Alyssa Cain

Alyssa Cain is a 4th generation cotton farmer who dabbles in cattle ranching, chicken raising, and direct market meat sales at a community level. Altogether she manages 1600 acres, working to regenerate the land by improving the resiliency and productivity of the soil, and changing the biological community that depends on it by shifting the landscape from brush encroachment to productive grasslands and croplands. Her goal is to bridge the gap between conventional agriculture and the regenerative movement, helping families see how the values of each family and the need for livelihood can be achieved through sustainable agricultural practices. She has learned that by improving the soil ecology and resiliency of the land and with good family communication and careful financial planning, agriculture can be profitable and enjoyable again. 

Roundtable Facilitator

Sharing the Challenges and Joys of Building Soil Fertility and Community through Crop Farming in Arid Environments

Crop Farming/Gardening in arid environments can be challenging and discouraging. It can also be rewarding and profitable. In this roundtable we will be discussing what people have tried, what the challenges are that they have faced, and what successes they have had. Through shared experience we can improve our ability to steward the land, grow local food for our families and communities, and better learn how to connect with those who want that food or the knowledge of how to grow in these challenging landscapes. Land and community stewardship is a key action and outcome of building soil fertility and of offering direct to consumer/community food.