By Andi Anderson
Farmers, landowners, and agriculture enthusiasts will have an opportunity to learn about regenerative farming practices during a special workshop hosted at Tuck Away Acres Farm in New Era, Michigan, on July 29, 2026. The free educational event aims to showcase practical approaches to sustainable livestock production and land stewardship.
The program is being organized by the Oceana Conservation District in partnership with Nate McMakin, owner of Tuck Away Acres Farm. The workshop will focus on regenerative agriculture methods used to raise cattle, hogs, chickens, hay, and pasture while improving soil health and environmental sustainability.
The event will begin with a home-grown meal, followed by a presentation from Nate McMakin. During the session, he will discuss the reasons his family chose to adopt regenerative farming practices and how these methods have shaped their farm management approach.
Participants will then take part in a guided wagon tour across the farm, providing a firsthand look at regenerative and conservation practices currently being implemented. Attendees will observe how livestock are integrated into a rotational grazing system and learn how planned grazing can improve pasture productivity and overall land health.
The tour will also highlight several important farm management features, including watering systems designed for grazing animals and a road stream crossing that helps protect natural resources. Another key component of the workshop will focus on soil health. Participants will receive practical guidance on evaluating soil conditions and learn simple methods to conduct soil health assessments on their own properties.
Representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Conservation District will discuss available programs that support regenerative agriculture, grazing management, and Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) practices. These programs can provide valuable resources and assistance for farmers interested in adopting conservation-focused strategies.
The workshop is designed to help participants better understand how regenerative farming can promote healthy soils, improve pasture management, support livestock production, and strengthen environmental sustainability. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, attendees will gain practical knowledge that can be applied to their own farms or properties.
The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is open to the public at no cost. Attendance is limited to 30 participants, encouraging an interactive learning environment and allowing attendees to engage directly with experts and farm operators.
By combining education, field demonstrations, and conservation guidance, the workshop offers an excellent opportunity to explore modern regenerative agriculture practices and their benefits for both farmers and the environment.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Michigan, General