Introduction Plan: Regenerative Alternatives for Struggling Farmers
1. Start with the Farmer’s Reality
Acknowledge the struggle:
“You’re not alone. Many farmers are squeezed by rising costs for seed, fertilizer, chemicals, and fuel, while the price for your crops or livestock hasn’t kept up. The current system is breaking farmers, not supporting them.”
Set the stage:
“We don’t have to keep going broke buying the same poisons and inputs year after year. There’s another way.”
2. Introduce the Core Idea
Regenerative Agriculture — working with nature instead of against it.
Joel Salatin: stacked enterprises, direct markets, and farm diversity that create more profit per acre.
Gabe Brown: soil health principles that eliminate dependence on expensive chemicals.
Allan Savory: holistic planned grazing that heals grasslands and restores water cycles.
Soil Carbon Cowboys: real farmers who cut costs, built soil, and brought life back to their farms without relying on chemical companies.
3. Why Regenerative Systems Work
Soil is alive: Healthy soil organisms cycle nutrients, hold water, and replace chemical fertilizers.
Diversity creates resilience: More species = fewer pests, less disease, better drought resistance.
Lower costs, higher profits: By cutting inputs, farmers reduce debt and keep more money.
Health benefits: Cleaner food, water, and air for farm families and rural communities.
4. Frame It in Economic Terms First
“This isn’t about being ‘organic’ or chasing a trend—it’s about keeping your farm in business.”
Share numbers or case studies: farmers who cut fertilizer and pesticide costs by 50–90%, or who doubled soil organic matter in a few years.
Stress: Regenerative farming doesn’t rely on chemical corporations. It gives farmers independence.
5. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Invite them to watch a short Soil Carbon Cowboys video—peer-to-peer examples are powerful.
If possible, schedule a field walk or demo plot showing cover crops, grazing paddocks, or soil infiltration tests.
Farmers trust other farmers more than experts—lean on real-world success stories.
6. Extend the Invitation
“This isn’t a quick fix, but it’s a proven path forward. You can start small—on one field, with one practice, with one herd rotation.”
Provide resources (local mentors, videos, workshops, or books).
Leave them with hope: “Regeneration is about more than farming—it’s about leaving something better for your kids and grandkids, while making the farm pay again.”
Farmers and the American food system will never have a secure supply stream in the long term as long as they are dependent on long supply chains of expensive inputs from distant sources. Farmers and the American food system will never be a secure supply system if dependent on toxic chemicals that pollute water and destroy soil ecology and biodiversity. Farmers and the American food system will never be a secure supply system if they are dependent on mega corporations for processing and distribution that keep the largest share of the profits customers pay.
The investor, owner, and banker classes have bought our country. That is America, the businesses, the political systems, the politicians, and even the policies and tax breaks they wanted. They have monopolized most of the important and necessary industries: food production and distribution, health care, energy, etc. The broadcast media (Free Press), even the print media and social media, are now controlled by a few giant corporations.
Thomas Jefferson argued that the Bill of Rights must include a ban of monopoly corporations. See the collected, The Works of Thomas Jefferson. Sadly, that was not added to our Bill of Rights.
The giant monopolies and tech giants have destroyed the local mom-and-pop businesses that were the backbone of America. They have even acquired many of the excellent small and regional chains that used to serve the people and their local needs.
Until we deal with the agribusiness monopolies like JBS, ADM, Tyson, and Bayer, and giant fossil fuel corporations that distort fair market pricing, this will continue. The giant agricultural and fossil fuel corporations corrupt our political systems and politicians. The climate crisis can be seen purely as science, but must be addressed as both a political and economic issue as well.
We must reestablish local production that is controlled and distributed locally and nationally. If we are depending on distant supply chains and markets created by giant monopolies and mega money corporations, we will not have stable or sustainable economic systems.
Taxing corporations and monopolies fairly is necessary and important, but not enough. Taxes on investment income and capital gains must be brought up to at least or above the rates that working-class people pay, but this still does not solve the problem. We must make working-class people the owners and investors.
