerative farming may help—but only if paired with broader changes in food systems and consumer habits.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski