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Civil Eats TV | Farming 250 | Food Policy Tracker
Study: Regenerative Agriculture Farms Hold Key Climate Solutions
By Lisa Held
October 26, 2026
Jonathan Lundgren says biodiversity is key to soil health and productivity. (Photo courtesy of the Ecdysis Foundation)
Read more about:
- Climate
- Regenerative Agriculture
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Over the past five years, Jonathan Lundgren, from a pole shed in South Dakota, has been running a monumental real-world study of U.S. farms—likely the most intricate in history.
His 1,000 Farms Initiative aims to quantify the differences in fields, pastures, and orchards when farmers shift towards regenerative practices. Lundgren’s team has deployed around 2,000 farms to collect 500 data types at each operation.
“If we were to implement regenerative row cropping systems on a national scale, it represents the best climate solution currently available.”
Lundgren’s team published their first flagship paper in August, comparing conventional and regenerative farm outcomes on 200 large-scale farms growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and other field crops in 2022 and 2023.
Among the findings:
- Carbon Storage: The most advanced regenerative farms stored nearly 40% more carbon in their soils compared to conventional farm controls.
- Biodiversity: Regenerative farms reported higher biodiversity, with more species of plants, insects, and birds.
- Nutrient Levels: Regenerative practices led to higher nutrient levels in plants and water.
- Pollinators: Farms adopting regenerative practices saw an increase in pollinator species.
- Farmer Wellness: Lundgren noted a positive impact on farmer mental health and economic resilience.
In summary, the study underscores the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture for both the environment and farm communities.