We saw what happened with the supply chains during the pandemic. Farmers and the American food system will never be a secure supply system long-term as long as they are dependent on government subsidies. The development of localized food production, in the form of cooperatives and worker-owned and directed businesses, is a worker-owned cooperative or company. The employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), or other forms of profit-sharing and reinvestment plans will benefit both the company and the workers. Local supply systems benefit the customer in price and dependability. Worker-owned businesses will begin to take power away from the monopoly agribusinesses that exploit almost everyone, from the beginning of the supply chain to the end. The best way to ensure efficiency, fairness, and equity is the worker-owned cooperative, and locally or regionally owned business.
The USDA under Robert Kennedy just released 700 million in a program to help better establish regenerative agriculture and ranching in the United States. There was a large amount of money budgeted for establishing more local butchers and local or regional processing during the Biden administration. Decentralization of production will make the supply chains more secure and stable.
Developing a plan for enhancing systems for local butcher and slaughter processing, as well as strengthening local regenerative produce and dairy supply lines, involves several strategic steps. Here is the beginning of a comprehensive approach:
Developing a plan for enhancing systems for local butcher and slaughter
processing, as well as strengthening local regenerative produce and dairy supply
lines, involves several strategic steps. Here is the beginning of a
comprehensive approach:
1. Assessment of Local Needs and
Resources
Community Survey:
Conduct surveys or hold community meetings to understand the
specific needs, preferences, and concerns of local farmers,
consumers, and potential business operators.
Resource Inventory: Identify available
resources, including land, facilities, equipment, and local farms
that can supply raw materials.
2. Building Infrastructure
Facility Development:
Secure funding or grants for building local processing facilities
such as butchers, dairies, and slaughterhouses. Consider modular
systems or co-operative styles that allow for shared use.
Community Ownership Models: Establish
cooperatives where local farmers and community members can invest
and share in ownership, which allows for profit retention within the
community.
3. Regulatory Framework
Navigating Regulations:
Collaborate with local, state, and federal regulatory bodies to
understand food safety, health standards, and zoning laws. Advocate
for policies that support local processing facilities.
Training and Certification: Provide training
programs for local butchers and dairy processors for them to
understand and comply with industry standards.
4. Establishing Supply Chains
Local Sourcing Agreements:
Promote agreements between farmers and processors to ensure a steady
supply of ingredients. This can be facilitated through local
farmer's markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
Direct Market Relationships: Encourage the
establishment of direct sales from farmers to processors to
eliminate middlemen and ensure fair pricing.
5. Marketing and Community Engagement
Raising Awareness:
Launch marketing campaigns to educate the community about the
benefits of local food systems, including sustainability, health
benefits, and economic impact.
Educational Workshops: Host workshops that
demonstrate the advantages of purchasing locally processed meat and
dairy, fostering a culture of local support.
6. Financial Support and Incentives
Access to Capital:
Create local investment groups or crowdfunding campaigns to support
initial setup costs for local processing facilities.
Government and Non-Profit Partnerships: Seek
funding from grants, subsidies, and organizations that support local
agriculture and food security initiatives.
7. Utilizing Technology
Supply Chain Management
Software: Invest in or develop software solutions that help
local producers, processors, and consumers better manage their
supply chains and sales.
Online Marketplaces: Establish online
platforms for local farmers and producers to sell their products
directly to consumers, enhancing visibility and access.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
Performance Metrics:
Develop metrics to assess the effectiveness of the local food
system, including economic impact, consumer health outcomes, and
environmental benefits.
Continuous Feedback Loop: Create avenues for
ongoing feedback from community members and stakeholders to
continually adapt and improve the system.
Conclusion
By focusing on localized production through cooperatives,
fostering regulatory awareness, and leveraging community support and
resources, it’s possible to create a robust local butcher and
slaughter processing environment, alongside sustainable dairy and
produce supply lines. The shift towards a more resilient and
equitable food system can diminish dependence on distant supply
chains and better support healthy local economies.
Establishing a local meat processing business can require
significant capital investment, but there are various funding options
available to help entrepreneurs secure the necessary resources. Here
are some potential funding sources:
1. Grants
USDA Grants: The
United States Department of Agriculture offers various grants that
support local food systems and rural development, such as the
Farmers Market Promotion Program or the local food production
grants.
State and Local Grants:
Many states and local governments provide grants specifically for
agricultural development, food processing, or rural economic
development.
