TASFRL Highlights Land Stewardship at SFLR LinkedIn Live

Nacogdoches, TX — February 19, 2026 “Small Acres, Big Impact Reimagining the Future of African American Land Stewardship” will take place on February 27 at 1:30 p.m. ET as part of the SFLR Network’s Black History Month series, “It’s Always Been the Land.” The LinkedIn Live event will highlight why land ownership remains central to generational wealth, cultural continuity, and community resilience, particularly within forested regions like Texas.

The discussion marks Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners (TASFRL)’s official launch as the Texas Network Site within the Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention (SFLR) Network.

TASFRL has officially been selected as the Texas Network Site by the SFLR Network, marking a significant step in expanding forestry, land retention, and stewardship support across the state.

The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to protecting generational land ownership, advancing regenerative forestry practices, and increasing access to technical assistance for historically underserved landowners throughout Texas.

Through this collaboration, TASFRL will help strengthen locally led solutions that connect conservation, land preservation, and long-term economic resilience. The initial implementation phase will focus on 27 priority forestry-related counties, with plans to build a scalable statewide framework that enhances ownership stability and conservation engagement.

Texas contains one of the largest privately owned forest landscapes in the United States, yet many landowners continue to face barriers related to succession planning, heirs’ property resolution, and forest management access. As the Texas Network Site, TASFRL will work to close those gaps through education, technical assistance, and on-the-ground implementation support.

“Bringing TASFRL into the SFLR Network marks an exciting step in how we support landowners throughout the South,” said Bethaney Wilkinson, Executive Director of the SFLR Network. “Their leadership in regenerative stewardship and education complements our mission to help families protect, enhance, and retain their land.”

TASFRL’s Land Management Services (LMS) program will play a central role in delivering measurable outcomes. The program supports forest health improvement, habitat restoration, regenerative land management practices, and practical strategies that allow landowners to integrate forestry into existing land uses without disrupting operations.

“We are building a statewide ecosystem that empowers landowners through education, succession planning, heirs’ property support, and practical implementation,” said Joseph K. Johnson, TASFRL Director and SFLR Texas Program Lead. “This partnership strengthens long-term land retention and sustainable forestry across Texas.”

TASFRL Highlights Land Stewardship at SFLR LinkedIn Live

**Nacogdoches, TX — February 19, 2026** *“Small Acres, Big Impact Reimagining the Future of African American Land Stewardship”* will take place on February 27 at 1:30 p.m. ET as part of the SFLR Network’s Black History Month series, *“It’s Always Been the Land.”* The LinkedIn Live event will highlight why land ownership remains central to generational wealth, cultural continuity, and community resilience, particularly within forested regions like Texas. The discussion marks Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners (TASFRL)’s official launch as the Texas Network Site within the Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention (SFLR) Network. TASFRL has officially been selected as the Texas Network Site by the SFLR Network, marking a significant step in expanding forestry, land retention, and stewardship support across the state. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to protecting generational land ownership, advancing regenerative forestry practices, and increasing access to technical assistance for historically underserved landowners throughout Texas. Through this collaboration, TASFRL will help strengthen locally led solutions that connect conservation, land preservation, and long-term economic resilience. The initial implementation phase will focus on 27 priority forestry-related counties, with plans to build a scalable statewide framework that enhances ownership stability and conservation engagement. Texas contains one of the largest privately owned forest landscapes in the United States, yet many landowners continue to face barriers related to succession planning, heirs’ property resolution, and forest management access. As the Texas Network Site, TASFRL will work to close those gaps through education, technical assistance, and on-the-ground implementation support. “Bringing TASFRL into the SFLR Network marks an exciting step in how we support landowners throughout the South,” said Bethaney Wilkinson, Executive Director of the SFLR Network. “Their leadership in regenerative stewardship and education complements our mission to help families protect, enhance, and retain their land.” TASFRL’s Land Management Services (LMS) program will play a central role in delivering measurable outcomes. The program supports forest health improvement, habitat restoration, regenerative land management practices, and practical strategies that allow landowners to integrate forestry into existing land uses without disrupting operations. “We are building a statewide ecosystem that empowers landowners through education, succession planning, heirs’ property support, and practical implementation,” said Joseph K. Johnson, TASFRL Director and SFLR Texas Program Lead. “This partnership strengthens long-term land retention and sustainable forestry across Texas.”

