The Carbon Sequestration Benefits of Regenerative Grazing

05.31.2023 | Camille Julia

With experts and grassroots organizations worldwide advocating for its adoption, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a key strategy to address our planet's most pressing environmental challenges.

This revolutionary approach to farming not only improves soil health and boosts agricultural productivity but also plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of global warming.

In this article, we'll cover the fundamentals behind these innovative farming practices, including:

the science behind carbon capture and storage in the soil
various regenerative agriculture techniques, such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and holistic livestock management, and how they contribute to enhanced carbon sequestration
real-life examples of farmers and communities at the forefront of this movement
the potential of scaling up these practices globally and the role of policymakers, businesses, and consumers in supporting this transformative approach to farming
how you, as a consumer, can start to make choices to vote with your fork and help build a better world with the food you put on your plate.

By understanding the power of regenerative agriculture, you'll be better equipped to join the growing number of people working toward a more sustainable, resilient, and healthy future for our planet.

Does Regenerative Agriculture Sequester Carbon?

Yes, regenerative agriculture practices are effective in sequestering carbon in the soil. By employing methods like regenerative grazing, no-till farming, and cover cropping, farmers can rebuild soil organic matter, which is vital to carbon sequestration.¹

In addition to improving soil health and boosting agricultural productivity, regenerative agriculture practices offer an opportunity to mitigate the impact of climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide.² Carbon sequestration in the soil is an important tool in mitigating climate change. It has been recognized by many scientists and policymakers as a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.³

How Much Carbon Is Sequestered from Regenerative Agriculture?

Recent research has suggested that regenerative agriculture practices have the potential to sequester significant amounts of carbon. One study found that regenerative grazing systems have the potential to sequester up to 3.6 tons of carbon per hectare annually.⁴ Similarly, a report by the Rodale Institute found that organic agriculture practices could sequester up to 1,000 pounds of carbon per acre per year.⁵

However, the amount of carbon sequestered will depend on several factors, including soil type, climate, farming practices and more. For example, studies have shown that regenerative grazing practices can sequester carbon in the soil, but the amount of carbon sequestered can vary depending on factors such as the size of the grazing area, the length of the grazing period, and the rainfall.⁶

Nonetheless, it's clear from current research that regenerative agriculture has the potential to play a significant role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating the impacts of climate change.⁷

The Science Behind Carbon Sequestration in Soil

The science behind carbon sequestration in soil is based on the principle of photosynthesis. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter through the process of photosynthesis. When this organic matter is added to the soil, it can be stored for long periods, helping to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.⁸

Carbon sequestration in the soil can be enhanced through regenerative agriculture practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and regenerative grazing. Cover cropping is a technique that involves planting crops such as legumes that fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility. Regenerative grazing methods mimic natural grazing patterns, promoting the growth of diverse grasses and improving soil health.

By avoiding tillage, farmers can reduce the loss of organic matter and lower the release of carbon dioxide from soil into the atmosphere — as well as actively build soil to sequester additional carbon at a greater rate than industrial agriculture methods.⁹

While the amount of carbon sequestered can vary depending on several factors, studies have shown the potential for significant carbon sequestration through regenerative agriculture practices.⁷

How Does Regenerative Grazing Sequester Carbon?

Regenerative grazing is a technique of managing livestock that mimics the natural movement patterns of wild herbivores. By managing grazing patterns to allow for optimal plant growth and biodiversity, regenerative grazing can help to improve soil health and promote carbon sequestration.

Regenerative grazing increases the diversity of plant species on the pasture, promoting the growth of perennial plants, which store more carbon in their roots than annual plants. As the root systems of plants grow, they also provide a food source for soil microorganisms, which in turn further helps to sequester carbon in the soil.¹⁰

Furthermore, regenerative grazing practices promote the growth of healthy grasslands, which are essential habitats for many wildlife species.¹¹ Regenerative grazing can also improve the water-holding capacity of soils, reducing runoff and improving water quality.¹²

Regenerative grazing practices have been shown to sequester significant amounts of carbon in the soil. Studies have found that regenerative grazing systems have the potential to sequester up to 3.6 tons of carbon per hectare annually.⁴ By reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, regenerative grazing practices can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system.

Does Beef Have a High Carbon Footprint?