Non-Profit Organizations: Some non-profits
and foundations focus on strengthening local food systems and may
offer grants for specific projects or initiatives.
2. Loans
USDA Rural Development
Loans: These loans are designed to support rural
businesses, including meat processing facilities, with favorable
terms and low-interest rates.
Community Development
Financial Institutions (CDFIs): CDFIs provide loans and
financial services to under served communities, including
agricultural businesses.
Bank Loans: Traditional banks and credit
unions may offer business loans, though terms can vary significantly
based on the lender and the business’s financial health.
3. Crowdfunding
Online Platforms:
Websites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe allow
entrepreneurs to raise small amounts of money from a large number of
people who are interested in supporting local food initiatives.
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA): In a
CSA model, consumers can pre-purchase shares in the expected harvest
(or products), providing upfront capital for the business.
4. Cooperative Investment
Member Contributions:
If establishing a cooperative processing facility, members (local
farmers or consumers) can invest directly into the operation,
providing initial capital and ensuring local buy-in.
Equity Shares: Offer equity shares to local
community members and farmers in exchange for upfront capital,
giving them a stake in the business’s success.
5. Angel Investors
Private Investors: Seek out individuals or
groups of investors who are interested in sustainable agriculture
and local food systems. They may provide capital in exchange for
equity or a share of the profits.
6. Venture Capital
Agri-Tech and Local Food Funds: Some venture
capital firms focus on sustainable agriculture and food processing.
They typically seek businesses with high growth potential and may
offer large sums of capital.
7. Economic Development Programs
Local Economic Development
Agencies: Many regions have economic development programs
that provide funding, incentives, or resources to support local
businesses, especially in rural areas.
Industry Associations: Industry groups may
have resources or programs available to support local meat
processors through grants, loans, or mentorship.
8. Business Competitions
Pitch Competitions: Entrepreneurs can enter
competitions designed to support small businesses where winners
receive funding, mentorship, or resources to launch their business.
9. Tax Incentives
Tax Credit Programs: Some localities offer
tax incentives for businesses that improve local food systems, which
can indirectly provide financial relief and improve cash flow.
10. Personal Investment
Self-Funding: Use personal savings or assets
to fund the initial establishment of the business. This often
requires weighing the risks and benefits carefully.
Conclusion
By exploring a combination of these funding sources, entrepreneurs
can secure the financial support needed to establish a local meat
processing business, promoting sustainable practices and
strengthening local food systems.
Federal funding to establish and expand local and regional meat processing, initiated by the Biden-Harris administration (totaling over $1 billion), was still being awarded through late 2024. While specific programs like the 2023 Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grants closed, the USDA continues to invest in diversifying meat processing to increase competition.
Key Details on Funding Availability:
Active Investments: In September 2024, the USDA announced over $35 million in new grants for independent processors to expand capacity.
Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP): This program has provided multiple phases of funding for new facilities and renovations.
Local MCap Grant Program: Focused on helping smaller, independent, or traditional processors with equipment and modernization.
Current Status: The focus has been on supporting independent processors to provide alternatives to the "Big Four" packers, with funds largely derived from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Enhancing local butcher and slaughter processing involves a series
of strategic steps aimed at building a sustainable and efficient
system. Here are the key steps to consider:
1. Feasibility Study
Market Analysis:
Assess the demand for local meat processing services, identifying
potential customers (restaurants, markets, etc.) and competition.
Resource Assessment: Evaluate available
resources, including local livestock farms, potential processing
locations, and skills within the community.
2. Community Engagement
Stakeholder Meetings:
Organize discussions with farmers, local businesses, and consumers
to gauge interest and gather input.
Education and Awareness: Inform the
community about the benefits of local processing, including food
safety, quality control, and economic impact.
3. Business Model Development
Cooperative Structure:
Explore models like cooperatives where farmers can jointly invest in
and share the benefits of a processing facility.
Funding Options: Identify potential funding
sources such as grants, loans, and local investment initiatives to
support startup costs.
4. Facility Planning
Site Selection:
Choose a suitable site for the processing facility that is compliant
with local zoning laws and accessible to farmers.