How Managed Grazing Improves Soil and Livestock Health

## Introduction For centuries, livestock have played a vital role in farming systems by providing meat, milk, fiber, and supporting land management. However, many farmers still rely on **traditional continuous grazing**, where animals remain in one area for extended periods. This often leads to **overgrazing**, **soil compaction**, **loss of vegetation**, and **declining animal performance** over time. To address these challenges, more farmers and ranchers are turning to **managed grazing systems**. Managed grazing sometimes referred to as **rotational grazing** or **holistic planned grazing** offers a sustainable approach that aligns with the natural behavior of grazing animals and helps restore degraded land. By intentionally controlling when and where livestock graze, farmers can regenerate soils, improve pasture quality, and support healthier, more productive livestock. ## What Is Managed Grazing? Managed grazing is the **strategic rotation of livestock** through different pasture sections (or paddocks). Instead of grazing in one spot continuously, animals graze an area intensively for a short period and then move to the next, allowing plants time to **recover and regrow** before animals return. This approach mimics the **natural movement of wild herds**, which graze intensely in one area before moving on. By guiding this process, farmers can improve soil conditions, enhance plant diversity, and create a more balanced and resilient pasture ecosystem. ## 1. Builds Soil Fertility Animal manure and urine return organic matter and nutrients to the soil. With managed grazing, these inputs are spread more evenly across the land, enriching soil fertility. ## 2. Enhances Plant Regrowth When animals graze in a controlled cycle, grasses and forbs are given rest periods. This recovery time strengthens root systems, increases biomass, and improves pasture resilience. ## 3. Improves Water Infiltration and Retention Rotational grazing reduces soil compaction compared to continuous grazing. Healthier soil structure absorbs more rainfall, decreases runoff, and provides drought resilience. ## 4. Reduces Weeds and Invasive Species Grazing animals help manage unwanted plants by naturally controlling weed populations. A diverse pasture supported by managed grazing creates balance in plant communities. ## 5. Supports Livestock Health Managed grazing provides animals with fresh, nutrient-rich forage. Rotations reduce parasite loads and stress, leading to healthier cattle, sheep, and goats with improved weight gain and milk production. ## Additional Benefits - Encourages biodiversity by supporting birds, insects, and wildlife. - Sequesters carbon in soils and vegetation. - Lowers feed costs by extending grazing seasons. ## Challenges of Managed Grazing - Requires planning, fencing, and sometimes water infrastructure. - Farmers need knowledge of stocking rates and pasture management. - Initial transition can demand higher labor and observation. ## Conclusion Managed grazing is more than just moving animals it is a strategic system that restores soil health, boosts pasture productivity, and improves animal welfare. By adopting managed grazing, farmers and ranchers can create regenerative systems that benefit both the land and livestock. ## References - Teague, W. R., et al. (2013). *The Role of Ruminants in Reducing Agriculture’s Carbon Footprint in North America*. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. - Savory, A. (2016). *Holistic Management: A Commonsense Revolution to Restore Our Environment*. Island Press. - USDA NRCS (2015). *Managed Grazing Systems and Soil Health*. - Provenza, F. D., et al. (2019). *Grazing Behavior and Forage Intake by Livestock*.

Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture: Principles & Practices

