Project goals: This project, funded by the Western Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education Program based at Montana State University and supported by USDA, is developing a training curriculum for agricultural professionals to teach small farmers how to implement regenerative agriculture and closed loop farming, both of which could make significant contributions to fostering and facilitating the necessary transition to sustainable agriculture. The curriculum targets two related groups of learners: agricultural professionals and small farmers (especially disadvantaged ones). Agricultural professionals can use this curriculum on an ongoing basis to teach operators of small farms the principles, techniques and practices that will allow them to recycle organic wastes, conserve valuable resources inputs, reduce operating costs and increase productivity and profits. The curriculum includes digital and hard-copy educational resources, including a handbook for farmers, training workshop modules, and short instructional video demonstrations. The project also seeks to foster a local community of practice around regenerative and close-loop agriculture by offering experiential learning, educational tours and demonstrations at Whiskey Hill Farms and other farms open to the broader community of small farms and agricultural professionals. Educational materials and workshops will be cocreated with Spanish-speaking farmers and professionals to ensure accessibility in English and Spanish.

This web page provides brief descriptions of resources and links to them.

1. Original proposal submitted to WSARE. 2022-24 SARE Professional Development Grant: “Closing the Regenerative Agriculture Economy Loop on Small Farms: A Training program for Agricultural Professionals and Curriculum for Small Farmers.”

2. Progress report submitted to WSARE in February 2023.

3. Curriculum Modules (see below)

4. Handbook

5. Instructional videos

6. Additional resources