Design and Equipment: Plan the layout of the
facility, ensuring it meets health and safety standards and is
equipped with necessary tools and technology.
5. Regulatory Compliance
Permits and Licenses:
Navigate the regulatory landscape by obtaining necessary permits for
building and operating a processing facility, including health and
safety certifications.
Best Practices: Establish standard operating
procedures that comply with industry regulations and ensure food
safety.
6. Skilled Workforce Development
Training Programs:
Recruit and train staff in meat processing techniques, food safety,
and customer service.
Workshops and Certifications: Offer ongoing
education and certifications to ensure quality and standards are
maintained.
7. Establishing Supply Chains
Local Contracts:
Create agreements with local farmers to supply livestock, ensuring a
steady flow of products for processing.
Direct Marketing Channels: Develop
relationships with local markets, restaurants, and consumers to
create direct sales opportunities for processed meat.
8. Marketing and Promotion
Brand Development:
Create a strong brand identity that emphasizes local sourcing,
quality, and sustainability.
Community Programs: Engage in local events,
farmers’ markets, and food festivals to promote products and
educate consumers about local meat sourcing.
9. Feedback and Improvement
Customer Surveys:
Collect feedback from customers and farmers regarding their
experiences and suggestions for improvement.
Quality Control: Implement regular quality
assessments and adjust practices based on community needs and market
trends.
10. Sustainability Practices
Waste Management:
Develop strategies for managing by-products, such as composting
organics and recycling, to minimize waste.
Environmental Consideration: Utilize
sustainable practices in operations, such as energy-efficient
machinery and humane slaughter techniques.
By following these key steps, communities can promote efficient,
ethical, and sustainable local butcher and slaughter processing
operations that benefit local economies and consumers alike.
A couple of
examples. For long term goals and ideas.
What
are some successful cooperative butcher shops and local food supply
chains?
Based
on various models across the United States, successful cooperative
butcher shops and local food supply chains are typically organized
around a shared processing facility, a mobile unit, or a collective
marketing brand
.
Butcher
shop and processing facility co-ops
Members
Cup Premium Butchery
(Iowa): Launched
by the Farmers Co-op Society in Sioux Center, this butcher shop
sells meat from its members' farms. This model allows farmers to
bring their products from the farm to the customer directly and
keeps processing local.
(Arkansas): This
co-op is an especially relevant example for your location. It
connects member farms committed to regenerative agriculture with
markets. It provides comprehensive support with processing,
distribution, and marketing for its members.
(Washington): This
co-op was a pioneer in using a USDA-inspected mobile processing unit
(MPU) for red meat. It processes livestock on farms, and a permanent
facility handles further processing. This model significantly
increases processing capacity for local farmers.
Bay
Area Ranchers Cooperative
(California): Formed
in 2020 to solve a local meat processing bottleneck, this co-op
operates a mobile slaughter unit and a cut-and-wrap facility. It is
funded by member investments and processes cattle, sheep, goats, and
hogs.
Country
Natural Beef
(Oregon): This
rancher cooperative has been successful for decades in marketing
grass-fed beef directly to consumers, proving the long-term
viability of the co-op model for meat producers.
(Utah): This
cooperative successfully connects consumers with local producers by
bypassing the traditional retail supply chain. This approach offers
significant savings and a fresher product to its members by
eliminating the middleman.
Community
Supported Agriculture (CSA) Meat Programs: Many
individual farms and groups operate successful meat CSAs, which are
essentially subscription programs for meat. Customers prepay for a
package size for a specified period, giving the producers a reliable
revenue stream.
Key
lessons from successful models
Strong
Producer-Processor Relationships: Mutually
beneficial relationships and clear communication are essential for
maintaining a successful local meat supply chain.
Sufficient
and Consistent Volume: Successful
processing facilities require a consistent and sufficient volume of
animals from members to be financially sustainable.
Marketing
and Business Support: Many
producer co-ops succeed by offering support for marketing,
distribution, and business management, which are often major
challenges for individual farmers.
Focus
on a Specific Market: Several
examples, such as those focusing on grass-fed beef or specific
regional markets, show that targeting a niche can be a viable
strategy.