## Introduction Modern farming has often prioritized short-term yields over long-term ecological balance. As a result, many farmlands are facing soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. **Regenerative agriculture** emerges as a solution an approach that not only sustains but actively restores ecosystems, focusing on soil health, water resources, and biodiversity. Unlike conventional or even organic farming, regenerative agriculture is not a fixed set of rules. Instead, it is guided by **principles** that can be adapted to local conditions, farm sizes, and community needs. This flexibility makes it especially powerful for small farmers and ranchers who want to heal the land while maintaining profitability. --- ## What Is Regenerative Agriculture? Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming approach aimed at **restoring soil health, enhancing water cycles, increasing biodiversity, and strengthening ecosystem resilience**. The goal is to create a farm system that becomes more fertile and productive over time rather than depleting its resources. Core strategies include: - Reducing soil disturbance (no-till or minimal till). - Keeping the soil covered (with vegetation or residue). - Maximizing biodiversity (plants, insects, livestock). - Keeping living roots in the soil year-round. - Integrating livestock in ways that mimic natural grazing patterns. --- ## Principles of Regenerative Agriculture ### 1. Minimize Soil Disturbance Excessive tilling and chemical inputs destroy soil structure and microbial life. No-till or reduced till practices help protect soil organisms, improve water infiltration, and build long-term fertility. ### 2. Keep the Soil Covered Bare soil is vulnerable to erosion by wind and rain. Cover crops or crop residues act like a protective blanket, regulating temperature, retaining moisture, and preventing erosion. ### 3. Maximize Biodiversity Monocultures limit the range of soil microbes and make crops more vulnerable to pests. Planting diverse crops supports a wide range of beneficial insects, microorganisms, and wildlife, creating a resilient farm ecosystem. ### 4. Maintain Living Roots Keeping living roots in the soil as long as possible feeds soil microbes through photosynthesis-derived sugars. This underground food web enhances nutrient cycling and plant health. ### 5. Integrate Livestock Managed grazing systems mimic the movement of wild herds. Livestock return organic matter to the soil, stimulate plant regrowth, and contribute to nutrient cycling while increasing biodiversity. --- ## Practices of Regenerative Agriculture ### No-Till and Minimum Tillage Seeds are planted directly into crop residues, avoiding heavy plowing. Benefits include improved soil structure, carbon sequestration, and water retention. ### Cover Cropping Planting species like rye, clover, or vetch between cash crop cycles maintains soil cover, reduces erosion, fixes nitrogen, and provides food for soil organisms. ### Crop Rotation Rotating crops prevents pest cycles, improves nutrient balance, and reduces dependence on synthetic inputs. For example, rotating corn with legumes replenishes soil nitrogen. ### Managed Grazing Livestock are rotated across pastures to allow recovery time for grasses. This practice improves forage quality, prevents overgrazing, and increases soil organic matter. ### Agroforestry & Silvopasture Integrating trees with crops or pastureland creates shade, stabilizes soil, enhances water retention, and provides habitat for wildlife. Silvopasture systems combine trees, forage, and livestock for multiple benefits. ### Compost & Biochar Adding compost, manure, and biochar enriches soil fertility, boosts water-holding capacity, and enhances carbon storage. ### Polyculture Growing multiple species together (instead of monoculture) strengthens resilience, increases yields over time, and reduces risks from pests or climate shifts. --- ## Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture - **Soil Health**: Increases organic matter, microbial diversity, and water retention. - **Climate Mitigation**: Sequesters carbon in soil and vegetation. - **Economic Resilience**: Reduces reliance on costly inputs, diversifies income streams. - **Biodiversity**: Restores ecosystems, providing habitats for pollinators and wildlife. - **Community Impact**: Builds stronger local food systems and healthier rural economies. --- ## Challenges and Considerations Transitioning to regenerative agriculture is not without challenges. Farmers may face: - Initial yield drops during the transition period. - Lack of access to regenerative-focused training or financing. - Market barriers for diversified crops. However, with proper planning, technical support, and community networks, these challenges can be overcome. --- ## Conclusion Regenerative agriculture offers more than just a set of farming techniques it is a **philosophy of healing the land**. By following its core principles, farmers and ranchers can restore soil health, protect water resources, foster biodiversity, and build resilient agricultural systems for future generations. --- ## References - Lal, R. (2020). *Regenerative Agriculture for Food and Climate*. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. - Montgomery, D. R. (2017). *Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life*. W.W. Norton & Company. - Rhodes, C. J. (2017). *The Imperative for Regenerative Agriculture*. Science Progress, 100(1), 80–129. - FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). (2019). *The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture*. - Regeneration International. (2022). *Principles of Regenerative Agriculture*.

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