The term appears on food labels, corporate sustainability reports and farm signs from Idaho to Iowa, promising a way to grow food that heals the land rather than depletes it.
Regenerative farming uses techniques like cover crops, crop rotation and reduced tillage to build healthier soil, conserve water and cut chemical use. But defining what counts as regenerative remains tricky, with no universal standard and verification that varies across programs and companies. As researchers measure results and buyers set sourcing standards, farmers are betting consumers will pay more for more nutrient-dense food.
Does regenerative farming work?
Research appears promising but slow to show results, and improvements vary by soil type and climate. Jade Koyle, owner of Grand Teton Ancient Grains in Idaho, says the delay is a barrier for many farmers. “Adopting regenerative farming can be scary,” he said. “It means taking a risk for a few years to see what happens.”
A 2025 British Ecological Society report finds that cover crops improve soil quality, and another study shows that adopting cover cropping and no-till can increase yields by 10%-30%. At Anthem Oats, a regenerative South Dakota farm, diverse crop rotations eliminated insect issues and reduced chemical costs.
On the farm
Koyle, who grew up on a conventional farm in Idaho, returned to agriculture seeking a chemical-free approach. What began as an organic operation evolved into a regenerative system using composting, cover crops and companion planting. His focus has shifted from maximizing yield to increasing crop value.
“Before regenerative farming, our yields would be very high one year, then half the next year, depending on rotation. Today, our companion crops and cover crops are generating more consistent yields, balancing our soils and improving the quality of our food.”
Koyle’s initial inspiration to adopt regenerative practices was motivated by having a more sustainable farm, but he also desired to increase nutritional density and flavor in the foods he produced. Beyond yield and soil health, researchers are studying whether regenerative farming also improves nutrition.
Better soil and better nutrition
Regenerative farming aims to improve the soil, but could it also improve nutrition? A study found turkey raised on regenerative farms had up to 79% more omega-3s, lower saturated fat and two to three times more antioxidants than conventional birds.
Heidi Diestel, fourth-generation farmer at Diestel Family Ranch, says the farm’s regenerative practices not only improve their land, but also the nutrition their products provide. “Even as a small, family-run farm, we’re committed to raising the most nutrient-dense birds on the market,” she said.
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Growth by the numbers
Cover crop use has grown 17% since 2017, but still accounts for only 4.7% of U.S. cropland. Outside incentives, such as improved prices or subsidies, may be necessary to encourage the adoption of regenerative practices.
In April 2025, the federal climate-smart farming initiative was canceled, leaving many sustainable projects without funding. However, private investment is expanding. PepsiCo, General Mills and McDonald’s have announced plans to support regenerative practices across millions of U.S. acres, promoting crop diversity and rotational grazing for beef production.
Within the regenerative farming community, practices are shared. Koyle stated, “We are sharing what we learn with a lot of farmers and helping them gain confidence that it can work.”
What it means for consumers
A 2024 report found most values-based shoppers are willing to pay more for regenerative products at the farmer’s market and grocery stores, though only 37% fully understand what the term means.
Taylor Sumption, CEO of Anthem Oats, views this as an opportunity. His company spends time educating consumers about how their oats are grown, saying, “Our practices set us apart from the larger companies in the industry, and we enjoy engaging with our customers about our methods.”
The future of regenerative farming
The future of regenerative farming is promising but uncertain. While measurable results take years, private investment and farmer collaboration continue to grow. For many, the motivation goes beyond economics. “It’s the right thing to do,” Diestel said.