Investigative journalist Greg Palast has extensively reported on
voter suppression and disenfranchisement leading up to the 2024
elections. He asserts that such tactics significantly impacted the
election's outcome, suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris
would have won the presidency if not for these practices. Palast
highlights methods like purging voter rolls and rejecting ballots,
particularly affecting Black voters.
In his analysis, Palast claims that
voter suppression cost Harris approximately 3.56 million votes across
states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. He argues
that if all legal voters had been allowed to vote and all legal
ballots counted, Harris would have secured 286 electoral votes,
thereby winning the presidency.
Beyond Palast's findings, other reports
indicate that in 2024, an estimated 4 million Americans were unable
to vote due to felony disenfranchisement laws. These laws, present in
48 states, disproportionately affect communities of color and have
been criticized for undermining democratic participation.
Additionally, the Brennan Center for
Justice noted that 2024 saw significant legislative activity
concerning voting laws, with numerous states enacting measures that
could either restrict or expand voting access. This surge in
legislation reflects ongoing debates about election integrity and
voter access in the United States.
These developments underscore the critical importance of
addressing voter suppression and ensuring equitable access to the
ballot box in future elections.
Recent Developments in Voter
Suppression and Election Integrity
Alexander Hamilton’s plan for using tariffs was a key part of his broader economic vision for the United States. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton saw tariffs as a way to protect American industries, generate government revenue, and encourage economic independence from foreign powers. His reasoning was laid out in his 1791 report Report on Manufactures. Here’s a breakdown of his approach:
1. Protecting Domestic Industry (Protectionism)
Hamilton argued that new American industries needed time to grow and compete with well-established European manufacturers, particularly those in Britain.
Tariffs on imported goods would make foreign products more expensive, encouraging Americans to buy domestically produced goods.
This was a strategy to foster self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
2. Raising Government Revenue
Since the young U.S. government had little ability to directly tax citizens (income taxes didn’t exist yet), tariffs provided a major source of federal revenue.
This revenue was essential for repaying debts from the Revolutionary War and funding essential government functions.
3. Encouraging Economic Diversification
Hamilton wanted the U.S. to develop a strong manufacturing sector instead of relying solely on agriculture.
Tariffs, along with government subsidies and infrastructure development, would help build a balanced economy that combined both industry and farming.
4. Reducing Foreign Dependence
By protecting American industries, Hamilton hoped to lessen U.S. dependence on British and European goods.
He saw economic independence as vital to national security and long-term prosperity.
Outcome and Opposition
Hamilton’s tariff policies were partially implemented, but they sparked opposition, especially from agrarian Southern states. Many Southern leaders, including Thomas Jefferson, feared tariffs would disproportionately benefit Northern manufacturers at the expense of Southern farmers, who relied on foreign trade.
Ultimately, Hamilton’s vision laid the groundwork for American industrialization, and his ideas about using tariffs for economic protection and growth influenced U.S. trade policy for much of the 19th and 20th centuries.
1. Gradual Subsidy Phase-Out for Fossil Fuels and
Agribusiness
Year 1–3: Begin
by identifying all direct and indirect subsidies to fossil fuel
producers and large-scale agribusinesses reliant on synthetic
inputs. Start with a gradual reduction of 10–20% per year to avoid
economic shock waves, giving businesses time to adjust.
Reinvest Savings: Redirect a portion of
these savings into retraining workers in fossil fuel and industrial
agriculture sectors for jobs in renewable energy, organic farming
and agriculture, and regenerative practices.
2. Redirecting Subsidies to Sustainable
Alternatives
Organic and Regenerative
Farming Support: Allocate funds towards scaling up
subsidies for small and mid-sized organic and regenerative farms,
providing access to capital, technology, and research. Increase
subsidies by 20–30% annually over the first 3–5 years.
Transition Assistance for Farmers: Provide
grants and low-interest loans for conventional farmers transitioning
to organic and regenerative practices and soil restoration. This
ensures the farming community can adopt sustainable methods without
financial hardship.
3. Incentives for Innovation
Research and Development:
Invest heavily in R&D for sustainable agriculture, focusing on
developing low-input systems, crop diversity, water management, and
soil restoration technologies.
