Enrolled Acres Continue to Grow!
By Taylor Herren, Farm Program Specialist
Excerpt from ‘The Dirt’: SCI’s Monthly Farmer Newsletter
Hope your 2024 is off to a great start!
First off, the entire team at SCI wants to say thank you. We know how busy farm life is, and that you have many other demands – so truly we appreciate every bit of time and energy you put into this program. This last year, we grew the SCI Founding Farmer cohort to 60 and will continue to enroll farms off our waitlist in 2024.
Regenerative Farmer Steve Tucker with SCI Farm Program Manager Taylor Herren
We're almost done verifying the farms that supply ingredients to SCI's first labeled product, which is on track to hit shelves nationwide in early spring. For other Founding Farms ready to go through verification, we will be in touch soon.
As always, our top priority is providing resources in support of your soil health journey and building this network of pioneering farmers. Cheers to good things coming in the new year and continuing this work of regeneration together.
Reminder to all SCI farmers: Our monthly Farm Office Hours will take place every last Thursday of the month at 4pm ET.
Farmer Resources
Farm Standard Updates
SCI has published the Soil Testing Guideline & Methodology, an accompaniment guidance document to the Farm Commitment & Verification Standard and provides an overview of the soil sampling methodology and soil testing directions needed to comply with the Farm Standard.
Upcoming Events
Omaha Regen Nexus | Jan 30-Feb 1
Omaha, NE
Regen Nexus Conferences are invitation-only events and open to Enrolled Farmers! Invited attendees will be producers who have a sincere desire to move toward a regenerative farming system.
Farming & Ranching for the Future | Feb 19-20
Springfield, MO
Soil Regen will be hosting this event featuring Fred Provenza, Johnny Hunter, Steve Groff, Darin Williams, Seth Watkins, Jim Johnson, Jason Snavely and Liz Haney. Learn how to improve your ROI in your farm or ranching operation!
Soil Matters 2024 | March 11-12, 2024
Dodge City, KS
Soil Regen will be hosting this event featuring farmer to farmer/rancher to rancher knowledge-sharing focused on equipping producers with the research-backed soil health practices to boost production and profitability.
Soil & Climate Alliance (SCA) On-Farm Network Meeting | June 11-13, 2024
SCA is the team that created SCI, and this Annual Meeting is an excellent opportunity to network with other farmers along with brands and other organizations that can support what you're trying to accomplish on your farm.
Registration is FREE for SCI Farmers! Reach out to us for details.
Funding Opportunities
Resilient Food System Infrastructure Grants (RFSI)
Funds will support expanded capacity for food crops for activities that happen post-harvest and prior to the arrival at a retail market (excluding meat and poultry products). RFSI funds are available in all 50 states. Check with the Department of Agriculture in your state for eligibility requirements.
USDA: Value-Added Producer Grants | April 11, 2024
USDA is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets.
Grants are available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities.
Additional Resources
WEBINAR | February 9 at 11am EST
Topic: USDA Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England
Our own Julie Davenson is moderating this webinar, which will explore the trajectory and impact of USDA investments in Conservation and Climate-Smart programs on climate resilience and farm viability in New England.