Published at: 3/2021
The analysis focuses on transition of cropland to permanent perennial pasture, since perennialization of the landscape is shown to have the highest water quality, carbon, and infiltration impacts. However, transition for individual producers can take many forms and numerous other regenerative practices also have positive environmental and economic impacts. For example, many producers begin reintegrating livestock on the landscape through grazing cover crops as a stepping stone to trying perennial forages. Grazing cover crops can improve soil health, reduce nutrient, and soil loss, and offset feed costs or provide new rental income to a row crop producer. While this and other regenerative practices are important, particularly in terms of incremental reintegration of livestock, only perennial pasture is explored in detail here.