Tax Breaks and Incentives: Offer tax breaks
for companies and farms that adopt carbon-sequestering practices,
reduce water use, and eliminate synthetic chemicals.
4. Carbon Pricing and Eco-Taxes
Introduce Carbon Pricing:
Implement a gradual carbon tax system that directly affects fossil
fuel companies. Set a carbon price that increases yearly, forcing
the industry to innovate or lose profit.
Chemical Tax: Introduce an Eco-tax on
synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that degrade
ecosystems. The revenue generated can further fund regenerative
farming practices.
5. Energy Sector Transition
Subsidize Renewable Energy
Development: Use funds redirected from fossil fuel
subsidies to subsidize wind, solar, micro-hydro, and other renewable
energy projects. These sectors can absorb displaced fossil fuel
workers and continue driving job creation.
Infrastructure for Decentralized Energy:
Build decentralized energy grids using local renewable sources. This
helps reduce reliance on large, inefficient, and polluting energy
production while offering reliable, localized power systems.
6. Legislative Action & Lobbying
Reform
Cut Corporate Lobbying
Influence: Push for stricter rules around lobbying from
fossil fuel and agribusiness corporations, reducing their influence
on policy makers.
Bipartisan Coalition Building: Work with
both progressive and conservative groups to present regenerative
agriculture and renewable energy as solutions to both economic and
environmental issues, thus building wide-ranging political support.
7. Job Creation and Economic Stability
Green Jobs Program:
Develop a nationwide green jobs initiative to ensure that workers in
the fossil fuel and conventional agriculture sectors can easily
transition to jobs in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture,
and environmental restoration.
Infrastructure Development: Focus on public
investment in green infrastructure projects (e.g., sustainable water
systems, efficient mass transit, green electricity, carbon
neutral and carbon negative fuels, etc) that create jobs while
building resilience to climate change.
8. Public Awareness Campaign
Education and Awareness: Launch a campaign
to educate the public on the benefits of organic, regenerative
agriculture and the economic advantages of moving away from fossil
fuels. This will create consumer demand for sustainable products and
reduce resistance to policy changes.
Conclusion:
This plan ensures a smooth transition by scaling back harmful
subsidies gradually while scaling up support for regenerative and
sustainable industries. By investing in job training, education, and
technology, it can be done without triggering a recession. What’s
most critical is building a broad coalition to push these reforms and
dismantle the power of corporations that continue to profit from
destruction.
Here is a Candidate survey. Check this out for your local candidates.
See what they are saying about the issues, or if they actually care
enough to fill out the surveys. If not Ask them to do so. Ask them to
take a stand and address the issues facing all of us in America. Your
vote counts. Your input on issues matters. Democracy is not a
spectator sport. Find your Candidates or Elected Officials. Share to
your friends. Find out what they really believe.
https://vote-usa.org/
Why do fair and open
elections matter in America?
Fair and open elections are crucial to the functioning of
democracy in America for several reasons:
Legitimacy of Government: Elections provide
a mechanism for citizens to choose their representatives. Fair
processes ensure that elected officials have a legitimate mandate to
govern, reflecting the will of the people.
Accountability: Regular, open elections hold
elected officials accountable to their constituents. Voters can
reward or punish leaders based on their performance, fostering a
government that responds to the needs of the population.
Protection of Rights: Fair elections uphold
the principles of equality and freedom, ensuring that every
citizen's voice counts. This helps protect individual rights and
minority interests, promoting a more inclusive society.
Public Trust: When elections are conducted
transparently and fairly, it fosters public confidence in the
political system. Trust in democratic processes encourages civic
engagement and participation.
Peaceful Transition of Power: Open elections
facilitate a peaceful transfer of power, reducing the likelihood of
political violence or unrest. This stability is essential for
societal cohesion and progress.
Diverse Perspectives: Elections allow a
variety of viewpoints and ideas to be represented in government,
leading to more comprehensive and effective policy-making that
considers the needs of all citizens.
Encouragement of Civic Engagement: Fair
elections motivate citizens to participate in the political process,
whether through voting, campaigning, or other forms of activism,
strengthening the democratic fabric of society.
Overall, fair and open elections are fundamental to ensuring that
democracy in America functions effectively, promoting justice,
equality, and collective decision-making.
