EditorialLast week we posted a short news item covering the AGM of the Institute of Ecological Agriculture (www.ecoag.org.au).
Included in that post were details of the 1000 farm research program undertaken by USA farmer and former scientist Jon Lundgren, and others connected to regenerative farming. This is what they found: It examined 200 North American farms, ranging from ‘conventional’ to ‘regenerative’ in their management approach. This is the first study of its kind because it assesses a statistically significant number of farms using a whole farm approach that encompasses soils, carbon, biodiversity and profitability. The findings are staggering. ‘Regenerative’ farms had on average 65% more microbes, 180% more fungi including 370% more arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, 39% greater ground cover, more than 200% more arthropods/insects (only 4% of which were pests) and 236% more bird diversity. And the study found that soil carbon correlates directly with biodiversity – in other words, more soil carbon equals more biodiversity – with ‘regenerative’ farms having on average 39% more total carbon in their soils. Yes, these farms had lower yields, but they were just as profitable as ‘conventional’ farms.
Eli Court, CEO, Soils for Life Australia, commented: ‘It’s exciting to see more scientific evidence supporting what farmers have been telling us for years. I’m thrilled to be working with Jon and his team at Ecdysis Foundation to bring this research to Australia.’ [Soils for Life Australia Newsletter, Spring 2026] The data covering 200 North American farms have significant implications. They highlight what can be achieved in the absence of synthetic chemicals and what can be achieved through a set of processes which add life to the soil. It is well worth 70 minutes of your time to listen to the podcast with Jon Lundgren which can be found on the RegenNarration podcast, broadcast on 2 September 2026, Episode 319.
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