EPISODE 20 Un-Herd of Benefits: Regenerative grazing restores soil health
Six Inches of Soil Links
This episode explores the vital role of soil health, grasslands, and regenerative agriculture across the globe. Featuring experts from Kenya, the US, New Zealand, and the UK, it highlights innovative practices that enhance resilience, profitability, and ecological balance.
Silas Hedley Lawrence Currently based in the UK, Silas is positioned to work with farms and organisations globally. He dreams big, with a mission to achieve landscape & community regeneration on 5 million hectares over his lifetime. Over the last fifteen years, he has strategically integrated practical farming experience with a broad network across the supply chain, and extensive training in agroecological systems. His farming journey began on the family dairy farm and kiwi fruit orchards in New Zealand. In the UK, he has managed farms in both commercial and direct selling models and was farm manager at FAI Farms during their seminal “AMP Grazing” research project. He now farms in the Cotswolds with his business partner at “Cotswold Cattle Company”, focusing on collaborating with landowners to increase natural capital through integrating cattle into arable systems.
Dr. Jason Rowntree The faculty coordinator for two research facilities at Michigan State University, The Lake City Research and Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Centers. His current research and outreach focus on applying holistic management principles to agricultural settings. Jason and his wife Cara have three children. They have a small 10-acre farm that allows for his family to raise grass-finished beef, pastured poultry, and eggs for their friends and church family.
Dr. Leigh Ann Winowiecki The Global Research Lead for Soil and Land Health at Landscape Alliance, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her work focuses on landscape restoration, identifying drivers of land degradation, and quantifying how land management practices influence soil health and ecosystem resilience.
Matt and Lynley Wyeth (Spring Valley Farm) Matt and Lynley Wyeth established Spring Valley Enterprises Ltd in 2002. From their deep connection to the beautiful Wairarapa region of New Zealand, they’ve built a privately owned, highly successful, and innovative sheep and beef farming operation. Each day on Spring Valley farm reminds them of the profound responsibility they carry to nurture this land and the animals that call it home.