Beef is often referred to as a high-emitting food product due to its contribution to a portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.13 However, it's important to note that not all beef production is equal in terms of carbon footprint. Industrialized beef production, which relies heavily on feedlots and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), has been identified as one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.¹⁴ These systems rely on intensive grain feeding, which requires a significant amount of energy to produce and transport, leading to high carbon emissions.

On the other hand, regenerative grazing practices can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of beef production. By promoting the growth of healthy grasslands, regenerative grazing helps to sequester carbon in the soil. Further, regenerative farming has the potential to create a carbon sink capable of offsetting more than the carbon emissions generated by the farming of cattle. White Oaks Pastures is one such farm that offsets at least 100% of its grass-fed beef carbon emissions and as much as 85% of its total carbon emissions.¹⁵

These results are achieved through a combination of techniques, such as enhancing soil health, increasing biodiversity, and optimizing nutrient cycles, contributing to the net removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and resulting in its storage and sequestration within the agricultural system.

Additionally, regenerative grazing practices promote the use of local feed resources, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of feed and livestock. By supporting regenerative beef production, consumers can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with beef production.

While industrial beef production has a high carbon footprint, regenerative grazing practices offer an opportunity to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with beef production.

By supporting farmers who use regenerative grazing practices and buying meat products labeled as "grass-fed" or "pasture-raised," consumers can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

If you're interested in supporting regenerative grazing practices, consider buying meat from farmers who use these techniques or look for labels such as "grass-fed" or "pasture-raised" on meat products. At Force of Nature, 100% of our meat products are produced using regenerative techniques.

Criticisms of Regenerative Agriculture

While regenerative agriculture has gained significant attention as a promising solution to mitigate climate change, it's not without its critics. Here are a few criticisms of regenerative agriculture and ways to address them fairly.

"Regenerative Agriculture Isn't Scalable"

One of the most common concerns expressed about regenerative agriculture is that it's not scalable, or won't grow fast enough to feed the growing world population.¹⁶ Some critics argue that while regenerative agriculture practices may work for small-scale farmers, they may not be feasible for large-scale industrial agriculture.

However, studies have shown that regenerative agriculture practices can be scaled up to large operations. For example, the Rodale Institute's Farming Systems Trial, a long-term study comparing organic and conventional farming systems, found that organic farming practices can be just as productive as conventional farming practices.¹⁷

Furthermore, regenerative agriculture practices have also been successfully implemented on large-scale farms, such as the 20,000-acre Indigo Ag Carbon program, which works with farmers to implement regenerative practices to sequester carbon in the soil.¹⁸

"Regenerative Agriculture Can Be More Labor-Intensive"

Another criticism of regenerative agriculture is that it can be more labor-intensive than conventional agriculture practices, which rely heavily on machinery and pesticides.

While regenerative agriculture practices may require more hands-on management and human labor, they can also reduce other associated costs by reducing the need for costly inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

And although the need for additional laborers might be a downside for large shareholder-driven corporations whose primary mission is to grow profits quarterly, the creation of local jobs is arguably a net economic benefit for local communities.

Additionally, regenerative agriculture practices promote the use of cover crops and diversified crop rotations, which can help to reduce weed pressure and the need for herbicides.¹⁹

"Regenerative Agriculture Practices Are Costly to Implement"

Critics argue that implementing regenerative agriculture practices can be expensive, particularly for small-scale farmers who may not have the resources to invest in new equipment or training.

While upfront costs may be associated with transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices, there can also be significant long-term cost savings. For example, a study by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition found that farmers who transitioned to regenerative practices saw an average increase in net income of $200 per acre.²⁰ Additionally, several government programs and grants are available to help offset the costs of transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices.²¹

Closing Thoughts

Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a promising solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change while improving soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By sequestering carbon in the soil, regenerative agriculture practices can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.

While regenerative agriculture practices have gained significant attention in recent years, it's important to note that this approach to farming is not without its critics. However, many of the criticisms of regenerative agriculture can be addressed through education, training, and policy support.

As consumers, we can make a significant impact by supporting farmers who use regenerative agriculture practices or purchasing products labeled as "regenerative" or "sustainable.” By supporting regenerative agriculture practices, we can promote a more resilient agricultural system that benefits both farmers and the environment and contribute to a more sustainable and healthier future for our planet.