Who we were
The FARMS team was a collaboration between nonprofit, private sector, retired government, and land-grant university and extension staff. Members included:
- Colorado Conservation Tillage Association (501c5)
- Health First
- The College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University
- The Western Kansas Agricultural Research-Extension Centers
- Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
These diverse members provided essential input from science, economics, and practical experience to build a profitable regenerative system which can sequester carbon sustainably.
Philosophy
In the unforgiving landscape of the High Plains, successful soil health management is essential to the regeneration of both land and farmer profitability.
Vision
A systems-based and context-dependent approach to soil health, in concert with social support, can transcend the limitations of isolated conservation practices and decision making.
Program
Producers received financial support to create Comprehensive Soil Health Management Plans and implement a suite of practices well-suited for
their operation. We provided qualified technical assistance, facilitated peer working groups, and leveraged the expertise of long-term practitioners to mentor transitioning producers.
Project Partners
Supporting Collaborators
Project Staff
Administrative
Joni Mitchek
FARMS Project Manager
Coordinator, CCTA
Becky Ravenkamp
FARMS Nutrition and Committee Coordinator
Executive Director, Health First
Lauren Hafford
FARMS Evaluation Coordinator
E2 1 Hotels Fellowship alum
Technical
Michael "Storm" Casper
FARMS Technical Contact
Retired NRCS Soil Conservation
Technician
Dr Meagan Schipanski
Associate Professor of Cropping Systems at Colorado State
University
Dr Augustine Obour
Associate Professor of Soil Science at Kansas State University
Greg Scott
Retired NRCS State Soil Scientist
Mark Watson
Retired Chairman of the Panhandle No-Till Partnership
Ray Ward
Founder of Ward Laboratories