Amplifying Positive Land Use Practices through Partnerships

SustainAg Network Connects Farmers & Ranchers with Funding for Producer-Led Conservation Practices

Fields of bright green rye stand out among the mostly brown early spring fieldscape on Luke Hiebert’s crop and livestock farm northeast of Huron, South Dakota. “Traditionally, at this point in the season, nothing would be growing out in those fields. This is the reason I decided to plant rye,” said Hiebert, during an early April conversation. “It has been growing since last fall, and I like having a living root in the soil as long as possible. It helps with compaction, reduces erosion, increases water infiltration, builds organic matter and overall, improves soil health.”

Scope 3 Emissions - Do they still matter?

While many expected the SEC to follow California’s lead related to Scope 3 disclosures, the final SEC ruling excluded a proposed requirement that companies report Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. What does this mean for the future of Scope 3? In a victory for ag, producers may now be safe from providing annual farm-level data to companies far up the value chain. However, more likely than not, Scope 3 at large will continue to remain important for major companies with ag-based supply chains.

Navigating the Future of Meat: The Role of Sustainability in Driving Business Success

While the sustainability conversation is more established in row crop agriculture, it took center stage among livestock stakeholders. Amid the discussions and presentations, a compelling narrative emerged, one that underscores a pivotal moment for the meat sector. The industry stands at the cusp of a transformative opportunity, where the integration of sustainability practices into business models is a strategic business imperative. This “sustainability flywheel” concept—where investments in sustainability drive meat product sales, which in turn, fuel further sustainability investments—has become a tangible pathway to resilience and growth in difficult economic times.

Enhancing Biodiversity: The Critical Role of Grazing 

Biodiversity is more than a buzzword. It is a critical component of shaping the future of healthy and productive working lands. At AgSpire, we believe that understanding and harnessing biodiversity is not merely about compliance; it’s about adopting a transformative approach that elevates the land’s productivity and resilience for future generations.

Planning Your 2024 Scope 3 Approach

With only a handful of growing seasons left until 2030 – the deadline for many companies to achieve their near-term science-based targets – even the smallest component of your scope 3 approach needs to have purpose and value. Read more for three ways to ensure you are moving into 2024 with focus and impact.

Leveraging Alternative Funding Mechanisms

RCPP, CIG, CIS, IRA - each of these acronyms represent funding opportunities to help accelerate adoption of climate-smart practices on farms and ranches around the country. Leveraging available funding provides greater support to producers, while expanding the impact of private sustainability investments.

Meeting Farmers and Ranchers Where They Are

The AgSpire team has traveled around the country to meet with producers, leading recruitment for our program portfolio. This boots-on-the-ground approach has given us the opportunity to meet with hundreds of farmers and ranchers, learning first-hand about their goals, motivations, and barriers to sustainable practice adoption. These efforts have revealed several key takeaways.

First Practices Implemented Under USDA Climate-Smart Commodities Programs

As the implementation of the USDA Climate-Smart Commodities Programs gets underway, Derek and the rest of the AgSpire technical team are working with farmers and ranchers to adopt new practices. On this farm, Derek used soil samples to show the impact that cover crops have on soil health.

4 Considerations for Successful Farm-Level Interventions

Successful farm-level interventions can be complex and challenging to design and implement. At AgSpire, we drive success down to the ground level with a simple approach: putting the producer first.

Understanding Carbon Intensity Scores