These Oregon farmers and ranchers are crusaders for regenerative agriculture, a way of farming that dates back centuries but has been making a comeback.

“Everything that we’re doing is trying to blend an old peasant way of farming that involves humans at the center but in relationship with the land, with plants and animals,” said Long, Troon’s director of agriculture.

Advocates say regenerative agriculture practices help them better withstand extreme weather, increase profits and even reverse the climate crisis, by putting carbon back in the ground.

Widespread adoption, however, would require a culture change for farm families and communities that have used traditional methods for generations. And, although the practices can save money in the long-run, initial investments can be hefty.

Recognizing that, the 2023 Oregon Legislature made significant investments in helping farmers and ranchers improve soil health and climate resilience, approving $10 million for a new Natural and Working Lands Fund.

They chose not to renew the funding in 2025, however, as they sought to trim the state budget.

And under the Trump administration, federal grants for soil health and agricultural climate projects have been cut or been put on hold, said Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network (OrCAN) Executive Director Megan Kemple.

“If you asked us two years ago at this time, we’d say Oregon’s in pretty good shape. We got two new policies with a significant amount of funding for soil health on Oregon’s farms and ranches,“ Kemple said. “And now, we just, it’s not that.”