Kenosha Regenerative Producers Group
About the Group: In 2023, Root-Pike WIN joined forces with Kenosha County, Glacierland RC&D, Starry Nights Farm, and other local farmers to create Kenosha’s first producer-led watershed protection collaborative: the Kenosha County Regenerative Producers Group (KRPG). With a mission to improve profitable farming while protecting the ecosystem, they offer new opportunities for Kenosha County farmers to transition to regenerative farming methods. In 2024, the KRPG became an official committee of Root-Pike WIN.
What is Regenerative Agriculture? The one pathway to more sustainable farming is found in “closing the loop”, a process where fewer inputs are needed for successful farming operations. Regenerative agriculture focuses on rebuilding healthy soil ecosystems so producers can rely less on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on their fields. Cover crops, reduced tillage, and rotational grazing are some of the practices that Kenosha County Regenerative Producers are using to restore healthy soil and provide food for our community.
How Regenerative Agriculture Helps Water Quality: Regenerative agriculture methods focus on rebuilding organic matter and supporting the bacteria, fungus, and insects that make up a healthy soil ecosystem. Every 1% increase in organic matter in soil can add up to 25,000 gallons of water storage per acre during rainstorms or when snow melts in the spring. As expanding development in Kenosha County continues, it is critical that nature based solutions, like regenerative agriculture, are put into practice to keep sediment, phosphorus, and agrochemicals out of the rivers and lakes we love.
Why Supporting Your Local Farm Matters: Sustainable agriculture is a win for everyone. By adding more value through regenerative practices and grazing, and by engaging directly with the community through the local food system, everyone benefits! Consumers get healthy local products, the farmer’s share is increased, nutrients are kept on the farm, ecosystems are improved and dollars are recirculated locally, strengthening the connection between rural and urban Wisconsinites.
Support for this committee was generously provided by the Palmer/Enroth Foundation, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the Kenosha Community Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy.